Features

At $200 the FiiO is packed with a feature that some DAC/AMPs costing more than four times do not have. The question is, does the K7 sound as nice as those other DACs/AMPs? Well, I can not definitively answer that question, but we will answer how the K7 sounds, sounds, and functions in this review.

The K7 features a USB, Optical, Coaxial, and Line for inputs. Of these, I used USB and Line, USB was used most.

THX AAA 788+ amplifiers as well as AK4493SEQ D/A chips are used in the FiiO K7 for a rather enjoyable listenable experience. Providing both plenty of power, and being smooth, yet punchy!

RGB lights are used around the powers knob to indicate the file status. While this is nice, I find this one more of a nicety than needed.

The following I will quote as it is just easier,” Multiple independent power stages

The K7 features a power design consisting of multiple independent stages, with the voltage of each stage regulated by low-noise LDOs. Feeding this power design is an external 12V switching power supply. All in all, the K7’s power design supplies plentiful, clean power for an extraordinary listening experience.”

Next is the power knob itself, which features 112 steps, this fantastic, although, it is not, the smoothest experience. I will go into detail about this in the suggestion section.

Last of all is the ¼ inch headphone out and the balanced 4.4 mm headphone out.

For more information please visit the following link FiiO K7 Balanced Headphone DAC/Amp – Apos Audio

Time to throw down some jams

For our setup, we will be using an M1 Mac Mini, Roon, and Qobuz. A short but enjoyable setup! We start out with 1983’s In Session, in an iconic album, track “Blues At Sunrise.” Both King and Ray are on this track jamming away, rest their souls… While emotion does come through, there is something lacking due to the less expensive DAC.

Next, we enjoy the silky sounds of Ibrahim Ferrer's “Si te contará”, so smooth and delightful. Ferrer was a member of the Buena Vista Social Club. In this song, you can also hear the piano shine with percussion taking you back to Cuba.

For our next selection, we choose a “classic” in “Cherub Rock” from the Smashing Pumpkin. This is a bit of a test in clarity in guitar and distortion. If I had to give a grade, I’d give 75, a pass, but not total clarity either.

Observations

There were two things that I instantly noticed, the volume is not linear, and the other is bit rate change.

The volume is not linear, there is at least ¼ of dead space on the volume knob before there is volume. Then after that volume does not increase equally.

Bit rate switching. When there tracks have different bit rates, you can hear “noise.”

Suggestions

As mentioned the volume knob is not linear. As such correct this to one. Also, there is a bit of floor noise between tracks, lowering or eliminating this would be fantastic.

The K7 has noise when tracks are different bit rated. Correct this for a better experience.

Final Thoughts

At around $200, the K7 is not perfect, and there are nit-picks, with that said could I recommend this for a first-time buyer? Yes, I would recommend the K7 as a first-time all-in-one as it is still quite enjoyable.

To purchase the K7 follow the link at For more information please visit the following link FiiO K7 Balanced Headphone DAC/Amp – Apos Audio