4/5, not enough hi res audio stickers. Thank you for doing what you do. Currently recovering from an illness that hurt my left ear, so I don’t feel comfortable listening to anything loud. Your way of doing things is perfect.
Sorry to hear about your illness. Hopefully the left ear issue is only temporary. Hope you get feeling better soon. Glad you enjoy the channel content.
I do understand that latency setup with the volume. One of my dac/amps is the iFi Uno and that particular feature is really annoying, especially with sensitive IEMs. When I start turning the volume up, I don’t get any output until it’s too late. At the 8 o’clock position - nothing. 9 o’clock - nothing. 10 o’clock - maybe? 11 o’clock - BOOM - instant deafness! 😊 It’s very difficult getting the right volume amount. This probably won’t be as bad with less sensitive IEMs but still, a more linear approach is much better.
The K7 is actually particularly good for sensitive IEMs as it ramps up very slowly, so you have a large amount of space on the dial before it gets loud. It's also digital so you have perfect channel balance even at low volumes. The lag is annoying, but I think you just have to get used to turning the knob a bit slower, it's not THAT much lag, so if you just turn the knob a bit slower it seems to be smooth again. It's if you make big jumps you get it going straight from one volume to another. The lag is annoying though, it's worth calling out.
Just got the k7. Using it as amp only and switched my schiit fulla e to be a dac - just so I’m not wasting my old equipment. Can’t wait to get the balanced cables for my he400se to test that out.
A point of note for anyone wanting to invest in the K7, the K5 Pro lists it's overall output power, and is not per channel. So in the comparison chart the K5 pro is outputting a total of 1.5watts, while the K7 specifically writes 1.2x1.2watts which is 2.4 watts in reality at 32Ohm single ended. FiiO has been careful to underrepresent the output power of the K7 in anyway it can, some sort of marketing strategy.
@@Anh-Áo-Nâu K7 is plenty more powerful from balanced output. K7 has 560mw @ 300 ohm, while K5 has only 140mw @ 300 ohm. From single ended output K7 has same power as K5.
I pretty much entirely agree with your observations on the sound. I came from the K5 Pro ESS, which I'd been using for months, and almost immediately felt as if some upper-mids/lower-treble had been reduced in the sound I was getting. Sibilance on voices, especially on many not-so-well recorded people on YT was completely gone. This was with an HD 560s, where S's have a distinct and recognizable edge. The K5 Pro, likely due to it's amp, also has a mid-bass hump, which is not present on the K7, and also the K7 does sub-bass considerably better. This made a lot of music less fun to me, unfortunately, despite the THX amp being more linear and much cleaner. Staging and imaging also changed a lot. The staging on the K7 feels small to me, coming from various configurations with ESS DACs. Vocals and mids are quite upfront and feel forced towards center. At the same time, directional cues in games or with some specific music are in another league with the K7 compared to the K5 Pro ESS. The imaging is much more complete and full around the whole head, with the caveat that the mids are pulled towards you powerfully and a lot of sound cues in game sound much closer to you than they are. I think I might post a comparison to Reddit sometime after more A/B-ing.
@@yamato1420 thanks for sharing your feedback. If I am purely looking for as a desktop gaming DAC for competitive FPS etc, would the K7/K5 pro be better for such purpose? I am using a 560S too. Thanks!
I'm wondering when the makers of all these audio componenets will stop with the Hi-Res stickers. I mean every reviewer seems to poke fun at it now days. You know they see a bunch of these reviews and they should be able to figure this out. The volume delay would drive me nuts.
Thanks for your video. With Moondrop Kato, what would you recommend between Fiio K7 and iFI Zen Dac V2 ? I'm looking for a neutral sound with good sound separation and good localization (gaming use: CoD Warzone)
Is it true more power can help with sound quality on things like bass, even with efficient drivers? I have an ES100 dongle and while it can get things like my HD560S loud enough, it seems harsh and that something's not right. Same with the Meze 109 Pro I just bought as an open box special. It hasn't wowed me like I thought it would. Unless it's my brain rationalizing things, it feels like it's being held back. I get glimpses of something special but that's it. Is the K7 even appropriate for the 109s, at least temporarily if I need to save for better equipment? Or are my expectations of headphones wrong? Any insight/help would greatly be appreciated. Regardless if you do or not you've earned a sub. I come to this channel often enough that it's illogical not to lol.
Good question. Yes, power can help sonic performance. Drivers react on different ways to more power, some for better and worse. Lackluster bass, lackluster dynamics, dull tone, shrill, harsh treble, cramped stage are tell-tale signs that your gear might need more power. I think the K7 is more than enough for the 560s and 109 Pro. It should be a noticable upgrade from your dongle.
@@TheHonestAudiophile Wow, you've basically described my problems, especially with my HD560S that never got much use for the reasons you listed. Thank you.
@@spamcan9208 my pleasure, you're welcome. I hope an upgrade in amplification can help you enjoy your gear as intended. Look forward to hearing your impressions.
@the honest audiophile - how did it sound with the R70X? Were there any issues with the bass? Did u ran them on high gainl/low gain? And how was the overall experience?
Greetings Dave (I hope I caught your name right).. thanks for any comments you might send my way. I just purchased the K7. I am not sure if my product is defective or it is designed that way: I notice that if I have BOTH my phone connected to the RCA input, and my laptop connected to the USB input, and both are playing something, although I have only one of the two inputs selected on the K7, there is BLEED-THROUGH and I can hear what is being played on both devices simultaneously. It seems to me this shouldn´t be happening and that one input should be automatically muted when the other is selected. Is this a defect with my product, or a design flaw that affects all K7s? Sorry for the long question, and thanks for your kind input. .j.
@@TheHonestAudiophile Thanks for your kind and prompt reply! I have already put in for a return and sent for a new one. I greatly appreciate you input. All the best. .j.
I've owned the Dx5 which is very similar to the Dx3 Pro+. I prefer the K7 as it doesn't sound quite as sterile and has a little better dynamics at the expense of it not being quite as detail oriented as the topping. Hope this helps.
@christopher s. mosson You can use it both ways, USB from a PC or laptop or phone or line in aux cable that terminates to RCA. The K7 only has USB, Coax/SPIDF, Optical and RCA inputs, no 3.5mm for aux input.
In the $200 price range there is not a lot of options. I would recommend these external amps, the DROP THX AAA One Linesr and DROP SMSL HO150X . If you need a DAC/amp combo the Fiio K11. But at this price range there are very few products that can be considered "reference" in my opinion.
Hey Dave, thank´s for your honest Videos! I recently bought a Ananda V2. Which AMP/DAC can you recommend for that Headphone? I´m listening to Tidal Hifi Plus on my Desktop PC?
I've not heard the Ananda V2. I recommend the Mytek Liberty DAC ii as it pairs wonderful with my og Ananda. Here is a link to my ranking list that can provide some other alternatives: docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1nRHnsP_4vLg9DlD9kwJ6gQuEQFqhTR0lnrkxXo3AMG8/edit?usp=drivesdk
@@TheHonestAudiophile I checked your Tierlist. I´m able to get the Liberty 1 for 515€ or the Liberty 2 for 1250€. Do you think it´s worth it to buy the newest Version to use it with my Ananda?
Let me put it this way. The original is a solid DAC/Amp but it's showing its age and the newest is a large upgrade. If the budget allows, the Liberty DAC ii is well worth the price tag. If the budget only allows for the original, it will suffice.
Will they fit well with the DT 770 pro 80Om? It’s just that these headphones can only be connected in an unbalanced way, and I heard that the k7 has a not so powerful unbalanced output
I doubt very much that the DT770 600ohm would be powered properly by the K7, especially on unbalanced. But I can't confirm as I don't have either to test in house
80ohm should be doable but again I can't confirm. I've not heard the DT770 just the Custom Studio and that was like 4 years ago. K7 is a solid performer for the price.
Just curious whether anyone has run this with the Beyerdynamics T1 or Amiron? Just a bit worried the highs will be a little too bright, particularly with the Amiron. Cheers.
Very good video! I have the dt990 pro 250ohm. I'm thinking to buy a k7 to compare them, or a k5pro ess. Could you help me,which is better for this headphone? I mean exactly, the dt990 pro 250ohm needs the power of the k7? or it's too much for them(distribution,harshness etc..)so it should be better to buy the k5pro ess? Thank you .
I haven't heard a K7 Pro. I don't think the K7 will have enough power for a DT990 250ohm unless you use it balanced 4.4mm but then I think it will be borderline enough. I didn't test that headphone though.
Hi, before I gonna throw into space my 200 -300 euros for dac/amp , I like to ask you sir what is your choose in this price range? I like bit warm specious and dynamic sound, so that's means nothing that sound clinical clean and cold. Mostly I gonna use it for Iem's and one day with proper amp with speakers to, but mostly for Iem's. I dont want to lie this Fiio looks good to me , I was thinking also about Ifi zen Dac and Topping dx3 pro plus but this last one looks to be concentrated more on heights and is bit to clean if I understand all reviews. What I should consider ? Thanks
The Zen DAC is a solid option that is a tad warmer than the Fiio. I've not heard the Topping DX3 Pro. I'd probably go with the Fiio if your wanting an all in one DAC/amp.
@@TheHonestAudiophile thanks I will sleep with that one more night but have to say I made my mind into Fiio K7 already, and as a extra thing I go with BT model for extra connectivity coz it have LDAC codec and in some situations it will be handy.
Hi! Have you ever tried MacBooks headphone jacks ? Because they support high-impedance headphones up to 1000 ohm. Currently, I drive my HD600 with MacBook Pro directly. Instead of using MacBook headphone jack, If I use fiio k7, will I have considerably better sound from my HD 600? Or difference will be just negligible? Thank you!
Sensitive headphones and IEM can have hiss and distortion in the background and the output can alter some of the sonic performance like tone, timbre, bass quality.
I did connect to my Schiit Audio Video with Warfedale D310 speakers and it worked good. I didn't use with any powered speakers that I recall. I also connected to various headphone amplifiers as well.
Hi all, I have a SENNHEISER HD660 and I plan to buy this FIIO K7, for streaming from my iPad or Macbook. Do you think that thé K7 IS powerful enough, and that thé result will be consistent with the tone, basse, mids and treble ? Thanks a lot, Nicolas (from France)
I have the same set up coming from the K5 and with the balanced connection the sound to me is phenomenal. Sounded cleaner than the K5 unbalanced sound. I listen to Indian music that has a lot of instruments going on at the same time and it does excellently with all the strings, drums and vocals going on in the track.
@@TheHonestAudiophile There's no "stock Sennheiser 4.4mm balanced cable". Do point one to that exists if you can. There's only XLR bal cable that's officially from Sennheiser. There's some good quality 3rd party bal cables that use mogami cables... Probably even better than the stock one and cheaper too, as Sennheiser knows to overprice their bal cable to fool the audiophile fools.
bought and used for 3 weeks, then sent back... the "engaging factor" was missing, too polite and warm, after some time you need some "violence" into the ears :))
@@ROBERT-ml7ml You're using the wrong dongle. Sennheisers sound much better on Fiios own ka13 dongle that only goes for $79. K7 does have more bass due to more power, but less punch, less mid, less warmth, less full. K7 does sound better if played thru PC, itd more spacious and stereo, but on phones, Ka13 totally dominates in all area.
It's a digital to analog converter and amplifier. So it takes the digital file from a computer, converts to analog signal, and transmits the analog signal through the headphone amplifier to your headphone of choice. Our ears can only hear analog not digital.
Hi THA. I just got my K7 today wich i ordered to run with my recently bought 600HD's, would you recommend running them balanced? Because I feel like it really doesn't sound much different compared to my older, Fiio Olympos 2 (?) amplifier (32-150ohm recommended) when running through 6.53mm PO output. Thanks in advance!
@@TheHonestAudiophile I didn't receive extra pair of cables with the phones, any recommendations which to buy? I think an adapter alone wont do. Couldn't find any produced by Sennheiser themselves.
Sennheiser does make a 4.4mm bal cable for the 600 line. A couple of other vendors to consider are Apos Flow, Corpse Audio, Periapt Audio, Hart Audio and Fog City Audio.
@TheHonestAudiophile 2 weeks ago I bought an K7BT and Drop6xx. Power seems not enough, because volume knob nearly at the end for decent loudness, Because of this i want to try balanced input there is no info about 4.4 mm balanced pin out. Fiio quick guide is very poor. what is your opinion. Regards
Hi there, got a question here hoping you could kindly help me out. I bought a Fiio K7 for my PC, hoping to get a better sound output quality watching movie or listen to mucis on my pc. I have connected K7 to an usb output on PC and pluged in my headphone (HD660S) to the front out put on the DAC, as I played some music from PC, ane keep switching my headphone to 3.5mm output on PC and the DAC I could not tell the music quality difference between these 2 outputs, am I doing something wrong here or just my ears not sharp enough? thank you for even reading this 🤣
Have you tried the balanced output with your 660s? What kind of PC and soundcard are you using? Have you tried other headphones or IEM with the K7? Being 150ohm the 660s open up a little bit with a bit more power, I would try it with the 4.4mm balanced output. BUT with all that said, we all do hear differently. Thanks for sharing your impressions and for the question.
What termination does your headphone have? XLR - get a XLR to 4.4mm adapter 3.5mm - get a 3.5mm to 6.35mm adapter 6.35mm - no adapter needed 4.4mm - no adapter needed
@@TheHonestAudiophile ahhh that makes sense, mine are a 3.5mm Jack plug - I’ll go ahead and order that adapter now. Anything else I might need? Also which plug should I use when I get this adapter?
every DAC AMP above $100 sounds the same. You describe very elaborately how warm and home'y the sound signature is only to summarize it as "accurate". Which is it then? If there were any differences between sound reproduction from this and a device of your choosing, no matter how much above $100 price, they would be measurable. There are no differences.
I am curious why you say every DAC Amps above $100 sounds the same. What about the below $100? Do they sound different? Do you hear differences in the under $100 but not above $100? Why would there be a difference in one and not the other? Please see the description for a link to my terms and definitions. Neutral, natural, warmth and accurate are all different terms that play together to form a description of the K7. Measurements don't tell the entire story. I trust my ears and they tell me there's a difference.
@TheHonestAudiophile logically. Above $100 you could expect all components to be perfect enough to reproduce the sound true to source, i.e. the ones and zeroes. If there was a measurable difference in output quality between 200 and 1000 dollar equipment, or even difference between equipment from the same price bracket, manufacturers would take pride in their superior numbers and advertise to us based on those facts. Take speakers, be it loudspeakers or headphones - we measure and compare a tangible thing - dynamic rage. A pair of speakers that can reproduce 40Hz and above is objectively better than a pair reproducing from 50Hz. Same principle applies of course, above certain price range all speakers made in the same technology will sound the same, if they are able to reproduce the signal with enough fidelity.
Measurements _can_ tell pretty much all of the story you really need to know, but it would take too much math for the average consumer to judge for example all of the potential pairings they could make with their existing headphones. That said, SemenkS51 here is being obnoxious and dumb about treating a DAC-amp as if it was a pure DAC. Modern pure-DACs past a certain price should be expected to sound the same (once we know there's no dumb NOS setting or exceptionally crappy early-rolloff digital filter enabled in any of them), but *not amps or DAC-amps* . Once there's an amp in the chain, all bets are off.
@d0nj03 gee, you kiss your Mother with that mouth? All im saying is all the devices rely on silicon (tubes are different story altogether) and are perfect enough to not introduce any coloration to sound they process. Be it in conversion to analog or amplification. Only measurements could show differences between them, no 1000 dollar dac amp will reveal any new sounds in audio compared to 100 dollar one - let alone if we compare apples to apples
Crazy that people still think others can't hear differences. Crazy that people don't believe others when they give their honest opinion about how a product sounds to their own ears.
You are just full of compliments today! This channel has been focused on subjective listening for over 5 years and will continue to do so. This doesn't mean that I disregard objective measurements or don't utilize them. I refrain from conducting my own measurements and have no intention of doing so. I rely entirely on my ears, trusting them completely, and in my reviews, I articulate how a product sounds to me. I leave it to the audience to conduct their own research, whether that involves reviewing content with measurements or not, to determine if a product suits their needs. I simply offer my personal perspective on how a product sounds to me, based on my own music and setup. While I do consider measurements to compare different aspects of a product to others, my ears remain the ultimate judge. Measurements do not provide the complete picture!
4/5, not enough hi res audio stickers.
Thank you for doing what you do. Currently recovering from an illness that hurt my left ear, so I don’t feel comfortable listening to anything loud. Your way of doing things is perfect.
Sorry to hear about your illness. Hopefully the left ear issue is only temporary. Hope you get feeling better soon.
Glad you enjoy the channel content.
@@TheHonestAudiophile, there are no long vowels in "SUNDARA".
I do understand that latency setup with the volume. One of my dac/amps is the iFi Uno and that particular feature is really annoying, especially with sensitive IEMs. When I start turning the volume up, I don’t get any output until it’s too late. At the 8 o’clock position - nothing. 9 o’clock - nothing. 10 o’clock - maybe? 11 o’clock - BOOM - instant deafness! 😊 It’s very difficult getting the right volume amount. This probably won’t be as bad with less sensitive IEMs but still, a more linear approach is much better.
Yeah it was so annoying and deaf inducing. Glad you understand.
The K7 is actually particularly good for sensitive IEMs as it ramps up very slowly, so you have a large amount of space on the dial before it gets loud. It's also digital so you have perfect channel balance even at low volumes. The lag is annoying, but I think you just have to get used to turning the knob a bit slower, it's not THAT much lag, so if you just turn the knob a bit slower it seems to be smooth again. It's if you make big jumps you get it going straight from one volume to another. The lag is annoying though, it's worth calling out.
Just got the k7. Using it as amp only and switched my schiit fulla e to be a dac - just so I’m not wasting my old equipment. Can’t wait to get the balanced cables for my he400se to test that out.
Awesome 👍
I use it with my Hiby R6 Gen3 it is an amazing pair. I am also use it with the Fiio BTA30 Pro for bluetooth connections.
That's awesome, It paired well with the Hiby R5 gen 2.
nice to see more budget options
Indeed. Especially ones that are worth purchasing.
Great amp Dave excellent review
Thanks
A point of note for anyone wanting to invest in the K7, the K5 Pro lists it's overall output power, and is not per channel. So in the comparison chart the K5 pro is outputting a total of 1.5watts, while the K7 specifically writes 1.2x1.2watts which is 2.4 watts in reality at 32Ohm single ended. FiiO has been careful to underrepresent the output power of the K7 in anyway it can, some sort of marketing strategy.
I increased more than half volumn on K5pro for my hifiman headphone. Not sure if K7 is more powerful to upgrade
@@Anh-Áo-Nâu K7 is plenty more powerful from balanced output. K7 has 560mw @ 300 ohm, while K5 has only 140mw @ 300 ohm. From single ended output K7 has same power as K5.
Would this be the case with the k9 pro? That it's listed as per Chanel and not overall?
I pretty much entirely agree with your observations on the sound. I came from the K5 Pro ESS, which I'd been using for months, and almost immediately felt as if some upper-mids/lower-treble had been reduced in the sound I was getting. Sibilance on voices, especially on many not-so-well recorded people on YT was completely gone. This was with an HD 560s, where S's have a distinct and recognizable edge. The K5 Pro, likely due to it's amp, also has a mid-bass hump, which is not present on the K7, and also the K7 does sub-bass considerably better. This made a lot of music less fun to me, unfortunately, despite the THX amp being more linear and much cleaner. Staging and imaging also changed a lot. The staging on the K7 feels small to me, coming from various configurations with ESS DACs. Vocals and mids are quite upfront and feel forced towards center. At the same time, directional cues in games or with some specific music are in another league with the K7 compared to the K5 Pro ESS. The imaging is much more complete and full around the whole head, with the caveat that the mids are pulled towards you powerfully and a lot of sound cues in game sound much closer to you than they are. I think I might post a comparison to Reddit sometime after more A/B-ing.
Thanks for the impressions.
u kept k7 or go back to k5 pro ess?
@@wayt001 Rather kept the K7. The amp inside is generally quite a bit better.
@@yamato1420 thanks for sharing your feedback. If I am purely looking for as a desktop gaming DAC for competitive FPS etc, would the K7/K5 pro be better for such purpose? I am using a 560S too. Thanks!
@@freelancer1499 Bit late, but I think that the K7 pairs better with the HD 560s.
The FiiO power supply makes the K7 even more capable.
Cool. Thanks for the information
I have the k7 with the boom 2 eq with the sennheiser hd 660s
I'm wondering when the makers of all these audio componenets will stop with the Hi-Res stickers. I mean every reviewer seems to poke fun at it now days. You know they see a bunch of these reviews and they should be able to figure this out. The volume delay would drive me nuts.
Laptop and PC makers haven't stopped with all the stickers either. Guess they like a good laugh.
I have the red version it works great with my Shure SE-535''s.
Thanks for your video. With Moondrop Kato, what would you recommend between Fiio K7 and iFI Zen Dac V2 ? I'm looking for a neutral sound with good sound separation and good localization (gaming use: CoD Warzone)
iFi Zen DAC Signature V2 would be my pick but the K7 is very close. It is hard to pick between the two.
Great review. In your opinion do you need something more powerful for the edition xs with the K7?
I've not heard the Edition XS
Is it true more power can help with sound quality on things like bass, even with efficient drivers? I have an ES100 dongle and while it can get things like my HD560S loud enough, it seems harsh and that something's not right. Same with the Meze 109 Pro I just bought as an open box special.
It hasn't wowed me like I thought it would. Unless it's my brain rationalizing things, it feels like it's being held back. I get glimpses of something special but that's it.
Is the K7 even appropriate for the 109s, at least temporarily if I need to save for better equipment? Or are my expectations of headphones wrong?
Any insight/help would greatly be appreciated. Regardless if you do or not you've earned a sub. I come to this channel often enough that it's illogical not to lol.
Good question. Yes, power can help sonic performance. Drivers react on different ways to more power, some for better and worse. Lackluster bass, lackluster dynamics, dull tone, shrill, harsh treble, cramped stage are tell-tale signs that your gear might need more power.
I think the K7 is more than enough for the 560s and 109 Pro. It should be a noticable upgrade from your dongle.
@@TheHonestAudiophile Wow, you've basically described my problems, especially with my HD560S that never got much use for the reasons you listed. Thank you.
@@spamcan9208 my pleasure, you're welcome. I hope an upgrade in amplification can help you enjoy your gear as intended. Look forward to hearing your impressions.
I’m just about to get this!
Look forward to hearing your impressions.
@the honest audiophile - how did it sound with the R70X? Were there any issues with the bass? Did u ran them on high gainl/low gain? And how was the overall experience?
R70x sounded good and I had to use it with hi gain balanced.
Also have the K7 along with the R70X. I keep it in low gain and it's good for most apps around 1 o'clock or so.
To be used with an Hd800s, would you recommend the K11 or the K7?
This year comes a bt version of the K7🎉🎉🎉
Ohhhh cool, that would be a nice input addition.
Is it possible to connect only the Fiio K7 with Yamaha ns-bp110 speakers and not only to headphones? I'm new to this stuff
K7 doesn't have speaker outputs so you'd need to connect the K7 to a speaker amp.
Greetings Dave (I hope I caught your name right).. thanks for any comments you might send my way. I just purchased the K7. I am not sure if my product is defective or it is designed that way: I notice that if I have BOTH my phone connected to the RCA input, and my laptop connected to the USB input, and both are playing something, although I have only one of the two inputs selected on the K7, there is BLEED-THROUGH and I can hear what is being played on both devices simultaneously. It seems to me this shouldn´t be happening and that one input should be automatically muted when the other is selected. Is this a defect with my product, or a design flaw that affects all K7s? Sorry for the long question, and thanks for your kind input. .j.
Sounds like a defect. I'd contact Fiio or the seller for warranty replacement.
@@TheHonestAudiophile Thanks for your kind and prompt reply! I have already put in for a return and sent for a new one. I greatly appreciate you input. All the best. .j.
@nahuatoton I hope you get to enjoy the K7. I look forward to hearing your impressions.
Any noticeable sound differences between this and topping dx 3+ pro?
Sorry I've not heard the DX3+ Pro.
I've owned the Dx5 which is very similar to the Dx3 Pro+. I prefer the K7 as it doesn't sound quite as sterile and has a little better dynamics at the expense of it not being quite as detail oriented as the topping. Hope this helps.
Can i use fiio k7 with focal elegia 32 omhs Thanks
I have no experience with that pairing but I see no reason why the K7 shouldn't power the Elegia.
Thanks so much
My pleasure, you're welcome.
Does this need to be plugged into a source such as a computer, or can I use an auxiliary cable from my phone?
Both, you can use it as a dedicated amp by connecting it to a an aux source like a DAC, or you can use USB to use the internal DAC.
@@niko1even Wonderful! ❤️ Thanks for helping clarify. 😊
@christopher s. mosson You can use it both ways, USB from a PC or laptop or phone or line in aux cable that terminates to RCA. The K7 only has USB, Coax/SPIDF, Optical and RCA inputs, no 3.5mm for aux input.
Great video!, a question for you.
Could i use them with ny unbalanced atock cable i got with my hifiman sundara? Thank you
The Sundara unbalanced cable with the 6.35mm adapter will work with the K7. If you want to use the 4.4mm output you would need a different cable.
You mentioned that it's not a "reference sound" amp... What other amps are a reference sound in a similar price point? (i'm an audio engineer)
In the $200 price range there is not a lot of options. I would recommend these external amps, the DROP THX AAA One Linesr and DROP SMSL HO150X . If you need a DAC/amp combo the Fiio K11. But at this price range there are very few products that can be considered "reference" in my opinion.
Anyone who bought this have thoughts?
Hey Dave, thank´s for your honest Videos! I recently bought a Ananda V2. Which AMP/DAC can you recommend for that Headphone? I´m listening to Tidal Hifi Plus on my Desktop PC?
I've not heard the Ananda V2. I recommend the Mytek Liberty DAC ii as it pairs wonderful with my og Ananda.
Here is a link to my ranking list that can provide some other alternatives:
docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1nRHnsP_4vLg9DlD9kwJ6gQuEQFqhTR0lnrkxXo3AMG8/edit?usp=drivesdk
@@TheHonestAudiophile Thank you so much :)
My pleasure, you're welcome.
@@TheHonestAudiophile I checked your Tierlist. I´m able to get the Liberty 1 for 515€ or the Liberty 2 for 1250€. Do you think it´s worth it to buy the newest Version to use it with my Ananda?
Let me put it this way. The original is a solid DAC/Amp but it's showing its age and the newest is a large upgrade. If the budget allows, the Liberty DAC ii is well worth the price tag. If the budget only allows for the original, it will suffice.
How to use it with microphone?
Will they fit well with the DT 770 pro 80Om? It’s just that these headphones can only be connected in an unbalanced way, and I heard that the k7 has a not so powerful unbalanced output
I doubt very much that the DT770 600ohm would be powered properly by the K7, especially on unbalanced. But I can't confirm as I don't have either to test in house
@@TheHonestAudiophile I mean 80 Ohm) and I'm more interested in the sound quality, is this the best option for this price for such headphones?
80ohm should be doable but again I can't confirm. I've not heard the DT770 just the Custom Studio and that was like 4 years ago. K7 is a solid performer for the price.
@@TheHonestAudiophile ok, thank you!
@kto-to6129 my pleasure, you're welcome
Just curious whether anyone has run this with the Beyerdynamics T1 or Amiron? Just a bit worried the highs will be a little too bright, particularly with the Amiron. Cheers.
I just ordered this still didn’t arrive,including xduoo ta-22 to pair both with the Arya stealth .
Look forward to hearing your impressions.
How was your experience with Senn HD6xx? Is K7 capable of driving headphone to its full potential?
I don't have a 6xx or 650 but it drives the 600, 580 and 660s adequate. It requires a bit more power but it is listenable.
Very good video! I have the dt990 pro 250ohm. I'm thinking to buy a k7 to compare them, or a k5pro ess. Could you help me,which is better for this headphone? I mean exactly, the dt990 pro 250ohm needs the power of the k7? or it's too much for them(distribution,harshness etc..)so it should be better to buy the k5pro ess? Thank you .
I haven't heard a K7 Pro. I don't think the K7 will have enough power for a DT990 250ohm unless you use it balanced 4.4mm but then I think it will be borderline enough. I didn't test that headphone though.
Anyone know if the K7 is good with the DT990 Pro
Hi, before I gonna throw into space my 200 -300 euros for dac/amp , I like to ask you sir what is your choose in this price range? I like bit warm specious and dynamic sound, so that's means nothing that sound clinical clean and cold. Mostly I gonna use it for Iem's and one day with proper amp with speakers to, but mostly for Iem's. I dont want to lie this Fiio looks good to me , I was thinking also about Ifi zen Dac and Topping dx3 pro plus but this last one looks to be concentrated more on heights and is bit to clean if I understand all reviews. What I should consider ? Thanks
The Zen DAC is a solid option that is a tad warmer than the Fiio. I've not heard the Topping DX3 Pro. I'd probably go with the Fiio if your wanting an all in one DAC/amp.
@@TheHonestAudiophile thanks I will sleep with that one more night but have to say I made my mind into Fiio K7 already, and as a extra thing I go with BT model for extra connectivity coz it have LDAC codec and in some situations it will be handy.
Look forward to hearing back about your audio journey.
Hello! Thank you for this content. I have ie 200 and I’m planing to buy k7. Should I buy it or not? Will I have better sound quality?
Sorry haven't heard the IE200. But the K7 is very capable of improving sound, depends on your current source.
@@TheHonestAudiophile for headphones yes for sure but does it make real improvements in iems ?
Yes, the K7 is very capable of improving sound on both headphone and IEM.
@@TheHonestAudiophile Thank you!!
@@mehmetsahin4130 my pleasure, you're welcome
Hi! Have you ever tried MacBooks headphone jacks ? Because they support high-impedance headphones up to 1000 ohm. Currently, I drive my HD600 with MacBook Pro directly. Instead of using MacBook headphone jack, If I use fiio k7, will I have considerably better sound from my HD 600? Or difference will be just negligible? Thank you!
Sorry I haven't used a Macbook headphone jack. I am a PC and Android user.
👍
Can i ask is this worth upgradinf from K5pro ? In your opinion ? I use HD600,650,660, Sundara on k5pro
Sorry I've not heard the K5 Pro
@@TheHonestAudiophile Do u have a Facebook so i can add u if u want ?
I am not on Facebook.
Have you tried the DX3 Pro Plus ?
Sorry I haven't heard the DX3 Pro Plus.
@@TheHonestAudiophile I think thats the best for reference under 200. Just very clean and honest :-)
But I prefer the sound of the K7
Interesting. Thanks for the thoughts.
My k5pro has volume knob problem when i turn it i hear noise. Does it also has that?
I don't hear noises but it has latency and lag when adjusting.
How would this pair with fiio IEMs such as FH5 or FD5?
I don't see a reason why they wouldn't pair well.
Can I ask you for some recommendations for a headphone dac/amp under $300. Thanks in advance?
Aune X1s GT
iFi Zen DAC Signature V2
SMSL AO300
@TheHonestAudiophile which do you think is a better dac/amp for the arya? K7 or zen signature v2? Thanks
@@TheHonestAudiophilesorry, it doesnt let me @ for some reason.
Hmmm tough decision, I'd lean toward the Aune X1s GT.
@TheHonestAudiophile oof, a little out of my budget. Guess ill have to start saving up! Thanks for your response.
Never my sensitive headphones with this kind of high output power. What happens then?
Sensitive headphones and IEM can have hiss and distortion in the background and the output can alter some of the sonic performance like tone, timbre, bass quality.
Any chance u tested the preamp on power speakers or on an speaker amp? Thanks!
I did connect to my Schiit Audio Video with Warfedale D310 speakers and it worked good. I didn't use with any powered speakers that I recall. I also connected to various headphone amplifiers as well.
@@TheHonestAudiophile Thanks!
Free Lancer my pleasure, you're welcome
Hi all,
I have a SENNHEISER HD660 and I plan to buy this FIIO K7, for streaming from my iPad or Macbook.
Do you think that thé K7 IS powerful enough, and that thé result will be consistent with the tone, basse, mids and treble ?
Thanks a lot,
Nicolas (from France)
I think that pair would work well. Should use it with the 4.4mm balanced connection.
@@TheHonestAudiophile ok , Manu thanks. You think it dors exist cables 4.4 with output SENNHEISER ?
I think it sounds best with the stock Sennheiser 4.4 balanced cable.
I have the same set up coming from the K5 and with the balanced connection the sound to me is phenomenal. Sounded cleaner than the K5 unbalanced sound. I listen to Indian music that has a lot of instruments going on at the same time and it does excellently with all the strings, drums and vocals going on in the track.
@@TheHonestAudiophile There's no "stock Sennheiser 4.4mm balanced cable". Do point one to that exists if you can. There's only XLR bal cable that's officially from Sennheiser. There's some good quality 3rd party bal cables that use mogami cables... Probably even better than the stock one and cheaper too, as Sennheiser knows to overprice their bal cable to fool the audiophile fools.
coolio
bought and used for 3 weeks, then sent back... the "engaging factor" was missing, too polite and warm, after some time you need some "violence" into the ears :))
Understandable. Thanks for the impressions.
Have you tried the Ifi Zen Dac v2 + Zen Can? Seems like the kind of sound you're looking for.
@adrianomoreira1341 th-cam.com/video/furMY3yv9vw/w-d-xo.html
Your probably using the wrong headphones... this dac pairs best with sennheiser headphones, hd 500-600 series.
@@ROBERT-ml7ml
You're using the wrong dongle. Sennheisers sound much better on Fiios own ka13 dongle that only goes for $79. K7 does have more bass due to more power, but less punch, less mid, less warmth, less full. K7 does sound better if played thru PC, itd more spacious and stereo, but on phones, Ka13 totally dominates in all area.
video 👍
but i don’t like and buy rca -connections...
What does this device do?
It's a digital to analog converter and amplifier. So it takes the digital file from a computer, converts to analog signal, and transmits the analog signal through the headphone amplifier to your headphone of choice. Our ears can only hear analog not digital.
@@TheHonestAudiophile thank you so much 😄, interesting device, now I can connect my computer to my karaoke system, Thank you 🙏
My pleasure, you're welcome.
For my office…
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Hi THA. I just got my K7 today wich i ordered to run with my recently bought 600HD's, would you recommend running them balanced? Because I feel like it really doesn't sound much different compared to my older, Fiio Olympos 2 (?) amplifier (32-150ohm recommended) when running through 6.53mm PO output. Thanks in advance!
Yes, balanced will bring a little more power and will/should enhance the sound of the HD600.
@@TheHonestAudiophile I didn't receive extra pair of cables with the phones, any recommendations which to buy? I think an adapter alone wont do. Couldn't find any produced by Sennheiser themselves.
Sennheiser does make a 4.4mm bal cable for the 600 line. A couple of other vendors to consider are Apos Flow, Corpse Audio, Periapt Audio, Hart Audio and Fog City Audio.
@@TheHonestAudiophile They don't. They only make balanced XLR cable for HD600/HD650 line. Gotta get 3rd party custom cable for 4.4mm balanced.
@TheHonestAudiophile 2 weeks ago I bought an K7BT and Drop6xx. Power seems not enough, because volume knob nearly at the end for decent loudness, Because of this i want to try balanced input there is no info about 4.4 mm balanced pin out. Fiio quick guide is very poor. what is your opinion. Regards
How to compare with K5?
Sorry haven't heard the K5.
Will you review the R7?
I am not much into streamers but if a R7 is provided to the channel, I will give it a listen and review.
Sorry. I meant the Ft3. The new Fiio headphone made with berrilium drivers.
@@syanhc FT3 looks interesting, would love a chance to hear and review it.
Hi there, got a question here hoping you could kindly help me out. I bought a Fiio K7 for my PC, hoping to get a better sound output quality watching movie or listen to mucis on my pc.
I have connected K7 to an usb output on PC and pluged in my headphone (HD660S) to the front out put on the DAC, as I played some music from PC, ane keep switching my headphone to 3.5mm output on PC and the DAC I could not tell the music quality difference between these 2 outputs, am I doing something wrong here or just my ears not sharp enough? thank you for even reading this 🤣
Have you tried the balanced output with your 660s? What kind of PC and soundcard are you using? Have you tried other headphones or IEM with the K7?
Being 150ohm the 660s open up a little bit with a bit more power, I would try it with the 4.4mm balanced output.
BUT with all that said, we all do hear differently. Thanks for sharing your impressions and for the question.
@@TheHonestAudiophile Thank you so much for your quick replay, I would give another try a different, thank you again.
My pleasure, you're welcome.
Same here with my Dt880/600 Ohm.
Got the s1220 Asus onboard. It is a really small Change in sound.
How do I connect these to my DT990 pro headphones?
Depends on the cable termination of your DT990. K7 has 6.35mm and 4.4mm headphone outputs.
@@TheHonestAudiophilecan I get a adapter to fit these? Also what slot do I plug in my headphones too
What termination does your headphone have?
XLR - get a XLR to 4.4mm adapter
3.5mm - get a 3.5mm to 6.35mm adapter
6.35mm - no adapter needed
4.4mm - no adapter needed
@@TheHonestAudiophile ahhh that makes sense, mine are a 3.5mm Jack plug - I’ll go ahead and order that adapter now. Anything else I might need? Also which plug should I use when I get this adapter?
Plug? You mean which headphone output? You use the one the adapter fits in.
you say in many videos mega Watts instead of milli Watts. e.g. 800mW you are saying 800 Megawatts which is wrong.
I know the difference 😂
Thanks for pointing out my errors. I will try to be better going forward.
It cannot do it all only the g6 can
1:20 stop flinging it around damn it
every DAC AMP above $100 sounds the same. You describe very elaborately how warm and home'y the sound signature is only to summarize it as "accurate". Which is it then?
If there were any differences between sound reproduction from this and a device of your choosing, no matter how much above $100 price, they would be measurable. There are no differences.
I am curious why you say every DAC Amps above $100 sounds the same. What about the below $100? Do they sound different? Do you hear differences in the under $100 but not above $100? Why would there be a difference in one and not the other?
Please see the description for a link to my terms and definitions.
Neutral, natural, warmth and accurate are all different terms that play together to form a description of the K7.
Measurements don't tell the entire story. I trust my ears and they tell me there's a difference.
@TheHonestAudiophile logically. Above $100 you could expect all components to be perfect enough to reproduce the sound true to source, i.e. the ones and zeroes. If there was a measurable difference in output quality between 200 and 1000 dollar equipment, or even difference between equipment from the same price bracket, manufacturers would take pride in their superior numbers and advertise to us based on those facts. Take speakers, be it loudspeakers or headphones - we measure and compare a tangible thing - dynamic rage. A pair of speakers that can reproduce 40Hz and above is objectively better than a pair reproducing from 50Hz. Same principle applies of course, above certain price range all speakers made in the same technology will sound the same, if they are able to reproduce the signal with enough fidelity.
@SemenkS51 as mentioned before, measurements don't tell the entire story.
Thanks for the comments. Have a great day.
Measurements _can_ tell pretty much all of the story you really need to know, but it would take too much math for the average consumer to judge for example all of the potential pairings they could make with their existing headphones.
That said, SemenkS51 here is being obnoxious and dumb about treating a DAC-amp as if it was a pure DAC. Modern pure-DACs past a certain price should be expected to sound the same (once we know there's no dumb NOS setting or exceptionally crappy early-rolloff digital filter enabled in any of them), but *not amps or DAC-amps* . Once there's an amp in the chain, all bets are off.
@d0nj03 gee, you kiss your Mother with that mouth? All im saying is all the devices rely on silicon (tubes are different story altogether) and are perfect enough to not introduce any coloration to sound they process. Be it in conversion to analog or amplification. Only measurements could show differences between them, no 1000 dollar dac amp will reveal any new sounds in audio compared to 100 dollar one - let alone if we compare apples to apples
crazy people still think they can hear the
difference :D
Crazy that people still think others can't hear differences. Crazy that people don't believe others when they give their honest opinion about how a product sounds to their own ears.
@@TheHonestAudiophile well some nutjobs think they can hear something that can't be measured
You are just full of compliments today!
This channel has been focused on subjective listening for over 5 years and will continue to do so. This doesn't mean that I disregard objective measurements or don't utilize them. I refrain from conducting my own measurements and have no intention of doing so. I rely entirely on my ears, trusting them completely, and in my reviews, I articulate how a product sounds to me. I leave it to the audience to conduct their own research, whether that involves reviewing content with measurements or not, to determine if a product suits their needs. I simply offer my personal perspective on how a product sounds to me, based on my own music and setup. While I do consider measurements to compare different aspects of a product to others, my ears remain the ultimate judge. Measurements do not provide the complete picture!