{"product_id":"fiio-k17-desktop-dac-and-headphone-amp","title":"FiiO K17 Desktop DAC and Headphone Amp","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe FiiO K17 is a flagship desktop DAC and headphone amplifier, and the winner of EISA’s Best Product award for headphone amplifiers in 2025–2026. FiiO built it as the successor to the K9 Pro and as an exploration of what a high-end desktop DAC\/amp can be: a blend of retro elegance and modern technology. Inside are AKM’s flagship AK4191 and two AK4499EX DACs, a fully discrete class AB amplifier with up to 4,000mW per channel, a 64-bit DSP that brings a 31-band lossless PEQ to every input, and a network streamer with AirPlay and Roon Ready. With eight working modes, seven outputs, a 3.93-inch touch screen, five knobs and a remote, it can be the hub of your whole desk system.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0960\/3199\/8339\/files\/fiio-k17-desktop-dac-and-headphone-amp-photo-hero.jpg?v=1791334563\" alt=\"FiiO K17 desktop DAC and headphone amplifier\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFlagship AKM conversion: AK4191 + 2 × AK4499EX\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe K17 uses AKM’s flagship chip combination: an AK4191 modulator feeding two AK4499EX DACs, one for each channel. An 8-channel to 4-channel low-pass filter design reduces common-mode interference for better channel separation and dynamics. The architecture fully separates the digital and analogue sections, and FiiO’s newly developed “DWA ROUTING” technology gives an even cleaner background and improved resolution.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0960\/3199\/8339\/files\/fiio-k17-desktop-dac-and-headphone-amp-photo-akm.jpg?v=1791334569\" alt=\"The AKM AK4191 and AK4499EX DAC chips in the FiiO K17\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrom the DAC through I\/V conversion and low-pass filtering to the headphone amplifier, the entire audio circuit is fully differential, for high dynamic range and much lower crosstalk. The I\/V and filter stages use multiple low-noise, precision OPA1612 op-amps.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eA discrete amplifier with 4,000mW per channel\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe headphone amplifier is a carefully crafted, fully discrete circuit: an op-amp plus transistor current amplification design, built around the classic pair of ON Semiconductor MJE243\/253 transistors working in class AB. It delivers high current with low output impedance, for up to 4,000mW + 4,000mW into 32Ω from the balanced outputs, nearly double the K9 Pro ESS, and 950mW per channel into 300Ω. That lets it drive all kinds of headphones and IEMs easily, with a smooth, pleasant and natural sound. Five gain levels (low, medium, high, super high and ultra high) let you match it to anything from sensitive IEMs to demanding full-size headphones.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0960\/3199\/8339\/files\/fiio-k17-desktop-dac-and-headphone-amp-photo-amp.jpg?v=1791334575\" alt=\"The discrete MJE243\/253 transistor amplifier of the FiiO K17\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo get the best sound, FiiO deliberately sets the output stage’s quiescent current relatively high. Together with the linear power supply and the flagship DACs, this means the K17 runs warmer than most desktop units. That is normal: the four-sided heat-sink design spreads the heat, and temperature protection is built in.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eA 64-bit DSP and a 31-band lossless PEQ\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn M21586Q DSP chip performs double-precision 64-bit floating-point calculations at 360MHz. With a high-performance ES9821Q ADC and a custom ultra-low phase noise femtosecond oscillator, it lets you use a 31-band high-precision lossless PEQ in every input mode, analogue inputs included, keeping the signal high-fidelity after processing. The same chip provides robust output protection for your headphones and other connected equipment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0960\/3199\/8339\/files\/fiio-k17-desktop-dac-and-headphone-amp-photo-dsp.jpg?v=1791334580\" alt=\"The M21586Q 64-bit DSP chip in the FiiO K17\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFiiO’s DEL (Dual Engine Limiter) technology and its own algorithms add dynamic range compression and expansion (DRC\/DRE), limiter and compressor controls. PCM from 44.1kHz to 96kHz is processed without sample-rate conversion, and each band offers gain from +12 to −24dB and a Q from 0.4 to 128, so you can correct your headphones’ frequency response or simulate another’s. Settings can be exported, imported, shared and saved. Adjust the PEQ on the touch screen, in the FiiO Control app or, with the K17 connected to a Windows or Mac computer, in FiiO’s web PEQ tool in Chrome, Edge or Opera. It applies to the headphone, line and pre-outputs, but not to the coaxial and optical outputs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0960\/3199\/8339\/files\/fiio-k17-desktop-dac-and-headphone-amp-photo-desk.jpg?v=1791334586\" alt=\"Adjusting the FiiO K17 PEQ from a computer\" 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 an 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 K17 and processed by the PEQ.\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 AirPlay, Roon Ready and QPlay over gigabit Ethernet or dual-band 2.4\/5GHz Wi-Fi (AP6256), up to 384kHz\/32-bit and DSD256, plus NAS playback over NFS and SMB with one-tap access from the FiiO Control app. QPlay and NAS playback need K17 firmware V265 and FiiO Control V4.5.0 or later.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLocal playback:\u003c\/strong\u003e plug a USB flash drive into the rear USB-A port and play files up to 384kHz\/32-bit and DSD256, browsing six tracks per screen.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSeven outputs for headphones, speakers and more\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 (2.5Vrms), an XLR balanced line output (5Vrms), and coaxial (up to 192kHz\/24-bit, DSD64) and optical (192kHz\/24-bit) outputs. 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. The coaxial and optical outputs are always on, at a fixed level, and are silent in the analogue input modes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0960\/3199\/8339\/files\/FIIOK17_1000x389_1db092fa-be3f-4420-9c22-1081efe176ab.jpg?v=1767211843\" alt=\"FiiO K17 from the front and the rear, showing its connections\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSeparate boards and a 35W linear power supply\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe power supply, digital and analogue sections sit on physically separate circuit boards to avoid interference between them, for purer, cleaner sound. Silver-plated oxygen-free copper cables (four sets) carry the audio between boards with minimal loss.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0960\/3199\/8339\/files\/fiio-k17-desktop-dac-and-headphone-amp-photo-boards.jpg?v=1791334592\" alt=\"The separate power, digital and analogue boards of the FiiO K17\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA custom high-quality, low-noise transformer powers a 35W linear supply, and five large 4,700µF electrolytic capacitors keep ample power in reserve. The digital and analogue circuits have separate supplies, and the analogue circuit has a multi-stage supply with dedicated regulation for the DAC, low-pass filter and transistor stages; low-noise, high-PSRR TPS7A47 and TPS7A33 LDO regulators then provide stable, clean power.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0960\/3199\/8339\/files\/fiio-k17-desktop-dac-and-headphone-amp-photo-transformer.jpg?v=1791334598\" alt=\"The custom low-noise transformer and 4,700µF capacitors of the FiiO K17\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eThree femtosecond clocks\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThree industry-leading ACCUSILICON ultra-low phase noise femtosecond oscillators (AS318-L at 45.1584MHz and 49.1520MHz, and AS318-Pro at 24.576MHz) greatly reduce the effect of phase noise, so every sample rate is restored precisely and faithfully for a purer, more consistent sound.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0960\/3199\/8339\/files\/fiio-k17-desktop-dac-and-headphone-amp-photo-clocks.jpg?v=1791334603\" alt=\"The three ACCUSILICON femtosecond oscillators of the FiiO K17\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHigh-end parts throughout\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEight Panasonic film capacitors and 32 wafer resistors keep noise and temperature drift low, so the sound stays consistent whether the room is hot or cold. Beryl solid capacitors, with ultra-low ESR and strong resistance to interference, keep the power stable and pure, joined by four ELNA SILMIC II, four Nichicon and six ELNA RA3 audio capacitors. Tulip-shaped, gold-plated NEUTRIK connectors resist oxidation and wear for precise, reliable connections.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0960\/3199\/8339\/files\/fiio-k17-desktop-dac-and-headphone-amp-photo-parts.jpg?v=1791334609\" alt=\"Internal wiring and gold-plated NEUTRIK connectors in the FiiO K17\" 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 handles precise audio processing and stable, smooth playback with low power consumption, and a low-power ESP32-S3 SoC, with a dual-core Xtensa LX7 processor running at up to 240MHz, keeps the interface fast and responsive.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eRetro design, five knobs and a remote\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe K17 blends square and circle into one design, with a grille that dissipates heat quickly. Five knobs on the front 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, and their light rings have customisable colour and brightness, always on or pulsing. The custom 3.93-inch bezel-less touch screen (240 × 1,020) shows the working and output mode, track format and sample rate, EQ, volume, gain, network status, Bluetooth codec and time, and a swipe up or down brings up VU meters (except with DSD). The included infrared remote switches modes, picks EQ settings and adjusts the volume from your chair, and puts the K17 into standby for an instant wake-up. The FiiO Control app lets you change settings from your phone.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0960\/3199\/8339\/files\/fiio-k17-desktop-dac-and-headphone-amp-photo-pair.jpg?v=1791334614\" alt=\"FiiO K17 in silver and black\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eProtected against the unexpected\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHeadphone-amplifier temperature, transformer temperature, output overload, output DC and power-input overcurrent protection detect abnormal conditions and step in automatically, so you can listen with peace of mind.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0960\/3199\/8339\/files\/fiio-k17-desktop-dac-and-headphone-amp-photo-protect.jpg?v=1791334619\" alt=\"The five protection systems of the FiiO K17\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWays to use it\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFiiO suggests six set-ups: a computer over USB with headphones and active speakers connected at the same time; Roon on a computer playing music from a NAS; an amplifier and passive speakers playing from an iPad over AirPlay; a digital audio player connected to the front USB port; a USB flash drive played through headphones or active speakers; and an analogue source fed through the PEQ to headphones or active speakers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0960\/3199\/8339\/files\/fiio-k17-desktop-dac-and-headphone-amp-photo-2.jpg?v=1791145598\" alt=\"Silver FiiO K17 on a desk with a pair of headphones\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDAC\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAKM AK4191 + 2 × AK4499EX · XMOS XU316 USB · fully differential, OPA1612 op-amps · 3 ACCUSILICON 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 MJE243\/253 · 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\u003e4,000mW @ 32Ω · 1,800mW @ 16Ω · 950mW @ 300Ω per channel (ultra-high gain, THD+N \u0026lt;1%) · SNR ≥124dB · noise floor \u0026lt;7.9µV · THD+N \u0026lt;0.00049% · crosstalk ≥119dB · \u0026lt;1.5Ω\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003e6.35mm output\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1,850mW @ 32Ω · 1,800mW @ 16Ω · 240mW @ 300Ω per channel (ultra-high gain, THD+N \u0026lt;1%) · SNR ≥124dB · noise floor \u0026lt;5µV · THD+N \u0026lt;0.0005% · crosstalk ≥76dB · \u0026lt;1Ω\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eLine outputs\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRCA 2.5Vrms (SNR ≥121dB) · XLR 5Vrms (SNR ≥125dB, THD+N \u0026lt;0.00045%) · 20Hz–20kHz (\u0026lt;0.05dB), 20Hz–90kHz (\u0026lt;3dB)\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\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 · AirPlay, Roon Ready, QPlay, NAS · 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\u003eRear extras\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e3.5mm trigger input · ground selector switch · M4 grounding terminal · USB-C RS232 port (firmware and web PEQ)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePower\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e35W linear supply · AC 100–120V \/ 220–240V, 50\/60Hz\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 2.75kg · black or silver\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0960\/3199\/8339\/files\/EISA-Award-Logo-FiiO-K17.png?v=1767211840\" alt=\"EISA Award Best Product 2025-2026 Headphone Amplifier: FiiO K17\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eGood to know\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBefore first use, check that the voltage switch underneath is set to 230V for the UK.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe 3.5mm trigger input (nominally 12V, working from 5–15V) lets it switch on and off with the rest of your system. The ground selector switch and M4 grounding terminal help when you pair it 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 is no DLNA, and Bluetooth is for music only.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIn the box: K17, 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\u003eCompare it with the \u003ca href=\"\/products\/fiio-k15-desktop-dac-and-headphone-amplifier\"\u003eFiiO K15\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, or its predecessor, the \u003ca href=\"\/products\/fiio-k9-pro-desktop-headphone-amplifier-dac-ess-edition\"\u003eK9 Pro ESS\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"FiiO","offers":[{"title":"BLACK","offer_id":57117408067971,"sku":"FIIOK17-BLACK","price":829.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"SILVER","offer_id":57117408100739,"sku":"FIIOK17-SILVER","price":829.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0960\/3199\/8339\/files\/img_proxy_8744f342-c1f1-4ac5-b724-89d671d8d2ee.jpg?v=1767211887","url":"https:\/\/www.advancedmp3players.co.uk\/products\/fiio-k17-desktop-dac-and-headphone-amp","provider":"amp3","version":"1.0","type":"link"}