Fosi K5 Pro Gaming DAC Amp Review
Is the Fosi K5 Pro Gaming DAC AMP is an a good choice for gamers and audiophiles alike? Today I’ll be exploring Fosi Audio’s newest offering and honestly one of my favorite yet – the K5 Pro mini DAC AMP!
I have been using Fosi’s Q4 DAC Amp in my setup for a while now. Actually, I have been using 2 of them! They have been awesome for exactly what I need them for – a simple, yet powerful desktop solution for my headphones.
When Fosi sent me their newest mini DAC amp combo, the K5 Pro, I had to check it out.
- Compact Yet Powerful: The V3 mini power amplifier combines a minimalist design with exceptional performance. With a power output of up to 600W, it can…
- Audiophile-Grade Components: It features the TPA3255 high-end digital class D amp chip and utilizes premium Japanese NCC, ELNA, and German WIMA…
- Innovative Cooling: The V3 stands out with its groundbreaking heat dissipation design. Equipped with vents on the casing’s top and bottom, and a…
- TI TPA3255 Chip Amplifier with 300 Watts x 2 Power Output: Advanced feedback design and high-speed gate driver error correction for efficient and…
- Upgraded High-Efficiency: A significant upgrade from the BT20A amplifier with replaceable Op-Amps for customized. You can replace the two plug-in…
- Enhanced Bluetooth 5.0 Connectivity: The Bluetooth pair can be cleared by pressing and holding the volume control for five seconds. In addition, it…
- If you want to play your favorite songs entertainingly, a mini stereo amplifier is the best way to go. Fosi Audio TB10D is an analog input(RCA)…
- MAX Power Output up to 600Watts. TB10D adopts TI TPA3255 high-performance Class-D power amplifier chip enabling true premium sound quality. TPA3255…
- The high-efficient 2.0CH 300Wx2 desktop power amplifier can drive almost home large passive bookshelf speakers ensuring top-notch sound quality and is…
- The upgraded version of Fosi Audio Q4 adds microphone function, K5 Pro headphone DAC amp combo, next-generation audio converter with unrivaled…
- K5 Pro USB DAC converts USB Type C/Optical/Coaxial signals to 3.5MM AUX and RCA signals with low distortion and great dynamic range. Unique design:…
- K5 Pro headphone DAC adopts the Texas Instruments NE5532 op-amp chip. The circuit design implementing this DAC has been optimized for a low-noise…
- Please note that this is a preamplifier and cannot be utilized for turntables or passive speakers. It is not a power amplifier or phono preamp.
- This preamplifier features RCA inputs that can be connected to various devices such as computers, phones, iPods, and CD players. Additionally, it…
- This preamplifier boasts a small and compact design and incorporates an optimal integrated circuit to deliver powerful, dynamic, and sweet sound….
What is a Combo DAC AMP?
A DAC AMP combo is a combination of a digital-to-analog converter and an audio amplifier. They are meshed together to create a smaller “mini” device that can do it all. Typically, you would have large pre-amplifier paired with an amplifier and possibly even a seperate DAC.
However, combining them both into one AIO solution creates a simple fix for modern desktop setups and minor audiophiles. In addition, these mini DAC AMP’s make for great gaming gear, because of their small size and microphone pass-through ports.
What’s in the Box?
In the box you can expect to find the K5 Pro itself, along with a USB Type-C cable, optical audio cable, and auxiliary headphone splitter. The box is neatly packaged and comes well-equipped.
The USB-C cable isn’t anything special, however it does double as power and data transfer. Additionally, it is pretty long, so it shouldn’t require a separate cable for most setups.
Finally, technically not in the box, but provided is a 24-month standard warranty.
Features
Next up, the features of the Fosi K5 Pro. This upgraded version of the Fosi Audio Q4 adds a microphone port as well as the expected DAC amp combo. Furthermore, Fosi uses next-generation audio conversion with beefed-up internal components. These upgrades provide for richer sound, and more performance from the mini DAC amp.
They also added USB-C for power and USB data transfer on this version along with keeping a coaxial, standard, and optical inputs. Fosi adopts the Texas Instruments NE5532 op-amp chip that performs extremely well. It has a low-noise floor and clean output. It has a noticeable improvement on audio quality and performance over the last-gen Q4.
Technical specifications are as follows:
- USB Type C rate: up to 24 bit/96 kHz
- Optical/Coaxial sampling rate: up to 24 bit/192 kHz
- THD ≤0.003%
- SNR ≥110dB
- Output power: 1000mw@16Ω, 500mw@32Ω, 300mw@64Ω, 150mw@128Ω, 80mw@300Ω
Performance
Finally we get to what you came here for – the performance. So, how does the Fosi K5 Pro perform? Well, quite honestly fantastic! It is an excellent value, especially for the price.
The K5 Pro has a very solid build with all metal construction. Additionally, the volume knobs and switches feel incredibly robust, along with the mechanical switches.
The sound quality is great. There is no droning, hissing, background noise, or electronic reverb. Whether you are listening to music, movies or YouTube videos it will help elevate the sound stage for your headphones.
Traditionally, you’ll want a solid pair of headphones, like the V-Moda Crossfade LP2’s to hear the subtle differences. Although if you are gaming, you can really fine-tune the bass/treble/volume to help hear footsteps, or maximize speaker clearance.
In conclusion, the Fosi K5 Pro Gaming DAC AMP is an excellent choice for gamers and new audiophiles alike as an entry-level option. It provides exceptional value, a solid performance, and superior quality against competitors. I am and will continue to use the K5 Pro as my main driver for years to come.
