Short answer: the E1DA 9039S for better measured performance, the Fosi Audio DS2 for the lower price. The E1DA 9039S ranks #2 of 14 usb-c dongle DACs, rated 4.4/5, at $139. The Fosi Audio DS2 ranks #7, rated 4.1/5, at $59.99, $79.01 cheaper.
The E1DA 9039S is the better-sounding pick. Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 125 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible, even with sensitive in-ears. The catch: Its only headphone output is a 2.5 mm balanced jack, so most headphones need an adapter or a new cable.
What the Fosi Audio DS2 does well: Audio Science Review measured 117 dB SINAD, so its noise and distortion are transparent. The catch: A rated 170 mW into 32 ohms, and only from the balanced output, drives most headphones but leaves little headroom for planar magnetics.
Buy the E1DA 9039S if measured performance is the priority over the price, or the Fosi Audio DS2 if the price is the priority over measured performance.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Headphone Amps and DACs rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| E1DA 9039S | Fosi Audio DS2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $139.00 | $59.99 |
| Ranked | #2 of 14 in USB-C Dongle DACs | #7 of 14 in USB-C Dongle DACs |
| Device Type | USB-C dongle | USB-C dongle |
| SINAD | 125 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) | 117 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 400 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced) | 170 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced) |
| Headphone Outputs | 2.5 mm balanced | 3.5 mm, 4.4 mm balanced |
| Balanced Output | Yes (2.5 mm) | Yes (4.4 mm) |
| Inputs | USB-C | USB-C |
| DAC Chip | 2 x ES9039Q2M | 2 x CS43131 |
| Dimensions | 1.9” x 0.4” x 0.9” (48 x 9 x 22 mm) | - |
| Weight | 0 lbs (10 g) | 0.2 lbs (91 g) |
| Volume Control | - | Digital (buttons) |
Related Amp and DAC Comparisons
How E1DA 9039S compares with other leading options:
- FiiO KA15 vs E1DA 9039S
- E1DA 9039S vs TRN Black Pearl
- E1DA 9039S vs Fosi Audio DS3
- E1DA 9039S vs TANCHJIM Space
- E1DA 9039S vs TempoTec Sonata BHD Pro
Prices on this page were last checked October 11, 2026 at 4:59 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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The Two Amps and DACs In Full
E1DA 9039S: $139.00 Linsoul eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 125 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible, even with sensitive in-ears. E1DA rates it at 400 mW into 32 ohms balanced, enough for most headphones from a 10 g USB-C dongle with dual ES9039Q2M chips.
Cons: Its only headphone output is a 2.5 mm balanced jack, so most headphones need an adapter or a new cable. The FiiO KA15 rates higher with more balanced power for less.
Full E1DA 9039S review and specifications →
| Balanced Output | Yes (2.5 mm) |
|---|---|
| DAC Chip | 2 x ES9039Q2M |
| Device Type | USB-C dongle |
| Dimensions | 1.9” x 0.4” x 0.9” (48 x 9 x 22 mm) |
| Headphone Outputs | 2.5 mm balanced |
| Inputs | USB-C |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 400 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced) |
| SINAD | 125 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Weight | 0 lbs (10 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Fosi Audio DS2: $59.99 Amazon eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured 117 dB SINAD, so its noise and distortion are transparent. It offers both a 3.5 mm jack and a 4.4 mm balanced output, with physical volume buttons, from a USB-C dongle. It rates higher than the FiiO KA11 and JCALLY JM20MAX.
Cons: A rated 170 mW into 32 ohms, and only from the balanced output, drives most headphones but leaves little headroom for planar magnetics. The TRN Black Pearl rates higher with more balanced power and the same SINAD for less, and at 91 g it is heavy for a dongle.
Full Fosi Audio DS2 review and specifications →
| Released | Mar 2024 (2 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Balanced Output | Yes (4.4 mm) |
| DAC Chip | 2 x CS43131 |
| Device Type | USB-C dongle |
| Headphone Outputs | 3.5 mm, 4.4 mm balanced |
| Inputs | USB-C |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 170 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced) |
| SINAD | 117 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Digital (buttons) |
| Weight | 0.2 lbs (91 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons