Short answer: the FiiO KA11. It ranks #9 of 14 usb-c dongle DACs by measured performance, rated 3.8/5, at $32.99; the Fosi Audio DS1 ranks #10, rated 3.4/5, and costs $55.99, so there is little reason to consider the other one.
The FiiO KA11 is the better-sounding option. Audio Science Review measured 110 dB SINAD, which is clean for nearly all listening. The catch: There is only a 3.5 mm output, with no balanced jack.
Why pick the Fosi Audio DS1: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 104 dB, which is clean for nearly all listening. The catch: Fosi Audio doesn’t publish a 32 ohm power figure, so it is hard to know which headphones it can drive well.
Buy the FiiO KA11. It is rated higher than the Fosi Audio DS1 and costs less, so it is the default pick unless a specific strength of the other one matters more to you.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Headphone Amps and DACs rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| FiiO KA11 | Fosi Audio DS1 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $32.99 | $55.99 |
| Ranked | #9 of 14 in USB-C Dongle DACs | #10 of 14 in USB-C Dongle DACs |
| Device Type | USB-C dongle | USB-C dongle |
| SINAD | 110 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) | 104 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 200 mW (manufacturer rated) | - |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | 22 mW (manufacturer rated) | - |
| Headphone Outputs | 3.5 mm | 3.5 mm, 4.4 mm balanced |
| Balanced Output | No | Yes (4.4 mm) |
| Inputs | USB-C (Lightning version also sold) | USB-C |
| DAC Chip | CS43131 | ES9038Q2M |
| Dimensions | 1.8” x 0.4” x 0.4” (44.5 x 9.7 x 10.5 mm) | - |
| Weight | 0 lbs (8.5 g) | 0.1 lbs (38 g) |
| Volume Control | - | Digital (buttons) |
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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
FiiO KA11: $32.99 Amazon eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured 110 dB SINAD, which is clean for nearly all listening. A rated 200 mW into 32 ohms drives most headphones, impressive from an 8.5 g USB-C stick, and a Lightning version is also sold for older iPhones. It costs less than the JCALLY JM20MAX for the same rating.
Cons: There is only a 3.5 mm output, with no balanced jack. Power falls to a rated 22 mW into 300 ohms, too little for high impedance headphones, and the Fosi Audio DS2 rates higher with a balanced output and lower measured distortion for more money.
Full FiiO KA11 review and specifications →
| Released | Jan 2024 (2 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Balanced Output | No |
| DAC Chip | CS43131 |
| Device Type | USB-C dongle |
| Dimensions | 1.8” x 0.4” x 0.4” (44.5 x 9.7 x 10.5 mm) |
| Headphone Outputs | 3.5 mm |
| Inputs | USB-C (Lightning version also sold) |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | 22 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 200 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| SINAD | 110 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Weight | 0 lbs (8.5 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Fosi Audio DS1: $55.99 Amazon eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 104 dB, which is clean for nearly all listening. It offers both a 3.5 mm output and a 4.4 mm balanced output in a light 38 g body with button volume control.
Cons: Fosi Audio doesn’t publish a 32 ohm power figure, so it is hard to know which headphones it can drive well. It rates lower than the Fosi Audio DS2, which costs about the same and measured transparent at 117 dB, and the FiiO KA11 rates higher for less.
Full Fosi Audio DS1 review and specifications →
| Released | Aug 2022 (4 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Balanced Output | Yes (4.4 mm) |
| DAC Chip | ES9038Q2M |
| Device Type | USB-C dongle |
| Headphone Outputs | 3.5 mm, 4.4 mm balanced |
| Inputs | USB-C |
| SINAD | 104 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Digital (buttons) |
| Weight | 0.1 lbs (38 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons