Fosi K7 Gaming DAC and HP Amp Review

[Robbo99999]

What would you say is currently the best game agnostic virtual surround sound solution? Atmos?

For me the best Virtual Surround system is Soundblaster SBX. Here's a link to a thread on the topic of Virtual 7.1 Surround Sound which contains some thoughts & experiences of mine & others:

Virtual 7.1 Surround Sound processing in Headphones

Hi, I thought I'd start this thread as a gaming virtual 7.1 surround sound enthusiast in headphones. We can let this thread develop into whatever we like on the topic of Virtual 7.1 Surround Sound processing in headphones, and perhaps I'll continue to edit this first post with links to useful...

www.audiosciencereview.com

Dolby Atmos software solution in Windows did absolutely nothing for me, same is true for Windows Sonic, both did nothing for me - and I'm not even certain that the software for Dolby Atmos Headphones & Windows Sonic even exposed 7.1 channels to the game in which case it would have had no hope in working right from the start. So, yes, Soundblaster SBX is the only one that's worked for me so far, I use the SoundblasterX G6 DAC.

 

[JakeK]

For me the best Virtual Surround system is Soundblaster SBX. Here's a link to a thread on the topic of Virtual 7.1 Surround Sound which contains some thoughts & experiences of mine & others:

Virtual 7.1 Surround Sound processing in Headphones

Hi, I thought I'd start this thread as a gaming virtual 7.1 surround sound enthusiast in headphones. We can let this thread develop into whatever we like on the topic of Virtual 7.1 Surround Sound processing in headphones, and perhaps I'll continue to edit this first post with links to useful...

www.audiosciencereview.com

Dolby Atmos software solution in Windows did absolutely nothing for me, same is true for Windows Sonic, both did nothing for me - and I'm not even certain that the software for Dolby Atmos Headphones & Windows Sonic even exposed 7.1 channels to the game in which case it would have had no hope in working right from the start. So, yes, Soundblaster SBX is the only one that's worked for me so far, I use the SoundblasterX G6 DAC.

So, positional audio works for a few games and headphones if you get just the right software and DAC. Yet I don't think that will compare to the experience of full 3d audio on 5.1 speakers which was relatively affordable and easy to set up 20+ years ago. When I asked on forums recently as I was looking to replicate that past setup there was only one who had 5.1 for PC and he was using a full AVR which doesn't make for a compact desk based setup. I've pretty much given up on it. Mind you, it's the same for the TV, most are getting soundbars.

 

[Robbo99999]

So, positional audio works for a few games and headphones if you get just the right software and DAC. Yet I don't think that will compare to the experience of full 3d audio on 5.1 speakers which was relatively affordable and easy to set up 20+ years ago. When I asked on forums recently as I was looking to replicate that past setup there was only one who had 5.1 for PC and he was using a full AVR which doesn't make for a compact desk based setup. I've pretty much given up on it. Mind you, it's the same for the TV, most are getting soundbars.

It's an interesting idea using real 5.1 surround. I know what you mean, I remember those little tiny satellite speakers along with sub that used to be quite common in the noughties (2000's). I've never really used those little 5.1 surround systems in fps gaming, so I can't comment on how effective they would be vs headphone virtual 7.1 surround (when you've found a virtual surround that works for you, if you can find one). So yes, that is a little bit like the idea you mention of "everyone getting soundbars"!

EDIT: I actually used to use the Xonar U7 gaming DAC (I had it since about 2013 I think), it just so happens it can be a real 5.1 gaming DAC for connecting to speakers as it has a physical connection for each, try to track one of those down if you like, but I don't know how compatible it will be nowadays, but I do remember that I used it with Windows 10 and there was a Windows 10 driver for it. Here's a link to a Xonar U7 review here on ASR:

Review and Measurements of Asus Xonar U7 MKII ADC/DAC/HP

This is a review and measurements of the Asus Xonar U7 MK II multi-channel DAC, Headphone Amplifier and Analog to Digital (ADC) converter. A member overseas prompted me to purchase this unit to test by donating to the forum nickel jar. :) At just US 90 on Amazon with prime shipping, this is...

www.audiosciencereview.com

As far as I know, I think Windows 10 drivers are generally compatible with Windows 11. I'm thinking you could even maybe connect it up without drivers or at least without installing the criticised software, I've got vague memories of someone saying in that thread that it still appears as a 5.1 device in Windows if you just hook it up without the software. You might just be able to use it Plug & Play style in Windows without actively downloading drivers and also not installing the software.

 

[JakeK]

It's an interesting idea using real 5.1 surround. I know what you mean, I remember those little tiny satellite speakers along with sub that used to be quite common in the noughties (2000's). I've never really used those little 5.1 surround systems in fps gaming, so I can't comment on how effective they would be vs headphone virtual 7.1 surround (when you've found a virtual surround that works for you, if you can find one). So yes, that is a little bit like the idea you mention of "everyone getting soundbars"!

The Z5500 was really good with it's little satellites until the amp died. I used two of the satellites as a temporary stereo pair for a while and they are surprisingly good apart from the lack of bass.

EDIT: I actually used to use the Xonar U7 gaming DAC (I had it since about 2013 I think), it just so happens it can be a real 5.1 gaming DAC for connecting to speakers as it has a physical connection for each, try to track one of those down if you like, but I don't know how compatible it will be nowadays, but I do remember that I used it with Windows 10 and there was a Windows 10 driver for it. Here's a link to a Xonar U7 review here on ASR:

Review and Measurements of Asus Xonar U7 MKII ADC/DAC/HP

This is a review and measurements of the Asus Xonar U7 MK II multi-channel DAC, Headphone Amplifier and Analog to Digital (ADC) converter. A member overseas prompted me to purchase this unit to test by donating to the forum nickel jar. :) At just US 90 on Amazon with prime shipping, this is...

www.audiosciencereview.com

As far as I know, I think Windows 10 drivers are generally compatible with Windows 11. I'm thinking you could even maybe connect it up without drivers or at least without installing the criticised software, I've got vague memories of someone saying in that thread that it still appears as a 5.1 device in Windows if you just hook it up without the software. You might just be able to use it Plug & Play style in Windows without actively downloading drivers and also not installing the software.

My pc has a multi channel dac or soundcard onboard with outputs and supported drivers and can appear as 5.1 so I'm not for getting an old xonar with no new drivers. The trouble is getting a suitable amplifier. Even if I put up with the bulk of an AVR New ones only tend to have hdmi not direct multi inputs now. Plus I would want it to have a decent headphone amp. It was just all not seeming worth the effort.

 

[Robbo99999]

The Z5500 was really good with it's little satellites until the amp died. I used two of the satellites as a temporary stereo pair for a while and they are surprisingly good apart from the lack of bass.

My pc has a multi channel dac or soundcard onboard with outputs and supported drivers and can appear as 5.1 so I'm not for getting an old xonar with no new drivers. The trouble is getting a suitable amplifier. Even if I put up with the bulk of an AVR New ones only tend to have hdmi not direct multi inputs now. Plus I would want it to have a decent headphone amp. It was just all not seeming worth the effort.

Yeah, well you know the capabilities of what you have with your DAC in your PC so I'll let you figure out possible solutions, I don't think I can help you with that & it would start to get off the topic of this thread.

 

[mc.god]

It's an interesting idea using real 5.1 surround. I know what you mean, I remember those little tiny satellite speakers along with sub that used to be quite common in the noughties (2000's). I've never really used those little 5.1 surround systems in fps gaming, so I can't comment on how effective they would be vs headphone virtual 7.1 surround (when you've found a virtual surround that works for you, if you can find one). So yes, that is a little bit like the idea you mention of "everyone getting soundbars"!

EDIT: I actually used to use the Xonar U7 gaming DAC (I had it since about 2013 I think), it just so happens it can be a real 5.1 gaming DAC for connecting to speakers as it has a physical connection for each, try to track one of those down if you like, but I don't know how compatible it will be nowadays, but I do remember that I used it with Windows 10 and there was a Windows 10 driver for it. Here's a link to a Xonar U7 review here on ASR:

Review and Measurements of Asus Xonar U7 MKII ADC/DAC/HP

This is a review and measurements of the Asus Xonar U7 MK II multi-channel DAC, Headphone Amplifier and Analog to Digital (ADC) converter. A member overseas prompted me to purchase this unit to test by donating to the forum nickel jar. :) At just US 90 on Amazon with prime shipping, this is...

www.audiosciencereview.com

As far as I know, I think Windows 10 drivers are generally compatible with Windows 11. I'm thinking you could even maybe connect it up without drivers or at least without installing the criticised software, I've got vague memories of someone saying in that thread that it still appears as a 5.1 device in Windows if you just hook it up without the software. You might just be able to use it Plug & Play style in Windows without actively downloading drivers and also not installing the software.

I have a Sound Blaster X-Fi 5.1 Pro and it works perfectly under Windows 10, still use it in rare occasions for watching 5.1 movies, dvd, and blu-rays, it drives an ancient Creative Inspire 5100 set where i replaced front and center with units from another cheap HT kit, all from around 20 years ago, and all still perfectly working

Result is very nice if you take it for what it is, in a very small room.
I used it also for some gaming but I never played competitive FPS so can't evaluate about footsteps, enemy pinpointing and whatever.

 

[Bruce Morgen]

Is there any other EQ capability besides the "bass, treble, etc." mentioned in the review? I ask because even the bargain-priced SK01 has a midrange knob, which I occasionally find very handy.

 

[Bruce Morgen]

Parts Express has these in stock and on sale for $169.99: SALE Fosi Audio K7 HiFi Gaming DAC & Headphone Amplifier

 

[TehMowat]

Ive had the K7 for a couple of months now, and I love it. I use it with Beyer Dynamic DT 770 Pro X LE headphones, and when I want to use speakers I output it to a Fosi ZA3 amp and recently started using the new Fosi speakers. The amp and speakers are also very new, I previously used a Peachtree Nova 150 and Peachtree D5 speakers. Gaming is great with the K7. I honestly don't really have any complaints about it yet.

 

[Fosi Audio]

Also, a quick question for Fosi or Amir, the input is Mic only (in mono) or does it also accept Line level (in stereo)?

Hi there, it accepts line level in stereo

 

[Haze]

For me the best Virtual Surround system is Soundblaster SBX. Here's a link to a thread on the topic of Virtual 7.1 Surround Sound which contains some thoughts & experiences of mine & others:

Virtual 7.1 Surround Sound processing in Headphones

Hi, I thought I'd start this thread as a gaming virtual 7.1 surround sound enthusiast in headphones. We can let this thread develop into whatever we like on the topic of Virtual 7.1 Surround Sound processing in headphones, and perhaps I'll continue to edit this first post with links to useful...

www.audiosciencereview.com

Dolby Atmos software solution in Windows did absolutely nothing for me, same is true for Windows Sonic, both did nothing for me - and I'm not even certain that the software for Dolby Atmos Headphones & Windows Sonic even exposed 7.1 channels to the game in which case it would have had no hope in working right from the start. So, yes, Soundblaster SBX is the only one that's worked for me so far, I use the SoundblasterX G6 DAC.

What would be the best product with sbx on it that's currently available?

 

[Robbo99999]

What would be the best product with sbx on it that's currently available?

I think out of the Soundblaster products that Amir has measured then the SoundblasterX G6 is the best one, because you have to be sure it can appear as a real 7.1 device to the OS, and Amir once measured the Soundblaster X5 and that only appears as a stereo device to the OS so it's impossible that it can do Virtual Surround at all. So if you want to use an Amir measured device then the SoundblasterX G6 would be the one to get. I don't think he's measured anymore Soundblaster products but I might be wrong, but whatever you do make sure it can appear as a real 7.1 device to the OS.

 

[lewdish]

Any chance there will be an update to publish microphone pre-amp performance?

 

[Haze]

Did you end up retesting the output power in high gain?

 

[jdjung]

I could care less about 5.1 or 7.1 audio. Also I have several phantom power audio interfaces including the RME UCXII, Antelope Audio Zen Q, and E2x2. I have several over $300 mics and I don't use them when I play games because to be frank, the condensers I have suck for gaming, I have to be to close to my condenser mic and though my dynamic Shure SM57 works but still to much background noise.

I use my Sennheiser PC 38x headset mic with a Rode VXLR Pro and everyone in my guild says it sounds the best, let's me mute it with flipping the headset and IMHO sounds better then the HD6xx. I just ordered this and will report in when I receive it. With a Wiim Mini optical out I can now use Roon with it and my turntable across the room without wires streaming lossless audio. For $200 bucks this is an amazing deal.

 

[cokker]

Just picked this up the other day and loving it, although...

It'd be amazing if USB in still worked with bluetooth too, playing a game on my PC / Console while streaming tablet audio from a video.

"Bluetooth Audio Reciever" on PC works but it'd be handy.

 

[Roland68]

Just picked this up the other day and loving it, although...

It'd be amazing if USB in still worked with bluetooth too, playing a game on my PC / Console while streaming tablet audio from a video.

"Bluetooth Audio Reciever" on PC works but it'd be handy.

It's completely the wrong device for something like this.
Either it would have to be digitally mixed before the DAC, or you would need two DACs or at least 4-channel DAC chips. Then it would still have to be combined on the analog side.
This would probably require a separate volume control.
For something like this, you'd have to look into an analog or digital mixer.

 

[jdjung]

Update, have had it now for a few weeks and this rocks for my recliner laptop setup. Works as advertised and the sound quality is great. I love the simple base and treble tone for the ZMF Atriums I use with this thing as I find I rarely use the PEQ on most of my devices unless I really want to twerk things which is rare these days. So far loving it and I also have my Shanling Mini CD with USB C to USB C to the K7 and it's working as a USB audio input. Couldn't be happier.

 

[ThsM]

I got mine about a week ago. While I am very happy with its sound (it replaced a Loxjie D30), I wonder if the two volume knobs on your units also have some "wobble". I mean, I have no problems adjusting the volume or bass/treble. It's just that the rotary knob sits not as tight as e.g. the volume knob of the Loxjie D30/A30 or the Fosi ZH3.

 

[jdjung]

I got mine about a week ago. While I am very happy with its sound (it replaced a Loxjie D30), I wonder if the two volume knobs on your units also have some "wobble". I mean, I have no problems adjusting the volume or bass/treble. It's just that the rotary knob sits not as tight as e.g. the volume knob of the Loxjie D30/A30 or the Fosi ZH3.

I wouldn't call them wobbly. They are also buttons as well as knobs. The volume knob also acts as a gain selector when you press it down and the tone knob acts as a microphone mute when used in UAC 1.0 mode. The sound quality is great for me and I love it. Use it nearly every day.