Overview

The FiiO K7 is a compact desktop DAC and headphone amplifier with two AKM AK4493SEQ DAC chips, one per channel, and two THX AAA 788+ amplifiers in a truly balanced design. It's for anyone who wants a single unit on the desk that works as a USB DAC, a headphone amp with real balanced power, and a source for powered speakers or a separate amp, without taking up much room.

The K7's six-stage audio circuit is balanced through both the digital and analog sections to keep crosstalk low. The THX AAA 788+ amps deliver up to 2000mW per channel into 32 ohms from the 4.4mm balanced output and 1220mW from the 6.35mm output, and still put 560mW per channel into 300-ohm headphones, with two hardware gain levels. Volume uses ADC curve reconstruction for 112 smooth steps without channel imbalance, and an XMOS XUF208 USB receiver with dual clock management handles up to 384kHz/32-bit and DSD256. Multiple LDO-regulated power stages run from the included 12V/24W low-noise adapter.

Inputs are USB, optical, coaxial and RCA line in, chosen with a single input button, and one more button switches between three output modes for use with headphones, with speakers, or as a DAC. RGB lights show the input and sample rate, and overheating, overload and DC protection are built in. The all-aluminum black chassis is about 120 x 168 x 55mm.

Simcoe Audio Video Insight

The output button is the K7's handiest feature if you split time between headphones and speakers: one press moves it from headphones to powered speakers or an amp on the RCA line out, or to DAC use with another amp. Use low gain for IEMs and sensitive headphones, and the 4.4mm output for the most power. The K7 is wired only; if you want Bluetooth, FiiO makes a K7 BT version.

More Info

Why the FiiO K7 Stands Out

Buyer's Guide

Who It's For

• The Compact-Desk Listener: Wants balanced power in a small unit.
• The Headphone and Speaker User: Switches modes with one button.
• The Wired-Only Listener: Doesn't need Bluetooth or streaming.

How It Compares

The K7 and K7 BT share the same DACs, THX amps, outputs and power. The K7 BT adds a Qualcomm QCC5124 Bluetooth 5.1 receiver with LDAC, aptX Adaptive and aptX HD, plus FiiO Control app support, while the K7 keeps to wired USB, optical, coaxial and RCA inputs.