Product Comparison: Audioengine D1 vs Fiio K3

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Best Pick

Audioengine D1 24-Bit DAC

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Fiio K3 DSD256 | 384K/32Bit USB-C DAC

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General Specifications

Brand

Audioengine

Fiio

Model

Origin

China

About the Product

Audioengine D1 Premium 24-bit DAC (digital-to-analog converter) allows you to bypass your computer’s soundcard or headphone output and send audio through USB or optical.

K3 is a multi-function USB DAC for PC-HiFi. Being connected to a computer, it can work such as USB decoding, USB digital interface, audio decoding and amplification, etc

Key Specs

Built-in DAC

AKM4396

AKM AK4452

Type

Desktop

Portable

Sample Resolution/Rate

24-bit / 96kHz

32-bit / 384kHz

Signal/Noise Ratio

110 dB

113 dB

Audioengine D1

Fiio K3

What customers say about "Key Specs"

Audioengine D1 24-Bit DAC

I get hours and hours of fantastic audio experiences with this thing!
This DAC produces good sound. I've paired it with my favor Beyerdynamic 990 headphones and it works great.
A great improvement in sound distortion and increase in volume for a bargain price.
I am very happy with the sound with this device in my study.
This thing pops and crackles and not just on track changes.

Fiio K3 DSD256 | 384K/32Bit USB-C DAC

I got the K3 because I was looking for a good DAC/AMP unit around the $100 mark.
Its an awesome DAC/Amp that also works on your mobile devices if your USB adapter can power it.
This DAC and Amp is one of the most simple plug and play solutions I've used yet.
This DAC AMP is almost perfect. Almost because it MIGHT not have the power to drive power hungry headphones.
This product is more expensive and worse in all ways to the cheaper E10 if you just want a headphone DAC.

Size & Weight

Color

Black

Height

1 in.

0.9 in.

Width

3.75 in.

2.3 in.

Depth

3.5 in.

2.8 in.

Weight

15.87 oz.

2.9 oz.

Audioengine D1

Fiio K3

Audioengine D1

Fiio K3

Audioengine D1

Fiio K3

Audioengine D1

Fiio K3

What customers say about "Size & Weight"

Audioengine D1 24-Bit DAC

Fantastic sound for its size. I love the tiny design of it.
Bass was prominent in tracks featuring same. Otherwise, I quickly forgot I was listening through a device the size of a cigarette pack.
Size and look was perfect for me and produced a good sound.
Audioengine is also quiet portable - pocket size. The other devices looks big and heavy in comparison.
I was little disappointed by the size. It's bigger than expected.

Fiio K3 DSD256 | 384K/32Bit USB-C DAC

Balanced output, USB type-C (reliability & reversible), clean and neutral sound, small size and nice design.
Despite its small size and $100 sticker price, this relatively portable DAC combo provides decent power and passably clear sound quality.
Small size and simple to use. Awesome amp.
Right sized for my gear - high quality and great value.
It's definitely a good size for that, though I'm unsure it's a good value.

Features

Enclosure Material

Plastic

Aluminium

Max. Frequency Response

25 kHz

80 kHz

Min. Frequency Response

10 Hz

20 Hz

Controls

Volume Control

USB Audio, Bass, Gain, Volume Control

OS Compatibility

Apple OS, Linux, Microsoft Windows

Apple OS, Microsoft Windows, Linux

Wireless Connection

Interfaces

Phones, Analog Stereo RCA, USB, Optical Input

Optical Output, Line Out, Coaxial Output, USB Type-C, Balanced Out, Phones

Extras

LED Indicators, TI OPA2134 low noise opamp, Plug-and-play, Asynchronous dual clock

LED Indicators, ADC volume control, Two modes of USB audio, Versatility

Min. Frequency Response
Max. Frequency Response

Audioengine D1

Fiio K3

Audioengine D1

Fiio K3

What customers say about "Features"

Audioengine D1 24-Bit DAC

The construction is also very solid, I really like the design, the front of the DAC is very smooth and feels nice to the touch.
Build quality is terrific. Nice brushed aluminum body with high quality RCA and Optical connections on the back.
Been using for awhile and do enjoy the features and straight feed from computer to speakers through the USB.
My only complain is I wish they added a marker on the volume knob to show the position.
My only gripe is that the unit does not have an on/off switch. One must disconnect the usb cable from the computer or the dac to turn off the power.

Fiio K3 DSD256 | 384K/32Bit USB-C DAC

Sound quality is A+, setup is easy - you just plug it in and it works.
Love the USB-C connection, the new 2.5mm balanced out, the portability, and the sound is clear.
Everything sounds better through the Fiio than either my phone or the built-in audio on my computer.
The device goes to sleep when it's not actively streaming audio. As such, random "quick" audio events will get briefly cut off.
I always felt like the K3 is lacking on detail. The sound also feels less dynamic on the K3.

Warranty / Certifications

Manufacturer Warranty

3 year(s)

1 year(s)

Certifications