Short answer: the FiiO KA11. Both are rated 3.8/5 (#9 and #8 of 14 usb-c dongle DACs), and the FiiO KA11 costs $32.99 against $39.99 for the JCALLY JM20MAX, and with measured performance even, the cheaper one is the better buy.
Why pick the FiiO KA11: 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.
What the JCALLY JM20MAX does well: Audio Science Review measured 113 dB SINAD, which is clean for nearly all listening. The catch: The maker doesn’t publish a 32 ohm power figure, so its ability to drive harder headphones is unknown.
Buy the FiiO KA11. Both are rated the same, and it costs $7 less than the JCALLY JM20MAX.
Still deciding? The full Headphone Amps and DACs rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| FiiO KA11 | JCALLY JM20MAX | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $32.99 | $39.99 |
| Ranked | #9 of 14 in USB-C Dongle DACs | #8 of 14 in USB-C Dongle DACs |
| Device Type | USB-C dongle | USB-C dongle |
| SINAD | 110 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) | 113 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 |
| Balanced Output | No | No |
| Inputs | USB-C (Lightning version also sold) | USB-C |
| DAC Chip | CS43131 | CS43131 |
| 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 lbs (6.5 g) |
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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
JCALLY JM20MAX: $39.99 Amazon eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured 113 dB SINAD, which is clean for nearly all listening. At 6.5 g it is a tiny USB-C dongle that adds a 3.5 mm jack to a phone or laptop for little money.
Cons: The maker doesn’t publish a 32 ohm power figure, so its ability to drive harder headphones is unknown. There is no balanced output, and the Fosi Audio DS2 rates higher with a 4.4 mm balanced jack, while the FiiO KA11 matches its rating for less.
Full JCALLY JM20MAX review and specifications →
| Balanced Output | No |
|---|---|
| DAC Chip | CS43131 |
| Device Type | USB-C dongle |
| Headphone Outputs | 3.5 mm |
| Inputs | USB-C |
| SINAD | 113 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Weight | 0 lbs (6.5 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons