Fosi just made the perfect compact desktop DAC! Fosi Audio K7 review & Sound Blaster G8 review.

[@PassionforSound]

I just got word from Fosi Audio that they're brilliant new desktop DAC and headphone amp is priced at $149 USD as a launch day special. It's brilliant so check the review and grab it while it's at the special launch price! (For clarity, I don't know what the final price will be, but they alluded to it being closer to $200)

[@OddgitTheGreat]

I have been eyeing the Burson Audio Playmate. Seems like a really cool device for gaming.

[@PassionforSound]

I've got that coming up soon!

[@OddgitTheGreat]

@@PassionforSound very cool! I really enjoy your channel, i bought my TA20 plus and some psvane tubes because of your channel. I was shocked how much the PSVane tubes opened the sound. I have the Meze Lyric 2, and it felt like going from 2 really nice speakers to almost a quad setup with a sub, never really understood how much the tubes can change the sound! the bass kick on a track tht i love and listen to all the time actually surprised me when i had the new tubs. :)

[@PassionforSound]

@OddgitTheGreat that's great news! I'm so glad I've been able to help.

[@richh650]

The K7 sounds like the one to get for music lovers. For sound processing, unless using a limiting console, it is almost always better to allow a computer/streamer run DSP since they usually have much more computation capability than any DAC.

[@PassionforSound]

Agree on both counts. I assume the Sound Blasters have built-in DSP chips so the fact that they're dedicated to the task means they can do a very good job.

[@jootai]

The only thing that realy sets the Creative line appart from other DACS is the virtual surround option. It tells you where sounds are comming from in games. Other dacs dont do that, so thats the main feature and seller of the creative products. A true competitor would be the GSX1000 V2 from Epos

[@mosszaphod]

What dac / amp combo do you think would be the best for under 1k for a combo amp/dac and also for seperate dac/amp? Thanks for another great video! ♥

[@audie-cashstack-uk4881]

You can use the mic in dual mode just turn off the dsp and eq leave it in that mode it’s still a pure signal also direct mode isn’t just stereo 5.1 7.1 can be direct mode to another thing that gets confused online

[@PassionforSound]

Thanks for the extra clarification!

[@audie-cashstack-uk4881]

7.1 67% surround the g6 g8 legendery setting for movies and story gaming 67% is key it’s a online legend amazing for movies

[@Hijynx87]

I have a g6 that I don't really use, I'll have to try this.

[@Jamie-666]

Option C: get a 2nd hand Soundblaster X3 (or similar) and hook it up to your existing DAC/AMP via optical. You get the exact same DSPs and EQ controls (which are excellent) plus better sound (that is if you have a good dac/amp setup).

[@MyToxicMasculinity]

Option D: FiiO K7 Option E: Schiit Magni and Modi stack. Get the Sennheiser HD650 Get ready for gaming bliss. People will accuse you of cheating. 😎

[@PassionforSound]

Yes, the X4 is also excellent. I don't know how the headphone outputs compare though so that might be where the G8 is preferable, but there's definitely a lot of duplication of functions.

[@Hijynx87]

What about the g6?

[@PassionforSound]

I haven't tried the G6

[@highwon]

@@MyToxicMasculinity D doesnt work for me since I need opt out for my surroundsystem to connect to my older reciever and I use modmic+650 so I hope g8 will handle both these issues and be an upgrade so I can retire my loyal xonar essence stx II :D Its a fucking pain with these pci lanes when highend gpu are so beefy

[@harrisarp3841]

Thank you for this review!!I I am very curious about the new SHNLING EH2 with 2R2 dac chip!!!

[@michaelelliott1197]

Same!

[@PassionforSound]

I'm not yet familiar with that one. I'll have to check it out...

[@harrisarp3841]

@ its very new they released it on December.

[@milnez]

Ordered the G8... Let's see how it pairs with my kiwi ears division's :)

[@PassionforSound]

That should be a nice combo. Enjoy!

[@Hijynx87]

I just got my divisions, they are pretty solid for $50. Took a few mins to get used to it.

[@iTzHe4DHuNt3r]

Does the microphone input work in UAC 2.0 mode with the Fosi K7 on PC??

[@PassionforSound]

It sure does! That's how I made the recording in the review.

[@Alexandra-Rex]

I like this high quality stuff for gaming. I wish someone would make one with XLR microphone in too for those taht want that and excellent headphone output and not more than one device. I'd go for the K7 for sure.

[@PassionforSound]

That would be a great addition!!

[@cherokee59]

Why has there been about a dozen reviews in the past 2 days on this Fosi dac? Interesting!

[@PassionforSound]

It just launched so they wanted reviews out for people to know if they wanted to join the Kickstarter.

[@ucilzgamingacc8103]

I'm still using the mayflower arc mk2 for gaming and movies. I really love the bass boost when watching movies. How far upgrade do you rekon the K7 from mayflower?

[@PassionforSound]

I haven't heard the Mayflower so I can't say specifically, but the K7 sounds impressive for the price and features it brings.

[@therdosie6141]

Can you use the K7 without DC 12V for mobile?

[@PassionforSound]

No, it has to have the 12V for power

[@calvinyip364]

How does the Fiio k11 r2r compare with the fosi k7?

[@PassionforSound]

They're quite different sounds, but both sound excellent.

[@s4091boat]

Can you test k7 with planar headphone?

[@PassionforSound]

I used it with a number of headphones and planars are equally as great as any other headphones with the K7.

[@dankaze]

I wonder if the K7 can handle the verum 2?

[@PassionforSound]

Yes, it should do with no issues

[@petexian]

Off topic. Do you recommend a DDC for a using a DAC that doesn't have volume control going straight into an amp?

[@PassionforSound]

I recommend DDCs for anytime you want to isolate a source like a computer from the DAC (or if you need different inputs to the DAC), but I'm not clear where the volume control part comes into play. Can you explain more?

[@petexian]

I am interested in connecting something like a Geshelli J2 directly to a stereo amp CTZ A2-400. The Geshelli doesn't have volume control. Would a DDC give me that capability?

[@petexian]

I think I need a preamp

[@PassionforSound]

@petexian no, a DDC sits before the DAC and won't provide volume control. You'd need to look at getting a preamp to provide volume control. Edit: just saw your follow-up post and you're 100% right. 🙂🙂

[@dragosthule]

K7 looks interesting. How does it compare to the schiit syn?

[@PassionforSound]

I haven't heard the Syn to say - sorry.

[@cardie2001]

I play alof of pubg witch one you think would be good for footsteps

[@PassionforSound]

The G8's scout mode can help you highlight/enhance the footsteps so it might be the one for you.

[@C0ffeeKing]

Im surprised Schiit Gunnr wasn’t here for comparison

[@PassionforSound]

It's only a question of what I have available to me, but that would have been good to include.

[@m4nc1n1]

3:28 *elsewhere lol

[@YongseonShin]

Fosi Audio K7 Vs Sound Blaster X5

[@PassionforSound]

The K7 is still a little better for pure transparency of sound, but the X5 is closer to it and offers way more features.

[@YongseonShin]

@@PassionforSound Thank you

[@MyToxicMasculinity]

The best gaming audio is not “gaming” audio. FiiO K7 or Schiit Magni/Modi stack and pair with Sennheiser HD650. If you need a mic get a stand alone boom mic like the Rode PodMic USB.

[@PassionforSound]

You'd be surprised by what the Sound Blasters are capable of in games and the Fosi K7 is a proper audiophile DAC and headphone amp that is gaming console compatible - it's outstanding.

[@MyToxicMasculinity]

@ You’re pushing it too hard. It appears to me that Fosi is getting their money’s worth with you.

[@PassionforSound]

If you watch a few of my reviews you'll see that even when I'm given a product by a brand, it doesn't guarantee a good review. The product has to be good to get me saying good things about it.

[@AndrewLamas19]

Why would you get an hd650 for gaming? Genuinely curious

[@MyToxicMasculinity]

@ Why wouldn’t I? Genuinely curious

[@MyToxicMasculinity]

Nah, that is the wrong K7. Get a FiiO K7 and be happy.

[@PassionforSound]

So you've heard the Fosi K7?

[@Hare_deLune]

Meh. The Fiio F11 R2R DAC meets my needs much better, and it also looks better!

[@PassionforSound]

Yes, the K11 R2R is still an amazing alternative for those who don't need mic input