Potato score: 90.47

90%

FiiO K9 AKM #1
FiiO K9 AKM variant 1
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FiiO K9 AKM

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AKM flagship DAC combo AK4191EQ+AK4499EX | Newly added Type-C port THX AAA 788+ amplifier | Dual-mode clock management | QCC5124 Bluetooth LDAC/aptX Adaptive and other high-res Bluetooth codec support | App connectivity Truly balanced design | Dual-voltage linear transformer | Variety of inputs and outputs


* Pictures are for reference only. The actual product may vary.


Note: product drawings are for reference only, all in kind shall prevail

Selling points

AKM flagship DAC combo AK4191EQ+AK4499EX

The K9 AKM applies AKM's brand-new flagship DAC combo --AK4191EQ+AK4499EX. Based on the new design technology of totally separated digital and analog sections, the DAC combo even incorporates the newly developed "DWA ROUTING technology" to improve the Signal to Noise Ratio and reduce noise from varieties of amplitude. The result is more realistic, detailed and natural sound transmission, as if you were there with the performing artists.

High-end amplifier Refreshingly capable

The FIIO K9 AKM's ace up its sleeve is the THX AAA 788+ amplifier, giving it an extraordinary 1% undistorted power output up to 780mW at 300Ω and up to 2000mW at 32Ω. No matter if you use low-impedance or high-impedance headphones, the K9 AKM will drive it with aplomb. 

Precisely designed

Electricity is the mother of sound

Dual-mode clock management Even more improvement to sound

Accurate and stable dual-mode clock management allows the K9 AKM to easily play back high-resolution audio with the greatest fidelity, as if you were there with the performing artists.


* Supports up to 768kHz/32bit PCM and DSD512

High-res Bluetooth Adept at all of your audiovisual needs

The K9 AKM employs the QCC5124 Bluetooth chip with support for LDAC/aptX HD/aptX Adaptive and other high-res Bluetooth codecs. With the K9 AKM, you can listen to music, watch videos, and play video games with high quality and low latency.


*Bluetooth 5.1, supported formats: LDAC/aptX Adaptive/aptX/aptX HD/aptX LL/AAC/SBC

Compatible with UAC1.0/UAC2.0 Highly adaptable

The K9 AKM supports both UAC1.0 and UAC2.0 modes, allowing you to use the K9 AKM with either devices that are simply plug-and-play or with devices that can work with the K9 AKM with an additional driver for even better compatibility. And the FIIO Control App allows you to easily switch between UAC1.0 and UAC2.0 modes.



*UAC1.0 for PS5 and other device support

Comprehensively capable No matter where you look

Neatly handsome Horizontal or vertical

The K9 AKM adopts the well-received design language of other FIIO desktop units, and features an all-aluminum construction made from an integrated stretching + CNC process to ensure the body's strength and precise finish. And with the vertical stand, the K9 AKM can be used either vertically or horizontally, allowing it to become a versatile part of your desktop setup.

A weighty feel For a weighty sound

The iconic, weighty FIIO volume knob is powered by ADC curve reconstruction to allow you to precisely and smoothly adjust through 120 levels of volume, with minimal noise and volume deviation between the left and right channels.  

Light it up Let the high-res music commence

Not only do the RGB lights around the knobs give the K9 AKM and the desk space around it some fun personality, they also conveniently indicate the current audio sampling rate and Bluetooth codec.

Professional PEQ For what you love

Through the FIIO Control app, you can quickly switch between 7 music tuning styles preset on the K9 AKM. If the selected tuning style fits the music you are listening to, you can acquire a more vivid and pleasant experience. If the preset tuning style is not to your liking, the 3 self-define PEQ (Parametric Equalizer) designs will help to fine adjust to your favorite listening style.



*This function is only valid for Bluetooth decoding. 

To show off your skills One app is enough

You can connect the K9 AKM to your phone via Bluetooth, and with the addition of the FIIO Control app you get access to even more functionality. Adjust various settings such as 6 types of filters, status indicators, EQ, and channel balance to exactly your liking.


*EQ only works in Bluetooth mode.

Multiple intelligent protection systems Always ready to go

Three intelligent protection systems – preventing overheating, overload, and DC protection – constantly make sure that the K9 AKM delivers high-energy music without wearing itself out. Listen worry-free with the K9 AKM!

Immerse yourself in fabulous music

Abundant accessories

① K9 AKM*1   ② Power cord*1   ③ Headphone plug adapter*1 ④ USB data cable*1   ⑤ Feet pads*6   ⑥ Fuse*1    ⑦ Stand*1   ⑧ Quick start guide*1   ⑨ Voltage selection card*1 ⑩ Warranty card*1

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Overall Score 90/100

Rating for [object Object]

Deliciously Crispy

FiiO K9 AKM — compact, neutral DAC/amp with detailed, quiet presentation

The FiiO K9 AKM stakes its claim as a compact, high-resolution DAC/amp that emphasizes clarity and an exceptionally quiet background. Reviewers including Sandu Vitalie at Soundnews and Audiophilepure highlight its neutral, highly resolving sound and strong transient response that keeps music lively. The unit's AKM-based DAC implementation and balanced outputs deliver detailed imaging and low noise, making it well suited to sensitive IEMs and demanding desktop headphones. Build is a standout: a precision-machined aluminum enclosure, sandblasted finish, refined volume pot and status LEDs reinforce a premium feel. Features such as multiple balanced outputs, app-based remote volume control in select modes, and high scores for resolution, noise floor and value position the K9 AKM as a versatile desktop centerpiece. At $529 it offers a notable balance of performance and build quality.

Audiophilepure

"The build quality is exemplary."

Pros

  • Exemplary build quality with a precision‑machined aluminum enclosure and premium controls.
  • Exceptionally low noise floor and high resolution, making it suitable for sensitive IEMs and revealing recordings.
  • Feature-rich desktop DAC/amp: AKM DAC implementation plus multiple balanced and single‑ended outputs and app-based remote volume in select modes.

&

Cons

  • No dedicated hardware remote control; remote volume requires the companion app in some modes.
  • Priced slightly above the standard K9—buyers pay a premium for the AKM implementation.

Sound Quality

89/100

Soundnews gave Dynamics 89/100 and noted strong transient response and punch for the price, making music feel lively and engaging. Review comments indicate the amp provides good headroom and impact for typical desktop headphones without signs of compression.

Noise Floor

92/100

Soundnews explicitly rated the Noise Floor 95/100 and reviewers describe a very quiet background suitable for sensitive IEMs; no audible hiss was reported in the reviews. Given only one reviewer quantified it at reference-adjacent levels but with no contradictory reports, a high score in the 87–92 band is warranted.

Headphone Compatibility

88/100

The K9 AKM offers multiple headphone outputs (3.5mm, 4.4mm pentaconn, and 4-pin XLR) and balanced connectivity, which reviewers cite as enabling broad compatibility from IEMs to demanding full-size cans. Specific power and output-impedance specs weren't provided in reviews, so the score reflects excellent practical compatibility without reference-level proof of driving the most demanding planars.

Build Quality

91/100

Audiophilepure calls the build exemplary, noting a precision-machined aluminum enclosure, sandblasted matte finish, quality volume pot and refined controls. The unit is described as sturdy, premium-feeling and well-assembled, supporting a high build-quality score.

Features Connectivity

91/100

The unit is a DAC/amp with AKM silicon, balanced and single-ended headphone outputs (4-pin XLR, 4.4mm, 3.5mm) and an app-based remote volume option in select modes; these extras move it well above the 80 baseline. The combination of a high-quality AKM DAC and multiple balanced headphone outputs justifies the strong features score.

Value for Money

92/100

Reviews describe the K9 AKM as 'budget-friendly' for its performance and explicitly rate Value & Features highly (Soundnews Value & Features 94/100), calling it a DAC/amp that 'punches above its weight' at the $529 price. That positive language supports a justified-premium value rating.

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