FiiO FiiO is one of the most popular, audiophile-oriented companies in the world. Since 2007 they have been designing and manufacturing a wide range of audio products for different price ranges. They have distribution networks all over the world. Today, we will take a closer look at FiiO’s new DAC & AMP, the K7. K7 is the latest addition to FiiO’s desktop line-up. We have reviewed and awarded a lot of FiiO equipment here at Headfonia over the years and you can read those reviews here: Headfonia FiiO Reviews. FiiO K7 Desktop DAC & AMP FiiO launched the K5Pro (AKM version) 3 years ago, in August 2019, and at the time it was in high demand. Being an all-in-one and relatively compact device, it was highly appreciated by audiophiles. This year, FiiO updated the K5Pro (ESS version) and released it with a new DAC and a new MCU. You can access our review via this link. We liked the K5Pro, but I personally expected a more major update over the old K5Pro, in terms of both design and features. FiiO has done just that with the K7, and the fact that they didn’t introduce a price increase is quite impressive! In light of all this, I think it’s not hard to foresee that the K7 will have an important place in FiiO’s desktop line-up. The K7 is built around two AK4493SEQ DACs from AKM, which is the new & updated version of AKM’s critically acclaimed DAC chipset, the AK4493. The K7 uses THX 788+ amplifier modules just like the much pricier K9 Pro ESS we reviewed a while back and features a fully balanced architecture. The volume control is done with two pieces of NJU72315 for each channel and FiiO has used plenty of LDOs to filter unwanted noise. The K7 does not come with an integrated PSU / SMPS inside the chassis. The power is supplied through a small, DC 12V/2A adapter, similar to K5Pro. I have listed the highlights of the new K7, below. DAC: AKM AK4493SEQ x2 AMP: THX 788+ x2 USB Controller: XMOS XUF208 Sampling Rate Support: Native DSD256 – PCM 32bit-384kHz Power: SE 1.2W (@32Ω) – BAL 2W (@32Ω) Gain: Low 0dB / High +6dB Output Impedance: <1Ω Ports: RCA IN, RCA OUT, USB B IN, COAX, OPT, 6.3MM PO, 4.4mm BAL Dimensions & Weight: Approx. 120 x 168 x 55 mm – 600 grams Packaging & Accessories The K7 comes in FiiO’s new packaging, covered with a coating that gives it a kind of rainbow effect. The package looks nice and is appealing to the eye. It’s not too flashy thanks to the black background, but it looks interesting with the device outline artwork on the front. The contents are neatly packed and the device is held by a foam and rigid cardboard compartment to protect it from damage during transportation. Right next to this compartment is a rectangular box with accessories and the adapter inside. We see a detachable C5 cable and a relatively small switching power adapter with a 12v barrel connector on the other end. There’s also a manual, a warranty card, a gold-plated 6.35mm to 3.5mm converter, and a shielded USB cable with a small ferrite bead. The accessories are as expected, with FiiO providing the basics. Design & Build Quality Measuring 12 x 16.8 x 5.5 centimetres, we can say that the K7 is “compact” for an all-in-one device. Let’s take a closer look at what FiiO has changed and improved with the K7. First of all, we see a changed and improved front panel. Compared to K5Pro, the input lever has been removed and replaced by a low-profile button. There are 2 switch levers right next to the input button. One is responsible for controlling the gain and one for changing the active output. There are 4 white LEDs above this area and these LEDs light according to the active input. Although FiiO seems to have left the design of the volume wheel in the center untouched, the frame that surrounds the wheel and allows the LEDs to light up more softly, has changed. RGB LEDs are now used here and they emit a softer light compared to K5Pro. Which looks and glows much better, especially in a dimly lit room. On the right side of the panel are the PO and BAL headphone outputs, one on top of the other. The rest of the I/O options are located on the rear panel of the device. Here we see RCA Line In, RCA Pre/Line Out, Coax, Optical, and USB inputs. Power is supplied via a 12V barrel socket. Overall, the layout is quite simple and straightforward. It won’t be hard to learn your way around this DAC & AMP.