FiiO's K9 Pro ESS builds further on its K7 sibling, offering more connectivity options alongside dual ES9038 Pro DACs and dual THX AAA 788+ amp technology.

The K9 Pro ESS will handle numerous codecs, including aptX HD and LDAC, thanks to Bluetooth 5.0, and will decode audio files up to 384kHz 32Bit PCM/DSD256 with support for full 8x unfold of MQA.

Input options include RCA, Coaxial, Optical, USB-B, USB-C, and balanced 4.4mm. Meanwhile, head-fi fans will appreciate the 6.35mm single-ended, 4.4mm balanced, and 4-pin balanced XLR headphone connections. Additionally, external devices can join the party via RCA and balanced 3-pin XLR stereo outputs.

Ensuring that not only abundant headphone connectivity is provided, the dual THX AAA788+ amplification promises to "effortlessly power" headphones with a wide impedance range of 16 - 600Ω. ​ You are also offered, Low, Medium and High hardware gain level adjustment on the front panel, allowing you to easily adjust the K9 Pro ESS for headphones of various impedances and sensitivities.

Of course, giving the FiiO K9 Pro ESS its name is the dual high-performance ES9038 Pro DACs — one for each audio channel. This is backed up by the dual-clock management of its XMOS XUF208 decoding chip. Combined, this partnership "ensures incredibly accurate handling of all digital audio files, up to 32Bit 384kHz PCM / DSD256".

We are told that FiiO has designed the PCB of the K9 Pro ESS with a partitioned layout. Here, the power supply is kept away from audio signals. Furthermore, analogue and digital audio are also separated. This is said to ensure the integrity of the signals being processed. Additionally, throughout its balanced six-stage audio circuit, audio signals from the left and right channels are processed separately by the K9 Pro ESS, reducing crosstalk.

Finally, for those with limited desktop space, the FiiO K9 Pro ESS comes with a stand allowing it to be stood vertically.

The FiiO K9 Pro ESS is available now, priced at £699.

Visit FiiO for more information