#donglemadness 

My pleasure

Hey thanks Mate. Cheers! and enjoy the music! 🍻

Thanks!

Glad to hear that and thanks so much for the support!

My pleasure. And you are absolutely right, JM10 does appear warmer sounding with overall timbre, and the DAWN a bit more edgy bright (crisper) than KA11. Which makes KA11 something of a dongle to bridge the gap between those two. And of course, the only thing that matters is what you hear, what pleases you the most and having options to switch depending on the moods. 🤘🙏

JA11 is geared for more options with MIC and also a bit more, but it may be not as powerful as KA11

​@@donglemadnessit isn't, Mr Andy.

​@@donglemadnessIt has also peq integrated, a very interesting feature

Thanks again!

Gracias, sí, de hecho, KA11 irá bien con KZ ZS10

Impressive right? 😁😁

No worries, my pleasure! 🙏

My pleasure. Enjoy your music!

My pleasure, and thanks!

Thanks. Just to give you a bit of perspective, aside from absolute supremacy with power versus ODO, KA11 would also appear less bright than ODO. ODO has a bit of that brightness due to being analytical with the upper frequency (so you may need to EQ down witt Treble on ODO). KA11 on the other hand would probably not need to EQ

Thanks, ODO actually a bit more resolving with micro details but also brighter and less analog. KA11 of course seemingly double the power of what ODO capable of

@@donglemadness then the two are going to the wish list. Thanks Andy

leeeegs goooo

My pleasure, the tricky thing about this filters, they don't always work and when they do, it depends on how receptive the connected IEMs or headphones are to filters, something which you need to try because the results can vary from one device to another

@@donglemadness Thanks for the response. I hope I will find the suitable one after 500 tries :)

I did mention a few times, normally I use my Tanchjim ZERO 32 Ohm on 4.4mm BAL cable (a recabled Tanchjim ZERO). But I have also used any other IEMs that offers 32 Ohm of impedance or sensitivity lower than 98 dB (something like Etymotic ER2XR on 4.4mm BAL). When there is no 4.4mm BAL, I will of course use the same IEMs with 3.5mm cable or adapter

Yes already working on it. Thanks

Thanks!. You could blow the drivers if they are super sensitive or low impedance. Be careful!

No worries. I don't have the means to measure power numbers, so I only depend on what the manufacturer publishes on the spec sheets. On my own end, the most practical way to test power is to spend time listening to them with different headphones and IEMs and observe how the published numbers pit against the actual results, that's the essence of #donglemadness

@@donglemadness i see, thank you!

KA11 offers better resolved dynamics vs JM6Pro

Have you tried playing with filters? I found the default one to be terrible, but the non oversampling one is perfect for me.

@@krzysztofobodzinski2529 i'm not sure. i've tried all the filters they seem doesn't do much. last i was on min phase slow roll off. it's the combination of fiio's tuning and cs43131, the sound signature was expected.

VE ODO at just $5

For the full comprehensive table, I am still working on it. The link in the description is just a summary overview. With over 170 dongles it will take a while for me to complete the spreadsheet like what I did on the IEMs list

Yes it can, you connect the KA11 using 3.5mm interconnect to the AUX and you get to enjoy your Tidal streaming on your car speakers. How good is it? It depends on what you comparing it to, if your car system is Harman Kardon or Bowers & Wilkin of course KA11 can't compete with those, but I guess it is better than most stock car systems

My Audi has stock hifi set up... Its decent enough for my 1-2 hour commutes (each way)... So audio enjoyment is pretty much critical (and a tumbler of coffee)... hoping the KA11 will enhance the experience. Will purchase and report back my experience 😊

😂😂😂☕

and pop corn :D

You are happy and that's what matters the most

@@donglemadness hahahaha 😂

Thanks. My only experience with DT880 was the 600 Ohm version which I used to tests dongles. The biggest issue with these DT series they come only in SE termination of 6.3mm and 3.5mm, so if you run them on any dongles that have 4.4mm BAL, and use only the 3.5mm side, you are getting only 50% of the power they are capable of (please watch my video on this 4.4mm BAL topic). So, if you want to use DT series with dongles, you would fare better with either HIBY FC6, Questyle M12i or FiiO KA11 or Ovidius B1 all of which are dedicated 3.5mm SE dongles with amazing driving capabilities tested with headphones more demanding than 250 Ohm DT250. Dongles like DC04Pro or KA13 will only be most applicable for headphones which can run 4.4mm BAL

@@donglemadness Thanks, but the Ibasso Dc04 pro can produce 108 dB on these headphones. I will check that video to see the difference in power but even with the SE output, these dongles that I listed can produce close to 110dB. The KA11 is only a bit higher in max decibel output capacity acc to my calculations. My question is that 1. Is 108-110dB loud enough? 2. Does 1dB or more difference make a huge difference in this loudness range? 3. Do I need more power or loudness capacity for EQ purposes?

If enough what you looking for yes, but I don't recommend these dongles for what they offer on 3.5mm SE, I recommend them for what they can do on the 4.4mm BAL side. Their 3.5mm SE is suited best for highly efficient IEMs. It is like buying a car that can do 4 wheel drive but you choose to use only 2WD for situations what fare better with 4WD

@@donglemadness Yes I agree. Unfortunately the DT 880 does not come with a detachable cable so that is why I am in this dilemma. Is there a significant difference in overall sound quality of dc04 pro and KA13 or just a subtle difference. I saw that dc04 pro was higher up in your Dongle tier list. Also the KA11 is not in your list so it can be updated. Thanks once again.

Yes, DC04Pro to me is a better tuned dongle, wide open airy sound and a little better with dynamic articulation

Yes I did, #donglemadness practically with the first CX31993 when it first appeared unbranded 3 years ago, I was the one that made that dongle so popular to a point that all budget dongles after that were build on CX31993 until today

Kiwi Ears Allegro is more powerful and denser/richer sounding, and more analog too. In short, Allegro is warmer sounding than KA11 and smoother

@@donglemadness thank you Mr. Andy, You're the Man ❤️

I haven't tried Tempotec Sonata BHD so I have no idea how it would compare to KA11

I ma in the process of getting T10

Meze would be a funny review because it comes with a little dongle dac,and knowing this,we got another Messenger type of dongle dac.

Yes it does, KA11 just like many well tuned CS43131 dongles offer relatively uncolored output

@@donglemadness Thanks Andy! 👍🏻

lol, you get the idea

Ironically, that's maybe why i think i actually prefer relatively lower powered dongle as simple IEM user? The strong power output seems irrelevant to me or sometimes may even be detrimental as it can actually affect sound signature the same way cables or impedance adapter does the same due to impedance curve swing of IEM esp hybrids with BAs 4/100 to 8/100 max via computer is personally not my ideal way to fine tune the ideal volume as well. The minimum starting point is too large swing into the power input. It might sound strong and 'interesting' but i suspect it not as neutral or transparent as those that output lower power per impedance and therefore less impedance curve swing which can affect sound signature It really helps to at least have independent volume control of maybe 60 to 100 steps, so its not dependent on phone apps and can also be used via Android or Mac, and gives headroom for minimum starting point and for the huge power output swing to be controlled better, otherwise i believe it becomes detrimental for simple IEM user?

The cost of living in KL is more or less the same to Penang or JB, the three of them considered as major cities. Not sure about KLCC, but you can easily demo IEMs and headphones at Stars Picker and Red Ape in Selangor (same region as KL)

@@donglemadness thanks for the input, i will keep it in mind 😌

I wish I can help, unfortunately I haven't tried neither Mirai X nor Pilgrim, so I have no idea really

Huge difference? not really. The main differences starts with the tuning. MP145 is a traditional V sound curve with prominent emphasis on Lows and Highs, a bit more transient speed and energy, QTX is tuned to edge closer to neutral target, would appear flatter sounding than the colored MP145, QTX is also more transparent like a monitoring headphone. QTX also offers less energy to the PRAT (dynamic transients) but it is still very fast and agile. I love both equally really, when I want that immersive vibrant sound that is smooth and crispy and airy, I use MP145. When I am in the mood for something more relaxed yet resolving, something more transparent, QTX is what I use. Hope this helps

@@donglemadness Thank you so much

For as long as it connects properly and you can use it, I don't think the adapter would impart any quality change to the output

Thanks.

JM39 not yet

KA11 has more power and better tuned and UA1s

If I want warm super smooth sound, iFi GO Link is what I want, if I want more resolution and details, KA11 is the one to go for, also KA11 has a LOT more power. Two different dongles for different preferences

@@donglemadness its clear now. Thanks for that. I have combo packs in front of me. which are Fiio JT1+ KA11=$98 AND Fiio JT1 + IFI Go LINK =$ 111.

Not really, unless it touches your skin directly for 1-2 hours then you will get uncomfortable. Class A amps generate more heat and is still pocketable (DACPort HD or Apogee Groove)

@@donglemadness thank you

KA13 offers more natural timbre

ODO is more holographic, more suited for gaming

Sorry I don't have a Penon dongle to compare

It is still limited by Android SRC even after you set the volume in FiiO app, so it makes no difference unless it offers true independent volume adjustment of hardcoded volume adjustment like Ovidius B1 which allows for fine steps even with Android SRC is active

KA11 actually has smoother transient than 71 which is focused more on being crispy edged. And it is not overly analytical

​@@donglemadnessno, i mean in comparison with the natural akm smoothness across all frequencies?

Outright loudness is KA13 on 4.4mm BAL and sound quality about similar

I measured the 3.5mm side and the dimension is 44mm long with 8mm diameter

@@donglemadness Thank you! That was the only thing stopping me from buying the KA11 but now that I know, I'll be sure to buy it. Unless you know of a similar DAC\AMP dongle without a box (so for example, the HIBY FC6 won't do) you can recommend like Venture ODO \ Moondrop Click \ JCally \ MEIZU Lifeme. I saw the rank list, but since there's no picture, I don't really know which could fit the style I want like those I mentioned. Also, Since you don't have a special rank system, which ones were you most impressed with out of every similar dongle in the 4 stars and up categories? And finally, a suggestion. You should add some extra pointers to the tables like ones you were impressed with, expensive \ cheap (or just the price at the time you check it), form factor, style or any others you can think about.

For the smallest form factor now I like VE ODO the most, it is highly resolving and synergize well with many IEMs especially. But it can also a bit brighter if you connect it to an already bright sounding IEMs. Otherwise KA11 is a surefire choice which is actually shorter in length to ODO overall (just that the 3.5mm barrel is longer). Also, if you want even more compact form factor, the Hidizs SD2 is one very solid option

@@donglemadness Thanks for the reply. The total length is not that important as I can just wrap it around my fingers and put it in the case. I saw the SD2, wasn't a fan of the design. What do you think about the DDHIFI dongles? They're solid and really compact but haven't saw any review on them on your channel

@@donglemadness Thanks for everything. Decided on the VE ODO (cost me 7.5$) and the FIIO JA11 (cost me 11$) just for a comparison sake. Since I have the IFI GO BLU, which you can also use it as a dongle (as well as a wireless DAC & AMP combo), I realized I don't really have a need for a dongle with high driving force and just keeping it simple (for when I just wanna plug my IEMs \ HPs to my phone and be done with it).

No worries, the warmth is still there, but it does not cause for worry too much especially if you are not driving the dongle at high volume with heavy load. But even so it will still be warmer than other ultra compact dongles, part of a trade off with getting more power inside in such a small form factor

@@donglemadness thanks for the answer.I buyed moon drop dawn pro because of the reviews talk about of the heat..I don't know if its to much worse...but the form factory really it's... Thanks and salute! Pd: sorry again for my terrible English!😅

Miles ahead of Apple dongle

May I suggest that you watch my review on KA13? the comparison section does cover on this topic and hopefully will help you to make a decision

@@donglemadness You can't tell which one will be best.

KA5 and KA13 tuned similarly with the sound, technically and quality wise. What you need to decide now, the features beside sound which KA5 has a bit more than KA13. That's why I recommend you watch the video, so that you can get the idea the strength and offerings of each dongles. It is not always about which one the best, it is all about fulfilling your needs based on your requirements and preferences

You can still use it without USB exclusive mode, should not be an issue and still have enough power still

@@donglemadness since i cant fully maximize the power of k11, i would stick to my jcally jm6 pro. Btw thanks sir Andy.

🙃😂

Someone with iPhone should test this