FiiO DK1 Pro Review – Multifunction Expansion Dock
I love using my phone as a music player, attached to a dongle DAC. As dongle DACs are getting better and better with new models I don’t find it very logical to spend high prices on DAPs like in the old days. Also, phones are much faster and smarter (off-screen gestures, etc.).
Lately, I was in need of a docking station on which I can place my phone for easier use and have the ability to charge it while still using a dongle DAC attached. There are some adapters online for this purpose, but FiiO’s latest DK1 Pro comes with an additional data port, and it’s a first on the market as far as I know. So you have 3 USB-C ports on the back, one for power/charging and two data ports for connecting your USB DAC and/or an additional USB-powered stick or data storage.
The DK1 Pro is not specifically designed for charging, but merely a multifunctional expansion dock for Android devices. In addition, due to the different Type-C protocols of Android devices, the DK1 Pro, as an accessory, might not achieve universal compatibility. My OnePlus 9 is compatible though, for my luck. I can assume many Chinese phone brands won’t have any problems but you can’t %100 sure without trying. If your phone works fine with the USB dongles, it will probably also be compatible with the DK1 Pro.
If the device cannot be charged while in use, it is suggested to toggle the Charge switch to OFF to prioritize the USB Audio function. To use the DK1 in dock only mode.
If your phone won’t charge at first with the DK1 Pro, try to remove the phone case to ensure that the phone is fully inserted into the dock. It happened to me my phone.
When a power adapter supporting PD fast charging is used, most compatible phones or music players can be fast charged too, but some devices may not be compatible, again, because of the different Type-C protocols that brands are using.
The curved aluminum alloy “backrest” design is not only stable and durable but is also designed to make using it comfortable. The angle-adjustable base makes it easier to plug and unplug the device, while the non-slip silicone pads on the backrest and the base ensure your device stably remains on the dock and prevent accidental wear and tear. And the DK1 Pro looks good in matte black color IMO.
Charging + USB Audio
The DK1 Pro allows your device to use USB Audio output while charging, solving the issue of not being able to listen to music on smartphones and portable music players while being charged. The dock also contains a charging switch for greater compatibility with various devices. For some devices, if it cannot output USB Audio while charging, flip the Charge switch to OFF. This is compatibility mode.
USB Audio + USB flash drive/portable drive
You can connect an FiiO M series DAP or smartphone through one of the DK1 Pro’s rear connectors to a K series or Q series audio decoder, and through the other rear connector to a USB flash drive/portable drive. This allows the M series player or smartphone to not only read data from the USB flash drive/portable drive but also allow for USB Audio.
Price: $29.99