{"product_id":"fiio-k15-desktop-dac-and-headphone-amplifier","title":"FiiO K15 Desktop DAC and Headphone Amplifier","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe FiiO K15 is an all-in-one desktop DAC, streamer and headphone amplifier that combines retro elegance with modern technology. It is among the first products to use two of AKM’s new high-end AK4497S DACs, with a fully balanced audio circuit and a discrete class AB amplifier delivering up to 3,000mW per channel, and it streams over Roon Ready, AirPlay and QPlay, plays music from USB drives and NAS, and takes almost any digital or analogue source. A 3.93-inch touch screen, five knobs, a remote and the FiiO Control app put it all at your fingertips. In Japan, it won VGP 2025 Summer awards, including a Gold Award for pure audio.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0960\/3199\/8339\/files\/fiio-k15-desktop-dac-and-headphone-amplifier-photo-hero.jpg?v=1791335122\" alt=\"FiiO K15 in black and silver, from the front and the rear\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDual AKM AK4497S DACs with VELVET SOUND\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe two AK4497S chips use AKM’s upgraded VELVET SOUND technology, the philosophy behind AKM’s new-generation audio products, which aims for true-to-life sound reproduction. They achieve low distortion, a wide dynamic range and extended signal bandwidth at low power consumption, keeping rich detail in both the low and high frequencies for a natural, immersive sound.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0960\/3199\/8339\/files\/fiio-k15-desktop-dac-and-headphone-amplifier-photo-akm.jpg?v=1791335128\" alt=\"The two AKM AK4497S DACs of the FiiO K15\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFully balanced from DAC to headphone amp\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrom DAC decoding through low-pass filtering and gain control to headphone amplification, the K15’s audio circuit is fully differential. That ensures a wide dynamic range while effectively reducing crosstalk and noise, for better-quality audio.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eA discrete amplifier with 3,000mW per channel\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe headphone amplifier is a carefully designed discrete circuit with an op-amp plus transistor current-boosting design: a complementary pair of the classic ON Semiconductor MJE243G\/253G transistors, working in class AB, delivers high current with low output impedance. It reaches up to 3,000mW + 3,000mW into 32Ω from the balanced outputs and 700mW per channel into 300Ω, so the K15 drives both full-size headphones and in-ear monitors effortlessly, with a smooth, natural and melodious sound. Five gain levels (low, medium, high, super high and ultra high) match it to each pair.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0960\/3199\/8339\/files\/fiio-k15-desktop-dac-and-headphone-amplifier-photo-amp.jpg?v=1791335132\" alt=\"The 3,000mW discrete transistor amplifier of the FiiO K15\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eEight working modes\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eUSB DAC:\u003c\/strong\u003e a 16-core XMOS XU316 plays PCM up to 768kHz\/32-bit, native DSD512 and fully decoded MQA from a computer or phone, through the front or rear USB-C port (the front takes priority). It draws no power from your phone. Macs need no driver; Windows uses FiiO’s free USB DAC driver, and a driver-free mode (FiiO calls it Switch mode) is available too.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCoaxial and optical:\u003c\/strong\u003e up to 192kHz\/24-bit and DSD64 over coaxial, and 96kHz\/24-bit over optical.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLine in and balanced in:\u003c\/strong\u003e RCA and 4.4mm analogue inputs, amplified by the K15.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBluetooth:\u003c\/strong\u003e a Qualcomm QCC5125 Bluetooth 5.1 receiver with LDAC, aptX Adaptive, aptX HD, aptX LL, aptX, AAC and SBC, for music (not calls).\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStreaming:\u003c\/strong\u003e Roon Ready, AirPlay and QPlay from devices on the same network, up to 384kHz\/32-bit and DSD256.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLocal playback:\u003c\/strong\u003e play files up to 384kHz\/32-bit and DSD256 from a USB flash drive in the rear USB-A port, or from a NAS on your home network.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0960\/3199\/8339\/files\/fiio-k15-desktop-dac-and-headphone-amplifier-photo-desk.jpg?v=1791335138\" alt=\"Black FiiO K15 on a desk with a pair of headphones\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFive outputs for headphones and speakers\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn the front are 6.35mm single-ended, 4.4mm balanced and 4-pin XLR balanced headphone outputs; on the back, an RCA line output (2.4Vrms) and an XLR balanced line output (4.8Vrms). The output knob chooses PO for headphones, PRE for a volume-controlled feed to active speakers or a power amplifier, LO for a fixed full-level feed to an amplifier with its own volume control, or PO+PRE for headphones and speakers together. The three headphone sockets work at the same time, but FiiO advises against using two pairs for long, especially if their impedances are very different.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0960\/3199\/8339\/files\/FiiOK15_1000x433_9b94880b-daa9-4ee8-886b-9ea6c416fdbd.jpg?v=1767217133\" alt=\"FiiO K15 on a desk with a laptop, headphones and speakers\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePhysically separated boards\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe power supply, digital and analogue sections each sit on their own physical board, preventing crosstalk and protecting the precision and integrity of the audio signal. Silver-plated oxygen-free copper wires connect the boards for high-fidelity signal transfer with minimal loss.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0960\/3199\/8339\/files\/fiio-k15-desktop-dac-and-headphone-amplifier-photo-3.jpg?v=1791146199\" alt=\"The separate power, digital and analogue boards of the FiiO K15\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAC or DC power\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe K15 has a built-in next-generation 30W (12V, 2.5A) industrial and instrumentation-grade power supply: low noise, highly efficient and long-lasting, rated for 500,000 hours and for operating temperatures from −40°C to 85°C. It also accepts an external 12V DC supply (at least 2.5A), so you can upgrade to a higher-performance linear power supply for even better sound; a switch on the back selects AC or DC.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0960\/3199\/8339\/files\/fiio-k15-desktop-dac-and-headphone-amplifier-photo-power.jpg?v=1791335144\" alt=\"The 30W industrial-grade power supply module of the FiiO K15\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe digital and analogue sections have separate supplies, for better isolation and resistance to interference. The analogue section has a precisely segmented multi-stage supply, with stages for the DAC, the low-pass filter and the transistors, using up to 14 low-dropout linear regulators for continuous, stable and pure power.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eTwo femtosecond clocks\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTwo industry-leading ACCUSILICON AS318-L ultra-low phase noise femtosecond oscillators (45.1584MHz and 49.1520MHz, one for each family of sample rates) effectively reduce phase-noise interference, so audio at every sample rate is reproduced precisely, for purer and more stable sound.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0960\/3199\/8339\/files\/fiio-k15-desktop-dac-and-headphone-amplifier-photo-clocks.jpg?v=1791335149\" alt=\"How the two femtosecond clocks of the FiiO K15 feed its XMOS interface and AKM DACs\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHigh-end parts\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTwo Nichicon 3,300µF audio capacitors, four ELNA SILMIC II and eight ELNA RA3 audio capacitors give a higher quality sound with a better soundstage. Eight film capacitors and 32 wafer resistors offer low temperature drift and low noise, for stable sound in hot and cold rooms alike, and Beryl capacitors with ultra-low ESR and strong resistance to interference keep the power supply stable and pure.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0960\/3199\/8339\/files\/fiio-k15-desktop-dac-and-headphone-amplifier-photo-parts.jpg?v=1791335155\" alt=\"Close-ups of the components inside the FiiO K15\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eTwo processors for a smooth experience\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA high-performance X2000 multi-core processor, with dual XBurst 2 cores and an XBurst 0 micro-core, delivers excellent computing performance at very low power consumption for precise audio processing and stable, smooth playback. An ESP32-S3 MCU, with a dual-core Xtensa LX7 processor running at up to 240MHz, handles precise system control for a fast, responsive experience.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e10-band PEQ\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEvery digital input (USB, coaxial, optical, Bluetooth, streaming and local playback) supports a 10-band high-precision PEQ, using FiiO’s own algorithm and interface. Fine-tune the sound to your taste, or simulate and modify your headphones’ frequency response. Set it in the FiiO Control app with your phone on the same network, or in FiiO’s web PEQ tool on a computer connected to the rear RS232 port. The PEQ does not work on the line and balanced inputs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0960\/3199\/8339\/files\/fiio-k15-desktop-dac-and-headphone-amplifier-photo-peq.jpg?v=1791335160\" alt=\"FiiO K15 on a desk with its PEQ shown on a computer\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSquare and round, with four ways to control it\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFiiO’s signature design blends square and round, retro elegance and cutting-edge technology, and its grille structure improves heat dissipation. Control it by touch on the custom 3.93-inch bezel-less screen (240 × 1,020), with the five knobs, with the included infrared remote or from the FiiO Control app. The knobs switch it on and off, choose the output (PO+PRE, PO, PRE or LO), set the gain (L, M, H, SH or UH), and adjust the volume and menus; the volume and menu knobs also press (once set in the menu, a press of the volume knob mutes or turns the screen off), and their light rings have customisable colour and brightness, always on or pulsing. The screen shows the working and output mode, track format and sample rate, EQ, volume, gain, network status and Bluetooth codec, plus VU meters in streaming and local playback (except with DSD). Standby from the remote wakes instantly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0960\/3199\/8339\/files\/fiio-k15-desktop-dac-and-headphone-amplifier-photo-design.jpg?v=1791335166\" alt=\"Silver FiiO K15 on a sideboard, with touch, knob, remote and app control\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eProtected against the unexpected\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBesides rigorous testing in FiiO’s labs, the K15 has protection systems that detect abnormal conditions and act automatically to protect you and the device: DC overvoltage protection, DC output protection, power input overcurrent protection, amplifier temperature detection, overvoltage protection (OVP) and output overload detection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0960\/3199\/8339\/files\/fiio-k15-desktop-dac-and-headphone-amplifier-photo-protect.jpg?v=1791335172\" alt=\"The six protection systems of the FiiO K15\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWired or wireless\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA gigabit Ethernet port gives fast, stable wired streaming, and the AP6256 Wi-Fi module supports 2.4GHz and 5GHz networks as another stable way to stream lossless audio.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0960\/3199\/8339\/files\/fiio-k15-desktop-dac-and-headphone-amplifier-photo-network.jpg?v=1791335177\" alt=\"Streaming to the FiiO K15 from a tablet over Ethernet or Wi-Fi\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eK15 or K17?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe two look nearly identical. FiiO’s \u003ca href=\"\/products\/fiio-k17-desktop-dac-and-headphone-amp\"\u003eK17\u003c\/a\u003e adds a dedicated DSP chip with a 31-band PEQ that also works on the analogue inputs, AKM’s flagship AK4191 + 2 × AK4499EX DACs, a 35W linear power supply, coaxial and optical outputs, a trigger input, a ground-lift switch and 4,000mW of balanced power. The K15 has a 10-band PEQ for digital inputs, dual AK4497S DACs, a switching supply with an external DC option, and 3,000mW.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDAC\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2 × AKM AK4497S · XMOS XU316 USB · fully differential · 2 ACCUSILICON AS318-L femtosecond oscillators\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eAmplifier\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDiscrete class AB, ON Semi MJE243G\/253G · gain: low, medium, high, super high, ultra high\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eBalanced output (4.4mm, XLR4)\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e3,000mW @ 32Ω · 1,400mW @ 16Ω · 700mW @ 300Ω per channel (ultra-high gain, THD+N \u0026lt;1%) · SNR ≥120dB · noise floor \u0026lt;9.5µV · THD+N \u0026lt;0.00059% · crosstalk ≥116dB · \u0026lt;1.5Ω\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003e6.35mm output\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1,400mW @ 32Ω and 16Ω · 180mW @ 300Ω per channel (ultra-high gain, THD+N \u0026lt;1%) · SNR ≥122dB · noise floor \u0026lt;5.3µV · THD+N \u0026lt;0.00054% · crosstalk ≥76dB · \u0026lt;1Ω\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eLine outputs\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRCA 2.4Vrms (SNR ≥119dB) · XLR 4.8Vrms (SNR ≥120dB) · 20Hz–20kHz (\u0026lt;0.2dB), 20Hz–80kHz (\u0026lt;2.8dB)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eInputs\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUSB-C × 2 (front, rear): PCM 768kHz\/32-bit, DSD512, MQA · coaxial 192kHz\/24-bit, DSD64 · optical 96kHz\/24-bit · RCA · 4.4mm balanced · USB-A drive · maximum rates with the PEQ off\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eNetwork and Bluetooth\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGigabit Ethernet · 2.4\/5GHz Wi-Fi · Roon Ready, AirPlay, QPlay · Bluetooth 5.1 (QCC5125), LDAC, aptX Adaptive\/HD\/LL, aptX, AAC, SBC\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eControl\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e3.93-inch touch LCD (240 × 1,020) · 5 knobs · IR remote · FiiO Control app\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePower\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBuilt-in 30W switching supply, AC 100–240V 50\/60Hz · or 12V ≥2.5A DC · AC\/DC selector switch\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eSize and weight\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout 244.6 × 213 × 66.8mm · about 2.1kg · black or silver\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eGood to know\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe power supply accepts any mains voltage from 100V to 240V, so there is no voltage switch to set.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe M4 grounding terminal on the back helps when you pair the K15 with equipment that cannot connect to mains earth, and can reduce ground-loop interference.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe rear USB-A port supplies 500mA, enough for a flash drive; a portable hard drive needs its own power.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWhich headphone output is best? FiiO says the 4.4mm and XLR4 balanced outputs are much the same and have more power than the 6.35mm socket, and recommends trying each with your headphones.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThere are no digital (coaxial or optical) outputs, and Bluetooth is for music only.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIn the box: K15, AC power cable, remote control, XLR4 plug cover, spare fuse, two USB cables, headphone plug adapter, quick start guide and warranty card.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWant more? See the \u003ca href=\"\/products\/fiio-k17-desktop-dac-and-headphone-amp\"\u003eFiiO K17\u003c\/a\u003e and the studio-grade flagship \u003ca href=\"\/products\/fiio-k19-studio-grade-flagship-dac-and-headphone-amplifier\"\u003eFiiO K19\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"FiiO","offers":[{"title":"BLACK","offer_id":57117505159555,"sku":"FIIOK15-BLACK","price":499.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"SILVER","offer_id":57117505192323,"sku":"FIIOK15-SILVER","price":499.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0960\/3199\/8339\/files\/img_proxy_782d9ce3-f55d-4c71-99aa-41fc9729fd31.jpg?v=1767217181","url":"https:\/\/www.advancedmp3players.co.uk\/products\/fiio-k15-desktop-dac-and-headphone-amplifier","provider":"amp3","version":"1.0","type":"link"}