Fosi Audio K5 Pro Gaming DAC Amp Full Review

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  • Опубліковано 8 лип 2024
  • Versatile and robust DAC Amp from Fosi Audio optimized for Music, Gaming and pretty much everything else!
    Chapters:
    00:00 Intro
    00:19 Build & Contents
    02:18 DAC Structure & Configuration
    05:55 Features & Sound
    14:06 Social Media Performance
    15:35 Gaming Test
    21:20 Comparisons
    26:50 Conclusions
    Get Fosi Audio K5 Pro at:
    my.e1personalaudio.com/produc...
    fosiaudioshop.com/collections...
    Shot On:
    - Canon EOS R6 Mark2
    - Canon EF 50mm F1.2 L USM (Primary)
    - Canon RF 15-35mm F2.8 L USM (Secondary)
    - ATOMOS Ninja V (Canon CLOG3 ProRes HQ 4K50P)
    My Tidal Playlist:
    tidal.com/browse/playlist/ba3...
  • Наука та технологія

КОМЕНТАРІ • 96

  • @Betelgeusewaitforit
    @Betelgeusewaitforit 16 днів тому +1

    Your review is absolutely so true. I paired this DAC with my HD599se.
    This headphone is listed as 50 ohm and has a warm signature, wierd thing is that if you pick all settings for a 130 ohm then this headphone starts shining, it's advertised as an entry level audiophile but if you know it, it punches right into medium category easily.
    I have a few other DACs which add warmth and sound great. This Fosi DAC is flat out neutral and crisp. I would never use it with any iem, in fact I will exclusively pair it only with open back headphones.
    I thought I would return it if it didn't work for me. And I am never leaving this DAC, for only one reason. The stereo separation and soundstage width is so good I was speechless. It's not at all artificial, it feels like the best feature they don't advertise.
    I subscribed to your channel. You actually reviewed this device, everyone just read out the soecs and stop there, you did deep research before you presented your findings. Thank you my good man.

    • @donglemadness
      @donglemadness  16 днів тому

      Thanks so very much. You honor me with this feedback. Have a great weekend there, and enjoy the music!

    • @marquim1240
      @marquim1240 2 дні тому

      Noice I have the hd599 too and i bought this dac yesterday because the volume is to low on my motherboard, glad to know that I will prob get way more then what I was expecting from this dac

  • @Kindlefirehditaly
    @Kindlefirehditaly Рік тому +2

    It's really versatile! And bass and treble knob are really useful! Great review Andy

    • @donglemadness
      @donglemadness  Рік тому

      It is Peter!. I am addicted to tweaking the Bass/Treble knobs haha. So much fun. And Thanks!

  • @AdamTait-hy2qh
    @AdamTait-hy2qh 10 місяців тому +1

    I have one and it is truly brilliant for the price.

  • @dougfate
    @dougfate 3 місяці тому +2

    That was the best review on web of this product, thank you

    • @donglemadness
      @donglemadness  3 місяці тому

      Thank you!!! 😁

    • @alch3mi5t.
      @alch3mi5t. 3 місяці тому

      I'm interested in how to enable the optical out. 😉😉

  • @adrianomoreira1341
    @adrianomoreira1341 9 місяців тому +3

    I discovered your channel recently. What exquisite work and full of details.
    I also have a Sennheiser HD 650 so comparisons and tests are great for me.
    Thank you very much and congratulations once again for the excellent work.
    A hug from Brazil (Rio de Janeiro)

  • @madsin1241
    @madsin1241 3 місяці тому +1

    Fantastic review thank you 👍

  • @lexlex4927
    @lexlex4927 7 місяців тому +3

    спасибо за информацию, много полезного

  • @LaurentTristanAncheta
    @LaurentTristanAncheta 7 місяців тому

    Hi Andy, thanks for the review. 👌
    Would you still recommend the prime DAC + RA2B-FE over the Megatron? Will only be using it with harder to drive headphones so the noise floor isn't a concern.

    • @donglemadness
      @donglemadness  7 місяців тому

      My pleasure, yes absolutely Prime DAC+RA2BFE especially if you are pushing to squeeze every last ounces of headphones, Prime DAC is like a refined Megatron and not just because it is cleaner at floor noise

  • @ignacionovoa8243
    @ignacionovoa8243 8 місяців тому +3

    Hello Andy! Recently discovered your channel and I must congratulate you for such detailed and informative work. Recently I've purchased a a k5 pro, at the moment I have a Philips SHP 9500 with modded earpads for gaming, but I plan to make an upgrade in the near future. In your opinion, what would be a decent choice to pair with the k5 pro? (Budget is arround 150 - 200 dollars). Thanks!

    • @donglemadness
      @donglemadness  8 місяців тому +2

      Thanks man. If you want to spend up to $200, the I would recommend that you try a magnetic planar and in fact for just up to $100, you can get HiFiMan HE400SE Stealth version which is an amazing headphone both for music and gaming

  • @qurat9788
    @qurat9788 Рік тому +2

    hey Andy, nice review as always. Actually im looking for a budget friendly desktop amp/dac for gaming (fps mainly) and found K5 Pro, Fiio E10K TC and ifi Uno. Which one would you prefer? Or it is okay if i buy portable dac/amp like truthear shio, DC03 pro to go with my pc? Any other amp/dac suggestion would be great as well

    • @donglemadness
      @donglemadness  Рік тому +2

      Sound like you need K5 Pro or Megatron, both designated for gaming as well and both friendly with price. If you want a bit more compact solution, then DC03Pro definitely fits the bill, just remember that DC03Pro or SHIO does not support MIC like K5 Pro or Megatron. Cheers.

    • @qurat9788
      @qurat9788 Рік тому +1

      @@donglemadness okay cool. thanks for the feedback 👍

  • @PL-ri3bz
    @PL-ri3bz 3 місяці тому +2

    Hi Andy another great informative video, I'm thinking of adding this to my collection based on your recommendation for gaming one question I have is you mentioned the volume 16 out of 100 for this and 11 for the Megatron so is this based on maxing out the volume on the device and controlling the volume output on windows into your Fostex?
    Thank you

    • @donglemadness
      @donglemadness  3 місяці тому

      Thanks, yes that is correct, Max on the K5 Pro and adjustment done on PC side, USB 3.0 connection

    • @PL-ri3bz
      @PL-ri3bz 3 місяці тому

      Thank you Andy for your quick response as always

  • @paulwoaert
    @paulwoaert 7 місяців тому +2

    I only use my Beyerdynamic headphones with my MacBook Air M2. I wanted to use the K5 Pro Dac to simply add a bit of bass to my headphones or change the overall sound result a bit.
    I received the Fosi Audio K5 Pro and am trying to connect it to my Mac.
    The problem is that I can't turn on this DAC, I don't know what connection I should make.
    I have the impression that the connection cables provided are insufficient. In the box there was only a USB-A cable at one end and USB-C at the other end: what is this cable for? I plugged the USB-A end of this cable into the computer and the USB-C end into the Fosi Audio, but nothing happens, nothing turns on.
    There is also in the box another thinner cable with, at one end, two 3.5 mm jacks (i.e. audio + microphone) and at the other end a female socket for 3.5 mm jack.
    Finally, the box also contained a cable with special optical plugs I think.

    • @donglemadness
      @donglemadness  7 місяців тому +1

      The only way to power the K5 Pro is from USB 5V feed shared with the Audio Data stream from the host. If it is not powering up, then the issue could be that the 5V feed may be lacking in Wattage or even voltage. If you have another PC you can try especially USB 3.0, you can test this. The cable is more than sufficient, all it need is a USB A to C. The Y split cable as mentioned in my video is for Headphone that has split MIC connection to it, K5 Pro is a dedicated MIC 3.5mm device hence the extra port but you use the Y cable to attach an integrated MIC headphones. And yes the last cables are optical for legacy audio feed to another DAC

  • @jackhandsome1788
    @jackhandsome1788 2 місяці тому

    I'm having issues with my seinheiser game one headphone/mic and discord. My voice input is very low and I have gone through all my windows 11 volume controls and discord, everything is maxed out, mic is close to my mouth but still people can't hear me loud enough. It is very frustrating. Would this K5 pro help improve my voice volume output?

  • @hgw27
    @hgw27 3 місяці тому +1

    hello, what is the better choice for listening black metal with beyerdynamics dt 770 pro 80 ohms (megatron, k5 pro, fiio q11 or something else) ?

    • @donglemadness
      @donglemadness  3 місяці тому +1

      For DT770 Pro, I would go for Q11. With Megatron or K5 Pro the sound can be a bit bright for DT770 Pro

  • @garyt2986
    @garyt2986 11 місяців тому

    Hi, I have a Marantz CD6005 cd player, can I connect using coaxial cable from the Marantz to the coaxial input on the Fosi K5 Pro?

    • @donglemadness
      @donglemadness  11 місяців тому +1

      Yes, I believe that should work if your CD6005 is capable of accepting coaxial feed

    • @garyt2986
      @garyt2986 11 місяців тому +1

      @@donglemadness The Marantz CD6005 has a coaxial and optical out. Thanks for the prompt reply!

  • @GreshaYeager
    @GreshaYeager 5 місяців тому +1

    hi, I found fosi k5 pro for a 68$ and I have dt 770 pro 250 ohms. can it handle my dt very well and full power? and do u recommend me to get it ? thanks a lot

    • @donglemadness
      @donglemadness  5 місяців тому +1

      Power wise yes K5 Pro can handle DT770 250 Ohm easily, I have tested K5 Pro with harder to drive headphones like 300 Ohm Sennheiser HD650 and even more demanding Fostex T40RP MK3 magnetic planar

  • @babixillo
    @babixillo Рік тому +1

    hey andy, i saw a fosi k5 pro review on audiosiencereview, and they have a measurement of this unit and its not neutral at all, very far from it in fact, do you have that problem in your unit? that review was written on late 2022 and i wonder if fosi fixed the problem with newer unit.

    • @donglemadness
      @donglemadness  Рік тому +1

      I am not into ASR so I am not privy with measurements. To my ears, my K5 Pro sounded neutral as when tested with equally neutral and transparent IEMs like Etymotic ER4SR

    • @babixillo
      @babixillo Рік тому +1

      @@donglemadness thanks for your insight!

  • @Pedrolucassv
    @Pedrolucassv 21 день тому

    hello😀, did you test it with the hifiman he400se? Do you think the K5 Pro can play it?

    • @donglemadness
      @donglemadness  21 день тому

      Yes it can, but the sound can be a bit brighter and energetic with the Treble, but you can also easily tune it down and then boost the Bass and Mids, then you get good balance

  • @Pedrolucassv
    @Pedrolucassv 21 день тому

    Do you think there is a difference in connecting it to a wall outlet instead of the USB port on the PC?

    • @donglemadness
      @donglemadness  21 день тому

      Totally depends on how clean the wall power is, also on the USB power rating. USB PD 3.0 is of course more powerful than USB PD2.0

  • @itellsri
    @itellsri Рік тому +2

    Another cool review Andy . How do you compare it against dc04 pro. I know dc04 pro is not Hifi sounding unlike k5pro, but was wondering which was more resolving.

    • @donglemadness
      @donglemadness  Рік тому

      Thanks. DC04Pro is both Hi-Fi yet analogue sounding, a difficult balance to achieve and exhibited only by 5 Stars rated dongles (except M15 and DC03 Pro of course). DC04pro is more resolving

    • @itellsri
      @itellsri Рік тому

      @@donglemadness Awesome . Thanks Andy !

    • @itellsri
      @itellsri Рік тому +1

      @@donglemadness Andy , finally after a 15 day long wait was able to listen to Megatron. It’s so good and cannot believe it’s only $50. I have many headphones and no hissing at all with any. Except for volume control and bulky size , it’s so resolving . A/b comparison with dc04 pro , I like the cheaper Megatron better. I used dc04pro only in NOS Mode. I tried both 3.5 and 4.4 ports. I also like the line out sound on Megatron when paired with an amp. Sounds like honey . I listened to some Indian songs , and it’s awesome . Thanks for the suggestion Andy . The price and quality for products such as these are indeed making audiophile quality affordable to everyone and not just for a few. You have any other VE product suggestion? They also sent me a Monk plus ear buds as a compliment and they are also good.

    • @donglemadness
      @donglemadness  Рік тому

      @@itellsri That cool Dan. You should know that VE already released an improved version of Megatron which is basically a dual DAC version of the same internals. And improved in a few areas as well.I have one I am testing now and already it is steadily taking over from Megatron as my regular PC DAC. You should also check out VE Asura 3.0, if you are into earbuds, or VE Supernova if you want great sounding headphones

    • @itellsri
      @itellsri Рік тому

      @@donglemadness oh I wish I checked with you as I could have purchased the dual dac version. I am really not into ear buds as many of my friends got tinnitus after using earbuds . But they are travel friendly. When at leisure I always rely on my good old headphone’s like sennheiser or he400se. But thx for the info. I will surely checkout SuperNova for sure . By the way what’s your take on that Megatrn with dual dac . Is that more resolving than single dac ? What’s the product name as I don’t in VE site . Is it called PRIME DAC ?

  • @panzerkampfwagen6968
    @panzerkampfwagen6968 9 місяців тому

    Would it be better to connect this to a PC via optical or USB?

    • @donglemadness
      @donglemadness  9 місяців тому

      Better USB, you use optical only if you are feeding legacy old DAC which does not have USB capabilities

  • @richardmendes2176
    @richardmendes2176 7 місяців тому +2

    I bought. Dac fosi audio k5 pro, and the microphone of this hyperx cloud silver hx-hscl-sr headset didn't work... 😔 I don't think it's compatible

    • @donglemadness
      @donglemadness  7 місяців тому +2

      HyperX Cloud Pro Gaming Headset - Silver seems to have inline audio controller which may be incompatible, do you use the Fosi Y splitter cable?

    • @richardmendes2176
      @richardmendes2176 7 місяців тому

      @@donglemadness Yes, I tried using the Y splitter cable, and it still didn't work, a very negative surprise, unfortunately I didn't have this information when I bought the k5 pro. And it's something that seems to have no solution.

    • @richardmendes2176
      @richardmendes2176 7 місяців тому

      @@donglemadness "There's actually 3 types of TRRS (tip ring ring sleeve) 3.5mm plugs.
      There's the Camcorder AV type which isn't used for headphones.
      CTIA/Apple
      &
      OMTP/Nokia
      You probably need a CTIA/OMTP adapter - they're very cheap.
      I can't be 100% sure about this, as I do not own any CTIA/OMTP products as far as I know, but it's the likely culprit. "
      Someone in another video gave this information, do you think this could be it?

    • @donglemadness
      @donglemadness  7 місяців тому

      @@richardmendes2176 Tht's sad to hear

    • @donglemadness
      @donglemadness  7 місяців тому

      @@richardmendes2176 That may be it

  • @ibra5o6
    @ibra5o6 6 місяців тому +1

    Is there a latency while gaming ?

    • @donglemadness
      @donglemadness  6 місяців тому +2

      No, this is not like a wireless DAC, the response is real time

  • @Bimbimbap1
    @Bimbimbap1 11 місяців тому

    Would it be better to connect to a amp or pre amp? I want to be able to drive high end headphones.

    • @donglemadness
      @donglemadness  11 місяців тому

      K5 Pro already have the power to drive many high end phones directly. Power not an issue. Just perhaps a matter of synergy. Unless of course you are driving something like HiFiMan Susvara, then it is a different story

    • @revplays6471
      @revplays6471 10 місяців тому

      @@donglemadness would you recommend this one or the fiio New k3?

    • @donglemadness
      @donglemadness  10 місяців тому

      @@revplays6471 I would not be able to compare, I don't have a K3

  • @user-ly9ig7kz1r
    @user-ly9ig7kz1r 2 місяці тому

    Hola,mejorará mi edifier S2000 mk3?

    • @donglemadness
      @donglemadness  2 місяці тому

      It depends on what you use now. If you are using direct from laptop or PC, then this DAC/Amp is better for your Edifier

  • @saidalcapone3964
    @saidalcapone3964 Рік тому +1

    Is there any noise when you use iem?

    • @donglemadness
      @donglemadness  Рік тому

      Check 04:34 and I covered on that part, tested with super sensitive IEMs

    • @saidalcapone3964
      @saidalcapone3964 Рік тому +1

      @@donglemadness thanks

    • @mattieuleveille
      @mattieuleveille 3 місяці тому +3

      Yes, every set of IEM's I have has a very audible white noise present. Doesn't matter the input, COAX / OPT / USB all introduce a blanket sound. I don't get this sound when connected directly to the source or when using a dac dongle with a phone. This is talked about on other videos reviewing this dac as well as on reddit forums.

  • @koko-kf5dd
    @koko-kf5dd Рік тому

    review ibasso dc06 please.

  • @prachwatcharaphan7332
    @prachwatcharaphan7332 4 місяці тому

    If I connect it with iPhone/iPad, how is the battery consumption?

    • @donglemadness
      @donglemadness  4 місяці тому

      I would not know as I don't have any Apple products with me

    • @prachwatcharaphan7332
      @prachwatcharaphan7332 4 місяці тому

      @@donglemadness what about android?

    • @donglemadness
      @donglemadness  4 місяці тому +1

      @@prachwatcharaphan7332 You can expect 7-8 hours max on a 4000 mAh Android

  • @erich4422
    @erich4422 Рік тому

    I want these for my headset use for gaming, but can I use the optical connection to push sound to a soundbar when I'm not running a headset while plugged into my PC through USB. My PC doesn't have an optical port? The soundbar is a Sony HT SF200F that has HDMI ARC, Optical, and Bluetooth, but the Bluetooth is very laggy. Thanks

    • @donglemadness
      @donglemadness  Рік тому +1

      Yes, it is a simple optical to optical transport. So the K5 Pro can feed another device that can accept optical in

    • @erich4422
      @erich4422 Рік тому

      @@donglemadness Thanks Andy!

  • @RussTeeRider
    @RussTeeRider Рік тому +5

    I'm quite surprised that you're an avid gamer, too! Have you heard of the Aiyima DAC A2? I think it's similar with the Fosi Audio Q4 DAC. It's one of the cheapest desktop Dac amp out there usually around $30-40. I'm wondering if they will be good enough for IEMs and Headphones such as the SHP9500. Let me know your thoughts.

    • @donglemadness
      @donglemadness  Рік тому +2

      I will need to try the Aiyima DAC A2 first in order to have some thoughts on it, cheers

    • @RussTeeRider
      @RussTeeRider Рік тому +1

      @@donglemadness hopefully you can try out one, soon! Cheers.

    • @Fear_BFG
      @Fear_BFG Рік тому +1

      Ordered my aiyima dac a2 also cant wait! I hope it will revive my kz pr2, if not last option would be k5 pro or ve megatron.

    • @RussTeeRider
      @RussTeeRider Рік тому

      @@Fear_BFG I can say it can power the PR2 Sufficiently. I just bought it recently. And if you hate its treble, you can use its EQ knobs to boost bass and reduce treble.

    • @Fear_BFG
      @Fear_BFG Рік тому +1

      @@RussTeeRider wow! That im happy to hear, ill just have to canvass eartips and good cable,eyeing on the spiral dots and nicehck 16 core cable.

  • @mattieuleveille
    @mattieuleveille 3 місяці тому +1

    I'm hearing floor noise when connecting any IEM to my K5 pro gaming dac. Not exactly sure why your unit is not introducing white noise. This seems to be the common complaint with this cheap unit.

    • @donglemadness
      @donglemadness  3 місяці тому +1

      That's a sign of grounding issues that could creep in from the PC/Wall power, if that happen, there will be floor noises

    • @mattieuleveille
      @mattieuleveille 3 місяці тому

      Thank you for a kind reply. I’m well aware of grounding as I am an electrician. The audio is being run through fiber optic cable. I’m using high-quality sets of IEM’s. I’ve gone as far as running the dac/amp through a battery bank as to not introduce any interference. Still left with a decent white noise floor. We may have been given different devices with the same shell. You’re a reviewer and probably received one for free. I purchased mine from Amazon.

    • @GrainOnTheGo
      @GrainOnTheGo 2 місяці тому

      The cheaper Fosi stuff is really a gamble, it’s either perfect or not. My copy is superb but I got awful lucky. It’s a good travel DAC for me due to my job.

    • @kopibibi3365
      @kopibibi3365 21 день тому +1

      yea, i cant use it due to the floor noise, quite unacceptable to me

    • @Betelgeusewaitforit
      @Betelgeusewaitforit 16 днів тому

      Plug it into a powerbank and test.. grounding issues are like plague which earn a bad reputation for very decent onboard audio.

  • @jonathansanchezmedina
    @jonathansanchezmedina Рік тому +1

    name of mic? plz

    • @donglemadness
      @donglemadness  Рік тому +1

      LENSGO LYM-DMM1

    • @jonathansanchezmedina
      @jonathansanchezmedina Рік тому

      @@donglemadness I have this dac. But i have bought ifi zen dac v2. I can read bu forum k6 pro gaming is bad