FiiO K5 Pro DAC and Headphone Amplifier

Original AKM DAC version

Maximum USB PCM sample rate

Maximum native DSD support

0 / 6 / 10 dB

A Model-Specific Conversion Architecture

This original K5 Pro uses an AK4493 DAC, XMOS XUF208 USB decoding, a TI OPA1642 low-pass filter and TPA6120 amplification. It is the AKM version rather than K5 Pro ESS. Keeping those versions separate matters when comparing the DAC, published performance and input-specific power specifications.

Choose the Correct Headphone Connection

The front 6.35 mm headphone socket provides a single-ended connection for an appropriate headphone cable or single-ended adapter. RCA output handles a separate line-level connection for another audio component. Choose each connection for its intended role rather than treating every socket as an interchangeable headphone output.

Keep Source and Output Roles Clear

USB-B, optical and coaxial connections accept digital source audio. An RCA line input also accepts an analogue line-level source. RCA output can feed an appropriate powered speaker or external amplifier. A line output needs a receiving amplifier; it is not a speaker-power output for passive speakers. Choose the source and output path around the equipment you actually use.

Formats Matched to Each Input

USB decoding supports PCM up to 32-bit/768 kHz and native DSD512. Those formats require a compatible source, playback application and appropriate USB configuration. Use the detailed product specification when comparing connections; a maximum USB decoding figure should not be treated as the limit for every other input.

Set Gain Around Your Headphones

The listed gain settings are Low / Medium / High: 0 / 6 / 10 dB. The control arrangement is Potentiometer with ADC sampling. Start with a low level before connecting or changing headphones, then increase it to suit the recording and headphone sensitivity.

Which version is this?

This is the original AKM K5 Pro with AK4493 conversion. K5 Pro ESS uses a different DAC and has its own published power figures; the two versions are not merged on this page.

Which headphones should I match it with?

FiiO lists a recommended headphone impedance of 16–300 ohms. The 6.35 mm output is single-ended; use a suitable headphone plug or correctly wired single-ended adapter.

How do the headphone outputs differ?

The front 6.35 mm headphone socket provides a single-ended connection for an appropriate headphone cable or single-ended adapter. RCA output handles a separate line-level connection for another audio component. Choose each connection for its intended role rather than treating every socket as an interchangeable headphone output.

Which way do the source and line connections work?

USB-B, optical and coaxial connections accept digital source audio. An RCA line input also accepts an analogue line-level source. RCA output can feed an appropriate powered speaker or external amplifier. A line output needs a receiving amplifier; it is not a speaker-power output for passive speakers. Choose the source and output path around the equipment you actually use.

What formats does it support?

USB decoding supports PCM up to 32-bit/768 kHz and native DSD512. Those formats require a compatible source, playback application and appropriate USB configuration. Use the detailed product specification when comparing connections; a maximum USB decoding figure should not be treated as the limit for every other input.

Does it need a separate power supply?

This is an externally powered desktop unit with no battery. DC 15 V / 1.5 A is the listed supply requirement.

Can I use it with passive speakers?

The line output can feed an appropriate external amplifier or powered speakers. Passive speakers need a speaker amplifier; the line output is not a speaker-power connection.