Fosi Audio K7 Gaming HiFi DAC Headphone Amp

General Information

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The K7 is a versatile gaming HiFi DAC/headphone amplifier, developed based on in-depth feedback from over a hundred HiFi and gaming enthusiasts. It supports mainstream digital inputs like USB, optical, and coaxial, and is equipped with aptX HD/LL lossless Bluetooth codecs. The K7 also features a microphone input with noise reduction, ensuring your voice is heard clearly online. Perfectly compatible with PS5 Pro, PS5, Switch, PC, Mac, tablets, TVs, and projectors, the K7 offers powerful balanced headphone and line outputs. It easily handles music, gaming, work, and multimedia needs. With its compact design and rich functionality, the K7 ensures an exceptional listening and gaming experience.

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Gaming Entertainment​

Compatible with devices such as PC, PS5 Pro, PS5, and Switch, it effortlessly achieves precise audio decoding. Features like sound localization and sound effects adjustment help create an immersive gaming experience, making every battle more thrilling.
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Pure Music Enjoyment​

With ultra-high resolution and extremely low distortion, it accurately reproduces every detail. The high-power output drives your headphones to their full potential, allowing you to enjoy the purity of music.
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Latest reviews

kesobie

100+ Head-Fier
FOSI K7 Review: ARE WE GAMING?
Pros: The most practical Hi-Fi amplifier I’ve tried

Fantastic power output

Clean but lively sound

Microphone jack support

Informative OLED screen

Built in EQ

Dedicated mute button

Solid bluetooth support

Premium metal build quality

Dedicated buttons for many of the features

Intuitive controls
Cons: Shakey and cheap-feeling buttons

Not a lot of “gaming” features like app support, multi profile EQ, etc

UAC 2.0 does not have mic support

EQ is only limited to high and low shelves

No LDAC support

FOSI K7 Review: ARE WE GAMING?


KICKSTARTER PRICE: $153 (PHP. 8,300.00)


WATCH REVIEW HERE:



PROS:

  • The most practical Hi-Fi amplifier I’ve tried
  • Fantastic power output
  • Clean but lively sound
  • Microphone jack support
  • Informative OLED screen
  • Built in EQ
  • Dedicated mute button
  • Solid bluetooth support
  • Premium metal build quality
  • Dedicated buttons for many of the features
  • Intuitive controls

CONS:

  • Shakey and cheap-feeling buttons
  • Not a lot of “gaming” features like app support, multi profile EQ, etc
  • UAC 2.0 does not have mic support
  • EQ is only limited to high and low shelves
  • No LDAC support

WHO THIS UNIT IS FOR:

  • People looking for a practical HiFi amplifier
  • People who want a feature rich desktop amplifier
  • People who want microphone support on their HiFi amplifier

WHO THIS UNIT ISN’T FOR:

  • People who want an amplifier with a smaller footprint
  • People who want more gaming oriented features
  • People who want a simple amplifier

SHORT REVIEW:

While not as focused as a gaming amplifier, the K7 is one of the most practical amplifiers I’ve ever tried. Mic support, an informative OLED screen and a powerful but clean sound on a sub $200 amplifier is something that was not in my bucket list of 2025, but I’m glad it exists. I really cannot think of one “con” about the K7 besides the fact that its “gaming” features are lackluster compared to its HiFi features. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

FULL REVIEW:



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We may be too late to explore the world and too young to explore the universe, but we live in a timeline where a desktop amplifier can have great sound quality, sufficient power to even power headphones, microphone support, a crap ton of other features including a dope LED screen all for potentially under $200.

Shilling aside, the K7 has been a seriously versatile device that has changed my perspective on just how practical yet high quality audio amplifiers can be. I’ve always attributed audio devices like these to be extra effort for little gains, at least for casual use. But I haven’t used a device as my main “source” of amplification as much as I did without feeling like I need to change my entire set-up just to get it to work properly.

So today, let’s talk about the K7 and all of its glory, but also what can be improved to potentially make the ultimate “gaming” desktop amplifier.

FOSI K7 SPECIFICATIONS:

Chipset - XMOS XU208 + AKM4493SEQ+ QCC 3031 + TPA6120
Maximum Sampling Rate:

  • USB: PCM 384kHz - 32bit/DSD256
  • Optical: PCM 24/192
  • Coaxial: PCM 24bit/192khz
  • Bluetooth: PCM 24 Bit / 48kHz

Headphone Impedance: 16 - 300 ohms

Input: Coaxial, Optical, USBC-C, Bluetooth, 3.5mm Microphone

Output: RCA, 3.5mm Single-Ended, 4.4mm Balanced

Bluetooth Version: 5.0

Bluetooth Connection Distance: Less than or equal to 13m

Bluetooth Transmission Audio Format: SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, aptX LL

Input Voltage and Current: DC12V 2A

BUILD AND INTERFACE

The most “gaming” aspect about the K7 is the build and interface. Hell, a friend of mine even said it looked like a DJ booth and I don’t blame them. This rectangular, angled and chiseled look is distinctive to only Fosi with their somewhat industrial designs.

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The K7 is, by far, their most “unique” designed amp that I’ve tried as it leans closer to a more futuristic design, similar to what HiBy is doing. This is evident with the orange highlights being placed in a way that looks very eye-catching.

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However, the highlight is that OLED screen, which is something I never knew I wanted in an amplifier, but now I actively look for in my future purposes. It’s such a practical thing to see not only your current connections and decoding, but allow for the K7 to be as feature rich as it is. More on that later.

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As for the quality of the interface themselves, they feel alright. The knobs in particular are a little shaky and the interface buttons feel a little cheap. I would be fine with it if it wasn’t for the fact that the cheaper SK01 has more confident buttons than this. Not to worry, it does feel durable enough for a few years of aggressive volume changes without issue.

Features

The K7 is jam packed with features that overwhelmed me with just how much I can do with this. Let’s talk about them one by one.

Built-in EQ

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The first thing that you’ll probably play around with the K7 is the EQ. Yes, the K7 has built in EQ which can be toggled by pressing the TONE/MIC button. This brings up the bass and treble values that both go from +12 to -12.


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The way that the EQ was implemented here were low and high shelves with the low shelf having a more drastic change than the high shelf, as expected for ear safety. You can drastically change the bass profile without introducing boxiness and bloat as long as the headphones you’re EQing aren’t already bloated to begin with. The subtle treble boost can also add much needed sparkle or cut down energy pretty damn well. This is almost equivalent to adding an impedance adapter on certain IEMs. Ideally, you wouldn’t want to crank the values all the way up or down (especially on the bass), but it’s a nice way to see just how far your headphones can get equalized. This is a decent value and one that should be more than enough for basic adjustments that physical EQ knobs would do. Looks cooler than those, though!

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But what if you don’t want to do EQ but you also don’t want to reset the profile you have? Bypass mode! It’s a dedicated button that allows you to disable the EQ without needing to reset the values. Once you want to go back to your EQ profile, just press that bypass button again!

It would have been nice for more profiles to be added in order to just swap between profiles depending on the vibe/headphones you’re pairing the K7 with, but the bypass mode is nice in of itself.

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I should also note that the EQ only works on UAC 1.0 and not on UAC 2.0. I can’t confirm exactly why UAC 2.0 cannot support EQ (and the microphone as I’ll talk about soon) as UAC 1.0 seems to exist only for backwards compatibility and devices that only support UAC 1.0 like the Nintendo Switch, but as it stands, you’re limited to UAC 1.0 when enabling the EQ. Speaking of UAC;

UAC Button

One thing that has been present in many DACs, including dongles, is the option to switch from UAC 1.0 and 2.0. UAC 1.0, from what I’ve researched, is mostly used when pairing with devices like the Nintendo Switch, but also allows for microphone support in tandem with the audio output.

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I first came across this with the Simgot DEW4X with its occasionally working microphone support. The K7 makes the process very linear and easy to understand as all you need to do is press a single button and you’d be able to see on the OLED screen whether you’re in UAC 1.0 or UAC 2.0.

My only gripe is that, on top of the delay when switching modes which breaks the flow of listening, UAC 2.0 seems to have an odd delay when switching between tracks. I initially thought this was an app thing as I was using MusicBee on Windows, but this also happened in Spotify.

Thankfully, this is only present when switching between tracks and not the transition between tracks. It would have been a massive con for me if it did.

OLED Screen

I’ve talked about the features of the K7 that use the 1.5 inch OLED screen, but I want to talk about just how practical this thing is, especially if you’re a file junkie and love to know about the sample rate. On top of that, you can also see what connection mode you’re in so you know if the device is broken or you’re just on the wrong connection mode.

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My only gripe is that the sampling rate can only be seen if you’re in UAC 2.0 in USB mode. It’ll only show if you’re in PCM or DSD mode on UAC 1.0 with no information on whatever file you’re decoding. This isn’t really a dealbreaker, but one that I’m curious as to why it wasn’t included.

Regardless, that OLED screen is a standout as I haven’t experienced a desktop amp with such a feature.

Bluetooth

The bluetooth feature of the K7 is a rather basic Bluetooth 5.0 system that can only decode up to 24bit/48kHz with aptX. While it might seem lackluster, I’d say that it’s perfectly justifiable considering the focus of the device.

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LDAC would have been a nice addition, considering how great this sounds on wired, but it’s not a dealbreaker for me. aptX HD being capable of at most 576 kbit/s decoding is perfectly fine considering most of my streaming is done through Spotify as most of my playlists are there. However, I will acknowledge the purists who want LDAC and unfortunately, the K7 will not suit you.

Connection quality is pretty good, albeit occasionally stuttering on my PC during normal use. It could be an issue with my bluetooth dongle, but either way, it’s a generally stable connection.

The main thing I want to point out is the latency being surprisingly good. While watching movies or playing games, I didn’t think the bluetooth delay was long enough to affect my experience. The sound, most of the time, matches my inputs and what happens in front of the screen. This is thanks to the QC3031 Bluetooth chip allowing for a decent bluetooth listening experience.

Microphone Input

The one aspect that baffled me the most about the K7 was the microphone input. Normally, desktop amps in this category of the audio space lean towards either end of the quality-convenience spectrum. Either you get all the audiophile features or all the practical features.

The K7 combines both of that with the microphone input that seems to be a big part of the K7’s identity, gaming amplifier and all. It comes with a dedicated volume and mute knob that will show on the OLED screen its current volume level.

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The quality of the microphone will depend on the microphone that you pair it with. Pairing it with in-line or boom-style microphones is great as it provides enough power while minimizing distortion, audio bleed and interference. However, audio-bleed (audio from your headphones bleeding into the mic) is still dependent on the headsets that you’re using.

However, I wouldn’t recommend pairing this with a condenser microphone as it doesn’t really provide enough power to give the condenser microphones the proper amplification. Anyone who’s owned a 3.5mm condenser microphone should be aware of this.

This then brings me to the aspect of the microphone that I’m not that big of a fan of. First is the fact that it’s UAC 1.0 limited. While I understand that UAC 1.0 is necessary to allow for microphone support, it somewhat defeats the purpose of making the listening process linear when you have to switch between UAC 1.0 and UAC 2.0 if you want to use your microphone.

Another issue that I have that isn’t necessarily a fault of the K7 is that most external microphones and even gaming headphones nowadays use USB for their interface. While there are still a lot of gaming headphones that use TRRS and lapel mics that use 3.5mm make the perfect pairing with the K7, it would have been insane if Fosi had included a Type C Microphone input on top of the 3.5mm microphone input with this. This would have instantly made it a must-recc for literally every single person on this planet. This leaves another USB slot for your PC and makes the K7 a proper all-in-one device.

Lastly, the bluetooth input does not have microphone support. Not really a dealbreaker, but bummed those who have bluetooth headsets could make the K7 an easy way to minimize the cables to their PC.

Regardless, I’m not complaining about the fact that the K7 has a microphone input and I am so thankful that Fosi is closing the gap between practicality and audio quality with this. Speaking of audio quality;

SOUND


Output Specifications

3.5mm
Rated Power Output600mW + 600mW
SNR122dB (A-Weighting)
THD+N0.0005% (A-Weighting)
Dynamic Range121dB
Noise Floor_< 2.5uV (A-Weighting)
Frequency Response20hz - 20khz

4.4mm

Rated Power Output2100mW + 2100mW
SNR121dB
THD+N<0.0002%
Dynamic Range121dB
Noise Floor6.5uV
Frequency Response20hz - 20khz

Listening Experience

DISCLAIMER:

I would like to preface this by saying that most of my listening was done on USB UAC 1.0 and UAC 2.0 as well as Bluetooth. This is because I wanted to focus my testing specifically on how I personally use it. I never used the coaxial and the RCA function, but I will make an updated post on how this works.

The thing that bothered me about amplifiers was just how difficult it is to properly pinpoint the differences between each other as good amplifiers are meant to playback music through headphones with linearity and clarity. Colored amplifiers are for poorly made or tube amplifiers.

That being said, the K7 sounds clean as hell. While my perspective on how good desktop amplifiers can get changed since I got the SK02, I can’t deny that the K7 has a certain level of cleanliness that not even the SK02 has.

The best way I can describe how the K7 sounds compared to every other amplifier I’ve used is a really good piece of linen canvas. It’s a clean, flat and linear surface where once you begin to paint, all the colors come to life and blend perfectly when you want it to and stand out when it needs to.

The K7 is quite literally a blank canvas of an amplifier that, no matter what headphones or earphones you pair with it, you will get the best listening experience you’d have with those headphones. Straight up, it does what a good amplifier does.

The low end can be tight or punchy, depending on the track and headphones. The mids are consistently clean, nuanced and transparent on tracks and headphones that bring about that clarity and cleanliness. The treble is snappy, lively but smooth and polished on tracks that are equally smooth, but it doesn’t overly emphasize the sharpness on even poorly mixed tracks. Obviously, the headphones are 95% the sound in this equation, but even then the K7 somehow finds a way to make the headphones more enjoyable by not overemphasizing the bad aspects of the headphones more than cheaper or poorly implemented amplifiers.

This cleanliness also allows for your headphones to perform at its best when it comes to their individual technical ability and headphones with impeccable separation and layering will be perfectly played through the K7. I seriously could not find an aspect of the K7 where it sounded “lacking”.

Power Output


The highlight has to be the power, however. 600mW on 3.5mm and 2100mW on 4.4mm on high gain is literally the most power that I’ve ever had on an amplifier. Both the SK02 and DC03 maxed out at 1400mW and this goes even higher? I don’t even have a pair of headphones that can utilize 2100mW of power! That only means that you will never struggle with driving and pair of headphones here. The impressive part is how well it handles volume scaling for how powerful it is. I’ve had amplifiers in the past that were either too soft or too loud at low volumes and the K7 is not that. It’s not as fine as something like the SK02 where the differences in volume is so fine that most IEMs regardless of impedance and sensitivity will have a perfect volume spot, but it’s good enough.


Pairing

This makes the K7 essentially a universal pairing with basically any IEM/headphone that I’ve tried. Normally, I’d feel the need to highlight a specific pairing with an amplifier that I review, but the K7 is so versatile and uncolored that basically anything that you want to hear in its full glory and in its best clothing, you’d pair it with the K7. Besides the SK02, I can’t say the same for other amps I’ve tried.

Noise and Distortion

I didn’t find the K7 to distort even at higher volumes (at least to my hearing capability), however, it does have an occasionally audible noise floor for very sensitive IEMs. It’s not super audible, but having nothing playing in your IEMs makes the noise floor a little audible.

It’s a seriously good sounding amplifier with enough power for basically anything that doesn’t need a transformer to run.

COMPARISONS:


vs SK02

I’ve been talking about the Fosi SK02 as a main comparison for the longest time in the review, but how does it really compare?

Well, fundamentally, the K7 is what the SK02 would be if it was buffed 100 times and catered to a more practical market. However, I’m also aware that the SK02 is a completely different product category to the K7.

This is evident with the existence of the K5 Pro, but since I don’t have that, I have to compare these two.

And realistically, sound wise, the SK02 and the K7 both present music in such a linear yet lively way. It’s neither clinical nor colored and it emphasizes the best aspects of the IEM or headphone that you pair with the amplifier.

The main sound difference would come down to the difference in output and how the K7 edges the SK02 just a little bit more in cleanliness, particularly in the treble region.

With the obvious physical differences like the SK02 not having the OLED screen and only featuring a single knob on top of the countless features the K7 has, it’s clear that the jump in price is justified.

Regardless, the SK02 fulfills the budget-friendly audiophile better than the K7 and the K7 is a far more practical and powerful device for power users and “gamers”

CONCLUSION:

Every other amplifier and DAC have become irrelevant to me because of the K7. I said the same thing about the SK02 and the K7 did to the SK02 what it did to every other amplifier that I’ve owned.

The K7 is quite simply the ultimate desktop amp for a person like me who spends most of their time on the desk working or studying. Powerful, feature rich and practical are the best ways I can describe the K7.

However, that doesn’t mean the K7 is a perfect device. The small nitpicks with the knobs and buttons along with the occasional delays and maybe even the fact that despite being a “gaming” amplifier, it doesn’t really have much gaming features like what other dedicated gaming brands would offer. Lack of LDAC is also a shame, but one that is understandable with how feature rich it already is. But I would argue that the K7 is more catered to practical-minded audiophiles who might be into gaming as well.

But fundamentally, this is just a really good desktop amplifier. A bit tedious and cable-rich? Yes. But powerful, practical and versatile? Absolutely. That’s what makes the K7 stand out from every other amplifier I’ve tried

Thank you for reading my full review on the Fosi K7. As of the current moment, the K7 is on Kickstarter here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/fosiaudio/fosi-audio-k7-gaming-headphone-amp-dac

L8890

New Head-Fier
Fosi Audio K7 Gaming DAC/Amp Review
Fosi Audio K7 Gaming DAC/Amp Review
1. Introduction
• Background
In late 2024, I had the privilege of receiving the soon-to-be-released flagship product from Fosi Audio—the K7 Gaming DAC/Amp. After just two weeks of use, it completely replaced my HyperX Cloud III wireless gaming headset, which had been my trusted audio companion for over a year, becoming my primary audio device. Designed specifically for gamers, the K7 maintains Fosi Audio's hallmark of exceptional sound quality while being deeply optimized for gaming scenarios. Whether it’s the precise capture of footsteps in FPS games or the immersive environmental soundscapes in action games, the K7's performance is nothing short of impressive.
• Market Position
Traditional gaming sound cards often rely on standard 3.5mm headphone and microphone jacks, aiming to accommodate the needs of most gaming headsets. Meanwhile, devices with a 4.4mm balanced output are usually found in the realm of Hi-Fi DAC/Amps, catering to users with higher demands for sound quality and driving power. The Fosi Audio K7 cleverly bridges the gap between these two categories. It retains high-quality sound performance while addressing the unique needs of gamers. Supporting high-fidelity audio output and optimized for convenient in-game voice communication, the K7 allows users to enjoy both Hi-Fi audio quality and gaming performance in a single device.
• Cross-Category Innovation
As a hybrid device targeting both gaming and Hi-Fi markets, the K7 offers unique advantages in sound quality, functionality, and gaming experience. In the following sections, I will provide a detailed evaluation of its features and real-world performance based on my hands-on testing, covering functionality, sound quality, and user experience.
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2. Official Specifications and Features
  • Input/Output Interfaces
    • Front Panel: 3.5mm microphone input, 3.5mm headphone output, and 4.4mm balanced headphone output.
    • Rear Panel: RCA output, Bluetooth antenna port, coaxial input, optical input, USB input, and 12V external power input.
  • Bluetooth Features
    • Supports Bluetooth 5.0.
    • Compatible with Bluetooth formats such as aptX HD, aptX, AAC, and SBC.
    • Sampling rate: 48kHz / 24-bit.
  • EQ Adjustment
    • Frequency split point: 1000Hz for high/low-frequency adjustments.
    • Adjustable range: ±6dB for high frequencies, ±12dB for low frequencies.
  • Gain Function
    • High/low gain modes, accommodating headphones with varying impedance.
  • BYPASS Function
    • A dedicated button toggles the BYPASS mode.
    • When BYPASS is enabled, the device bypasses internal high/low-frequency adjustments, outputting raw audio signals.
    • When disabled, the device resumes and applies the previously set EQ adjustments.
  • 4.4mm Balanced Headphone Output Performance (UAC)
    • Rated Power: L+R ≥ 2100mW + 2100mW (32Ω load, THD+N < 1%).
    • Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR): 121dB (A-weighted).
    • Total Harmonic Distortion (THD+N): 0.0002% (A-weighted).
    • Dynamic Range: 121dB.
    • Noise Floor: < 6.5μV (A-weighted).
    • Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz (±0.2dB).
  • 3.5mm Headphone Output Performance (UAC)
    • Rated Power: L+R ≥ 600mW + 600mW (32Ω load, THD+N < 1%).
    • Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR): 122dB (A-weighted).
    • Total Harmonic Distortion (THD+N): 0.0005% (A-weighted).
    • Dynamic Range: 121dB.
    • Noise Floor: < 2.5μV (A-weighted).
    • Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz (±0.2dB).
  • RCA Line Output Performance (UAC)
    • Output Voltage: ≥ 2Vrms.
    • Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR): 121dB (A-weighted).
    • Total Harmonic Distortion (THD+N): 0.0005% (A-weighted).
    • Dynamic Range: 121dB.
    • Noise Floor: < 3μV (A-weighted).
    • Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz (±0.2dB).

3. Design and User Experience
  • Materials and Craftsmanship
    • Full aluminum alloy body with CNC unibody construction.
    • Surface treated with sandblasting for a refined finish.
  • Design Highlights
    • Separate volume knob and microphone volume knob for precise control.
    • Equipped with a 1.5-inch LCD display.
  • Portability and Practicality
    • Dimensions comparable to a smartphone, slightly shorter in height than the SK02.
  • Aesthetic Design
    • Maintains Fosi Audio's signature orange-and-black color scheme.
    • A futuristic design with a subtle touch of tech-inspired aesthetics.

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Comparison with the SK02
  • Operational Experience
    The K7 inherits the knob design of the SK02 while adding an additional knob, resulting in a more versatile functional layout. The left knob is used for volume adjustment and gain control, while the right knob focuses on microphone volume and EQ adjustments. Both knobs are similar in size and tactile feel to those on the SK02, offering a consistent operational experience.
  • Enhanced Interface
    Compared to the SK02, the K7 takes the user interface a step further by integrating a 1.5-inch LCD display in the center of the knobs. Featuring a black background with orange text, the display provides a clear and intuitive view of the current status. Below the screen are five functional buttons corresponding to UAC mode, input mode, output mode, BYPASS function, and high/low-frequency adjustment toggles. The control logic is simple and intuitive, making it easy to master with minimal practice.
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  • Portability and Functionality
    It’s worth noting that the K7 requires an external power supply. Although its compact size remains an advantage, its portability is slightly reduced compared to the SK02. However, the K7 makes significant advancements in functionality, making it more suitable for desktop audio setups and multi-scenario usage.

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Minor Design Flaws
  • Microphone Limitation
    The microphone can only be used in UAC1.0 mode, which may limit its functionality in certain scenarios.
  • Port Spacing Issue
    The spacing between the microphone jack and the 3.5mm headphone jack is somewhat tight. This could pose a challenge when attempting to simultaneously connect devices with larger plugs.

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• Inconsistent Volume Adjustment
The volume values change irregularly during adjustment, such as 30, 32, 33, 36, 38. This inconsistency may not be ideal for users who prefer precise and uniform control, especially those sensitive to such details.


4. Sound Performance (Without EQ Adjustment)
I. Overall Sound Signature

• Tuning: Neutral and balanced, with no noticeable coloration.
II. Frequency Response
1. Low Frequencies
o Excellent depth and extension with moderate quantity.
o Superb control, delivering clean bass without a boomy or overwhelming sensation.
2. Mid Frequencies
o Vocals are full-bodied and positioned appropriately.
o Instruments exhibit clear texture and well-defined layering.
3. High Frequencies
o Good extension with a natural and delicate presentation.
o Rich in detail without sounding harsh or fatiguing.
III. Soundstage and Imaging
The K7 offers a spacious soundstage with a balanced and layered distribution. Its horizontal soundstage feels expansive, while the depth is moderate, effectively conveying changes in front-to-back distance.
IV. Detail Retrieval
The K7 excels in resolution, reproducing fine details in music and gaming audio with precision. Even in complex audio scenarios, it maintains clarity.
• Noise Floor: Exceptionally clean background with no audible noise.
• Separation: Outstanding layer separation, with smooth and natural transitions between frequency ranges.
• Distortion: The low-distortion design ensures highly accurate sound reproduction, even during dynamic shifts or in detail-critical moments, resulting in a natural and authentic listening experience.
V. Comparison with Fosi Audio’s SK02
The K7’s sound performance is highly consistent with that of the SK02. Both share a balanced and neutral tuning, demonstrating excellent compatibility with high-impedance, low-sensitivity headphones. Despite using different chipsets, the K7 has a slightly warmer tonality compared to the SK02, but the difference is minimal. Without a direct side-by-side comparison, the variation is almost imperceptible. For most users, the sound performance of the K7 and SK02 is remarkably similar. Both cater well to users seeking accurate reproduction and balanced sound. If you already own the SK02, upgrading to the K7 purely for sound quality may not be a necessary decision.

Tested Headphones: Sennheiser HD660S, Sony MDR-V6, Audio-Technica R70X



5. Sound Performance in Competitive Gaming
I. Sound Performance in Competitive Gaming
HyperX Cloud III
• Sound Signature

o Tuning: Close to the Harman curve, offering ample low frequencies with good depth and fast transient response, resulting in dynamic bass. However, it can feel slightly overwhelming at times.
o Mids: Clear vocals with a balanced positioning, though occasional sibilance occurs, especially in scenes with rich high-frequency details.
o Spatial Presentation: Excellent sense of space, with clear localization and distance cues, making it suitable for basic FPS gaming needs.
o Drawbacks: Higher distortion, less defined instrument separation, and somewhat lacking detail and layering.
• FPS Gaming Performance (CS2)
o Default "Natural" EQ setting delivers bright and impactful gunshots, though they can feel overly pronounced. Footstep directionality is good, enabling clear identification of enemy positions and distances. However, the overall sound lacks naturalness—footsteps feel slightly hollow, and jump-landing sounds can be harsh. High-frequency weapon-switching effects, like "knife sounds," are particularly noticeable. Adjusting the headphone EQ by reducing 8kHz by approximately -4.5dB significantly improves these issues, reducing harshness and sibilance.
• FPS Gaming Performance (Valorant)
o Footstep localization remains vague and lacks fullness, with insufficient layering. Enabling in-game HRTF surround sound greatly enhances spatial perception and separation, improving footstep clarity and directional accuracy. However, distant subtle sounds can become overly amplified, complicating distance estimation.

K7 Paired with HiFi Headphones
• Sennheiser HD660S

o Default sound is slightly heavy, with muffled footsteps and gunshots, and average directional and distance performance. Adjusting the K7 EQ (+6dB high frequencies, -1dB low frequencies) improves footstep clarity and widens the soundstage. Overall, it performs better than the HyperX Cloud III, though its footstep clarity still slightly lags behind.
• Audio-Technica R70X
o Natural sound with excellent positional and distance accuracy. Gunshots and footsteps retain some of the R70X’s signature "warm blur." Even without EQ adjustments, the R70X outperforms the HyperX Cloud III. Changing the in-game EQ from "Natural" to "Crisp" or adjusting the K7 EQ (+1dB high frequencies, 0dB low frequencies) further enhances footstep clarity.
• Valorant Performance
o Using the same EQ settings as for CS2, the footstep clarity, directionality, and distance perception are highly accurate. Skill sound effects and footsteps are well-separated. In complex scenes, enemy positions can be quickly discerned. Disabling the HRTF surround sound feature is recommended to avoid excessive sound clutter near the ears, which can affect distance and spatial perception.

II. Microphone Comparison
HyperX Cloud III

• Performance
o Clear and bright voice capture with excellent noise reduction, effectively eliminating environmental noise (e.g., fan noise, keyboard clicks). Overall, it ranks highly among gaming headsets.
K7 with Microphones
• BOYA M100
o Slightly warm vocal tone with a hint of smearing. The sound feels more distant but remains clear overall, with good noise reduction. While slightly inferior to the HyperX Cloud III, it is still acceptable.
• Microphone integrated into wired earphones
o Average voice capture quality with slightly muffled vocals. However, it is still adequate for voice communication and gaming.

III. Summary
• Sound and Spatial Performance

In popular FPS games, the K7 paired with HiFi headphones outshines gaming headsets in both sound quality and spatial localization. Comfort during extended gaming sessions is another significant advantage. Recently, I spent 12 hours straight playing Immortals of Aveum with the R70X, an experience that would be unbearable with the HyperX Cloud III due to its 330g weight compared to the R70X’s 210g.
• Wireless vs. Wired
Despite the K7's superior performance with HiFi headphones, there is one area where it cannot compete: the freedom of wireless. Modern wireless gaming headsets, with 2.4G receivers, have achieved impressively low latency. Although a slight delay is still perceptible compared to wired setups, it is negligible in gaming scenarios. The convenience of wireless freedom—grabbing a snack, getting a drink, or even visiting the bathroom without removing the headset—is hard to overlook.

Ultimately, the choice comes down to priorities: precise sound performance or flexible, convenient usage.


6. Compatibility and Bluetooth
• Compatible Devices

o Supports PC, PS5, Switch, and other devices.
o No driver download is required, making it very convenient to connect to PCs or other devices.

• Bluetooth Connectivity
o Based on the chipset, it is presumed to support Bluetooth 5.0.
o During FPS gaming, there is a slight delay between gunfire sounds and game visuals, but this is negligible for watching movies or TV shows.
o Bluetooth connection is stable, with no occurrences of disconnections or audio-video desynchronization.
o The Bluetooth functionality is particularly convenient when occasionally connecting the K7 to a smartphone or tablet.


7. Target Audience
• Who Should Consider the K7
For users who want to balance competitive gaming and high-quality audio—especially those who own hard-to-drive over-ear headphones—the K7 is an excellent value-for-money choice. It offers a near-complete solution through a single device. However, for users who already own the SK02 or primarily use easy-to-drive in-ear monitors, the K7 may not be as compelling. That said, gamers who specifically require external microphone functionality might find the K7 worth considering.
• Crowdfunding Launch on Makuake
Notably, Fosi Audio launched the K7 project on the Japanese crowdfunding platform Makuake on January 16, 2025. For those interested, the Makuake page provides more detailed product information and support options. If the K7 has caught your attention, be sure to visit the following link to learn more and support the project:
👉 https://www.makuake.com/project/fosik7/


8. Conclusion
• The Fosi Audio K7 strikes a perfect balance between sound quality, versatile functionality, and powerful driving capability, making it an excellent choice for both gamers and HiFi enthusiasts. It continues Fosi Audio's signature neutral tuning style while significantly improving functionality and user experience. With robust support for high-impedance headphones, it easily adapts to various usage scenarios.
• The K7's upgrades over the SK02 are primarily in its functional layout and adaptability, while the differences in sound performance are minimal. If you’re seeking better sound quality, richer functionality, and stronger driving power for premium headphones, the K7 offers exceptional value. However, if you already own the SK02 or prioritize portability and wireless convenience, a wireless gaming headset might be a better fit.
• Ultimately, the K7 is a device that successfully balances sound quality and functionality, catering to users who want to enjoy both gaming and music. The final decision depends on your specific use cases and personal preferences.

Here is the buy link for this product👉https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/fosiaudio/fosi-audio-k7-gaming-headphone-amp-dac?ref=itsgreq

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Kindlefirehditaly

New Head-Fier
Fosi Audio K7 Gaming DAC/AMP: Are We Sure?
Pros: Pretty big boy
AK Sound Signature—Touch of Warmth
Extra Powerful—62 volume steps
Improved stage and details
Mature & polished sound
L & H Gain switch for easy IEMS
Treble & Bass Adjustments
No APP direct & easy controls
Dedicated power supply
OLED display
Total Independent volume (on OSX)
Cons: More Hi-Fi than Gaming (i’m more audiophile than gamer so this is a pro.)
No PEQ
No dedicated Software (i’m fine with it)
No fancy RGB lights (not really a cons)

Fosi Audio K7 Gaming DAC/AMP Review: Are We Sure?​


Fosi Audio K7 on Grass



Disclaimer:​

Good morning, readers! Today we are here with a brand new product from Fosi Audio, a DAC/AMP with very interesting specifications, the Fosi Audio K7. I just reviewed the Creative SoundBlaster G8 so the comparison becomes very interesting indeed. Products like the Fosi Audio K7 can be appreciated even more because they fully express the efforts of a smaller brand to compete with the giants. We are not on par in terms of extra features but everything else is actually superior in quality. Calling this product suitable for gaming is wrong because the audio quality of the K7 is far beyond. Despite the lack of “surround” technologies, the K7 creates an immense stage.

The review, as always, will be completely unbiased, uninfluenced, and free of affiliate links.

I would like to remind you that I am just a person who enjoys trying out new items and listening to a lot of music; I am not an expert.

My opinions are obviously subjective.

Tech Specs:​

  • AKM AK4493S DAC: High-resolution audio with low distortion, enhancing in-game sound effects and delivering studio-grade music quality.
  • XMOS XU208 USB Controller: High-speed digital audio processing for synchronized game audio and visuals, plus clean signal transmission for music.
  • OPA1612 Op-Amp: Improves positional audio accuracy in games and provides low-distortion sound with rich detail for music.
  • TPA6120 Headphone Amplifier: Powerful headphone-driving capability for both low- and high-impedance headphones, ensuring impactful sound and pure audio quality.
  • Qualcomm QCC3031 Bluetooth Chip: Supports aptX LL low-latency for gaming and aptX HD lossless for near-wired HiFi wireless listening.
4.4mm Balanced Headphone Output:

  • Rated Power Output: L+R ≥ 2100mW + 2100mW (32Ω/THD+N<1%)
  • SNR: 121dB
  • THD+N: 0.0002%
  • Dynamic Range: 121dB
  • Noise Floor: ≤ 6.5μV
  • Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz (±0.2dB)
3.5mm Single-Ended Headphone Output:

  • Rated Power Output: L+R ≥ 600mW + 600mW (32Ω/THD+N<1%)
  • SNR: 122dB
  • THD+N: 0.0005%
  • Dynamic Range: 121dB
  • Noise Floor: ≤ 2.5μV
  • Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz (±0.2dB)
RCA Output:

  • Output Level: ≥ 2Vrms
  • SNR: 121dB
  • THD+N: 0.0005%
  • Dynamic Range: 121dB
  • Noise Floor: ≤ 3μV
  • Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz (±0.2dB)
I hope this list is helpful! Please let me know if you need any further clarification or information.

System Requirements:​

I have not found specific information but what I can tell you is that the product works without problems with OSX but that it has a totally independent volume not controllable by Mac. I think it can be solved with a firmware update to be done probably using a Windows PC where the drivers are installed. In general it works with any device because it does not need to be powered.

Packaging:​

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Fosi Audio K7

The Fosi Audio K7 packaging is very simple, all black but the product is well protected. Inside it is everything you need to put it to work right away.

  • Fosi Audio K7
  • BT antenna
  • Power Supply 12V 2A
  • 1 Cable Type C to Type C/USB
  • Mic + Aux splitter
  • User Manual
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Much more intelligently than Creative, Fosi has put a cable with a built-in USB adapter (it has been using it for a long time) and it is the most wonderful accessory you can find. The Fosi Audio K7 has its own power supply of 12V 2A. We also find a BT antenna.

There are no other cables but what is there allows anyone to use it immediately.

Build Quality/First Impressions:​

Fosi Audio K7 Front
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Since I also own the old Fosi Audio K5 Pro, I wonder if it’s really the same company. The leap in quality is so huge that I can hardly believe it’s still them. The K5 Pro compared to the K7 is a toy. Even taking the more recent Fosi SK02 as an example, you can perceive a further evolution in the care of their products. You can tell that it’s a company that listens to its customers and that carries out surveys regarding the features they want.


The Fosi Audio K7 is a high quality product, all in CNC machined metal, I don’t think there is anything plastic. The weight of the product itself is an indication of the amount of metal that has been used. Compared to the Creative G8 where even the knobs are plastic. The attention to detail can be seen in the precision that the buttons have in their seats, how precisely the volume knobs rotate and the rubber feet underneath that bear the Fosi branding (perhaps even excessive as a thing). But honestly, it’s nice to see a brand put so much effort into it, especially knowing where they started from.

On the upper part we find in the middle a small but use OLED display, two knobs the first for the volume and the second for the adjustments.

Below we have 5 buttons for the management of the Fosi Audio K7:

Fosi Audio K7 on Grass

  • UAC Mode
  • Input
  • Output
  • Bypass/Direct
  • Tone/mic adjustments
On the front we have microphone input, 3.5mm output and 4.4mm output. The presence of the balanced output makes me extremely happy.

On the back the comparison with the Creative Sound Blaster G8 is not on par. The Fosi Audio K7 has Bluetooth though. For the rest we have Coaxial, Optical and RCA outputs

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Oled Display

Special Features:​

Fosi Audio K7 vs K5 Pro vs Sk02 vs Creative G8

Let’s say that the features are definitely basic if compared to the Creative but for my non-gaming use, the ability to adjust the highs and lows is already very interesting. The thing I like is that you don’t need software but everything is manageable with the buttons and knobs.

Even the microphone can only be adjusted in its volume. Compared to the Creative SoundBlaster G8, the gaming features for modern games are limited. But if you use it at an audiophile level or for some old-school games or films, the story is completely different.

Sound Signature & EQ:​

Fosi Audio K7

The AKM AK4493S combined with the TPA6120 does a perfect job; in fact, right away it seemed to me that the stage compared to other models tested was particularly more accurate. The sound is basically very detailed and analytical with a warm note. Everything sounds extremely coherent and if there was a need for more brightness or anything else, you just need to correct the tones. I personally really like it in direct mode and I think it will become my reference DAC/amp for the tests from now on.

Unfortunately, there is no real full equalizer or presets you can use.

Power:​

2 Power Beast

Power is more or less comparable to the Creative SoundBlaster G8. I don’t know how it’s possible in reality but in terms of power, the Creative is more impressive, which, from a simple USB brings out capacities far superior to many of the competition. The Fosi Audio K7 has its own separate power supply so there is absolutely no lack of current. I simply believe the volume control is more precise and therefore does not give you “slaps” of volume like the other. So I believe it is only a matter of acoustic perception but in both, it is difficult to reach the maximum volume. In my case, the maximum I have tried is the EPZ x Tipsy Starn One with 64 OHM of impedance and at most you can reach 30 of volume out of 62. Regardless of what is connected to it, it is powered and driven perfectly.

Considerations after a month of use:​

Fosi Audio K7 Dac/AMP

In the new setup that I will do in a few months this product will have a key role on the desk. In the future it will become a point of reference for my future reviews, its sound and the possibility of controlling the tones quickly and quickly allows you to test the IEMs and headphones that I will have the opportunity to test. The sound, even if you should not notice big differences with other dac / amp, has a care and precision that I had never heard on the others. The totally silent background even with very sensitive IEMs like the Simgot EA100 Fermat make it suitable for any user. Compared to the Creative, the gaming DNA takes a back seat, this product is in all respects first and foremost a high-level HI-FI product. You can perceive the care and research that they are employing in improving their products. The definition that the Fosi Audio K7 brings out adds points to the soundstage.

The only downside might be the audio jacks on the front. This requires more desk space than is necessary on the front.

Fast Comparison:​

Looking at the past of Fosi Audio and the present of other brands, the comparisons become interesting.

vs Fosi Audio K5 Pro

Fosi Audio K7 & K5 Pro

I seriously have a hard time believing it’s the same company. The K5 Pro is a product that borrows a standard size chassis with minimal customization. You’ve probably seen a thousand amplifiers with the same chassis on AliExpress. A product that has a totally different quality that can’t even be compared. In terms of input and output, it can still be improved, but in terms of design, functionality, and build quality, it has made giant steps.

I’m not telling you about the sound because the K7 sounds 1000 times better.

vs Fosi Audio SK02

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A more recent product from Fosi but that still, even if perhaps a year old, makes it clear how the company is growing and in which direction. I find the SK01 brighter but not for this reason: it is more detailed and suitable for critical and analytical listening. In terms of construction quality, you can perceive a connection with the two products. In terms of sound, the K7 is a few steps above and is also much more powerful.

vs Creative SoundBlaster G8

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A fusion or joint venture between the two brands would create the definitive product for gamers and audiophiles. It will probably never happen but if the Creative features were to be merged with the Fosi Audio build quality, it would produce a definitive product for most users. Undoubtedly the versatility of the inputs and outputs is superior on the Creative, even the app support and the features designed for gamers or streamers are very advanced. If all this is not what you need, the Fosi Audio is really well made. I have no particular needs for gaming so I probably don’t see the real limitations that a gamer might experience.

Conclusions:​

In the case of minimal desks, I think a product like the Creative Soundblaster G8 could be very appealing. I am not a person who can identify with a desk with a minimal setup but surely in the near future I will have to drastically reduce the complexity of the setup I currently use. The thing I liked the most is the possibility of maintaining a single sound card for both my PCs and also sharing the two Pebble X speakers via wired connection. Before, I used them via USB only with one of the two and the other had to make do with the BT connection. The features with the DSP activated are multiple but I am more of a purist in that sense. Usually my favorite mode is the direct mode, where there are no colorations of the sound. Great that they finally managed to bring an update of the Creative APP on OSX but there is still a long way to go for it to be on par with the Windows one. As for gaming, the features present are more designed for streamers or creators.

In my opinion the Fosi Audio K7 has a sound that is anything but gaming but very Hi-Fi, I think one of the most complete and full I have heard so far. Are we sure it is a gaming DAC?

More information is here:​

Comments

Syrius

New Head-Fier
The Fosi K7 is a DAC+headphone amp, that is targeted for gamers and of course for music lovers. You can connect it to your PC, gaming console, or phone using USB, optical, coaxial, or Bluetooth, and it’s super easy to set up, as no drivers are needed. It works with both 4.4mm balanced and 3.5mm single ended headphones, and there’s even a mic input for gaming or chatting.

It’s built really well, feels solid, and the controls on top make it easy to adjust everything, and for me, it's one of the nicest designs that I have seen in a while. The K7 allows you to tweak the bass, treble, and mic volume with a simple interface, and the screen shows all your settings, like volume, gain, and mode. I have noticed that when playing, or enjoying music in a dark room, it's pretty hard to find which button you want to press, as they are not backlit, so that's a small con to mention.

The bass and treble adjustments can be super useful for gaming, as when you need to hear enemy steps more clearly, you can tweak the treble up, and if you want to play more casual games with lots of explosions, you can ramp up the bass. I would also say, that the K7 is powerful enough to handle pretty much all of the headphones with its 2.1W output, and it sounds super clean and clear, without any unwanted noises.

It can also receive a Bluetooth 5.0 for wireless connection (No LDAC unfortunately...), RCA outputs to connect active speakers, and a bypass mode that keeps the sound pure by disabling the EQ. Honestly, my impressions of the K7 are very positive!

I will release a full review on https://mobileaudiophile.com/, so stay tuned.
 
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