Fosi Audio K7 Gaming DAC & Headphone Amplifier Review
Summary: Fosi Audio have built an fantastic DAC/headphone amp that is easy to use, versatile, and well priced.
4
Well built!
When it comes to DACs (Digital-to-Analogue Converter) there are dozens of options available these days. When it comes to DACs that are directly compatible with consoles, however, there’s less choice.
Enter Fosi Audio, makers of high-end audio equipment, with a vast range of amplifiers, preamps, and DACs. The K7 is their latest entry into the space, a combination DAC and headphone amplifier specifically designed with gaming in mind.
The first thing I noticed about the K7, is its build quality. It’s very solid feeling. Constructed from aluminium, and weighing in at 530g, there’s a surprising amount of heft to it for such a small device. Each of the five face buttons has a very tactile and satisfying feel to them, and the two, large rotary knobs have a smooth action, with a slight amount of resistance at set intervals. Anyone who prefers physical controls over digital equivalents is going to love how this thing feels to use.
Input can be received from a variety of different sources, Bluetooth, coaxial, optical, and USB-C. Output also has several options, with RCA, 3.5mm, and 4.4mm headphone jacks. A 3.5mm microphone input is also present on the front of the K7. Each control is clearly marked, though most can handle multiple functions, that aren’t necessarily immediately obvious, thumbing through the manual is advised before starting to make sure nothing is being overlooked.
Front and centre there’s a 1.5” (3.81cm) LCD display in striking orange that clearly informs the user of any changes and what the current settings are. 1.5” sounds small for a display, and it is, however, it I never found it to be an issue. It’s clear and displays information in a way that is easy to digest, even at a few feet away while sitting on a couch.
As mentioned before, the K7 is specifically designed with gaming in mind, and works with PC, as well as PS5 (including Pro) and Switch consoles. I performed most of my testing on PS5, and the setup was incredibly easy. Plug the K7 into power and your console via the included USB-C cable and use the mode button to set it to USB input mode, and you’re ready to go. Connecting to a PC is just as easy, though does require a quick driver install before use.
Immediately the boost in volume was noticeable. I was using a pair of inexpensive Sony MDR-V150 wired headphones, and the difference when plugged into the K7 versus directly into a Dual Sense controller was striking. I’m not an audiophile by any means, but I was impressed by the improvements made to the sound. A quick press of the left rotary knob switches between high and low gain modes, which effectively sets a maximum volume limit. Things can be further tweaked with an onboard EQ. It isn’t extensive, with just bass and treble controls, but it’s better than nothing. These effects can also be temporarily disabled at the touch of a button if desired.
The RCA outputs allow for connectivity to a set of powered speakers, or unpowered in conjunction with a preamp. Switching between the RCA output and headphones is done by simply pressing the output button on the unit. It works exactly as you’d expect, toggling between the two. It’s a nice option if you want to connect to some higher-quality speakers without having to go through the hassle of passing everything through to a hi-fi system of some description.
Using a mic with the K7 is also a seamless experience. A splitter for dual mic/headphone jacks is included in the box should it be required. Simply plug a mic into the front and you’re good to go. Mic gain can be adjusted, as well as muted directly from the unit, handy if your mic doesn’t have inline controls.
All of this is powered by what Fosi Audio calls an ‘Audiophile-grade Chipset’, I don’t know enough about the components within to determine whether that’s an accurate statement or not, but I was impressed with the results, nonetheless. Their website has a full list of specifications for each component and thoroughly documents everything technical about the unit.
Final Thoughts?
Fosi Audio has no doubt made a great product in the K7. It’s simple to use and versatile, modestly priced, and both the build quality and audio quality are exceptional.
It isn’t perfect, however. The included cables feel a little on the cheap side, the USB-C more than the power cable. It’s not a deal breaker by any means, but I’ve come to expect at least a braided cable at this price point.
Bluetooth only being an input mode (as far as I can tell) is disappointing and relegates the K7 to a desktop device unless you want a cable trailing across the room. If you game at a desk though, or just want a decent, high-quality, and relatively inexpensive DAC/headphone amplifier, you can’t really go wrong with the Fosi Audio K7.
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