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As I have switched back to cable headsets and IEMs in the past year, I have been on the hunt for a good amplifier that doesn’t take up a ton of space but that offers a powerful boost to the devices connected. The Fosi Audio K7 Desktop amp has been the perfect blend of power and usability, adding crisp detail to music and gaming audio.
Amplifiers can get expensive fairly quickly, making accessibility a bit of a tough problem for gamers and audiophiles. If you are like me, your PC wasn’t built with a quality audio option, making the direct connect lackluster and muddied. However, dropping $500 or more for a good amp just isn’t an option, and cheap options have been unreliable.
This is where Fosi regularly blows me away. Like their recent IEMs, Fosi has released a reliable, easy-to-use amp at a price that doesn’t feel like a gut punch. While it has a few hiccups, it is a fantastic option that fits perfectly on my crowded desk.
Key Details
- Developer: Fosi Audio
- Input Types: 3.5 Mic, 3.5 Headphone, 4.4 Balanced Headphone, Coaxial, Optical, USB-C
- Price: $199.99
- Quality: Decode PCM 384kHz & DSD256 Audio
- Compatible With: PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch, PC, Mac, Tablet, & TV
- Test On: PC
- Sample Provided for Review: Yes
Set Up And Daily Use Are a Breeze
When it comes to adding new things to my desk setup, I always get a bit nervous. How many cables will I need to reroute? How many items will I need to reshuffle? Thankfully, the K7 amp is compact and requires few cables to function.
When setting it up on my PC, I only needed to route the power supply and connect to my PC via the USB-C cable to get it up and running. I will suggest that you plug it directly into a grounded outlet and not into a power strip, as I found the strip tends to cause audio noise in IEMs due to electronic interference. This was resolved by switching it to a grounded outlet.
Once it is plugged in, you quickly press the “UAC” button on the far left of the interface, and it will power on immediately. From here, you will use the buttons and the two large nobs to set the desired channels and frequencies for use. I primarily use the F7 for my headphones and IEMs, switching between the two on the 4.4mm input port on the front of the unit for top balanced sound quality.
I appreciate that the K7 isn’t bulky, especially for gaming. If you set it up with your PS5, it will fit neatly on a shelf beside the console, and it is just as discreet on the desk.
You May Need To Change Your PC Settings For The Best Result
There is one techy setback for the K7 that may confuse those unfamiliar with amps or PC audio settings. When you first plug the Fosi K7 in and set it to USB for PC, you may find that the sample rate is locked at a low kHz.
To fix this, you’ll need to go into your PC settings and select the K7, and then adjust the sample rate via the “Format” option. Once this is done, the ceiling for the amp will be raised to the desired kHz, allowing for better fidelity.
This does move the K7 from an “intro” amp to a slightly more complex option that may require some tuning to work correctly with your setup. If you are familiar with amp setups, this won’t be an issue, but intro audiophiles and gaming audio buffs may have a bit of a learning curve to overcome.
The 4.4mm Input Is My Favorite Part of the K7
So many compact amps do not include a 4.4mm input option, and this is a huge issue for me as an audiophile. I typically use the 4.4mm balanced jack on my headphones and IEMs for the best possible audio option, and I always feel the drop down to the 3.5mm.
If you are a gamer or audio enthusiast who has invested in your headsets and listening equipment, it is worth it to go for the 4.4mm option, and the Fosi K7 is a great price for so many connection options.
The sound that comes out of the Fosi K7 amp is by far the best I’ve heard, challenging far more expensive options like the Bluesound Powernode Edge that costs hundreds of dollars. The audio is crisp, and I’ve had no issue with connections, fizzling, popping, or distortion.
My only qualm with the K7 is the general look of it. I do wish it came in different colors or that it had an option for low-profile control nobs. Currently, the nobs get bumped by my cats, headphone cables, or my curious five-year-old. If I could change anything, it would be the controls at half the height.
Final Score – 8.5/10
The Fosi K7 amp is a fantastic, easy-to-use amp that offers all the power of a more expensive option in a nice, clean package. It will take some skill to get the amp set to the exact settings for best audio results, but once it is there, the sound it provides is top-notch. For the price, it is a no-brainer for anyone looking to upgrade their sound setup.
While the control designs could use a few tweaks, it makes up for those small areas in a compact design, competitive price, and easy setup. It’s a wonderful option for new audio enthusiasts or longtime vets looking for a sleek and low-footprint option for a desk or console. The Fosi K7 Desktop Amp is a great piece of equipment, and it enhances everything I do on a daily basis.
**Bonus Action was provided with a sample of the Fosi K7 Desktop Amp for the purpose of this review**
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