FiiO K15 is a desktop DAC, network streamer, headphone amplifier and preamplifier built for users who want one central unit for headphones and a stereo system. Dual AK4497S DACs, a fully balanced signal path and a discrete Class-AB headphone stage provide substantial output through 6.35mm, 4.4mm and 4-pin XLR connections.

Eight input modes cover USB, optical, coaxial, RCA line input, 4.4mm balanced input, Bluetooth, network streaming and local USB storage. Rear RCA and balanced XLR outputs allow fixed-level DAC or variable preamplifier operation, but the K15 is not a speaker power amplifier.

Why it stands out

DAC, streamer, headphone amplifier and preamplifier

K15 combines computer USB audio, AirPlay, Roon Ready playback, local USB storage, Bluetooth and external digital or analog sources in one desktop component.

Power for IEMs and demanding headphones

Five gain levels cover sensitive earphones through full-size headphones, while the 4.4mm and XLR4 balanced outputs provide up to 3000mW + 3000mW at 32Ω in Ultra High Gain.

Dual AK4497S fully balanced architecture

Two AKM DACs feed a fully differential analog path and discrete transistor current-boosting headphone stage, with RCA and balanced XLR outputs for integration into larger systems.

Flexible control and system operation

The 3.93-inch touch display, five front controls, infrared remote and FIIO Control functions provide direct access to source, gain, output and playback settings.

Best for

• One-box desktop headphone and network-streaming systems
• Users switching between sensitive IEMs and demanding balanced headphones
• Active-speaker or amplifier systems needing RCA and balanced XLR output
• Systems combining digital sources, network playback and analog line inputs

Not ideal for

• Users who need HDMI ARC for direct television control
• Users who want Android streaming apps installed directly on the device
• Portable or battery-powered listening
• Driving passive speakers without an external amplifier

EMiUZEK Buying Notes

• K15 has no HDMI ARC. Connect a television through optical or coaxial output and set the TV to a supported two-channel PCM format.
• The 10-band PEQ does not process RCA line input or 4.4mm balanced analog input. K17 is the more suitable model when 31-band PEQ and broader processing are required.
• AirPlay is AirPlay 1 and is limited to 44.1kHz. Network streaming supports AirPlay and Roon Ready reception; K15 is not an Android player for installing arbitrary apps.
• The quoted 3000mW + 3000mW output applies to the balanced headphone outputs at 32Ω in Ultra High Gain. Use lower gain and low starting volume with sensitive earphones.

FAQ

Should I choose FiiO K15, K13 R2R or K17?

Choose K15 when network streaming, analog inputs, balanced XLR line output and strong headphone power are needed at a lower price than K17. Choose K13 R2R when a smaller unit and resistor-ladder NOS/OS sound are more important than streaming and analog inputs. Choose K17 when you need the higher-grade AK4191 plus dual AK4499EX DAC architecture, more power, 31-band PEQ, digital outputs, trigger input and the additional system features omitted from K15.

Can K15 play music without a computer?

Yes. It can receive AirPlay or Roon Ready playback over Wi-Fi or Ethernet and can scan music from compatible USB storage through the rear USB-A port. It does not run general Android streaming apps directly.

Does K15 support Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect or Chromecast?

FIIO officially specifies AirPlay and Roon Ready for network streaming. Do not assume native Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect or Chromecast support unless FIIO adds it in current firmware. Those services can still be used through a compatible Roon setup, AirPlay source or separately connected streamer.

What is the AirPlay limitation?

K15 uses AirPlay 1 and supports up to 44.1kHz through that route. For higher-resolution network playback, use compatible Roon Ready or local playback instead of assuming AirPlay transmits the original high-resolution file unchanged.

Can I connect a television through HDMI ARC?

No. K15 has no HDMI input or HDMI ARC. Use optical or coaxial digital input from the television and select two-channel PCM in the TV audio settings. Dolby or bitstream output may produce no sound.

Does PEQ work with every input?

No. K15 provides 10-band PEQ for supported digital paths, but FIIO states that RCA line input and 4.4mm balanced analog input do not receive PEQ processing. PEQ is adjusted through the supported FIIO web workflow and control connection; it is not the 31-band system used by K17.

Can it drive sensitive IEMs as well as full-size headphones?

Yes. Five gain levels allow lower hardware gain for sensitive earphones and Super High or Ultra High Gain for demanding models. Begin with Low gain and minimum volume when changing headphones. The maximum rating is not the correct operating target for every headphone.

Can I connect more than one headphone at the same time?

The front 6.35mm, 4.4mm and XLR4 outputs share the same output priority and can operate together, but FIIO does not recommend long simultaneous use—especially with headphones of very different impedance. One headphone at a time is safer and easier to control.

Can K15 power passive speakers?

No. RCA and XLR are line or preamplifier outputs. Connect them to active speakers, an integrated amplifier or a separate power amplifier. Passive speakers cannot be connected directly.

When should I use LO, PRE, PO or PO+PRE?

Use PO for the front headphone outputs. Use LO when sending a fixed-level signal to another amplifier or preamplifier. Use PRE when the K15 volume knob should control rear RCA or XLR output. PO+PRE activates front and rear variable outputs together, so check all connected equipment before raising volume.

Can I connect a turntable?

Only when the turntable has a built-in phono preamplifier or an external phono stage is placed before K15. The RCA input is line level and is not a phono input. Analog inputs also bypass the K15 PEQ.

Can I connect a USB hard drive for local playback?

The rear USB-A port supplies up to 500mA and is intended primarily for USB flash storage. A portable hard drive that requires more current should use its own external power supply.

Does Windows require a USB driver?

Windows requires FIIO’s USB DAC driver for normal high-rate UAC 2.0 operation. macOS is driver-free. UAC 1.0 mode improves compatibility with devices such as PS5 and Nintendo Switch but supports fewer formats.

Can I use an external linear power supply?

Yes. K15 supports either its internal universal AC power supply or a compatible external 12V/at least 2.5A DC supply. Use only one power source at a time and verify polarity and specifications before connection.

HOW TO CONNECT

Computer and wired headphones

Source icon: Computer
Source: PC / Mac
Connection: USB-C
Output connection: Headphone output
Target icon: Headphones
Output: 6.35mm / 4.4mm / XLR4

Note: Select USB and PO, choose a suitable gain level and begin with the volume low.

Network streaming to headphones

Source icon: Streaming Service
Source: iPhone / iPad / Mac / Roon server
Connection: Wi-Fi / Ethernet
Output connection: Headphone output
Target icon: Headphones
Output: 6.35mm / 4.4mm / XLR4

Note: Connect the K15 and controller to the same network, then select Streaming mode and the appropriate AirPlay or Roon endpoint.

Television to wired headphones

Source icon: TV
Source: Television
Connection: Optical / coaxial PCM
Output connection: Headphone output
Target icon: Headphones
Output: 6.35mm / 4.4mm / XLR4

Note: K15 has no HDMI ARC. Set the television’s digital-audio output to two-channel PCM.

Digital or analog source to a stereo system

Source icon: Streaming Service
Source: Streamer / computer / analog source
Connection: USB / optical / coaxial / RCA / 4.4mm line input
Output connection: RCA / XLR
Target icon: Amplifier
Output: Active speakers / amplifier

Note: Use LO when another device controls volume or PRE when K15 controls volume. Passive speakers require an amplifier.

Technical Specifications

What's in the box, manuals and downloads

• FiiO K15 ×1
• AC Power Cord ×1
• USB Data Cable ×2
• Headphone Plug Adapter ×1
• Infrared Remote Control ×1
• Spare Fuse ×1
• XLR4 Decorative Plug ×1
• Remote-Control Battery ×2 (included only in specified regional packages)
• Quick Start Guide ×1
• Warranty Card ×1

Visit the EMiUZEK download center.

Additional Product Content

FiiO K15 or K17?