The review sample was kindly provided free of charge in exchange for an honest review. I didn’t receive monetary or any other kind of compensation and I don’t use affiliate links. The price of the FX-AUDIO DS07 is $200 and is available from HiFiGo.
FX-AUDIO DS07
I was unaware of FX-AUDIO until HiFiGo recommended that I try out their DS07 DAC. The company has a decade-long history and in addition to the DS07, they produce a compact DAC/headphone amplifier called the DR07.
The FX-AUDIO DS07 is a desktop DAC that does not include a headphone amplifier. It features a single ES9068AS DAC chip by ESS in a fully balanced setup with five OPA1612 op-amps, following a typical Chi-Fi design commonly found in brands such as SMSL and Topping. While not groundbreaking, it offers solid performance with impressive specs like 125dB SNR, 120dB DR, and 0.00015% THD+N. The device is designed for optimal measurements and includes an XMOS XU216 USB receiver that can handle up to 768kHz/32bit, DSD512, and full MQA decoding.
Design and build quality
The DS07 is a small rectangular device that stands vertically. It has dimensions of 125x80x176mm, making it taller than it is wide, allowing for convenient placement on a desktop or in an audio rack near an amplifier. Made from CNC machined aluminum alloy, the chassis has a matte black finish and a unique pattern of diagonally engraved lines on the front face. The shape of the chassis is reminiscent of the M-series products from SMSL.
The build quality and assembly of this product are of top-notch, with an exceptional attention to detail. At the back, you will notice only four screws, which adds to its sleek design. The oversized volume control knob, crafted from aluminum, operates flawlessly, providing precise volume adjustment.
The 1.54” full color screen on the front panel displays the sampling rate and other important details. It allows for easy navigation through menus by simply pressing and rotating the knob. Users have the option to choose from three digital filters, digital input, analogue output, and adjust screen timeout and brightness. Additionally, all functions can be controlled using the provided remote.
Connectivity
The FX-AUDIO DS07 is equipped with USB, coaxial, and optical digital inputs at the rear, along with XLR and RCA analog outputs. The analog outputs are adjustable, allowing you to utilize the device as a preamplifier for a power amp. When the volume level is set to maximum, a full-scale output is achieved. Additionally, the unit includes a built-in SMPS power supply. Bluetooth connectivity is facilitated through the QCC5125 chip, which supports high-resolution codecs such as LDAC and aptX HD.
Accessories
The FX-AUDIO DS07 is packaged with a remote control, an AC cable, a Bluetooth antenna, and a premium USB cable.
Listening impressions
I primarily used the Schiit Midgard and DROP + SMSL HO150X headphone amplifiers with a variety of headphones during the listening assessment of the FX-AUDIO DS07.
The audio performance of the FX-AUDIO DS07 is in line with other Chi-Fi DACs of the same category and matches up well against its competitors. It’s highly unlikely that anyone could distinguish between the DS07 and, for example, the Topping E50 in a blind listening evaluation.
The sound of the DS07 is characterized by its neutrality, linearity, and transparency, set against a background of complete silence and exceptional technical performance. It offers crystal-clear audio with precise definition and high fidelity. The sound profile is neutral in temperature, striking a balance between warmth and coldness. While not clinical or sterile, the DS07 does have slightly dry and lean textures, lacking the visceral and weighty feel found in more advanced DACs.
The bass has profound extension, with a broad dynamic range while maintaining a remarkable speed, tightness, and control. Although it may not possess a full-bodied or robust quality, it makes up for it with its exceptional definition and layering. The mid-range is expansive and well-articulated, exhibiting superb separation and highly satisfying resolution. The timbre is natural, albeit lacking in colorfulness or harmoniousness. Nonetheless, this audio experience provides a realistic representation of instruments and voices, ensuring they sound authentic rather than thin or artificial.
More listening impressions
The high frequencies are filled with vibrant energy and a captivating radiance, yet they are not overly bright or harsh. This DAC produces a dynamic and lively sound, offering a spaciousness and great level of detail without sounding overly analytical or dull. The tonal quality is fairly natural, although it lacks excessive analog or organic characteristics. Nevertheless, the presence of digital artifacts is minimal, ensuring a realistic listening experience. The sound is bold and revealing, without any noticeable metallic sheen or severe artificial digital effects.
The soundstage offers a wide and expansive experience, showcasing excellent positioning accuracy and separation between performers. Nevertheless, like many DACs in its category, it falls short in terms of holography, depth layering, and overall ambience.
Vs the Topping E50
The FX-AUDIO DS07 offers comparable audio quality to the Topping E50, both priced at the same level. This similarity is expected as they share almost identical components and design. In fact, the DS07 provides a slightly warmer and more transparent sound with improved dynamic range.
The FX-AUDIO DS07 offers great value for money with features like XLR plugs, internal power supply, Bluetooth reception, and a color LCD display. In contrast, the Topping E50 is more compact and can be powered using a 5V phone charger.
In the end
The FX-AUDIO DS07 offers exceptional accuracy and transparency along with impressive measurements making it a top choice for audiophiles seeking that kind of neutral and linear sound. With impressive technical capabilities, it not only competes well with other options but also provides great value for money, thus I highly recommend it to anyone in search of a budget friendly high-quality DAC of this kind.
Copyright – Petros Laskis 2024.
+ Neutral and linear
+ Great technicalities
+ Clarity and transparency
+ Good resolution
+ Soundstage width and imaging
+ Not that bright or clinical
+ Balanced XLR outputs
+ Color LCD display and remote control
+ Bluetooth reception
+ Well made and compact
+ Value for money
- Vertical orientation might not suit everyone
- Dry and lean textures
- Not that analog or organic timbre
- Rather flat soundstage
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