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The first detail that should be noticed about the Helm Bolt DAC is that it’s one of the only dongles out there with THX certification and it belongs to a category composed of only a small handful of dongles that can make that claim.
The USB version, which is reviewed here, comes with a USB type C to A adapter and is compatible with Android, Windows and Mac OS. We’ve seen a few joint ventures between FiiO and Jade audio lately and this time around we have another dongle DAC for scrutiny similar to the recent KA3. Downscaling the KA3 concept has turned up the KA1 and although there are similarities many differences abound.The Helm Audio Bolt DAC has the more common shell and cable design. All three dongles in this comparison have attached cables and it seems the Bolt has the more robust cable and the strongest in textile strength second to or equal to perhaps the Rhodium. Like the iBasso DC03Pro / DC04Pro, and the HiBy FC4, and unlike every other USB-DAC – there are now volume controls on the KA5 allowing you to handle that aspect, directly from the device. The unit also lets you modify lots of settings straight from the device. What’s more, the app also allows fine-tuning such as balance, volume, or digital filters. (not for iOS) FiiO was a little late to the USB DAC/amp dongle party but now they are doing their best to catch up as fast as they can. It should be noted that I have absolutely no affiliation with Jade Audio or FiiO. I’d like to thank Jade Audio for providing the sample for this review. This review reflects my personal experience with Jade Audio Ka1 Dongle DAC / AMP. Every opinion expressed is mine and I stand by it. The purpose of this review is to help those interested in Jade Audio KA1 Dongle DAC AMP find their next music companion.
Now, we have different DAC but from the same company, the HD V use dual ES9219C DAC and deliver more than 2 times higher power output with it’s 95mw@32ohm. Tonality wise, it’s more neutral with no notable boost in any region, here KA1 feel to have slight mid bass and upper treble boost, so we can say HD V is less bright and more organic in cohesion. The KA2 portrays a somewhat punchy character but the bass response is tilted neutral and seems clinical and is absent of bloom and sometimes uncharacteristic. Now I tend to do most of my listening from my Samsung Galaxy Note 8 and occasionally from my Sony Walkman WM-A55. Nearly all my listening is now done using bluetooth headphones. I do however have the Sennheiser HD598SE, iBasso IT00 and Ultimate Ears Triple Fi 10’s for wired listening.Precision and accuracy, while less holographic and more treble focus with the KA1, is slightly superior yet this does translate in a slightly more clinical and restrain in dynamic weight presentation, still, it improve spatial deepness and sens of air too. Here, HD V is hint wider but notably taller.
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