Fiio has considerably elevated its product choices over the past 18 months, and whereas the model has dabbled in new classes with the introduction of the R7 all-in-one network streamer and FT3 over-ear headset, its core focus stays on DACs. And there is been no scarcity of pleasure on this space; the BTR7 continues to be one of the best total alternative if you would like a Bluetooth DAC for beneath $250, and the high-end K9 Pro does such a great job that it has been a mainstay on my desk for almost a yr now.
So when Fiio despatched over the K7, I figured it could be nearer to the producer’s different funds choices. In case you take a look at the spec sheet, you will discover that it’s largely equivalent to the $149 K5 Pro in design and feature-set, with the important thing addition being a balanced connector. With the K7 retailing for $199 on Amazon, I simply thought it could have the identical sound traits because the K5 Professional however with a totally balanced structure that may make it extra engaging to people who need a 4.4mm port.
I used to be unsuitable. The Fiio K7 is not simply an up to date variant of the K5 Professional — removed from it. What you are getting right here is nearly one of the best DAC out there at the moment for $200. Fiio overhauled the interior audio circuitry right here, and the addition of AKM’s newest AK4493SEQ DAC chips together with the THX 788+ amps — which additionally function on the $849 K9 Pro — provides the K7 a definite edge on this section, and it sounds completely phenomenal.
Whereas I preferred the K5 Professional and really helpful it simply, the K7 is in one other league altogether, and that is the one DAC you must take into account in case your funds is in neighborhood of $200. And in case you completely want Bluetooth connectivity, there is a variant of the K7 dubbed the K7 BT that retails for $249 on Amazon.
As at all times, I am going to kick issues off with the design. The K7 shares the identical design aesthetic because the K5 Professional, and the one distinction is that it’s barely bigger. The chassis continues to be made out of aluminum, and it nonetheless feels reassuringly sturdy — it is a DAC that is constructed to final. It has the identical rubber ft that ensures it stays in your desk and does not wobble, and on the again, you will discover a comparable set of connectors, together with coaxial and optical in, line in/line out, USB-B, and a DC 12V port.
There are just a few variations on the entrance, key amongst which is the inclusion of a balanced 4.4mm port. Fiio provides a totally balanced structure with the K7, and along with the balanced port, you get a single-ended 6.35mm port. The button configuration is barely totally different to that of the K5 Professional; you get an enter button that permits you to toggle between the assorted inputs, and you will find indicators on the high with the present enter highlighted — just like that of the K9 Professional.
You may toggle the achieve stage between high and low, and there is a toggle for selecting the output. The quantity knob is unchanged and provides the identical stage of suggestions, and also you get an analogous RGB ring mild across the knob. There’s some delay when altering quantity with the knob, and that is by design. Apart from that, the appear and feel is unchanged.
The RGB LEDs are a bit extra vibrant this time round, and the impact is kind of cool. The RGB lighting is not only for aesthetics, however works as a visible indicator for the sampling charge: blue for beneath 48KHz playback, yellow for 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192, 352.8, and 384KHz, and inexperienced for DSD64, 128, and 256.
Just like the K5 Professional, the K7 wants an exterior energy brick, and you will find one within the field. Fiio is thought to bundle a beneficiant quantity of equipment with its merchandise, and its no totally different with the K7. You get the facility cables, a USB-B to USB-A cable, 6.35mm to three.5mm connector, and an antenna in case you’re getting the Bluetooth mannequin. I am utilizing the common model of the K7, and it does not have Bluetooth connectivity.
Whereas the surface hasn’t modified an excessive amount of, it is what’s on the within that makes the K7 an altogether totally different beast. You get AKM’s newest AK4493SEQ DAC chipset and THX’s stalwart 788+ linear amp, and one of the best half is that you will discover two of every within the K7. It is incredulous sufficient that Fiio went with this caliber of {hardware} on a $200 DAC, however the truth that you get twin DAC chips and amps means the K7 has a definite edge on this section.
So what does all of that {hardware} translate into? Nicely, the K7 sounds completely magnificent, and the tonal steadiness and soundstage that you simply get out of this DAC is unbelievable. The K7 has Fiio’s attribute impartial sound, and you will find a slight heat right here, however that simply provides a bit extra dynamism. Element retrieval is great throughout the board, vocals come via with loads of readability, and also you get a large soundstage with glorious imaging and dynamics.
The Moondrop Venus showcased the true potential of the K7. Bass was energetic, quick, and clear, and the mid-range sounded pure and stuffed with element, with spectacular instrument separation. There’s good extension for the treble as effectively, and you will not discover any harshness or sibilance right here. The balanced port produces an airier sound and usually sounds extra refined — which is not astonishing.
The K7 is ready to natively decode a 384kHz/32-bit PCM sign and DSD256 whereas in USB DAC mode, happening to 192KHz/24-bit PCM over coaxial and 96Hz/24-bit by way of optical. As for energy, the K7 is ready to ship 2W at 32Ω over the balanced port, happening to 560mW at 300Ω. You get 1.2W of energy at 32Ω over the 6.35mm port, and 140mW at 300Ω.
Clearly, the K7 is designed for use with IEMs or headsets which have a balanced cable, as that permits you to take full benefit of what the DAC has to supply. The facility you are getting right here means the K7 is ready to drive nearly any IEM or headset available in the market at the moment, and I did not have any points utilizing the DAC with demanding planar headsets.
I feel it is secure to say that Fiio created a masterpiece with the K7. The DAC nails the technical facet of issues, and the high-end {hardware} mixed with the addition of the balanced port permits it to shine in a means the K5 Professional was by no means capable of.
If something, the K7’s sound attribute is nearer to the K9 Professional than it has any proper to be. Positive, the K9 Professional sounds extra refined and also you get an XLR connector together with some extras, however while you take a look at it from a worth perspective, the K7 is unbeatable proper now — that is one of the best $200 DAC available in the market at the moment.
With a totally balanced structure and high-end {hardware}, the K7 units a brand new customary for funds DACs. The balanced connector together with the huge soundstage and clear signature means that is the one DAC you must take into account.