Disclaimer:
Good morning, readers! This time, I received a product from FX-AUDIO, a brand that somehow introduced me to this hobby. My first product, or rather, the first desktop DAC that I purchased years ago, was the FX-AUDIO X6. It cost just over $50 and was considered a miracle. It was difficult to explain such a price, but those who owned the first models and had the opportunity to look inside for some OP-amp upgrades know that the components were recycled (second third life) and the welds were completed quickly. Surprisingly, it worked especially well; subsequent versions were much more precise in their soldering.
I also tried the Tube 01, which is a type of tube buffer pre-amp, but it is no longer in use.
After several years, FX-AUDIO finally releases a new model, which obviously piqued my interest.
Despite having a lot of Dongles, I did not have many Desktop DACs and DAPs, but I will try to conduct a thorough analysis.
The review, as always, will be completely unbiased, uninfluenced and free of affiliate links
I would like to remind you that I am just a person who enjoys trying out new items and listening to a lot of music; I am not an expert.
My opinions are obviously subjective.
Tech Specs:
For convenience, I have taken the specifications from the manufacturer's website, which, however, omits some specifications that may be of interest to those who purchase it.
To recover some information, I had to take it apart.
In the manual, there is information missing from various sites and the only extra thing I couldn't find is the
OPA1656. But in its place, I found the following:
Upgradeable dual OP-amp:
LM4562NA
For the headphones section, I found a
TPA6120A2 and I found an
AKM4118, which is responsible for OPT and COAX inputs.
Packaging:
For me, who has already bought FX-AUDIO products, the packaging is nothing new. The box is all white and very anonymous; it looks like a pre-release product with a box that is not totally definitive but I don't think there will be any changes.
At first glance, I noticed the Hi-Res logo had a slightly "copied" appearance.
Inside, we can find:
- Power supply: 12V/2A
- BT antenna
- Remote
- USB cable
- Manual
The product is carefully packaged, the accessories are of high quality, and the USB cable appears to be from another brand, but I replaced it (there is no change in sound, only in appearance). Perhaps an optical cable could have been included.
Build Quality/First Impressions:
Having previously handled their products, I can assure you that the quality has always been high in comparison to the price, albeit not perfect. In my unit, I noticed that the volume knob was not perfectly aligned. When I disassembled it, I discovered a somewhat artisanal shim inside where the pin is housed to keep the knob from touching the chassis. On one side, there are two micromarks where the paint has worn off.
Let us assume that quality control can be improved further. The front panel includes a physical on and off button, as well as 3.5mm and 6.35mm inputs; however, there is no balanced output. The volume knob is also used for other functions that make the remote control more useful.
Behind, however, we really have a lot of inputs, even though personally, I almost always use the USB input but in reality, it is a much more versatile product.
In terms of size, it is much larger than the old Fx-Audio X6, and it also warms up significantly more in use. Out of curiosity and to discover its secrets, I opened it. I can tell you that the PCB is quite clean and decidedly more refined than in the past. There are still some traces of flux but otherwise, the soldering seems well done.
I forgot to talk about the small display; some details need to be significantly closer to be readable. I must admit that it looks a lot like the display that could be used on a Dongle. It still fulfills its function.
Configuration:
The FX-AUDIO DR07 replaced the old X6 on my desk. The outputs that I will currently use are the RCA ones with which I enter a Breeze Audio (BRZ hifi) TPA3116 amplifier, which is now a few years old but does its job perfectly. It is not the chain for absolute Hifi quality but one of the cheapest that could be put together a few years ago. As speakers, there are a pair of Scythe Kro Craft Rev. B. For those who know them, you will know very well that they are not perfect at all but for 50 USD per pair, they are absolutely crazy. The only flaw is the tweeter is a little too cut; he seems shy and too directional.
The USB cable is custom, short, and "hi-fi" but it significantly reduces tangles. The original one is fine but too long for my purpose.
Let me start by saying that they are not high quality speakers but compared to the X6, I noticed a much better sound. I would have liked the tone controls but unfortunately, they cannot be adjusted. The sound appeared clearer and above all, the highs came to life slightly. Operation via remote control is the most welcome thing ever. By now, I have gotten used to some products with remote control and volume control is a must have. Fortunately, you can also adjust a few settings, such as manually selecting the input, selecting whether to leave the output automatically (if you insert headphones, the RCA outputs are deactivated) or in ALL, where both remain active.
As on the old model, when it goes into play/pause, there is a sort of "click," but honestly, it doesn't cause me any annoyance or problems. I think the outputs are disconnected to avoid background noise.
Digital Filters & Sound Signature:
There are some digital filters available; in total, there are 6:
- Short Delay Sharp Roll Off
- Short Delay Slow Roll Off
- Sharp Roll-off
- Slow Roll-off
- Super Slow Roll off
- Low dispersion, Short Delay
The changes are extremely minimal; the slightly greater difference is felt from the sixth to the first filter. I'm happy there are some functions but unfortunately, most of the buttons on the remote control have no functions. But those who have other products considered CHI-FI know that it is not difficult to see the same things on even higher-end products.
Sound Signature & Power:
The sound of the FX-AUDIO DR07 is almost neutral from both speakers and headphones. To be extremely honest, I don't think it was created to replace any headphone DAC/AMP. It doesn't impress with almost any headphones or IEMs in particular. It's not that it sounds bad but I have dongles that definitely sound better with more synergy. The thing I noticed right away is that with extremely sensitive and efficient IEMs, there is background noise and the only way to eliminate it is to use an impedance adapter. The noise is like a hiss that is heard at very low volume settings, with quiet, relaxed songs and between songs. The absolutely strange thing is that I haven't found anyone complaining about this problem. They could have tested it with only some high impedance headphones..1100 mw at 32 ohm are not very few and if the background is not very silent, you risk hearing this noise.
To exclude other problems, I started with the power supply, trying to use a different power supply with an extra 1A without success. I changed the USB cable and socket but the noise is still there.
This noise is not particularly audible, but the FX AUDIO DR07 is not suitable for headphones or low impedance IEMs.
I tested the Hifiman He400Se, Re-9, Sundara Close back, Philips Fidelio X2HR without experiencing significant background noise. I recommend keeping the gain low which is more than enough for most of my headphones.
I think it's right to point this out because it's not as universal as others with similar power. I think the background is actually not as silent as it seems. It was a different story for the RCA outputs, where I couldn't hear any kind of problem but the Scythe speakers are not very sensitive and could muffle the problem.
I noticed that after a few hours of use, it reaches quite warm temperatures, I think it depends on the listening volume but as there are no air vents, it could also heat up slowly and gradually.
Fast Comparison:
vs FX-AUDIO X6
You never forget your first love, I have to tell you that the first model was assembled in an unprofessional way, the parts were recycled and some components were rusty, it worked and it was a miracle. After several years, it failed, probably due to a mistake on my part in handling it while doing some OP amp rolling. I bought it again immediately and the new one was made with much more care and much better components. It was an excellent entrylevel DAC/AMP and still does its job. I will definitely use it on another PC. The DR07 pretty much covers all the gaps the X6 had by adopting better components and extra features. In terms of sound, the X6 seems slightly warmer to me, while the DR07 is super neutral. I don't feel like saying that great improvements have been made in terms of headphone amplification.
vs SMSL Sanskrit 10th
My Sanskrit works well but despite the slightly more renowned brand, I had to return the first unit as it created artifacts in the sound. I must say that it works very well connected to the Hivi Swans T200C but it does not have BT or headphone output. Also, in this case, the remote control has many buttons without functions. Aesthetically but also in terms of finish, it is slightly better. They are two products for a different target but if you are not interested in the headphone output, I recommend you keep that in mind.
vs Creative Soundblaster X5
The full review of this product will arrive soon. A sort of mix between desktop DAC/AMP and headphone amplifier with an eye also on gaming. In addition to having a balanced 4.4mm output, it also has a microphone input. A lot of functions are available via apps on your smartphone or software on your PC. We can create custom EQs, update firmware, and much more. Its versatility is superior, as is the price, but the product is infinitely more refined. The sound is slightly warm, in a Creative sound style. It resembles the Creative Sfxi AMP Dongle.
Conclusions:
Definitely a versatile product but not perfect as described by several reviewers. If you are looking for a DAC for your speakers, it is certainly very comfortable and works very well, but if you are also interested in listening with headphones or IEMS, you should know that it is not suitable for everyone. Leaving aside the background noise, I wasn't thrilled with any headphones I used; I didn't find any particular synergies. I could probably try replacing the OP-amps and see if I notice any improvement. It is absolutely perfect for what I intend to use it for, and it is far superior to the old X6.
FX-Audio is a brand with potential, I hope in the future they concentrate more on the QC which is often left out of even much more important brands. On the next I would like to see a balanced output and a slightly larger display.
Where to Buy? (non affiliate link)
https://www.audiophonics.fr/en/dac-with-volume/fx-audio-dr07-p-18675.html