The BEST value in budget audio! FiiO K7 Review

The @FiiOOfficial K7 is FiiO's entry level balanced DAC and amp combo. This review of the K7 considers its performance as an all-in-one desktop audio device in comparison to a separate DAC and amp like the SMSL SH-6 and SU-6. Also includes comparisons with more expensive devices like the Schiit Syn, Schiit Modi+ and Schiit Magni.

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00:00 Introduction
00:22 Glamour video
01:12 Pricing, specs & features
04:48 Sound quality
06:41 FiiO K7 vs SMSL SH-6 & SU-6
09:56 FiiO K7 vs Schiit Syn or Modi & Magni
11:37 Final conclusions

#audiophile #audioreview #allinone

[rossheard]

I know I'm about to take a beating and could have picked 20 other youtubers review on this to comment so nothing personal. I'll try to make it short. A couple years back I got into the hobby of audio. 15 headphones later and two days ago I bought this dac. I was using a dongle dac paired with an inexpensive tube amp prior. Everything I read said this was the jam...get this K7. I've watched endless reviews on other Dac's as well....anyway, I pulled the trigger. Using the same headphone (Edition XS) and the same source (HD Amazon Music) I tested the same tracks between the k7 and my old setup. After hours and hours of comparison the difference, if any, is miniscule. On some tracks "maybe" the k7 sounded clearer but then again on some tracks I found my dongle dac to be "maybe" slightly better in bass and tone. In short, I'm sending the K7 back and I am now of the opinion that once you get an external DAC you're good. Speakers, Headphones, they make a huge difference in sound for sure....the DAC. IMO....buy one and you're done. Placebo effect big time. Cheers all.

[milosCivejovidar]

I liked my K7 so much that I also bought the PL50 linear power supply later. I am very happy with the combination and it feels that I really don't need anything more than that.

[macdudeguy]

I adore this thing. I use it in concert with a Fosi TB10D + passive speakers as my all-encompassing PC audio setup. Love, love, love...

[luizengrazia]

Thanks for the review, mate! I just bought it to pair with my HE400se with balanced cables. Shouldn't need anything more for the rest of my life 😂
Having said that, I expect a lot. I'm coming from an PC38x with Apple dongle to a Planar with a true DAC/AMP.

[nckrad]

I like your take. I am brand new to all this. There are so many different products out there it's nice when someone compares like products next to each other. I am currently leaning towards the FIO brand but I am still up in the air for some closed backs.

[HansProbs]

I relate to that t-shirt. As a young lad in the 90’s, it was ALWAYS Tony Danza to my ears. I knew Elton wore feathers w/ purple colored glasses so I didnt think twice. Tony Danza was like this 80’s sitcom meme so I thought “okay”. While the legend of the song grew, eventually I came across its written title like at least a decade later and needless to say …. 🤯 🤯 🤯

[JTB--]

This seems like a perfect Gaming All in One DAC/Amp combo solution for most

[KiwiNickG]

Love mine with focal elegia and Hifiman XS. The new model even has BT

[pocak]

I've bought one when it came out. It had high noise floor via balanced output with iems and audible noise via unbalanced. I sold it and bought a DX3pro+ during sale and happy with it.

[Xerpocalypse_]

I wish this was on the market in 2020! It would have made a great option to compliment an audio interface for game streaming.

[MrAyrit]

I agree, bought one of these to keep.

[nick_g]

For the money I chose that fiio amp over ifi and topping as my away from home solution.

[DrBeaf]

I bought this on your recommendation. Thanks a tonne! Solid WFH DAC (RCA into my Joey Roths) and wonderful with my B&W P7

[nemoa]

If you try the balance output with an actual balance cable and not an attachment to get the full signal the balance output is a lot louder but it’s nearly double the output. Cleaner at higher volume with IEMs. You can get a slight hiss at max volume with very hard to drive IEMs you will notice the hiss is gone with a proper balance cable. The hiss is almost inaudible and it can only be heard with IEMs at volumes that would hurt. But as far as overall sound goes you can’t beat the K7 unless you are willing to spend $400+

[TheRealPotoroo]

Just a heads up, the K7 Bluetooth DAC/Amp has very recently become available (AU$419 versus AU$339 for the version you reviewed). I love my non-BT K7, the flexibility is awesome, the sound is great and the value is unbeatable.

[lowercasegoat]

Can’t speak to the performance between the K7 and the 6s stack, but I do enjoy the 8s stack more. That said, it’s a more expensive setup. I do think the K7 is is a great buy at 200 if you want something that adds little to no coloration. If you have a headphone that maybe needs to be toned down a bit because its a little sibilant at times (DT990 Pro, K702), something with a smidgeon of warmth like the Zen DAC V2 might be a better recommendation, but for everything else, I’d probably take the K7 at $200.

[missingegg]

I'm picking nits here, but I wish this didn't need a separate 12v power supply. Sooner or later i'll misplace that, and there's no consistent standard for 12vdc barrel jacks, so it's not easy to just grab another power supply lying around and use it instead of the original. For all its numerous faults, usb-c provides a portable standard for power supplies, or else make the chasis a bit larger and just have a mains plug on the back.

[jackelofnar]

Great review. In your opinion is it worth paying the extra for a Ho100 or a L50 stack over the K7?

[rodm]

Your description is very welcome and informative, currently using a Corda Cantate. Gave it a tuneup after being let down by a 604. My god didn't think a small lube of the togle switches could wake it up so much, one of the togles I thought needed replacing so I tried lubeing it (ever so lightly) before removing. Worked so well I tried the other 2 which to me cleaned everything up dramatically. Which leaves me to my question - where is the next IEM/Headphone amp upgrade worth having in a logical and financial perspective with only output being of concern?

[peterscrace]

Excellent review for an excellent product. Whilst I loved my FiiO K7 I have since sold it and purchased what I believe to be a better sounding DAC/Amp in the FiiO K9, any chance you could review the K9? Its not that far behind the K9 Pro in terms of sound but at AU$799 represents really good value for money like the K7.