FiiO KA2chat_bubble_outlineFrom real comments

Value stands out against pricier rivals. One commenter directly compared the KA2's measured performance to iFi's more expensive GoBar Gold, noting the iFi's claimed power advantage largely evaporates once you account for its much higher 0.1% distortion figure. They found the FiiO's THD+N and intermodulation distortion numbers roughly two orders of magnitude better, calling the iFi a poor design for its price. For buyers weighing a balanced dongle DAC/amp against premium alternatives, this suggests the KA2 delivers competitive technical performance without the inflated price tag of higher-end competitors.

Gain needs manual tuning for comfortable listening. A new owner reported that reducing the gain through FiiO's companion app was mandatory to get a comfortable listening experience with their setup, despite finding the dongle 'very convenient' overall. This suggests the KA2's default gain level may run high out of the box, particularly for sensitive in-ear monitors. Buyers should expect to spend a few minutes in the app dialing things in rather than plugging in and listening immediately. It's a minor extra step, but one worth knowing before first use, especially when pairing it with low-impedance IEMs.

Some users report noise issues and volume risks. Feedback wasn't universally smooth: one listener described an electronic buzzing sound when using IEMs with dongle DACs, calling it uncomfortable over prolonged sessions. Separately, an IE600 owner accidentally hit max volume for a couple of seconds and worried about damaging their earphones, while another user with the Lightning-connector KA2 reported audio skipping once volume climbed too high with any IEM. These reports suggest the KA2's high maximum output, while useful for power-hungry gear, can create real risks or annoyances for owners of sensitive in-ear monitors.