Short answer: the FiiO KA15. It ranks #1 of 14 usb-c dongle DACs by measured performance, rated 4.6/5, at $99.99; the E1DA 9039S ranks #2, rated 4.4/5, and costs $139, so there is little reason to consider the other one.
The case for the FiiO KA15: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 115 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. The catch: The headline power figure needs the balanced output in desktop mode, and it falls to 78 mW into 300 ohms, so high-impedance headphones may run short.
The case for the E1DA 9039S: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 125 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible, even with sensitive in-ears. Watch for: Its only headphone output is a 2.5 mm balanced jack, so most headphones need an adapter or a new cable.
Buy the FiiO KA15. It is rated higher than the E1DA 9039S and costs less, so only choose the other one for a particular feature it does better.
Want more options? Browse the full Headphone Amps and DACs rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| FiiO KA15 | E1DA 9039S | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $99.99 | $139.00 |
| Ranked | #1 of 14 in USB-C Dongle DACs | #2 of 14 in USB-C Dongle DACs |
| Device Type | USB-C dongle | USB-C dongle |
| SINAD | 115 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) | 125 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 560 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced, desktop mode) | 400 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced) |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | 78 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced) | - |
| Headphone Outputs | 3.5 mm, 4.4 mm balanced | 2.5 mm balanced |
| Balanced Output | Yes (4.4 mm) | Yes (2.5 mm) |
| Inputs | USB-C | USB-C |
| Outputs | Coaxial S/PDIF (shared 3.5 mm jack) | - |
| DAC Chip | 2 x CS43198 | 2 x ES9039Q2M |
| Volume Control | Digital (buttons) | - |
| Equalizer | Yes (10-band parametric) | - |
| Dimensions | 2” x 1” x 0.4” (52 x 25 x 11 mm) | 1.9” x 0.4” x 0.9” (48 x 9 x 22 mm) |
| Weight | 0 lbs (21 g) | 0 lbs (10 g) |
Related Amp and DAC Comparisons
More top alternatives to FiiO KA15:
- FiiO KA15 vs TRN Black Pearl
- FiiO KA15 vs Fosi Audio DS3
- FiiO KA15 vs TANCHJIM Space
- FiiO KA15 vs TempoTec Sonata BHD Pro
- FiiO KA15 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
FiiO KA15: $99.99 Amazon eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 115 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. Its rated 560 mW into 32 ohms from the balanced output in desktop mode is unusually strong for a dongle, enough for most full-size headphones. It adds a 10-band parametric EQ, a 4.4 mm balanced jack and a coaxial digital output, and it rates higher than the Fosi Audio DS3 for the same price.
Cons: The headline power figure needs the balanced output in desktop mode, and it falls to 78 mW into 300 ohms, so high-impedance headphones may run short. The TRN Black Pearl measures slightly cleaner for much less. Volume is set with buttons rather than a knob.
Full FiiO KA15 review and specifications →
| Released | Sep 2024 (2 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Balanced Output | Yes (4.4 mm) |
| DAC Chip | 2 x CS43198 |
| Device Type | USB-C dongle |
| Dimensions | 2” x 1” x 0.4” (52 x 25 x 11 mm) |
| Equalizer | Yes (10-band parametric) |
| Headphone Outputs | 3.5 mm, 4.4 mm balanced |
| Inputs | USB-C |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | 78 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 560 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced, desktop mode) |
| Outputs | Coaxial S/PDIF (shared 3.5 mm jack) |
| SINAD | 115 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Digital (buttons) |
| Weight | 0 lbs (21 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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