RohanBhatia
New Member
Hello Audiophile Community,
I wanted to share an enlightening experience I recently had with an addition to my audio setup. Adding the FiiO K9 AKM DAC to my system has dramatically improved detail retrieval, transparency, and overall audio quality. For anyone considering a DAC upgrade or curious about the potential of the FiiO K9 AKM, this might offer some valuable insights
Initial Impressions with the Denon PMA-900HNE
Before diving into the specifics, let me give you some context. During a recent visit to a HiFi store, I had the opportunity to audition the Denon PMA-900HNE. This integrated amplifier features a built-in DAC and streamer, and while it performed admirably, I sensed that there was room for improvement, particularly in the areas of detail retrieval and transparency.
The Game-Changer: FiiO K9 AKM DAC
After buying the Denon PMA-900HNE and incorporating it with FiiO K9 AKM DAC into my home setup, the transformation was both immediate and profound. Here’s a breakdown of the improvements I observed:
1. Remarkable Improvement in Detail Retrieval: The FiiO K9 AKM DAC revealed layers of detail that were previously hidden. Instruments and vocals came through with astonishing clarity, exposing subtle textures and nuances that enhanced the overall listening experience. Every track felt more engaging and vivid, as if a veil had been lifted from the music.
2. Enhanced Transparency: Transparency was significantly improved with the addition of the K9 AKM. The sound became more open and clear, with less masking of subtle details. This increased transparency allowed me to hear each element of the mix with greater precision, making it easier to appreciate the intricacies of recordings.
3. Elevated Overall Audio Quality: The combination of the K9 AKM and WiiM Pro Plus, resulted in a noticeable enhancement in audio quality. The sound became more refined, with a cleaner and more articulate presentation. This upgrade transformed the music into a more immersive and enjoyable experience.
In-Store vs. Home Setup: A Comparative Analysis
At the HiFi store, using the Denon PMA-900HNE’s built-in DAC and streamer, the performance was solid but lacked the depth and clarity a bit that I was seeking. Returning home and connecting the PMA-900HNE to the FiiO K9 AKM DAC provided a striking contrast. The dedicated DAC’s superior processing capabilities brought out an entirely new level of detail and transparency, highlighting how much an external DAC can enhance an already high-quality amplifier
The Headphone Amp Section
Honestly, I am a no expert in this section neither I have a good sophisticated pair of Headphones/IEMs to test this out. I tested it wired with Sony WH-1000XM4 which I own and found the amp's soundstage is expansive, with precise imaging and a dynamic range that brings out the finest details in the music which was missing before.
Conclusion
The addition of the FiiO K9 AKM DAC has been a significant upgrade for my audio system. If you’re considering investing in a high-quality DAC, I think it’s a wise decision. It’s not just an enhancement; it’s a revelation in terms of detail retrieval, transparency, and overall audio quality. I would further like to add that I realized a high-quality DAC can only realize its full potential if paired with a source that delivers impeccable resolution and output speakers capable of revealing the intricate details it uncovers.
I’m so thoroughly impressed with the audio quality enhancement provided by the FiiO K9 AKM DAC that I’ve entirely deactivated the wireless streaming and Bluetooth functions of my Denon PMA-900HNE to fully appreciate the superior, unadulterated sound.
I’d be interested to hear if others have had similar experiences with DAC upgrades. Feel free to share your thoughts!
I have noticed there is no thread for FiiO K9 AKM in this form, Hence anyone has questions for the DAC ill be delighted to help/answer.
Happy listening!
I wanted to share an enlightening experience I recently had with an addition to my audio setup. Adding the FiiO K9 AKM DAC to my system has dramatically improved detail retrieval, transparency, and overall audio quality. For anyone considering a DAC upgrade or curious about the potential of the FiiO K9 AKM, this might offer some valuable insights
Initial Impressions with the Denon PMA-900HNE
Before diving into the specifics, let me give you some context. During a recent visit to a HiFi store, I had the opportunity to audition the Denon PMA-900HNE. This integrated amplifier features a built-in DAC and streamer, and while it performed admirably, I sensed that there was room for improvement, particularly in the areas of detail retrieval and transparency.
The Game-Changer: FiiO K9 AKM DAC
After buying the Denon PMA-900HNE and incorporating it with FiiO K9 AKM DAC into my home setup, the transformation was both immediate and profound. Here’s a breakdown of the improvements I observed:
1. Remarkable Improvement in Detail Retrieval: The FiiO K9 AKM DAC revealed layers of detail that were previously hidden. Instruments and vocals came through with astonishing clarity, exposing subtle textures and nuances that enhanced the overall listening experience. Every track felt more engaging and vivid, as if a veil had been lifted from the music.
2. Enhanced Transparency: Transparency was significantly improved with the addition of the K9 AKM. The sound became more open and clear, with less masking of subtle details. This increased transparency allowed me to hear each element of the mix with greater precision, making it easier to appreciate the intricacies of recordings.
3. Elevated Overall Audio Quality: The combination of the K9 AKM and WiiM Pro Plus, resulted in a noticeable enhancement in audio quality. The sound became more refined, with a cleaner and more articulate presentation. This upgrade transformed the music into a more immersive and enjoyable experience.
In-Store vs. Home Setup: A Comparative Analysis
At the HiFi store, using the Denon PMA-900HNE’s built-in DAC and streamer, the performance was solid but lacked the depth and clarity a bit that I was seeking. Returning home and connecting the PMA-900HNE to the FiiO K9 AKM DAC provided a striking contrast. The dedicated DAC’s superior processing capabilities brought out an entirely new level of detail and transparency, highlighting how much an external DAC can enhance an already high-quality amplifier
The Headphone Amp Section
Honestly, I am a no expert in this section neither I have a good sophisticated pair of Headphones/IEMs to test this out. I tested it wired with Sony WH-1000XM4 which I own and found the amp's soundstage is expansive, with precise imaging and a dynamic range that brings out the finest details in the music which was missing before.
Conclusion
The addition of the FiiO K9 AKM DAC has been a significant upgrade for my audio system. If you’re considering investing in a high-quality DAC, I think it’s a wise decision. It’s not just an enhancement; it’s a revelation in terms of detail retrieval, transparency, and overall audio quality. I would further like to add that I realized a high-quality DAC can only realize its full potential if paired with a source that delivers impeccable resolution and output speakers capable of revealing the intricate details it uncovers.
I’m so thoroughly impressed with the audio quality enhancement provided by the FiiO K9 AKM DAC that I’ve entirely deactivated the wireless streaming and Bluetooth functions of my Denon PMA-900HNE to fully appreciate the superior, unadulterated sound.
I’d be interested to hear if others have had similar experiences with DAC upgrades. Feel free to share your thoughts!
I have noticed there is no thread for FiiO K9 AKM in this form, Hence anyone has questions for the DAC ill be delighted to help/answer.
Happy listening!
