Aimed at audiophiles and music enthusiasts, the high-fidelity FiiO K5 Pro ESS, styled in black, is a compact desktop USB DAC and headphone amplifier designed to faithfully reproduce your music when listening to audio from your computer, smartphone/tablet, or other digital music player. The K5 Pro ESS improves on the K5 Pro by employing the high-resolution ES9038Q2M ESS DAC to deliver richer audio details and a superior performance at up to 768 kHz sampling rate and native DSD512. Compared to the last generation of this product, the distortion is reduced by 50%, the crosstalk for the line outputs has greater channel separation, and the dynamic range has increased by 3 dB.

Equipped with RCA analog line inputs, optical and coaxial digital inputs, a USB-B port, RCA analog line outputs, and a headphone jack, the K5 Pro ESS acts as a bridge between your computer, phone, speakers, and headphones, allowing them to work together seamlessly. Switchable low-, medium-, and high-gain levels are available, enabling you to use the amplifier with almost any headphones at comfortable volume levels.

For Computers, Phones, Music Players    High-Resolution ES9038Q2M ESS DAC    XMOS XUF208 USB Decoding Chip    Supports 768 kHz / 32-Bit, DSD512    Coaxial/Optical/RCA Line Inputs    1.5W Headphone Amplifier    RCA Line Outputs    Low-, Medium-, High-Gain Levels    RGB Light-Ring Indicator    External Power Supply with AC Adapter

• The XMOS XUF208 USB decoding chip equipped with the clock-matching management system allows decoding up to a sample rate of 768 kHz / 32-bit and native DSD512.
• The next-gen ES9038Q2M DAC allows outstanding sound performance with accuracy and precision in playback.

The K5 Pro ESS packs a four-level audio circuit capable of providing extraordinary audio fidelity in its class—second-order LPF, analog volume adjustment, voltage amplification, and current drive. All sections of the amplification circuit are optimized to work together and deliver an improved dynamic range with true high-fidelity sound.

• The carefully tuned feed-forward amplifier circuit design increases the power output of the TPA6120 op-amp by more than 60% for a total power output of up to 1.5W under a 32-ohm load, and up to 20 V p-p at 300 ohms.
• The K5 Pro ESS easily powers any low- or high-impedance headphones (16 to 300 ohms).

The ADC curve was redesigned, enabling you to smoothly adjust volume in extremely fine increments without any undesirable noise or channel imbalances.

The K5 Pro ESS features traditional analog RCA line outputs adjustable up to a maximum of 2 Vrms, enabling you to use the unit with a variety of active speakers.

Both the input selection and three gain levels are controlled via tactile toggle switches that are clearly labeled for precise and easy operation.

The unit uses an external 15 VDC power supply designed to specifically minimize noise. The incoming DC power is filtered with a secondary power supply, which then independently supplies power to the amplification part of the audio circuit and the rest of the circuit. This effectively suppresses power supply ripple and minimizes power-supply crosstalk between the two major sections of the circuit, for more stable and less noisy power that is crucial for a clean sound.

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. Will this be iPhone compatible?

A: We would recommend the Fostex HP-P1 for use with iPhone.

Q: 2. Will the unit work as an amp and dac while overriding my IPod Classics internal dac and amp?

A: The Apogee Groove is designed to connect via USB to a MAC or PC computer. Not compatible with portable devices such as iPods or other similar devices.

Q: 3. Since this does not come with a power supply, what are the requirements and connector size for a usable power supply?

A: The FiiO K3 V2 Desktop DAC and Headphone Amplifier (Black) BH #FIK3V2 uses a DC Input Power Adapter 5 VDC at 500 mA.

Q: 4. What is the Max amount of Ohms It can drive?

A: According to the manufacturer specifications, the FiiO BTR15 Portable Bluetooth DAC and Headphone Amplifier (Black) can support headphones rated up to 300 Ohms.

Q: 5. Can it be used while charging with wall power? Planning to use this to plug a portable cd player into my car’s aux.

A: The FiiO Q3 MQA Portable DAC and Headphone Amplifier (BH # FIQ3SMQA) will operate while it is USB wall charging.

Q: 6. Planning on using an iPad Pro as a source using the usb c. Will this power the iPad while in use?

A: The Violectric DHA V226 Headphone Amplifier, Preamp, and DAC (BH # VIDHAV226) will not power a USB device. The USB-C port is for data/signal only.

Q: 7. Can I connect to a stereo amp?

A: The output of the Apogee Groove features a stereo 1/8 headphone output that can be connected to a an amplifier using the proper cable.

Q: 8. Can I connect to an audio mixer from the groove's headphone output? And will it maintain the high quality sound?

A: Yes you can although it is an 8th inch stereo out, however it sounds fantastic and functions fine as a line level out. So if the 8th inch connector doesn't bother you go for it.

Q: 9. Does this support only MQA files, not FLAC, PCM, DSD? Or Amazon Music app or YouTube through my iPhone?

A: The FiiO Q3 MQA Portable DAC and Headphone Amplifier (BH #FIQ3SMQA) is not a player. A connected player will decode the files and then feed it through the FiiO Q3 MQA.

Q: 10. How long is the USB cable included and is it USB-C?

A: The cable is about 12 inches long and compatible with any USB port, including USB-C.