2024 was a busy 12 months for the handset and desktop categories; the sale of a few of the biggest high-end audio brands on account of sales delays, far too many brands and products on the market that provide no real points of differentiation, and a decline in interest in large component systems – it’s clear where the market is headed. New FiiO K17 was unveiled today at CES 2025, and we’re greater than a little bit intrigued by the price.
FiiO had a really successful 2024, launching greater than a dozen latest products, including the first portable cassette player and CD player. Almost all of their latest products are aimed toward consumers who want performance and connectivity for less money.
With the premiere of K17 FiiO JM21DAPAND S15 network streamerit’s quite clear what we are able to expect from them in 2025.
FiiO K17
The FiiO K17 is a headphone amplifier designed to offer versatile features for headphone fans. K17 provides custom PEQ (parametric equalizer) settings (moved from file FiiO K19 flagship). streaming, Bluetooth and native USB playback can be found via the attractive, responsive touchscreen.
Thanks to the RCA input, the K17 permits you to connect a turntable (an external phono preamplifier may be needed), in addition to digital and analog sources (including RCA and XLR). A wireless handheld remote control is obtainable to operate most functions, and the FiiO Control app (iOS, Android) permits you to customize more extensive settings.
The built-in touchscreen provides status information in addition to the choice to display a retro-VU meter. Of course, the K17 has been designed to be ideal as a standalone unit to be used with headphones, but it might also be connected to lively speakers or an external audio system to fill the room with Hi-Fi sound.
K17 technical data
| Gain type | Fully discrete Class AB transistor amplification circuit |
| Output power (for headphones) | 4000 mW + 4000 mW |
| Alignment | Global, 31-band, skilled, precise, lossless PEQ |
| TO GIVE | Flagship AKM DAC chips) AK4191+2 X AK4499EX) |
| Oscillators | Three femtosecond oscillators with very low phase noise |
| Audio system architecture | Fully sustainable |
| Power supply | Quiet, 35 W, low-frequency linear power supply |
| Display | 3.93-inch LCD touch screen |
| WiFi | Dual band 2.4G/5G + 1000M Wi-Fi |
| Ethernet port | Yes |
| Custom handheld remote control | Yes |
Conclusion
FiiO has built a status for producing great desktop and notebook audio products at reasonably priced prices that appeal to a growing consumer base.
The K17 offers wireless and wired source connection options that provide convenient headphone listening options, and in case you’re not in the mood to listen through headphones, you may as well connect the K17 to a pair of lively speakers.
Bluetooth support includes SBC, AAC, LDAC, aptX, aptX LL, aptX HD and aptX Adaptive.
The K19 offers HDMI ARC connectivity, but based on what we have found to this point, we do not think this feature will be available on the K17.
The USB Type-C port likely supports PCM 32-bit/384 kHz or higher.
While the K17 is not as compact or as reasonably priced as the K11-R2R desktop headphone amplifier, it’s still significantly cheaper than products like the TEAC UD-507 ($2,000) or the Feliks Audio Envy Meisterwerk tube headphone amplifier ($10,000). and offers greater connectivity and adaptability.
WiiM, Schiit Audio, and FiiO appear to be specializing in what consumers really want in 2025, with many components priced below $1,000 – putting them in a greater position for the future.
The only query now we have is what prices might be if a tariff war broke out with the latest administration and China, Canada and Mexico. Expect to pay more if this happens. This is unquestionably a great time to put your order now before that happens.
Prices and availability
The price of FiiO K17 is approx $899.99 (€999.99 / £899) and is predicted to be available at the end of January 2025.
