FOSI K5 PRO MINI ― A versatile gaming interface
Introduction
Around 80$ to improve your sound, that’s how the Fosi Audio K5 Pro DAC looks on paper. An RCA output for speakers, a headphone output and a microphone input for playback – it’s all there! But does it deserve your attention? The answer on the source or here!
Today we’re testing the Fosi K5 Pro, a small DAC and headphone amplifier that stands out from other audio DACs thanks to its microphone input jack. Compatible with PCs and consoles thanks to its USB, optical and coaxial inputs, the K5 Pro is a plug-and-play device that delivers maximum-quality sound in USB at 96 kHz in 24-bit and 192 kHz in 24-bit coaxial and digital, while supporting headphones with a maximum impedance of 300 Ω.
The interface is available on Mechkeys at this link (take advantage of -5% with code DAAVRYL).
The DAC
The Fosi Audio K5 Pro comes with a USB cable, an optical cable and a 3.5mm headphone/microphone adapter. The DAC sports a slightly dark gray color throughout the chassis. Simple, sober and effective.
On the front left, three blue LEDs indicate which source is being used (USB, optical or coaxial), as well as the headphone output and microphone input, both in 3.5 mm jack format. Then there are three chrome-plated potentiometers: the first two are used respectively to adjust the bass and treble volume levels, while the third adjusts the overall volume and, when pressed, switches the device on or off with a long press, or selects the source with a short press.
On the rear, there’s a USB-C input for powering and synchronizing the device, an optical input in Toslink format, and a coaxial input. Output is RCA.
Daily usage
— Headphone output
Although the Fosi K5 Pro doesn’t go any higher than 96 kHz in 24-bit, it’s fair to say that it doesn’t suffer too much, and even offers good audio reproduction. However, these comments need to be qualified to ensure that they are not misleading. It’s clear that for music listening, it won’t be the best “budget” companion you can attach to your headphones on your desk.
Still, the Fosi K5 Pro isn’t particularly lacking, and in any case, it’s primarily designed for gaming. In fact, we compared it to our Schiit Fulla-E, which, it should be remembered, is very hard to find and far more expensive (up to twice as much). The comparison between the two is interesting in view of their respective price positioning.
The Fulla-E will offer far more attack (perhaps even a little too harsh) and scope, with more controlled highs, but bass that scatters all over the place. The Fosi, on the other hand, shows a better balance between sweetness and spatialization, although it doesn’t offer the same spaciousness as the Schiit. The fact remains that stereo spatialization has the necessary response and, compared with our motherboard-integrated audio controller (Realtek ALC 1200), we note a clear gain in power, definition and precision, which is above all the first contract to fulfill before embarking on a comparison with more expensive competing models.
The two tone control potentiometers are also very responsive: very progressive, they can both wisely and strongly change the sound reproduction on headphones and RCA output.
— Recording quality
The Fosi Audio K5 Pro boasts a microphone input, a rare feature in the non-gaming audio world. This input allows 48 kHz recording at 16 or 24 bit resolution. Unfortunately, there’s no potentiometer for adjusting microphone gain… Too bad! On the other hand, there’s an undeniable gain in amplification compared to an integrated motherboard chipset.
Conclusion
The headphone output and microphone input offer very good performance at a very reasonable price: around €80, not to mention a volume and tone controller for bass and treble, all in a pleasing design with no drivers to install.
Still, we’d have liked a little microphone gain control to complete the package, but for the price range in which this product is positioned, we can’t be that demanding. Fosi Audio’s handsome little K5 Pro is a very interesting DAC and headphone amplifier for its price, especially for gamers.
In short, the pros
— Sound quality on headphone output
— Sound quality and amplification on microphone input
— Multi-source
— Bass and treble tone control
— Pleasing aesthetics and finish
The cons
— No microphone control
