Fosi Audio K5 Pro Gaming DAC Review

[@WheezyTech]

Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 01:07 Physical Overview and IO 04:37 Included accessories 04:54 Build Conclusion and criticism 06:17 Specifications 07:26 Sound and EQ Controls 11:30 Value and Competition 12:17 Conclusion

[@Maderum]

I knew nothing about audio but wanted to learn. I searched for "Fosi Audio K5 Pro Gaming DAC Review" and you popped up. This was perfect, thanks!

[@dannybos7024]

Glad to see you again :) We've missed your soothing voice and calming reviews

[@WheezyTech]

Thanks :D

[@garytruex9336]

I've had a Fosi K5 Pro for about a year and listen to music on a desk top set-up. Does it as good as my Topping E50 DAC? No, not quite, but, depending on your speakers, the tone controls can be useful. In my case, my speakers are very good, but they placed against the back wall and bringing down the bass a smidge and more than offsets any drop in sound quality compared to a dedicated DAC. It's well built and reliable. Good unit.

[@Strangelemony]

I tried this unit out, but returned the unit due to the "endless white noise". It is also mentioned on their manual that there maybe "endless white noise." I tried using different ear buds/headphones, I tried plugging it to a other computers and wall plugs, but the noise never went away and was very annoying. Shame since I really liked the weight and build quality of it......

[@withRUfUS]

Check out the FX-Audio DAC-X6

[@Twinchain]

You can eliminate IT with a Adapter

[@remsangakc7239]

Very helpful review, I am currently using the Soundblaster X4 but I do not use any of the EQ and other features, basically left it on DIRECT MODE ans it cost £120, I guess I should go for the K5 Pro now 👍.

[@The_Drumple]

This is my first dac I bought the kimura solo and the sound wasn't that great I was told to use a dac so I have been looking for one thank you for the information.

[@rickgear2579]

I just bought a PC38X and am looking for an AMP to squeeze a little more volume of out it. This seems perfect. I care about spacial audio like Dolby Atmos and DTS:Headphone X

[@thefury2000]

How has this worked for you? I’ve got the headset on its way and looking for a dac amp!

[@minnami778]

I like your review style. Very humble and practical. Hope to see more from you soon. 👍

[@adrianomoreira1341]

It is an excellent and inexpensive alternative. I still have a DAC/AMP that I chose after watching your review, it's the Fx-Audio DAC-X6MKII, an excellent alternative too. Thank you Noel! A hug from Brazil, Rio de Janeiro.

[@WheezyTech]

Thanks :D

[@NikolasCarneiro18]

X6mk2b is really a good choice if you have another solution for mic input. I'm currently using an X6mk2 by cable with a Mac (another USB mic solution) and also with Bluetooth on separate tablet. But for headset use, K5 pro is most likely the way to go for the price. Limited options here in Brazil... For instance a Schiit Fulla would be great to try, but nowhere to be found in BR.

[@Jamie-666]

Cheap junk

[@briantime9880]

@@Jamie-666nope , works incredible for my iem

[@make749perday]

"The successful warrior is the average man, with laser--like focus." --Bruce Lee

[@tr4nnel752]

Does this actually improve my sound in comparison to my motherboard sound? I use a Sennheiser HD560.

[@Gabri_Alb]

its the same question for me :D

[@CammyFi]

This dac has -5dB in the bass, and cannot be made flat. It is probably not a good upgrade. Look for a used zen dac

[@TimmyK916]

7:26 Preach! So true.

[@RobertoBlatt]

Salve amigo! Você sabe me dizer se esse tipo de DAC/Amp pode ser usado na saída P2 do iPad Air 2? Ou recomenda algum outro? Muito obrigado

[@jeremiaspt]

Hi. If BASS/TREBLE knobs are at ZERO, are they off without any influence on the sound? I plan to use EAPO with Oratory1990 results. Thanks.

[@gregsullivan7408]

According to Audio Science Review, their measurements show that it doesn't have a flat frequency response. Re the power specs, do you have a link? The specs on the Fosi site aren't as detailed as the specs you provide.

[@dharkbizkit]

question: i currently use a creative ae 5 soundcard, which has some driver issues. the reason for me still using it instead of switching to onboard is the mic recording quality. there is a big differents if the mic records from onboard audio or from the creative soundcards. feels like difference between a 10 dollar mic and a 80 dollar mic. so the question is: how good is the mic input of the fosi? soundcard level or onboard level? also i cant find how much power hte mic jack has. thats a thing, because as i learned, newer antlion mic are very quiet, if they dont get enough power from the jack

[@brunorca]

I got one myself and at first I thought It was horrible, felt like a defective product and I realized the problem was in the USB-C connection, I'm still not sure if it is an issue with the product itself or my motherboard, since I have no other sound device that uses USB-C. But changing it to an USB-A port solved the issue so far, microfone was a mess with a whole lot of interference and also a lot of shimmering/static noise going through my headphones. USB-A still has that shimmering sound, but only noticiable at high volumes which I never use that much anyway. I still think that should not happen, but for the price it's good enough.

[@janwege150277]

Yes! from hardwear point of view this device is the king! NONE of devices I've seen so far have knobs for basses and trebble and separate inputs for headphones and microphone. Fosi is best in that game! 🙂 ---------- I only wish if they make bigger device with: - better ferquency on all outputs (like some Fiio dac/amps with e.g. 50 kHz) - balanced XLR outputs for speakers - two kinds of balanced headphone inputs (4,4 mm and 4 pin-socket?) - external power bric to power headphones up to 800 Ohms - aux input - exchangable OPAMP BUT KNOBS MUST STAY!!!! 🔊 😉 Also plug-and-play "style". Only acceptable change for me in that aspect would be if the volume control konb is bigger, moved on the top and tilted to the front like in logitech Z533 eg. but even bigger, more chunky and solid 🙂 Thank You for test Boss! I give the sub with "die glocke" 🔔 ( 😉) and 👍 Greetings!

[@johnt7993]

Welcome back Wheezy!!!

[@WheezyTech]

Thanks :)

[@59542]

I have a GOXLR and am looking for an amp with headphone EQ control for Dt 770 Pros, Any Recommendations, Or would this do the job? (I'm not sure if the GOXLR would override the bass and treble controls on another DAC aswel, Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thank you! and great video btw!

[@jejakmaknawi]

Too bad you didn't do the microphone sound test. But thank for the review.

[@Semlohecneret]

I assure you, it’s very good. I’ve had it for almost a year now, and I get compliments about my mic quality (using a vmoda boompro of all things, a $20 mic) all the time

[@Username4453]

This vs the Creative Labs G6?

[@JsGamingHub18]

Hey Noel while using the splitter for hesdset, was the left/right channels sounding correct? Or was there some issue?

[@felipeluzamorim]

Hi, there are headphone with cable and bluetooth? I see the akgk371 Bt, but is so disapointed, there other better with cacle and BT?

[@onic9565]

I have the q4 like the look more and I don’t need 300ohms but man that’s nice

[@bazferp]

running beyerdynamic 990 pros 250 ohms. assuming this is enough kick for them ?

[@DocRye1228]

Can you compare this to Aiyama Audio A2-Dac Pro with ESS DAC and Ifi Uno? Thank you.

[@Elmattius87]

hi wheezy, do u think i can control volume on TV by remote, if connected by Usb at TV ?

[@yusef_2643]

I have Sound Blaster g3 and it does not allow changing the L/R balance so I am looking for a DAC that will allow me to do so any recommendations?

[@giancarlocabello6741]

does the connection matter for quality? like optical gives better sound than usb c? i'm newbie

[@ZeroAnkoku]

Enjoyed the straightforward review of this for us audio normies lol

[@oneadultt7399]

Hello,can I check without can this device replace the hdmi audio extractor I am using

[@badhabit6140]

have a pair of HD600s amd you can really tell the difference between DACs

[@verbato_48k]

Is it possible to listen to the headphone output and the rear RCA output at the same time?

[@mxtung4209]

Yes

[@MeanieMint]

This thing only costs about US$40 in SEA. Insane value.

[@dootdoloodoot]

Where do u buy it

[@Zolac36]

it's 110$ here in Canada

[@Merkaba954]

My question is does the volume knob change the system volume or is it a stand alone volume that only actually turns the headphones down without affecting system volume? That is what I need. I hate that the x4dac that I'm currently using turns system volume down instead of internal to itself volume.

[@Semlohecneret]

Since no one answered your question. No, it does not affect your system volume

[@purplemonkeyelephant]

@@Semlohecneret Does it affect the volume to the external speakers or just the headphones?

[@RichardMar]

Watching this Video while hearing through the K5 Pro and PC38X :D best setup for me so far. Fulla went back and kept the K5 just because of the EQ Knobs

[@RichardMar]

BTW my Knobs are Centered

[@samsonite187]

I use the K5 as well. Looking for a good pair of closed back headphones to pair with it.

[@RichardMar]

@@samsonite187 try the Beyerdynamic 770

[@Kevin-sh1sx]

I'm looking for a DAC and headphone amplifier priced below $40, with USB and optical decoding capabilities. Do you have any recommendations?

[@linchen-p5e]

You can check out the NEOHIPO H1 product. A blogger mentioned it as the best headphone amplifier under $50. I bought one, and it's quite good, priced at $31. Amazingly, it also has bass enhancement and a microphone function. It's fantastic!

[@Bimbimbap1]

Would anyone recommend connecting an amp to this? Can the k5 pro by foes act as a pre amp?

[@Ttblondey]

My motherboard support 32/384 KBS. Fo i need to use this

[@ibra5o6]

Sooo which is better( the fosi k5 for 112$ ) OR ( the m-audio air 192|4 for94$ ) Or ( the evo4 for 116$ ) ? Im using the DT 770 250ohms & the dynamic shure pga48

[@DripsOne]

which one u went for and how is it going, would be very interested to hear from you sine i ask myself the same question basically

[@ibra5o6]

@@DripsOne unfortunately I didn’t buy any , I didn’t have a job & I still till now

[@DripsOne]

@@ibra5o6 oh sad to hear - i am gonna buy the k5pro, but i wish you all the best though - thanks for your quick response have a nice day

[@Hamads966]

@@DripsOnehey , how’s the k5 going with you?

[@DripsOne]

@@Hamads966 honestly, working perfectly! with dt770 280ohm

[@mauss1986]

Notice how most audio experts that claim to hear tiny differences never work in the audio profession

[@MunchiesG59]

so would this be a good option for me if im getting it for the DT990 Pros 89 ohms on ps5?

[@Moiskea]

Very, very late response and you probably already have made a decision but they even advertise on their site that it’s good for PS5

[@Northisbest]

Thank you 👍😊

[@paulwoaert]

I only use my Beyerdynamic headphones with my MacBook Air M2. I wanted to use the K5 Pro Dac to simply add a bit of bass to my headphones or change the overall sound result a bit. I received the Fosi Audio K5 Pro and am trying to connect it to my Mac. The problem is that I can't turn on this DAC, I don't know what connection I should make. I have the impression that the connection cables provided are insufficient. In the box there was only a USB-A cable at one end and USB-C at the other end: what is this cable for? I plugged the USB-A end of this cable into the computer and the USB-C end into the Fosi Audio, but nothing happens, nothing turns on. There is also in the box another thinner cable with, at one end, two 3.5 mm jacks (i.e. audio + microphone) and at the other end a female socket for 3.5 mm jack. Finally, the box also contained a cable with special optical plugs I think.

[@VAGjew]

Did you even watch this video? You have to press and hold the volume knob in for a couple seconds to turn on the dac

[@aivv6062]

you didn't watch the video huh

[@paulwoaert]

​@@aivv6062 You're talking nonsense. I applied EXACTLY the same procedure but this Fosi Audio K5 Pro dac had an inherent manufacturing defect, I returned it to the seller a long time ago (and the company confirmed this defect to me). Which above all demonstrates that this dac Fosi is made of fragile plastic materials. I finally bought the iFi Audio Zen Dac + iFi Audio Zen CAN combo (a very powerful sound processing amplifier). The hardware quality of these DACs and Amplifiers from iFi Audio are immediately perceptible, solid, metallic, with equally solid ports and subtle bass adjustments with augmentation which compresses the sound much less. Fosi is largely a loser by comparison. Long live iFi Audio!

[@paulwoaert]

@@VAGjew I had watched this video very well. I applied EXACTLY the same procedure but this Fosi Audio K5 Pro dac had an inherent manufacturing defect, I returned it to the seller a long time ago (and the company confirmed this defect to me). Which above all demonstrates that this dac Fosi is made of fragile plastic materials. I finally bought the iFi Audio Zen Dac + iFi Audio Zen CAN combo (a very powerful sound processing amplifier). The hardware quality of these DACs and Amplifiers from iFi Audio are immediately perceptible, solid, metallic, with equally solid ports and subtle bass adjustments with augmentation which compresses the sound much less. Fosi is largely a loser by comparison. Long live iFi Audio!

[@TPVPRO]

Am I the only one noticing the highs sound like crap with the K5? I thought it was the speakers but after swapping to a sound blaster problem solved.

[@ExitiumD]

which sound blaster? I was wondering whether I should get this or the X7

[@elvinc1996]

Because i realised that there is no buttons to choose which output you want to use, so I wonder if i were to plug in headphones at the front and the RCA output at the back will at the same time will i get sound from both headphone and RCA or will i only get from either one ?

[@samsonite187]

You hold down the volume button to change output.

[@asan1050]

Thanks Much!

[@WheezyTech]

Much thanks :D

[@tordatfalviciprian5775]

some 1 know how dt 1990 pro will work with this dac ?

[@CptMalding]

Anyone know if you can use this with a GoXLR?

[@Rfunk819]

Can you use this on an Xbox?

[@jonathanramirez7629]

Hi. Is this good for Sennheiser HD600?

[@Fezzy976]

excellent, I am using it right now and its super simple and easy to use and the audio quality is actually very good indeed.

[@Exotic-_]

My friends have said my microphone sounds worse with the Kosi K5, I was wondering if it affects the microphone quality and if so, how to fix/remedy it?

[@elfara]

Yes it does, I have the same issue

[@CammyFi]

I measured the mic input, it rolls off heavily in the bass

[@Velyxr]

​@@CammyFiThanks. I was wondering about the mic quality as it was not mentioned in the video

[@Cagefighter]

Does this work in ps5?

[@Dvach_Hikka]

Is it possible to replace op-amps in this DAC?

[@braedonsrantsmore2482]

Will it allow me to do chat on Xbox one in games like overwatch to talk to teammates whenever I do so same goes for Xbox party's will I be able to chat I have seen different things saying chat doesn't work or something like that Like could I use like hifi headphones with like mod mic into this dac for Xbox one or use all in one like pc38x

[@sat2sat111]

Is the out mix optical and mic ? For karaoke purposes

[@jeremy7383]

I’ve been getting frustrated with my Mayflower arc mk2. Might have to five this a go.

[@craigr7151]

If it doesnt have game chat mix is it really intended for gaming or just a money grab

[@gunzandmotors4565]

"Gaming" is a money grab title. With the massive influx of gamers.

[@Azzam1991]

Its this good for gaming footsteps I have epos h6 pro closed

[@gregsullivan7408]

Wow - that really is a lot of power!

[@tkd4]

Does it have voice monitoring for streaming and taking calls without latency lag?

[@prodigy_xd]

Does this Device work well with Tidal? Can it support HiRes Flac?

[@SD_1212-k1d]

My question is can this device empower 100 watt each 2 speakers? If not which one is ideal to buy?

[@music_equalslife]

Does it work with a mobile phone too instead of a desktop?

[@judyreyjumamoy]

those knobs are for aesthetics imo you cant be and audiophile and use those two knobs fulltime

[@danieliacomi]

Can be used in car?

[@bryandrums9275]

Not affordable for me at all, it cost $13,107 for me on Amazon Singapore....

[@urmom-hz8jg]

dont live in singapore

[@dardo23]

6:05 adjust it with one finger genius... not a issue imho

[@beaten_tech]

do you have to turn it back on every time you reboot your pc?

[@samsonite187]

No

[@gavino1792]

I bought this and my mic wont stop echoing when using it. (Cross talk). Would not recommend.

[@CraciunAlexandruGh]

Sorry to break it to you but quite a lot of people can tell the difference between DACs. It's a nice review that says almost nothing about the sound.

[@WheezyTech]

A lot of people say they can hear a difference between DAC's, most of them have never done a double blind volume matched test. Which makes their opinion invalid. I watched a review of a DAC the other day, the guy said this new DAC sounded much better, more detailed than the old model... From memory, he didn't have the old model with him at the time, but from memory it was definitely better than the old one. Thats not how it works. Thats not how it works at all. I told you all you needed to know about the sound of this DAC. Its not as complicated as some would have you believe. But hey I'm not here to tell you what you think you can hear, you hear what you hear, if that makes you happy then I wont get in your way. Have a good one!

[@chefsteve8381]

Why is there never any live double blind A/B/X testing done ? Because no one want's to look like a fool or put up any $...

[@biogesic918]

is the mic on the K5 Pro Stereo? thanks

[@Fezzy976]

mono