FiiO E17KFrom real comments

Name: FiiO E17K
Rating: 1.7 (6 reviews)

Verdict distilled from 6 mentions across 6 aspects in comments under product review videos.

Positive sentiment17%

PROS 17%

CONS 83%

Rank based on 6 mentions across 6 aspects

View the verdict as

What users love

Recommended by FiiO Reviews0 mentions

Generally positive

Skip this if...

You want to avoid humming or white-noise-like interference when pairing with certain headphones and a PC
You need guaranteed, hassle-free recognition as a USB output device without driver troubleshooting
You want to avoid the risk of firmware boot errors some owners have reported

What users complain about

Humming/White Noise Reported0 mentions

Frequently criticized

USB Device Not Recognized0 mentions

Frequently criticized

Firmware Boot Failure0 mentions

Frequently criticized

USB Resolution Shows Lower Than Expected0 mentions

Generally negative

Volume Mismatch With Some Headphones0 mentions

Generally negative

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You are here

FiiO E17K

Recommended by FiiO ReviewsFirmware Boot FailureHumming/White Noise ReportedUSB Device Not Recognized

FiiO E17K

Recommended by FiiO Reviews

Firmware Boot Failure

Humming/White Noise Reported

USB Device Not Recognized

Expensive
1. SMSL VMV D2arrow_downward2
2. iFi iCANarrow_downward3
3. SMSL H400arrow_downward3
Powerful
1. SMSL H400arrow_upward2
2. SMSL VMV SAP1arrow_upward2
Build quality
1. HiFiMan Goldenwave GA10arrow_upward1
2. Monoprice Monolith THX AAA 887arrow_upward1
Reliable
1. SMSL H400arrow_upward1
2. SMSL VMV SAP1arrow_upward1

Overall Impression

FiiO E17K Alpen 2 is a portable USB DAC and headphone amp discussed across unboxing and setup videos. One viewer decided to buy it after watching multiple FiiO reviews, showing strong trust in the recommendations. But others report issues: pairing it with a PC and Beyerdynamic DT770 Pro 80 ohm headphones caused a humming, white-noise-like sound. Another user could not get the E17K to appear in their computer's output device list even after rebooting with it connected. One commenter described a firmware failure showing the Fiio logo, then ERROR, then shutting off. Another questioned why the screen showed 48kHz/16-bit over USB instead of the expected 96kHz/24-bit. A user also asked if some headphones need lower-than-optimal volume levels when paired with the amp.

Outdated / Not-accurate data?

thumb_upRecommended by FiiO Reviews

1 mentions

Generally positive

One potential buyer said FiiO's own review videos convinced them to purchase the E17K, suggesting the amp is seen as a trusted option within FiiO's product lineup.

@buonassi

good review overall. maybe go into some detail about sound quality vs the competing products in that price range for future videos. for me I've already decided to buy this one with the help of this and your other fiio reviews. thanks for your efforts.

smart_display

January 2, 2017

volume_upHumming/White Noise Reported

1 mentions

Frequently criticized

A user pairing the E17K with a PC and Beyerdynamic DT770 Pro 80 ohm headphones heard a humming, white-noise-like sound that stopped when video playback was paused, suggesting a possible ground loop or interference issue.

@dimash244

Watching this video to find better settings for my fiio+PC+beyerdynamic DT770 pro 80 ohm - and I HEAR A HUMMING SOUND, like white noise, as soon as I pause the video humming stops...

smart_display

January 5, 2018

device_unknownUSB Device Not Recognized

1 mentions

Frequently criticized

One user reported the E17K did not appear in their computer's list of output devices, even after rebooting with the DAC connected, pointing to potential driver or connection issues.

@laika25

My problem is it's not showing on the list of output devices. Any ideas? I've already tried rebooting with the dac plugged, but nothing. Desperate.

smart_display

March 26, 2019

errorFirmware Boot Failure

1 mentions

Frequently criticized

A commenter described the device showing the Fiio logo, then an ERROR message, followed by shutting off ('BYE BYE'), indicating a firmware issue affecting startup for some users.

@AnhQuanNguyenCOYI

Do you have the firmware of Fiio E17K Alpen 2. I'm having trouble when turning on that it shows \"Fiio\" logo > \"ERROR\" > \"BYE BYE\

smart_display

November 4, 2025

graphic_eqUSB Resolution Shows Lower Than Expected

1 mentions

Generally negative

A user noted the E17K's screen displayed 48kHz/16-bit over USB instead of the expected 96kHz/24-bit, raising questions about whether the device outputs at its advertised resolution.

@trimester1

Hi. Your e17k screen shows it as 48k and 16bit. I thought on USB it is 96k and 24bit? Is this accurate?

smart_display

February 18, 2016

volume_downVolume Mismatch With Some Headphones

1 mentions

Generally negative

One user noted certain headphones, such as the Fidelity X2, needed to be played at lower than optimal volume when paired with the amp, suggesting inconsistent gain matching across headphone models.

@EndUpDurkel2112

Nice job on the unboxing...However, since I noticed you have the same DAP as I do I was wondering how this amp paired with it. Did it improve headphone performance? I’ve found that certain headphones (Fidelity X2 for example), have to be played at a relatively lower than optimal volume with this player.\n\nCheers

smart_display

February 9, 2018

FiiO E17Kchat_bubble_outlineFrom real comments

What users lovefavorite_border

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What users complain aboutheart_broken

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Who wins on what

Expensive

Powerful

Build quality

Reliable

auto_awesomeOverall Impression

FiiO E17KFrom real comments

What users love

Skip this if...

What users complain about

Overall Impression