BUDGET, BALANCED, BETTER! - FiiO k7 Review

FiiO K7 Here - apos.audio/products/fiio-k7?_...
Topping DX3 Pro + - apos.audio/products/topping-d...
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[@Enigma1990ad]

Recently upgraded from the K5 and the balanced audio is a significant improvement. I can crank up the volume to almost unlistenable levels and there is no noise or distortion whereas the K5 unbalanced does start to develop a little noise the higher the volume. My FLAC tracks are sounding cleaner on the K7.

[@Anomalyn1]

True. I swear i heard distorsion on the K5 on high gain with Sundara

[@harisjaved1379]

My friend that has more to do with better amplifier, that is able to handle more power without distortion.

[@philipcooper8297]

Unless there is something wrong with the wire shielding of your single ended cable, you won't hear a difference between a single ended and a balanced cable. The balanced cable being more clean is only a theoretical possibility that does not occur in normal listening environments.

[@dex4sure361]

@@harisjaved1379 Balanced amplifiers are more powerful in general...

[@harisjaved1379]

@@dex4sure361 my friend if your preamps output signal is only 2v then it is no better than the same amp running in RCA at 2v even though your XLR amp has more pairs of amplification devices. The difference usually comes from the preamps output signal. The true benefit of a balanced amplifier circuit is better channel separation than a single end amp. But necessarily you might not always see an increase in power as it comes down to the circuit implementation

[@sudipchatterjee]

Thanks for the comparison with Topping DX3 Pro plus. I was looking for it. This K7 arrived here in India and was sold out within days, just like the Topping one. I think that both of these are fantastic value propositions! It is a good time to live for an audiophile!

[@ashu21]

Yup, fully sold out here. Don't wanna spring the extra bucks for the BT version, which is the only version in stock.

[@PRATIK1900]

Which of these 2 would pari better with the Sundara?

[@sudipchatterjee]

@@PRATIK1900 Both of these will pair well with Sundara. Go with either of these without hesitation! 🙌

[@TuPham-sk6gv]

@@sudipchatterjee How about the DT 770 pro 250 ohm version, which one is better?

[@sudipchatterjee]

@@TuPham-sk6gv With any Beyer headphones, my vote will be any DAC with an AKM chip. To my ears, the slightly warm tonality of AKM DACs handles the treble of Beyer headphones far better than ESS Sabre DACs. So, my choice in your case will be FiiO K7. If possible, buy the newer Bluetooth-enabled version of it, because it fixes the peculiarity of the volume knob.

[@Yxzjvc]

They just released a bluetooth version of the K7, so thats cool

[@__Pathfinder__]

I had the K5pro with AKM Chip and have now the DX3Pro+ with ESS Chip. Yes the K5/K7 with it's AKM chip has a warmer sounding and may be preferred if you listen alot to vocal music. The ESS chip sounds more sterile/neutral, but therefore gives a tiny bit more details. Much more important: K5/K7 are still in the stone age in terms of usabilty... DX3Pro+ has remote, memory function for every channel, the auto turn on/off standby function. Topping is just so much more in the 21st century. Therefore i would go for the DX3pro+. You can get it for ca 170 Bucks!

[@cowboyflipflopped]

Amazon has Youkamoo braided, balanced cables for less than $30. They're soft, look decent, and sound fantastic. The Y-connector barrel is unobtrusive, which puts it way ahead of Periapt in my opinion. Also, zero microphonics on either of my Youkamoo cables, but I have had problems with microphonics on Periapt cables in the past.

[@abhinandande]

Just Bought It Today. Following You From 2021. Bought Sundara On Dec 2021 Based On Your Recommandation. Now The K7 This Year. Now Planning An Upgrade To Meze 109 Pro!!

[@IanMak3103]

Thanks for the informative review. I heard the new BT version came out for the K7 and some people have found the volume knob became more linear for adjustment. Have you had a chance to try out the K7 BT? I wonder what are your thoughts between the FiiO K7 BT vs Topping DX3 Pro+ now?

[@coopscooper6644]

Went and purchased the K7 based on this. Upgrading from a gen 1 Modi/Magni stack. Pairing it with the DT1990s. I can say this is a great little unit. I do have the Dekoni Leather pads on and the bass it just right. Very nice set up now. Thank you for the review.

[@jayden_2954]

How is it? I haven’t ever purchased an amp or Dac but I have the same headphones as you and need both for my PC. Been looking at this, topping dx3 pro plus, magni/midi or hel 2 and I need some advice if that’s okay?

[@coopscooper6644]

@@jayden_2954 So I had the Magni/Modi setup then went to the ARC 2 which was quite good. But the K7 is by far the best for the price. Totally worth it in my option.

[@carlosraul6578]

@@coopscooper6644 for you which setup is better? Magni/Modi or The K7 ?

[@coopscooper6644]

@@carlosraul6578 For me, I am loving the K7, It is all in one unit. The sound is a lot better, at least to my ears. I won't be swapping any time soon. I would totally recommend the K7.

[@electricant55]

I literally ordered the k7 an hour ago, what a trip

[@Kelbyj02]

Great videos! Do you have a playlist or list of songs you like to specifically listen to that tests all the ranges and frequencies when you are testing? Trying to find new songs to get the most out of my equipment. Like the Tron legacy soundtrack is literally amazing

[@DKH83]

Great review as you provide all the important details for me to sit on it.

[@oAcunAo]

Thanks for the preview, Joshua! I just replaced the K5 with the K7 and I am blown away by the sound performance. I always thought that the amplifier has little or no influence on the sound. The sound is now much more spacious and also more detailed than before. Thanks to your report I have changed and I do not regret it. By the way, I use the Hifiman Edition XS as headphones. A perfect combination. Greetings from Austria!

[@chrisasmith75]

This is good to know! I am want to upgrade to the k7. Do you have the k5 or the k5 pro?

[@oAcunAo]

@@chrisasmith75 I had the k5 pro (without ESS)

[@chrisasmith75]

@HUe1987 Wow it's really that different? What headphones are you using

[@oAcunAo]

@@chrisasmith75 Yes, I wouldn't have thought that at first either. I always thought that the amplifier had little influence on the sound. It sounds like the sound is more structured and spacious now. You can locate the instruments and sounds better now. Among other things, I notice this now in FPS games like CSGO. I use the Hifiman Edition XS.

[@chrisasmith75]

@HUe1987 Cool. I have the sennhieser hd560s but my next cans are the hifiman xs.

[@Prism_JTN]

I'm early today lol! I loved my K5 Pro. Solid amp and very good dac. The K7 seems like a worthy upgrade for sure.

[@alexlazenby]

what a time to be into audio as a newbie (or budget audiophile penny pincher like me). Personally have the Topping dx3 pro +. Anyone used is as a DAC to feed a slightly more powerful headphone amp. If so - what headphone amp did you feed it to?

[@HammadIqbalPhoto]

I'm replacing my Dx3pro+ with the K7 because I like the way Fiio sound on the M11plus compared to the DX3pro+.

[@devilevil86]

Topping and smsl dac/amps sounds all sterile,cold, analytic and neutral. Fiio gave some character to the K7 and for that price it's a steal.

[@MrJabinho]

What headphones you used in the test ? Just asking to understand your bass comments.

[@masterxyr]

got a K5 then a THX 887. We're being spoilt with great affordable stuff! Am now saving for something special. Great heads up for the Tenet OST! Sweet.` gonna watch again!!

[@Nordraw]

For 199? It’s a no brainer between the K 5 and the K 7. But if you have the money just get the K9 and be done with Dac/amps for a long time

[@discodraugr5233]

I just received mine as my first dac Amp to pair with some DT 1990 's. Perfect timing. I've been hoping someone would make a good video about it. 😎

[@jerrytweak]

How do you like the K7 paired with your 1990s? I have 1990s on the way and am leaning towards the K7 as I don’t want to spend more than $200.

[@discodraugr5233]

@@jerrytweak I don't know yet. Haven't had a chance to set it up. I'll let you know here soon! 😎

[@masterxyr]

@Joshuavalour. rot in hell bot

[@discodraugr5233]

@@jerrytweak I finally got everything set up. It's absolutely fantastic. Amazing sound quality. I couldn't be happier.

[@tuckertech]

@@discodraugr5233id you have to get different cables for the DT1990’s to get the balanced sound?

[@nicoeggert2527]

Hey nice video! Im new to the audioscene and I have a question. Why cant I control the volume with the knob over the line-out when I have my desktop speakers plugged in. Input=usb (or line in, it doesnt make a difference), Output=line out

[@dex4sure361]

Definitely noticeable improvement over K5 Pro when running balanced (using HD 650s).

[@ukaszgornicki465]

Hello @Joshua I have watched few your videos and I absolutely love it keep up the good work, I have question I am about to buy 1st DAC/AMP to suport my IEMs (7HZ timeless or Kiwi quintet not sure which I’ll keep) and since I’m not rich guy I want to get the best possible performance in price range of K7, which would you pick for gaming (tarkov) k7, dx3pro or zen DAC v2 ?? Also if you could add your opinion on IEMs, I am looking for something with smooth bass and good middle tone oriented like 64Audio Trio for example but I’ll never have money to buy these 😢

[@AbhishekGhosh1]

Insane setup.

[@Desmond987]

Great, just when I ordered the k5 pro. Oh well I guess there ain't much difference in sound for my intended use since I dont consider myself an "audiophile".

[@milosCivejovidar]

As someone who tried the DX3 Pro + and had given up on it, and then bought the K7, I can say that K7 is levels above the DX3 Pro +. I don't know if I got the bad batch, but for me the Topping was the sound equivalent to staring at the sun - so much glare and fatigue from the overall sound signature, impossible to listen to more than 45 min. Fiio has better build quality, design, Topping volume control button is trash compared to the Fiio button (altough not perfect as mentioned in this video), Fiio has 6.35mm and 4.4mm connectors, compared to the fragile 3.5mm one. And for the 6xx headphones, I tested the 4.4mm balanced and there is zero need to buy the cable, just went back to the 6.35 mm unbalanced.

[@milosCivejovidar]

And one more plus, you can try different DAC's and DAP's with the K7 because it has a line in.

[@azuraligthfeilt]

Interesting. Topping does have a few bad press with qc (just look at their L30). The DX3P+ is supposed to have more glare than the K7, so it might be your unit

[@Xbox360mIRC]

Does this have more output than the Qudelix-5K when used as a USB dac to headphones? Because on the Fiio K5 and K7 I keep seeing 2 VRMS on the parameters pages for line out but much higher Vrms on other outputs. Can it work as a USB dac and amp at the same time higher output than the Qudelix-5K with more wiggle room for EQ and stuff? Sorry I don't know how any of this works :(

[@tuckertech]

I currently use the K5. I think I am going to upgrade to this k7.

[@dewanpretorius]

Would you still recommend the k7 over the k5 ess if the balanced is never going to be used? Thanks

[@mehmetsahin4130]

Hi! Currently, I drive my HD600 with MacBook Pro directly. Instead of using MacBook headphone jack, If I use fiio k7, will I have considerably better sound from my HD 600? Or difference will be just negligible? Thank you!

[@burghelvasile3313]

Hello. Would you recommend Fiio K7 as a desktop dac together with Marantz pm 6006 +Dali Oberon 3. I'm also looking at Cambridge magic 200m and Ifi zen one signature, but more expensive. Or you can give me a recommendation. Thank you.

[@Larkinzzz]

I currently use the FiiO K5 along with my Hifiman Sundara, DT 770 PRO (80 Ohm) and Edifier R1280T speakers. Something different with the FiiO K7 aside from the balanced output that you didn't talk about is the output selection, with the FiiO K5 I need to turn off my speakers when I'm using my headphones because they output simultaneously.

[@matiasmaidana5590]

Do you recommend me those edifier? I'm looking for a pair of budget speakers

[@Larkinzzz]

@@matiasmaidana5590 Yes they are amazing in my opinion, just make sure to use some high quality (thick) speaker wire instead of the thin speaker wire that comes with them.

[@matiasmaidana5590]

@@Larkinzzz great, can you explain why?

[@Larkinzzz]

@@matiasmaidana5590 I think they ship it with like 0.5mm or 1mm wire and I used like 3mm OFC wire instead which greatly increased the sound quality.

[@matiasmaidana5590]

@@Larkinzzz oh, nice. Thanks a lot!

[@thimayapanda8634]

Would the ATH r70x benifit from something like this?

[@carlosflup]

soundwise, this or E50 (around same price) ??

[@Andrew-pj9kb]

So, I just bought both the topping DX3 Pro+ and the FiiO k7, I A/B tested them both raw and equalized on my Focal Radiances. The result for me after a couple days of listening on both, the FiiO K7 added some needed warmth, but took away a bit of clarity. The K7's are also extremely lacking on features (like different memory on volume from multiple sources!!!!) The potentiometer wasn't a huge issue for me. In general, other than the added warmth, the DX3 pro+ was just better in almost every way, and supports linux/mac/windows machines (yes I have them all and tested on all). I would only recommend the K7 for someone that has a single audio source, no need for extended features, and who favours warmth over clarity.

[@stellar3327]

What do you listen to? Did you test classical music?

[@Andrew-pj9kb]

@@stellar3327 I did, I preferred the clarity of the dx3 pro

[@MieluPL]

@@Andrew-pj9kb Not specifying what headphones you were testing on kinda beats the purpose to be honest. If more clarity was always better, all DACs would follow. However, Toppings may feel overly sharp on headphones such as Sundara for example, and Fiio K7 or Zen Stack may just be what these headphones need.

[@JohnSmith-oe4bw]

Mielu is correct. It depends on the headphone synergy. I have both, as well. With an Arya Stealth (for example), the K7 wipes the floor with the DX3p+. The amp in the K7 has more muscle and fed with the right DAC, it can be perfect. Ive tried several combos, and fed by a Topping E50, and through the right Headphone (Arya Stealth), it can be endgame level. Did you try feeding the DX3p+ into the K7?

[@shashank6393]

Is it advisable to use it for IEMS like UM Mest mk2?

[@popop4044]

How does it sounds with Meze 109 Pro ? Saw it in the video ...

[@magnisd52]

Can this DAC play with Audeze LCD 2 Classic? At least show some decent sound, not speaking about 100% efficiency? Thank you for videos! Like

[@jingjing3538]

One recommendation. Always use the balanced output if you buy a good dac or dap. At first, I use the 6.35 mm one on my K7 and the 3.5mm output on my Fiio M11 Plus. I can't hear any difference compared to my iPhone or desktop. I almost return them and think my ear is not for it. And then I tried the balanced output, and the sound difference is magnificent. Technically, there should be not much difference, but as far as I know, many companies downgrade the 3.5mm unbalanced output on purpose.

[@NCC1701-D]

My dt880 have 6,35 unbalanced, is there any option to use them balanced?

[@mkunikow]

Hi, I have question is somebody knows is possibile to have such setup? PC -> DAC -> bluetooth -> (warless ) headphones?

[@Bedron]

Hello @JoshuaValour, I've got a question for you. Atm I am running Soundblasterx g6 and dt 990 pro 250 ohm, I'd love to upgrade. I have been hearing about THE absolute widest sound stage at sennheiser 800s ofcourse, but I'd love to hear your opinion since im not willing to give that kind of money for casual gaming. What would be your advice for me maybe, what would be an upgrade for dt 990 pro and this amp dac I got atm. Thanks.

[@JonathanDano]

I'm not Josh, but my reccomendation for an upgrade from the dt 990 pro 250 ohm would be to try something like the k7xx from drop. there have a pretty wide stage, but if you really like the beyerdynamic sound, you could just get the more the next step up from the 990s, which I think are the 900s or go for 1990s.

[@Napert]

was the ifi idsd nano bl a good buy for $100?

[@ImTheDudeMan471]

No. My first amp was a 1980 Carver MT-400. The rest was a Carver pre-amp, DCM Time Window tower speakers, NAD AM/FM Receiver, and a TEAC tape deck. I added a budget CD player in 1985.

[@AlexxxxxSaysHi]

Didn't ask.

[@xray111xxx]

Made sense this coming out. Not the K5 and not K9. The K7. I have the K5. All I need. Unless it is truly fully balanced and differential, do I care? Hmmm, nope. Also no balance in and out, kind of a what? Moment.

[@razorree]

Damn... now i have a problem, looking my first Amp for my first a bit better headphones - Sivga Oriole (currently I used my old Cyrus SoundKey) (I tried Robin and they had way too much bass) I like electronica, starting from 70,80,90 (Tangerine Dream, Jean Michelle-Jare) up to d'n'b, techno, trance but also ambient, instrumental (Mike Oldfield, Andreas Vollenweider) and some rock (Dire Straits, late Queen)

[@ArianTashakkor]

How would you rank the ZEN DAC V2 compared to the FiiO K7? I had initially compared the original k5 to the Zen Dac V2 and in terms of performance and sound, I only noticed minor differences. But how would you compare the K7 to the ZEN DAC V2? Is it worth upgrading from the V2 to the K7?

[@christopherdiaz5846]

Curious as well. I have the ifi zen dac v2 using the balanced output. The feature differences seems to be the bass boost button on the ifi, and the ability to switch between outputs on the Fiio.

[@ArianTashakkor]

@@christopherdiaz5846, I absolutely love the bass boost button on the ZEN DAC V2 and I'm currently using the v2 in combination with my Hifiman Ananda. However, unbalanced. Is it worth getting a balanced cable? How much of a difference is there compared to unbalanced do you think?

[@mpeters4731]

Unless you need the bass boost that the Zen Dac offers, there's pretty much no reason to get it over the K7. They're gonna sound more similar than different and the K7 blows the Zen Dac out of the water in terms of power (up to 4W per channel vs just 330mW on the Zen Dac).

[@ArianTashakkor]

@@mpeters4731 Very much true. I might consider upgrading from my Zen Dac v2 to the K7. Thanks for the reply!

[@chrisk3127]

it's going to be a slightly different sound, Fiio being a bit cleaner while the IFI is a bit warmer, from what I've seen of other people's thoughts they are more of a preference thing if you don't need the extra power but ymmv

[@javiermartinez8809]

Can a kind soul help a nooby out I just got the a90 topping but don’t know what cables I need to connected to my pc any suggestions thank you

[@mykeviper]

about the volume knob you mention is it really a common thing? I mean it is the same on my speaker

[@izumi2165]

the volume is probably tuned digitally, and digital volume works in a logarithmic way afaik, so it makes sense it'll jump like that

[@PRATIK1900]

Can anyone tell me if this (K7) would pari better with the Sundara, compared to the DX3 Pro+?

[@ccdani2]

I have smsl su9-n but don't have an amp I was running my headphones out of chord mojo and I won a KZbin giveaway , I am wondering if this would be better than buying a dedicated amp like smsl sh9 and pairing it with smsl su9n

[@AspectClip]

@Joshua - I have an Edition XS & FiiO K7. It is already loud enough - is it worth upgrading to a balanced cable?

[@dex4sure361]

Id say it is. More power doesnt just make it louder.

[@dtdcampbell]

Besides listen to music on my desktop I also play games like COD. What would you recommend more between the K7 & DX3 Pro+ with gaming in mind?

[@audie-cashstack-uk4881]

Soundblaster g6

[@skyltdockan]

Please do a blind test across the price range.,

[@CAIDMASTEROFPYRO]

First was fiio, not k5 though, first was a fiio e10, not the e10k just e10 got it about 13years ago still use it today

[@erik-rw7ft]

Is the k7 powerful enough to drive the hifiman arya stealth ?

[@juanjomtz4606]

Anyone here had this DAC Amp for more than a year? I read that some people had the K5 and K7 and the DAC chip died after a couple of months

[@BeMaC]

Is it any good with a meze 109 pro? :)

[@KurtKloetentreter]

I'm like 95% done with my current Soundblaster g6x and looking to upgrade. I only really picked it because it has decent enough hardware for gaming, and a microphone input. But the software is honestly so bad that I want to switch to a proper DAC / AMP now and have given up the search for a mic enable DAC/AMP. I've been eyeing the Topping DX5 lite lately, it's 150€ cheaper than the regular DX5 and is only missing MQA, but the XLR is single ended and I kind of want a balanced output, even tho I'm not sure I'd have any reason for it besides future proofing. Is there any point in balanced audio when my main focus is IEMs atm?

[@WeAreN1nja]

Keep the G6 in your setup for DSP/effecrs and virtual surround. Run the optical out of the G6 to your proper DAC/AMP.

[@andycrook6508]

I have the K7. It’s excellent. For the price it’s out of this world.

[@xkeeb]

How bad is the Volume Dial ramping up sound rather than a gradual transition that he mentioned? I'm trying to decide between this or the Topping D3 Pro+

[@andysutrisno9123]

K7 for the sound & power. have to turn around 1 o'clock and above to get adequate volume

[@teachonlywhatiseasy]

agree. better head amp section than the dx-5 and the only gripe is the device needs a weight to hold it on the table. my moondrop variations never sounded better. josh was never a good judge of the dac section but his ergonomics and tonality judgement is pretty good. i now see why fioo kept a preamp and included an analog input for a dac upgrade or perhaps a R2R option. this thing needs to be 300 USD to be fair.

[@andycrook6508]

@@xkeeb it takes time to get used to the fact that your listening at normal levels with the volume at 2 o’clock but I have no problem in getting the right volume. It’s still sensitive enough to get the required level.

[@richpryor9650]

@@xkeeb The dial is logarithmic instead of linear.

[@nonleggolerisposte5921]

Fiio k7 or ifi dac v2??

[@gzull90]

hello! is fiio k7 good dac for beyerdynamic dt 1990 pro? thx

[@clabbem74]

hi, Fiio k7 Its a natural sounding rig ? thx

[@srdeath117]

Josh, what streaming app do you use to listen to music?

[@RJ-vy4yd]

If you can get Qobuz for high-rez, if not get Deezer for lossless. Tidal is a MQA scam, Apple Music has a couple of dbs boosted tracks. Guess I don't need to comment on Spotify, KZbin Music etc. with their pathetic bitrate.

[@ibrahimsincap3705]

Should I go dor Fiio k7 or Topping DX3 Pro+? I have Sennheiser HD 600 and I'm new at hi-fi world. Any help would be appreciated.

[@vellfire1332]

I’m pretty new into the HI-FI world but after doing my research and reviews I will say the Fiio K7 will greatly match the hd600. Don’t get me wrong both are great dac/amps but if you’re not looking for Bluetooth and a remote Fiio K7 is your winner due to more power from the amp and dac technology combined. Plus it’s balanced even better, you got options for balanced compatible headphones, may have to get a balanced cable though. That’s my opinion👍

[@MrDLYouTube]

Do these have audio out for speakers too?

[@tekno47]

cant you just eq the dx3 to sound like the fiio for bass

[@rin6521]

They wont be including BT or a remote on the K7, that's the upgrade bait for the K9 Pro.

[@Rex00o]

Hi i just got the HD660S and was wondering if you had any recommendations for a amp would to spend around $200

[@jingjing3538]

Just buy this one and use the balanced output.

[@tuckertech]

What’s the name of the cable for the 6xx’s?

[@martyn_g]

If you have a HD660S2, you get the balanced cable in the box;)

[@cyclode9584]

i have fiio k3 and sundara using balanced 2.5mm trrs after using some gains and bass boost and putting tke knob at about 90% damn this liitle bad boy can drive this sundara so easily. now im using just about 40 to 50% volume in windows but still i want to upgrade to k7 or zen dac v2 but the k7 has no bass boost wanna try it first in store before i make decision

[@JohnSmith-oe4bw]

The Bass Boost is cool and convenient, but EQ will be better. D/L an EQ for windows, or an EQ plug-in (or music player app with EQ) for your media player.

[@clan_biblioteke]

Hello, I have a marantz 6006 and Klipsch RP500 M speakers. What DAC do you recommend to connect to my laptop. I currently have an e30. Budget up to 300-400 dollars. Thank you and all praise.

[@bensteelemusic]

I've got an RME Babyface Pro interface with my HD6XX cans, and I feel like I can push them harder with something like the K7... plus I've got some Truthear Zeros on the way. Can anyone tell me if it's a worthwhile addition to my current little setup please? I love the idea but I'm already running such a clean output with the RME. Also, guessing I'd go the hi-impedance headphone out into the K7 (and see if Totalmix will let me go line-level out?) I won't be using the DAC since my RME is a permanent fixture, for work. Thanks!

[@Xerathful]

What did you decide? How are the truthear Zeros?

[@JohnSmith-oe4bw]

It depends on the Headphone. The K7 amp will probably be a little beefier and more detailed, but it may not fit best for your headphone. 6XX's are nice, but they would better synergize with the DX3pro+ (wider soundstage, and sharper in the treble). Either way, I'm sure a dedicated headphone amp will be better than the PO of the RME. More power. More transparency.

[@JohnSmith-oe4bw]

If you want a totally transparent amp for clean power with no noise, the Topping L50 will work for you. It won't color the audio, and has balanced 1/4 pass-through, to connect to a monitor controller.

[@davidff4410]

Can I know if K7 and HD 600 or 650 are good combination? I am worried about K7 is not enough to drive a 300 ohm headphone. Thank you

[@kryptotransit]

its plenty

[@dlrowreverse793]

From the official Fiio product page of the k7: L+R≥2000mW+2000mW（32Ω /THD+N＜1%) - just to take the highest output as an example. This means it's actually a total of 4 watt 32Ω / 1,12 watt 300Ω balanced, and 2,44 32Ω / 0,28 300Ω unbalanced. No review I've seen or read so far seem to have noticed this.

[@donedane2269]

so add weights to make it feel better didnt we complain about Beats doing that?

[@strangev0id]

I wish people showed how to plug in the computer and headphones 😢

[@yeahright3733]

I just bought the k7 and use it with the Hifiman Sundaras. It does sound better, but I am surprised it doesn’t sound a lot better than my motherboard amp/sound card. My motherboard is an MSI with a Realtek AC897 and I am impressed it sounds as good as it does. Haven’t tried the balanced output yet, but I am sure that will make a big difference.

[@yeahright3733]

@@user-df3pz2xt4c I did with Tidal music service and it did sound better. I hadn’t installed the Fido usb Dac driver until yesterday and it does sound better that way as well. I think also I was initially underwhelmed because the f7 is so neutral. But the more I listen to it the more I hear the detail and clarity and dynamics. I bet my motherboard audio will sound inferior after getting used to the F7. I Ordered a balanced cable as well to see how much better it sounds. I will post again when I get them on Saturday.

[@TechEtrix]

@@yeahright3733 keep us updated! However, as someone who is running a pair of Sony MDR-Z1R with the Topping A90/D90MQA Stack, I have to admit that high end motherboards actually have really good DACs and AMPs nowadays. For example, my Asus X570-E Strix even advertises a "highend" DAC section and does truly impress with my DT1990, considering that it's "just" onboard audio. There's hardly any hiss with the 250 Ohm Beyers and exceptional power (running on volume 25/100). Also, resolution is fine, bass is rather precise and has some oomph to it.

[@yeahright3733]

@@TechEtrix yeah, mobos do a great job with audio quality these days.

[@yeahright3733]

Okay, got the balanced cables and there is a substantial difference in the soundstage and detail. There is a noticeable separation in the channels that gives a better stereo image. Pretty cool overall. Listened to albums I know well and heard detail I never heard before. Well worth the $200 price. That said, I am still impressed my motherboard audio sounds so good.

[@magtheultra1037]

Balanced ist Voodoo.

[@sleezy1226]

Looks like Fiio made this to compete with the Ifi zen dac imo

[@m-zurowski]

yeah, I don't understand why Joshua didn't even mention Zen Dac (v2) during this review

[@off2geo]

Mmmm Mmmm, I don't really know which to choose. I do like the option for balanced.

[@balazskovacs5569]

I have a laptop and have no USB ports left. Can I use the 3,5 jack in the line-in input of this dac? If not, can anyone recommend a budget amp and dac that I can use with a 3,5 jack?

[@AlexxxxxSaysHi]

Only if your laptop 3.5mm jack also features as a line out, otherwise you will be getting the mediocre processing from the maptop mixed in. If the laptop has hdmi out you can use a splitter and go optical from that into the fiio. Otherwise.... get a damn usb hub bro.

[@balazskovacs5569]

@@AlexxxxxSaysHi I have one, but only does power delivery since I don't have thunderbolt

[@undefeatedmc]

I am very confused, FiiO writes the K5 as having 1.5watts SE in comparison chart but writes 1.2x1.2 SE for the K7. So wouldn't that make the K5 be 600mw per channel in reality?

[@dex4sure361]

Under higher impedance loads K7 does better. Plus K5 Pro has like 130mw per channel at 300 ohm, while K7 with balanced can do 540mw per channel at 300 ohm.

[@CreArtStuff]

Is this better than the schiit magni heresy?

[@oretako]

Do i really want this if I own a btr7

[@mohdsyahiran41]

How to pair it with microphone?

[@arghadeepmisra7865]

2:59 Nice

[@madcrabber1113]

The K7 is actually less powerful via single ended vs K5 Pro and K5 Pro ESS.

[@esariasesarias3793]

A comparation agains Fiio K11?

[@RustyBrakes]

Am I the only one hoping for an "audiophile" interface with a proper XLR input and self-monitoring of mic? Essentially a focusrite solo that can compete with the headphone amplifier/DACs like this

[@Nordern]

I've currently got a Focus Solo, and what you describe is so what i want, with proper mixing abilities and self monitoring would be absolutely perfect

[@dmtphone]

Power isn't on par but for easy to drive stuff I have no complaints with my ssl 2+. Personally I feed the xlr out into my liquid platinum for more power but I can still turn my monitor mix dial and check in on my mic feed right together with whatever else is coming from my pc

[@leonarda8946]

Black Lion Revolution 2x2, has actually a very good headphone output.

[@SrKulay]

Look up julian Krause reviews - Audient ID4 MK II connected via USB-C.

[@RJ-vy4yd]

I use my old Focusrite Scarlett 2i4 for input and FiiO K9 Pro for output. I doubt you'd get that in a one device. I don't care about self-monitoring so that setup works for me well.

[@Anomalyn1]

What is "glare" ?

[@kevinloo9688]

Awesome! How does it compare against MacBook Pro 21’s internal dac?

[@dxdxdxdxdxd7125]

it doesn't, any built in DAC sucks ass when you want to drive anything beyond 15 Ohms, even the cheapest DAC/AMP wipes the floor with the built-ins because of laptop's power management and cheaper audio parts, even the Apple's own dongle provides somewhat quality upgrade over the built in, but only for 15 Ohms and lower

[@kevinloo9688]

@@dxdxdxdxdxd7125 that is not true. he has a video on 6xx and MBP21 (setup I have) vs other DACs. he actually recommended against upgrading from the internal DAC until the DAC enters the $500-600 territory. this type of defensive, elitist, and categorical response is extremely toxic especially toward those who is just entering the Hifi hobby

[@peterscrace3530]

@@kevinloo9688 Apple fan boy....enough said.

[@kevinloo9688]

@@peterscrace3530 yet another comment without basis. I am integrated in the Apple ecosystem yes, but I primary use my laptop for programming work. I asked for a comparison to determine where my native, portal setup ranks in terms of budget DACs...

[@dxdxdxdxdxd7125]

@@kevinloo9688 im speaking from my own experience and its not elitist, i've been using internal DACs for my whole student life and you know what, i've bought a gaming headset which had its own DAC dongle, i've never been amazed more with the sound in my life, thats what started my journey to HiFi, and i've listened to Senny's 280 from Sony VIAO internal DAC before and thought it was decent, take it as you want, internal DACs even on a "creator" oriented machines suck a major ass

[@MichaelSidneyTimpson]

Is there any reason to use an amp that isn't also a DAC? I mean wouldn't you want the cleanest signal possible, which, unless it's coming from an analog source like vinyl or tape, means directly digital (via usb, optical, etc.)? Even in the case of a Tube amp, wouldn't you want the signal arriving to the tubes be as clean as possible too?

[@lain2236ad]

there's no degradation from having a DAC and amp separately, having them combined into one is just for the convenience factor

[@chrisk3127]

it depends having all those different parts closer together in a combo unit can increase noise and distortion, not as much of an issue these days but depends on the implementation

[@ABDLLHSDDQI]

1. Customisability, you can pair different DACs and amps together to get your flavour of sound at whatever price you want, and even have a different upgrade path for each later. You get to control the quality you put into the system too. Some people also love to tinker and experiment and try new stuff so this offers flexibility. 2. You can replace 1 component if it breaks rather than the whole system 3. Depends on implementation as someone above said, but yes its not correct to assume that components close together will have the cleanest signal due to electrical noise, good DAC and AMPs should have good shielding too. Also if its a true balanced DAC going to a balanced AMP input, then should have theoretically zero noise in that chain anyway. 4. You can bi-wire and have a different DAC or AMP for some frequencies and a different DAC or AMP for others, like mixing solid state and tubes.

[@AsreiMurasame]

Because they usually don't have the quality that a separate DAC and AMP have. You usually won't have two separate linear power supplies in a single unit. Plus there's usually interference and a hit to overall performance. I had a Topping DX 7 Pro which has been vastly improved since I owned one but it doesn't even come remotely close to the overall detail, stage and timber of the D90/A90 combo or D90SE/A90D Having owned many of both I can say this with confidence.

[@MichaelSidneyTimpson]

@@AsreiMurasame Oh no, so now there is another rabbit hole I have to go down...make it stop....

[@alexborrego7058]

How does this compare to the info zen dac v2?

[@chrisk3127]

more power, different sound

[@wjp04]

Why do you keep getting placebo'd by linear, flat, solid state amps. There is no sound signature!

[@nate.c524]

I have a Zen Dac&Can with hd6xx, is K7 better?

[@JohnSmith-oe4bw]

Different. Sound is technically better on the K7 (More Upfront. Cleaner. Less Crossfeed,) but you'll get more power from the Zen Stack. Depends on what you like, but it would be hard to tell on a 6xx. Actually, a better pairing with the 6xx would be the DX3pro, due to expanded width and focus on clinical treble detail.

[@is3sn]

pleas give me link the cable 6xx

[@LordOishi]

Does anyone know if it's possible to run Edifier 1280DBS speakers through this?

[@bigbancuchies]

yes, just connect the rca cables to where it says pre/lo

[@LordOishi]

@@bigbancuchies nice thank you

[@mikoajdeszcz4454]

For LCD2c, this or Topping?

[@heeheehahaman]

i have the 2c's and the dx3, i dont particularly feel like the bass is lacking but if you think it is, you can EQ some in and it does sound very clean.

[@ArthurKlucznik]

Ps5 compatible??