I would love to see an evolution of the SK series, just like I watched the successful evolution of RME’s ADI series over the years. I believe the SK01 offers a unique form and functionality that could be used across a wide range of setups. I personally use my SK01 as the headphone amp for a Wiim Pro Plus Streamer, but it would also pair well with the Fosi S3 streamer.
Another pairing I enjoy using is a Qudelix 5k with the SK01 as a portable headphone amp. It expands on the already great DSP features of the Q5k and gives me enough power to drive HEDDphones to head shaking levels without any hint of harshness.
In a world where Dongles and DACs with digital DSP are becoming plentiful, what sets Fosi apart from the competition imo is the wonderful implementation of physical tone controls that truly elevates the experience beyond the digital domain. The mid control and loudness function on the SK01 take this experience further than any other Fosi product, and I sometimes find myself wishing that other Fosi products* had these features as well (*SK02).
In the meantime, what I would like to see developed is a new SK0* based on the SK01 but with balanced (4.4mm) input and output. SK01 currently has three different unbalanced outputs that are all active at the same time, two 3.5mm and one 6.35mm jack. What would be more useful is a 4.4mm and 6.35mm output on the front, and a 4.4mm and 3.5mm input on the back (along with usb for power).
This simple upgrade would make the SK0* into a fully balanced portable preamplifier that could be used with anything (taking advantage of the XLR outputs on the S3 and being able to drive headphones/IEM with balanced cables).
Combining SK01s existing features with balanced I/O and improved noise and channel balance would offer a product that no one else can compete with. I hope the development team considers this opportunity!
Another pairing I enjoy using is a Qudelix 5k with the SK01 as a portable headphone amp. It expands on the already great DSP features of the Q5k and gives me enough power to drive HEDDphones to head shaking levels without any hint of harshness.
In a world where Dongles and DACs with digital DSP are becoming plentiful, what sets Fosi apart from the competition imo is the wonderful implementation of physical tone controls that truly elevates the experience beyond the digital domain. The mid control and loudness function on the SK01 take this experience further than any other Fosi product, and I sometimes find myself wishing that other Fosi products* had these features as well (*SK02).
In the meantime, what I would like to see developed is a new SK0* based on the SK01 but with balanced (4.4mm) input and output. SK01 currently has three different unbalanced outputs that are all active at the same time, two 3.5mm and one 6.35mm jack. What would be more useful is a 4.4mm and 6.35mm output on the front, and a 4.4mm and 3.5mm input on the back (along with usb for power).
This simple upgrade would make the SK0* into a fully balanced portable preamplifier that could be used with anything (taking advantage of the XLR outputs on the S3 and being able to drive headphones/IEM with balanced cables).
Combining SK01s existing features with balanced I/O and improved noise and channel balance would offer a product that no one else can compete with. I hope the development team considers this opportunity!
