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 Periodic Audio Rhodium ranks #14, rated 1.6/5, and costs $49, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
The FiiO KA11 is the better-sounding pick. Audio Science Review measured 110 dB SINAD, which is clean for nearly all listening. Watch for: There is only a 3.5 mm output, with no balanced jack.
What the Periodic Audio Rhodium does well: It is extremely small and light at 0 lbs (4.4 g), adding a 3.5 mm headphone jack to any USB-C device with volume set from the phone or computer. Watch for: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of only 82 dB, a real audible weakness that sensitive in-ear monitors will reveal as hiss or noise.
Buy the FiiO KA11. It is rated higher than the Periodic Audio Rhodium and costs less, so only choose the other one for a particular feature it does better.
Still deciding? The full Headphone Amps and DACs rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| FiiO KA11 | Periodic Audio Rhodium | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $32.99 | $49.00 |
| Ranked | #9 of 14 in USB-C Dongle DACs | #14 of 14 in USB-C Dongle DACs |
| Device Type | USB-C dongle | USB-C dongle |
| SINAD | 110 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) | 82 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 200 mW (manufacturer rated) | 31 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 | - |
| Dimensions | 1.8” x 0.4” x 0.4” (44.5 x 9.7 x 10.5 mm) | 0.4” x 0.3” x 4.6” (10.8 x 6.9 x 117 mm) (overall length incl. cable) |
| Weight | 0 lbs (8.5 g) | 0 lbs (4.4 g) |
| Volume Control | - | None (phone/PC volume) |
Related Amp and DAC Comparisons
More worthwhile head-to-heads for FiiO KA11:
- TRN Black Pearl vs FiiO KA11
- TANCHJIM Space vs FiiO KA11
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- Fosi Audio DS2 vs FiiO KA11
- FiiO KA11 vs JCALLY JM20MAX
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
Periodic Audio Rhodium: $49.00 Amazon eBay
Pros: It is extremely small and light at 4.4 g, adding a 3.5 mm headphone jack to any USB-C device with volume set from the phone or computer.
Cons: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of only 82 dB, a real audible weakness that sensitive in-ear monitors will reveal as hiss or noise. It is rated for just 31 mW into 32 ohms, which suits in-ear monitors and easy headphones only. The Samsung USB-C to 3.5mm Headphone Jack Adapter rates higher and measures cleaner for less.
Full Periodic Audio Rhodium review and specifications →
| Balanced Output | No |
|---|---|
| Device Type | USB-C dongle |
| Dimensions | 0.4” x 0.3” x 4.6” (10.8 x 6.9 x 117 mm) (overall length incl. cable) |
| Headphone Outputs | 3.5 mm |
| Inputs | USB-C |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 31 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| SINAD | 82 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | None (phone/PC volume) |
| Weight | 0 lbs (4.4 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons