[vanerik23]

This will be very closed to our final design of K7/K7Pro, key features as follow:
1, THX amplifier.
2, Dual AK4497 / Dual AK4499 ( Pro)
3, LDAC/aptX HD/ IOS/ Android app control.
4, DSD512/PCM768/32
5, XLR/4.4/6.3 Headpone out.

I don't mind having no display but having the sample rate displayed when playing dsd or pcm would help to see if we're actually running the exact rates and not downsampled/upsampled. But if it means making the device look much cleaner, that's fine.

One other thing I might want to change is the gain switch. Depending on how much power this can output, I'd like to see more than 2 options. Also, the switch should be more easily accessible like a knob or a lever so it's not so difficult when on a desk. If this is anything like the gain switch on the Fiio Qx portable amps, or the K3, that's going to be a hassle for everyone who'll be using this on a desk.

 

[Cevisi]

Like i fiio know. The blue ring on the volume dial is a led that will change is color for different sample rate. 1000%

 

[Suppa92]

I don't mind having no display but having the sample rate displayed when playing dsd or pcm would help to see if we're actually running the exact rates and not downsampled/upsampled. But if it means making the device look much cleaner, that's fine.

One other thing I might want to change is the gain switch. Depending on how much power this can output, I'd like to see more than 2 options. Also, the switch should be more easily accessible like a knob or a lever so it's not so difficult when on a desk. If this is anything like the gain switch on the Fiio Qx portable amps, or the K3, that's going to be a hassle for everyone who'll be using this on a desk.

I totally agree with you on the Gain Settings options.
In the initial design there were 3 levels, these new renders have only two. didn't noticed that until you pointed that out.

SMSL SP200 also has two gains and it's a mess/ scary considering THX amps high power output.
Hope @FiiO include Three gain level in the final implementation. (at least starting from Unity Gain or preferably -3db Gain even)

 

[Cevisi]

I totally agree with you on the Gain Settings options.
In the initial design there were 3 levels, these new renders have only two. didn't noticed that until you pointed that out.

SMSL SP200 also has two gains and it's a mess/ scary considering THX amps high power output.
Hope @FiiO include Three gain level in the final implementation. (at least starting from Unity Gain or preferably -3db Gain even)

yes there i agree too 3 gain would be better event the k5pro has 3 gain

 

[elira]

SMSL SP200 also has two gains and it's a mess/ scary considering THX amps high power output.

The problem with the SP200 is the linear taper potentiometer they decided to use, not the power.

 

[Suppa92]

The problem with the SP200 is the linear taper potentiometer they decided to use, not the power.

Yes there's issue about the potentiometer they used.
Irrespective to brand or model, Still when there is extremely high power output with only two gain modes, just moving the volume control by a touch, can increase the volume to deafening levels.

SP200 delivers 6w per channel at 16ohms, and it's lowest gain is +6db, high gain is +18db.
So even if they used world best potentiometer, just a very little movement of volume control can bring efficient headphone to extremely loud levels even at low gain.

What I'm saying is a practicality issue not a very big deal.
We can obviously use volume reduction at dac level, so this won't be a problem at all.
I'm just pointing out that any high power head amp better and more practical to have 3 gain settings starting from some -db value at at least 0db.
at

 

[Cevisi]

Maybe the gain slider snaps in the middle and we have 3 gain

 

[elira]

just moving the volume control by a touch, can increase the volume to deafening levels.

That is because of the linear taper. 6db of gain isn't much.

See this image:

from: http://www.resistorguide.com/potentiometer-taper/

The reason why the ramp up is so fast is because of the taper, with a logarithmic taper you would have finer grain at low volumes. Log pot at 50% is around the same as a linear pot at 13%.

 

[ahmonge]

Seems to me that it would be using the same K5 Pro DAC/Amp sampling frequency information scheme thru knob surrounding colours. Well. I have that unit and I’m OK with it, but others may prefer more explicit data on a display.

 

[FiiO]

Here is the more detail of K7/K7Pro, they share the same design but just the DAC is different, ONE QUESTION, do you want USB B or TYPE C on the back? Note, there will be another TYPE C on the right side of the box>>>https://www.facebook.com/chung.james.92/posts/2972176889557027

 

[1000ROUNDZ]

Here is the more detail of K7/K7Pro, they share the same design but just the DAC is different, ONE QUESTION, do you want USB B or TYPE C on the back? Note, there will be another TYPE C on the right side of the box>>>https://www.facebook.com/chung.james.92/posts/2972176889557027

USB type C please!

 

[brendancws]

Here is the more detail of K7/K7Pro, they share the same design but just the DAC is different, ONE QUESTION, do you want USB B or TYPE C on the back? Note, there will be another TYPE C on the right side of the box>>>https://www.facebook.com/chung.james.92/posts/2972176889557027

Use the USB B 3.0 version at least if you are going for USB B. If not, USB C would be more future proof.

 

[Baten]

Use the USB B 3.0 version at least if you are going for USB B. If not, USB C would be more future proof.

USB 3.0 is really pointless for audio since high-speed USB 2.0 can already deal with any standard.
iFi uses USB 3.0 connectors but it's marketing gimmick, has zero advantage.

 

[Cevisi]

Usb c please. And thanks for the 3 gain

 

[ahmonge]

USB-C. More future proof and reversible as well. By the way, K7 looks awesome in this grey livery!