FiiO New K3 (2021 Version) ES9038Q2M Hi-Res USB-C DAC & Headphone Amplifier

Product Details Page Description

Overview

The FiiO New K3 is a next-generation portable desktop DAC and headphone amplifier, rebuilt from the ground up with a major internal upgrade. Replacing the original AKM chip, the New K3 is now powered by the high-performance ES9038Q2M DAC chip, delivering noticeably improved clarity, lower distortion, and a more resolving, modern sound signature.

Designed for both music enthusiasts and professionals, the New K3 serves as a complete audio hub for your computer — upgrading your headphone listening experience while also functioning as a USB-to-digital interface for external speakers or DACs.

Key Specifications

| Output Power | 3.5mm SE | 120mW (32Ω) |
| | 2.5mm Balanced | 200mW (32Ω) |

| Performance | SNR (SE) | ≥121dB |
| | SNR (Balanced) | ≥120dB |
| | THD+N | ≤0.002% |
| | Impedance Range | 16–150Ω |

| Physical | Dimensions | 70 × 58 × 22 mm |
| | Weight | 82g (unit only) |
| | Colors | Black, Titanium |

Key Features

1. True Hardware Upgrade – ES9038Q2M Inside

The biggest change from the original K3 is the new ES9038Q2M DAC chip. Compared to the previous AKM-based version, the New K3 offers:

• Higher SNR and lower distortion

• Greater detail retrieval and instrument separation

• A clean, neutral, and highly analytical sound signature

2. Balanced 2.5mm Output – More Power, Less Noise

With a 2.5mm balanced headphone output delivering up to 200mW at 32Ω, the New K3 easily drives most IEMs and many full-sized headphones (up to 150Ω). Balanced output also reduces channel crosstalk and improves soundstage width.

3. Physical Hardware Switches

No software needed for basic sound adjustments. The front panel features:

• Bass Boost Switch – Adds a subtle low-end shelf for more fun and impactful listening

• Gain Switch (Low/High) – Optimizes output for sensitive IEMs or harder-to-drive headphones

4. RGB Sampling Rate Indicator

The volume knob is surrounded by an RGB LED ring that changes color based on the current audio sampling rate:

• Blue: 48kHz and below

• Yellow: above 48kHz

• Green: DSD mode

• Red: MQA/UAC 1.0 mode

5. Dual USB Modes – Versatile Compatibility

• UAC 2.0 Mode (default): High-performance mode for PC/Mac/Linux, supports full PCM/DSD decoding

• UAC 1.0 Mode (switchable): Plug-and-play compatible with PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch, and other game consoles

6. Works as a USB Digital Interface

The rear digital outputs (optical and coaxial) allow you to bypass the internal DAC and connect the New K3 to an external DAC, soundbar, or home theater receiver — making it a low-jitter USB-to-S/PDIF converter.

What's in the Box

• FiiO New K3 (2021 Version) ×1

System Requirements

Specification Summary

• Dimensions: 70 × 58 × 22 mm

• Weight: 82g (main unit only)

• Frequency Response: 20Hz – 40kHz (±0.1dB)

• Output Impedance: <1.5Ω (SE), <3Ω (Balanced)

• Power Supply: USB bus-powered (no external power adapter needed)

Perfect For

• Laptop/desktop users seeking a major audio upgrade over onboard sound

• IEM enthusiasts looking for a clean, noise-free background and balanced output

• Headphone users with low-to-medium impedance cans (up to 150Ω)

• Gamers wanting lossless audio for PS4/PS5/Nintendo Switch (UAC 1.0 mode)

• Users who need a USB digital interface for external DACs/speakers