Description
FiiO K9 Pro ESS Flagship Desktop Balanced DAC & Headphone Amplifier
The Reference Standard for Desktop Audio. The FiiO K9 Pro ESS is designed for the uncompromising audiophile. As the evolved flagship of the K series, it combines the industry's most powerful DAC chips with a robust linear power supply and legendary THX amplification. It isn't just an amplifier; it is the ultimate command center for your entire Hi-Fi system.
Unrivaled Processing Power
Dual ES9038PRO Flagship DACs
Inside the K9 Pro ESS lies a beast: two ESS ES9038PRO DAC chips, one for each channel. These are 8-channel desktop-class processors, capable of rendering texture, depth, and micro-details that mobile chips simply cannot match. With extremely low distortion (THD+N <0.00025%), you hear the music exactly as the recording engineer intended.
THX AAA 788+ Amplification
Power meets purity. The K9 Pro ESS features the celebrated THX AAA 788+ linear amplifier technology. It delivers a massive 2100mW of power (at 32Ω) while keeping distortion vanishingly low. Whether you are driving sensitive IEMs or demanding planar magnetic headphones, the K9 Pro ESS handles them with effortless dynamics.
Pure Power, Pure Sound
Built-in Linear Power Supply
Unlike lesser amplifiers that use external switching power bricks, the K9 Pro ESS integrates a custom toroidal transformer directly into the chassis. This linear power supply, combined with high-end Japanese Nichicon capacitors, ensures a steady, clean flow of energy, resulting in a darker background and richer, punchier bass.
Fully Balanced Architecture
From the DAC to the volume control to the amplifier, every stage of the K9 Pro ESS is fully balanced. This differential signaling effectively eliminates crosstalk and external interference, providing a massive soundstage with precise imaging.
Technical Specifications
| Feature |
Detailed Specification |
| DAC Chipset |
Dual ESS ES9038PRO (Desktop Class) |
| Amp Technology |
Dual THX AAA 788+ |
| Power Supply |
Built-in Linear Toroidal Transformer |
| Output Power |
≥2100mW (32Ω Balanced) / ≥1100mW (300Ω Balanced) |
| Bluetooth Chip |
Qualcomm QCC5124 (LDAC, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive) |
| Inputs |
USB-B, USB-C, Optical, Coaxial, RCA, 4.4mm Balanced |
| Outputs |
XLR-4, 4.4mm Balanced, 6.35mm SE, XLR Line-Out, RCA Line-Out |
| Dimensions |
200 x 224.5 x 72 mm |
| Weight |
Approx. 2.75kg |
Why Choose the K9 Pro ESS?
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Gold Standard Build: Features the signature Gold PVD Volume Knob and internal gold-plated PCB traces, symbolizing its flagship status.
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MQA Full Decoding: Supports 8x MQA unfolding for studio-quality streaming from Tidal.
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Comprehensive Bluetooth: Not just a wired beast, it supports high-res Bluetooth 5.0 reception for convenient wireless playback.
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Side-Mounted USB-C: Thoughtfully designed with a USB-C port on the side for quickly connecting a phone or tablet without reaching behind the unit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between K9 and K9 Pro ESS?
The K9 Pro ESS uses the superior Dual ES9038PRO DACs (vs. ES9068AS in the K9) and features a more advanced internal layout with premium components. Visually, the K9 Pro has a gold volume knob, while the K9 is black.
Can I use it as a pre-amp for my speakers?
Absolutely. The K9 Pro ESS has dedicated XLR and RCA Line-outs. Switch to "PRE" mode to control the volume of your active speakers or power amp using the K9 Pro's high-precision knob.
Does it heat up?
As a high-power Class AB equivalent amplifier with a linear power supply, it will get warm. This is normal and indicates the components are operating at optimal performance. The aluminum chassis acts as an efficient heat sink.
- Make it Wireless: Connect the FiiO SR11 via USB or Coaxial to add Roon Ready and AirPlay streaming to your K9 Pro ESS
