Direct url to thx sound test video6/29/2023 ![]() Hidizs S9 Pro (same DAC chip ES9038Q2M, more power, but also pricier at $110-120).If we just look at other dongles that utilize the same DAC chip ES9038Q2M, KA3 is a good value at $75 and cheaper than others: This thread probably has the most comprehensive comparisons on KA3. Unfortunately, there are not many KA3 reviews out there not to even mention reviews that compare to other dongles. In a vacuum (by itself), KA3 sounds great.ĭeciding factor is to compare KA3 versus other similarly priced dongles. Then KA3 blows the $10 Apple dongles away in sound quality. With my limited setup, KA3 compares very well between desktop setup to KA3. KA3 vocals sound rich and full in comparison treble is open and sparkly. I'm not sure if this is due to the amp, power, or the source (PC vs phone).Īpple USB-C and Lightning dongle: No comparison. So the enjoyable listening range is more limited on KA3. I need to crank up close to 100% of my listening volume to feel the music. On KA3, when volume is low, it does not sound full. At 80-90% of my normally listening volume, desktop already sound rich and full. If I have to choose, I still have to go with desktop setup. At $75, it is very close to the desktop setup that cost $300. I'm quite pleased with KA3 value and performance. ![]() Then there are other times I prefer the KA3 because it feels a bit more intimate with more vocal presence. Most of time, I like the desktop setup more because it sounds a tad more dynamic and sparkly with the openness. But after more A/B I cannot say for sure. Due to the openness, sometimes I think vocals seems a bit more recess than KA3. SMSL SU-8S + Drop THX AAA One: This desktop setup is very open and airy, even more so than KA3. KA3 adds to the vocal presence and make vocals feel more forward plus bring out a bit more open soundstage. This IEM is a bit lacking in mids, due to its v-shape. In fact, I find that KA3 actually elevates T3 Plus. Unlike A700, I have no issue with T3 Plus with KA3. My main purpose of getting KA3 is to use it with IEM. ![]() Good bass, some vocal presence, and open/airy/sparkly treble. On my other headphones (Sundara and HD560S), KA3 sounds very good. I suspect potentially same issue on those negative KA3 reviews. There is definitely poor pairing in this case. There are some online reviewers that disliked KA3. I had to try it multiple times with other sources and swapping headphones to make sure there is no issue with either KA3 or ATH-A700. Cymbals sound bright, metallic, harsh, and very abrasive. When A700 is paired with KA3, it was not pleasant. Treble is not really noticeable and not bright. ![]() Until I listened to Audio Technica ATH-A700 with KA3.ĪTH-A700 is V-shaped. I often hear about pairing, but I didn't believe in pairing previously, because I never experienced any positive or negative pairing. And this adds to the soundstage openness. Mid: Vocals is more forward and has more presence than other DAC/Amps.I don't hear much difference in the bass using KA3 vs other DAC/Amp. Some enhancements to mid presence and treble. On iPad, also no problem with power on the same headphones/IEMs.(Note: This is using Hiby music app using USB direct mode, which is louder than Android's built-in USB output.) And definitely no issue with Tin HiFi T3 Plus. HD560S has 120 ohm impedance, which is highest impedance headphones I have, but HD560S is quite sensitive. On Samsung S20FE, at 40% volume, I can drive to loud volume on Sundara.Power: I have no issue on power, even with low gain and using single-ended connection.Plus, on my desktop DAC (SMSL SU-8S), I'm using same or similar Linear phase filter. I chose Sharp Roll-Off Filter as that is the default. I cannot hear any differences in the various filters. KA3 settings: Low impedance mode, Low gain, Sharp Roll-Off Filter, Single-ended. When compared to my desktop setup, I used 192 kHz. When compared to Apple USB-C, I used 48 kHz sampling rate, as that is max Apple dongle supports. Music Source: MP3 ripped from CD (44.1 kHz, 160-230 kbps)Īndroid: Hiby Music App in direct USB mode, because Apple USB-C dongle has low volume in Android USB output. Tin HiFi T3 Plus, Hifiman Sundara, Sennheiser HD560S, Audio Technica ATH-A700.iPad Pro 12.9" 2018 + KA3 / Apple USB-C dongle / Stouchi dongle.Samsung S20 FE + KA3 / Apple USB-C dongle / Stouchi dongle (cheap dongle from Amazon).Source side setups, for KA3 and others for comparison:
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