Comments on: FiiO K7 Review

By: Carlos Gonçalves

Carlos Gonçalves — Thu, 22 Dec 2022 20:31:23 +0000

Thank you so much! It´s for passive speaker system (rega brio, wharfedale diamond 12.2).

By: Patrick LALLEMENT

Patrick LALLEMENT — Thu, 22 Dec 2022 10:29:56 +0000

Thank you for your advice, the price difference is indeed significant, but I wonder if spending double the price of the headphones is wise and the difference in quality really audible. If in doubt, I’m thinking of abstaining and buying the K7 because I don’t think I’ll change headphones (although the manufacturing quality of the Sundara is deplorable). Best regards, wishing you a Merry Christmas.

By: J.T.

J.T. — Wed, 21 Dec 2022 15:57:39 +0000

In reply to FUGU. I am using a thick copper cable bought on Amazon at around $50 USD, the seller is no longer carrying it but it is easy to find similar cables up there and from other online vendors say Linsoul.

By: J.T.

J.T. — Wed, 21 Dec 2022 15:51:11 +0000

In reply to VL. Ideally, doubling the impedance halves the output power(W), but in real life situation do factor in some power loss, the output power is always less than being calculated this way. Make sure to read about what loads are the amplifiers designed for and to read the power ratings carefully as the measurements may be based off different impedance loads!

By: VL

VL — Tue, 20 Dec 2022 09:05:09 +0000

Great, detailed review, thank you so much, James. I’m just getting myself into the world of headphones, IEMs and DAC/AMPs. Quick question on loading – if an amp offers upto 2W at 32 ohms, then how do I calculate power it could offer at other impedances (like, at 80, 150, 16, or 300 ohms)? Sorry, just desperate to know.

By: FUGU

FUGU — Tue, 20 Dec 2022 06:45:37 +0000

Could you tell me what is the balanced cable you use for HD600, I bought K7 and wanna try the balanced output. Thanks.

By: J.T.

J.T. — Mon, 19 Dec 2022 17:44:30 +0000

In reply to Patrick LALLEMENT. I didn't have the chance to try the iFi Audio Zen Signature HFM set yet but have heard compliments the EQ on it fixes the lacking sub-bass on Sundara. If you are using the M11 to power the Sundara then it is safe to say either set will be a huge step up. Considering stronger swings (Voltage) is the key for planars to perform well, the K7's 37.7V peak-to-peak output may have some advantage over iFi set's 30V peak-to-peak output. The price difference is quite significant between the two products and the iFi set is consist of a discreet decoder. Depending on the actual use scenario, if you are streaming on the PC then the K7 could be sufficient.

By: J.T.

J.T. — Mon, 19 Dec 2022 16:52:22 +0000

If you are just using the preamp function with active speakers supporting balanced connection, it probably is more reasonable to go for the e50. Technically that should yield better separation and resolution than on RCA with the K7.

It also depends on the character of the speakers, Toppings generally sound more smoothly articulated to my ears which could be a better match with more analytical-sounding gears, and the FiiO with THX amping has a stronger sense of dynamics and resolution in the upper register.

By: Carlos Gonçalves

Carlos Gonçalves — Sun, 18 Dec 2022 12:09:56 +0000

Great review! I am hesitating between this k7 and the topping e50. Both cost exatcly the same. I would love to know which one is better soundwise only. To use as dac in a speaker system. Thanks!

By: Patrick LALLEMENT

Patrick LALLEMENT — Sun, 18 Dec 2022 04:00:34 +0000

Hello James,

Thanks for your great review, it looks interresting for me. I have an Hifiman Sundara and a Fiio M11 and i need a Dac to plug on my computer. I want to keep the quality of the Fiio m11, i hesitate between this Dac and the iFi Audio Zen Signature Set HFM, what’s your opinion or any advices ? Thanks and have a lovely Day.