Short answer: the E1DA 9039S. It ranks #2 of 14 usb-c dongle DACs by measured performance, rated 4.4/5, at $139. The Fosi Audio DS3 ranks #4, rated 4.3/5, at $99.99, $39.01 cheaper, not enough of a saving to outweigh the sound-quality gap.
Why pick the E1DA 9039S: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 125 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible, even with sensitive in-ears. The tradeoff: Its only headphone output is a 2.5 mm balanced jack, so most headphones need an adapter or a new cable.
Why pick the Fosi Audio DS3: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 116 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. Watch for: Its rated 220 mW into 32 ohms drives most headphones but leaves less headroom than the FiiO KA15, which costs the same and rates higher.
Buy the E1DA 9039S. It is rated higher, and saving $39.01 with the Fosi Audio DS3 does not make up for the sound-quality gap.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Headphone Amps and DACs rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| E1DA 9039S | Fosi Audio DS3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $139.00 | $99.99 |
| Ranked | #2 of 14 in USB-C Dongle DACs | #4 of 14 in USB-C Dongle DACs |
| Device Type | USB-C dongle | USB-C dongle |
| SINAD | 125 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) | 116 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 400 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced) | 220 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| 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 | ES9039Q2M |
| Dimensions | 1.9” x 0.4” x 0.9” (48 x 9 x 22 mm) | 2.2” x 0.8” x 0.4” (55 x 20 x 11 mm) |
| Weight | 0 lbs (10 g) | 0 lbs (16 g) |
| Volume Control | - | Digital (buttons) |
| Equalizer | - | Yes (32-band parametric) |
Related Amp and DAC Comparisons
More worthwhile head-to-heads for E1DA 9039S:
- FiiO KA15 vs E1DA 9039S
- E1DA 9039S vs TRN Black Pearl
- E1DA 9039S vs TANCHJIM Space
- E1DA 9039S vs TempoTec Sonata BHD Pro
- E1DA 9039S vs Fosi Audio DS2
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 DS3: $99.99 Amazon eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 116 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. A 32-band parametric EQ gives unusually fine tuning control for a dongle, and it offers both 3.5 mm and 4.4 mm balanced outputs. At 16 g and 55 mm long, it is very light to carry.
Cons: Its rated 220 mW into 32 ohms drives most headphones but leaves less headroom than the FiiO KA15, which costs the same and rates higher. The TRN Black Pearl also rates higher and measures slightly cleaner for much less. Volume is button controlled.
Full Fosi Audio DS3 review and specifications →
| Released | Nov 2025 (11 months ago) |
|---|---|
| Balanced Output | Yes (4.4 mm) |
| DAC Chip | ES9039Q2M |
| Device Type | USB-C dongle |
| Dimensions | 2.2” x 0.8” x 0.4” (55 x 20 x 11 mm) |
| Equalizer | Yes (32-band parametric) |
| Headphone Outputs | 3.5 mm, 4.4 mm balanced |
| Inputs | USB-C |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 220 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| SINAD | 116 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Digital (buttons) |
| Weight | 0 lbs (16 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons