1. KA5 Quick start guide, download, etc.

Quick start guide download link:  Click here

FiiO USB DAC driver download: Click here

FiiO Control Android version download link: Click here

(The KA5 could not be controlled via the iOS version FiiO Control APP. You could set the setting menu via the KA5 itself or in the Android version FiiO Control APP, and the settings will be saved to use it in other devices still.)

2. What accessories are included in the KA5?

Other than the KA5, it also has the following accessories:

USB-A male to Type-C female adapter*1

Type-C to Type-C OTGcable*1

Type-C to Lightning OTG cable*1

Manual*1

Warranty card*1

3. An Introduction to the Settings Menu and Display Information

How to activate/exit settings menu

Hold the Multifunction button for 2s to activate/exit the settings menu.

After activating the settings menu, short press the Multifunction button once to switch the setting option.

Short press volume +/- button once to page up/down on the settings menu.

An Introduction to Display Information

GAIN: select high or low gain.

FLT: digital filter, 5 filter levels are available.

VOL-CTL:volume level control, 120 levels for A mode, 60 levels for B mode.

DAC-OM:DAC output mode, ClassH and ClassAB modes are available.

SPDIF: after the SPDIF mode is enabled, you will get the SPDIF signal through the 3.5mm port with an adapter cable (purchased separately). Please keep this option disabled when using the analog output, such as when outputting to headphones.

ADJ-L/R: channel balance settings of the left/right channel.

H-DEPOP: display whether the hardware mute switch is on. You can set whether the hardware switch cuts off the output when switching songs to improve the POP sound problem that may exist when playing on some devices or Apps.

DIMMER: dimmer setting of the display.

ROT-DISP: rotate the display. It can be set to rotate 180 degrees.

OFF-DISP: the display can be auto-locked if there is no activity, and the time control can be chosen from 1 to 60 seconds. "NVR" means Never, i.e. the display will never be auto-locked.

Note: OLED display continuously on for a long time may lead to brightness differences. So when choosing the "NVR" option, it is suggested to double press the multifunction button to turn off the screen when you don't need to watch it.

HID-KEY: choose the A/B mode of Volume+and Volume buttons.

VERSION: firmware version display.

RST-DEF: restore default settings.

An Introduction to Display Information

①Current volume:display the current volume level.

②Current gain level: "HI"stands for high gain,"LO" stands for low gain.

③Current digital filter: F1 to F5 respectively stand for 5 digital filters.

④Current UAC version: "U2.0" and "U1.0" respectively stand for different UAC versions.

⑤SPDIF working state: a displayed "S" character means the SPDIF out is enabled.

⑥Current button control mode: A or B.

⑦Music format/sampling rate display:display the format and sampling rate of the currently playing song.

Note:

1. Why does the OLED screen display 'FSR ERROR' ?

When the output is invalid or unknown data, the device will display 'FSR ERROR'. This problem may be related to the player settings. Incorrect player settings or player bugs may cause the USB audio controller to receive information with non-normal sampling rate values, and the KA5 cannot  output analog audio correctly. If this problem happens, please check whether the playback software or audio source works correctly.

2.Why does the OLED screen display 'BORN FOR MUSIC' ?

This is the standby mode of the KA5. When the KA5 is disconnected from the host's USB communication, the device will display  'BORN FOR MUSIC'. For example, when the device is not used for a long time while connected to a computer, or when the computer is in sleep mode, the KA5 will enter standby mode.

4. How to control the KA5 via the FiiO Control APP in Android mobile phone?

Connect the KA5 to the Android mobile phone via the USB c to c adapter that comes with the KA5.

Note:

1.The KA5 could not be controlled via the iOS version FiiO Control APP. But after adjusting the setting in  KA5 or in Android FiiO Control, the settings will be saved.

2.Please update the FiiO Control APP to latest version first.

3.After adjusting settings via FiiO Control for KA5, the setting display on the device changes immediately. But when adjusting the setting in the KA5, menu in FiiO Control app doesn't change?

In order not to affect USB audio playback and provide users with a better listening experience, it is designed that only some settings change synchronously. If all settings menu were designed to change synchronously, it may cause audio stuttering and other issues.

5. How to use the KA5 as a USB DAC for mobile phones?

【Android-based phone】
Use the TypeC-TypeC data cable to connect the KA5 to a mobile phone. So you can directly enjoy high-quality music by playing songs.

Notes:
1. A compatibility issue may occur to certain Android mobile phones or music players due to system and hardware differences.
2. Some mobile phones are required to turn on the OTG function, so as to use the KA5 normally.For detailed settings please consult the support of mobile phones.
3. Some mobile phones may show the 'non-certified Type-C digital headphone'notification. You can ignore the message and use it normally.

【iPhone/iPad】
Use the Lightning-TypeC OTG adapter to connect the KA5 to an iPhone/iPad/iPod. So you can directly enjoy high-quality music by playing songs.

Notes:
1.Only supports iOS10.0.2 and above. Apple devices below this version cannot be supported because of the iOS itself.
2.Since there are limitations for iPhone to power the external USB device, the KA5 with high output power may have stuttering or no sound problems at extreme volume.

About the Exclusive USB Audio Access Mode

Due to system and hardware differences of certain Android mobile phones, there may be some permission conflicts and compatibility issues when they are working in the Exclusive USB Audio Access Mode. Here are some situations we have noticed.

1.For some mobile phones with no physical volume buttons (such as the HUAWEI Mate30 Pro), in the FiiO Music app USB Audio Access Mode, you can adjust the volume by sliding on the current playback page to bring up the volume bar.

2. For some mobile phones, third-party apps are forbidden in the background by default in their power management policies. This will cause a stop on the playback after a few seconds when the music app is working in the Exclusive USB Audio Access Mode. If it happens, please set the app to stay working while asleep in the battery management setting of the mobile phone.  

3. When the music app is working under the Exclusive USB Audio Access Mode, the sound may be stuttered or paused when operating other apps. We are working on this issue. It is suggested to focus on listening to music when using the Exclusive USB Audio Access Mode, or disable the Exclusive USB Audio Access Mode when listening to music.

6. How to use the KA5 as a USB DAC for computers?

[Windows PC]

1.It runs drive-free in Windows 10 and above systems.

2.Install the FiiO USB driver. It supports ASIO output for further DSD256. Please click the link here to download the driver: Click here 

3.On the menu of settings - audio output device of the playback software, select "FiiO KA5" and then connect the KA5 to the headphones to listen to music.

DSD track playback settings: Click here

[MAC computer]

MAC systems do not need a driver. If connecting to a Type-C port of the computer, use a Type-C to Type-C cable for direct connection. If connecting to a USB-A port, use a USB-A to Type-C cable for connection. Please select "FiiO KA5" as the audio output device on the computer.

[Linux PC]

Linux system also runs drive-free. Theoretically, connecting the Ka5 directly to a Linux computer would work. But since there are too many versions, we cannot guarantee all systems are compatible. So, if the connection fails, it is suggested to change the data cable or USB port to troubleshoot the problem. Otherwise, the failed recognition means nonsupport.

Music stutters on some Windows computers due to the driver

(1) It is due to the different power management policies of some computers.

Please go to the settings menu of Control panel->Hardware and Sound->Power options to disable the "USB selective suspend setting" and then restart the computer.

(2) If the problem still exists, please go to the Power options->PCI Express and turn off Link State Power management.

(3) If it still can't be solved, please choose the driver-less mode. Uninstall the DAC driver and ASIO, and then choose the KA5 as the output device.

7. Does KA5 support MQA decoding?

KA5 supports up to 768K/32bit and DSD256, but does not support MQA decoding.

8. Why does the screen freeze on the FiiO logo when I turn on the device?

It is possible that the volume- button was accidentally pressed before connecting to the USB port, causing the device to enter  burning mode.Please unplug and restart the KA5.

9. What is the difference between C-H and C-AB in DAC mode?

This setting adjusts the working mode of the internal driver of the DAC chip (CS43198). The two modes mainly differ in quiescent current. Compared to that in class AB mode, the quiescent current of the device will be about 8mA lower in class H mode.  In short, H-class consumes slightly less power than AB-class.

10. There is no output when listening to music on other third-party music apps after using the Exclusive USB audio access mode in the FiiO Music app, but after rebooting or unplugging and plugging the Q11, the mobile phone can output audio normally. Why would this happen?

Exclusive USB audio access mode means the highest priority domination. Simply put, the audio output is entirely occupied by DAC to achieve a true HiFi experience. The cost is that other music apps have no output when listening to music. If you want there to be output under the exclusive mode, the only way is to disconnect and reconnect the USB device. Therefore, it is suggested to enable the exclusive USB audio access mode only when you want a pure music experience.

11. How do I enter UAC1.0 mode on KA5?

The UAC 1.0 mode in KA5 supports Win7, Win8 and PS5 etc.

When the KA5 is disconnected and turned off, holding the multifunction button while connecting it to a UAC1.0 device, the KA5 will enter UAC1.0 mode.

12. When using coaxial output, is the volume in front device adjustable?

When KA5 is set to coaxial output, both the front and rear ends can adjust the volume.

13. How to use SPDIF output in KA5?

If you need to use the SPDIF function, please enable the SPDIF switch in the menu first. Then connect the KA5 to the coaxial input port of other device via a dedicated 3.5mm to RCA coaxial cable. 

Please keep this option disabled when using the analog output, such as when outputting to headphones.

14. How to turn on/off the display?

Short press the Multifunction button twice to turn on/turn off the display.

15. How to upgrade the firmware for KA5?

Note: Please disconnect other players or USB DAC from the computer before updating the firmware! Do not operate the KA5 until the upgrade is finished.

1.Download the KA5 firmware files and upgrade tool: click here

2.Install the FiiO USB Audio driver for KA5(Click here) in the Windows computer

3.Connect the KA5 to Windows computer, and run 'Fiio_Tool_V1.01'. 

After 'Find Device FiiO KA5' shows, click 'start' and the firmware will update automatically;

4.When 'Firmware update success!' shows, the upgrade is finished;