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The KA17 is notable as a genuinely powerful dongle rather than just a compact DAC, and at £102 it looks like a strong bargain. That is well below the £176 median from six recent sold comparables and even below the £63–£347 middle-market spread’s lower quartile of £63? More precisely, £102 sits above the 25th percentile but remains comfortably below typical used value, making it a very attractive buy if complete and working.
Its appeal is the dual ES9069Q DACs, THX AAA 78+ amplification, 3.5mm and 4.4mm outputs, desktop mode, OLED display and useful PEQ. Balanced desktop mode delivers serious power for a dongle, enough for many demanding headphones. “Box opened” should still mean checking that the cable and accessories are present, but there is no obvious value penalty here: £102 is excellent territory for a clean KA17.
Independent perspective — not a price guarantee. Always verify condition, accessories and provenance before purchase.
Fiio, founded in 2007 in Guangzhou, China, emerged as a specialist in portable audio gear, initially crafting components like speakers for brands such as Meizu before launching its own lineup. The name blends "Fi" from hi-fi fidelity with "iO" symbolizing digital one's and zeros, evoking authentic sound and modern convenience, while its Chinese rendering "飞傲" conveys innovative vitality. From modest beginnings, the company expanded into a 15,000-square-meter industrial complex by 2022, solidifying its role as a prolific developer of music-centric electronics.
The brand excels across a broad spectrum of portable and desktop audio categories, with flagship strengths in high-resolution digital audio players (DAPs), USB DACs, portable headphone amplifiers, and in-ear monitors. Its portfolio also encompasses cables, desktop amps, and select speakers, prioritizing versatile, high-performance solutions for on-the-go and home listening without venturing into turntables or large-scale hi-fi systems.
Fiio occupies a commanding mid-tier position in the global audiophile market, renowned for delivering premium sound quality at accessible prices that punch above their weight. Praised by enthusiasts for reliability and value, it appeals to discerning buyers seeking refined portable setups over luxury excess, backed by worldwide distribution and a track record of user-acclaimed innovations.
See all Fiio listings on RADAR.
