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 Fosi Audio DS2 ranks #7, rated 4.1/5, at $59.99, $40 cheaper, which does not close the gap in measured performance.
The FiiO KA15 is the better-sounding choice. Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 115 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. Watch for: 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.
Why pick the Fosi Audio DS2: Audio Science Review measured 117 dB SINAD, so its noise and distortion are transparent. Watch for: A rated 170 mW into 32 ohms, and only from the balanced output, drives most headphones but leaves little headroom for planar magnetics.
Buy the FiiO KA15. It is rated higher, and saving $40 with the Fosi Audio DS2 does not make up for the sound-quality gap.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Headphone Amps and DACs rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| FiiO KA15 | Fosi Audio DS2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $99.99 | $59.99 |
| Ranked | #1 of 14 in USB-C Dongle DACs | #7 of 14 in USB-C Dongle DACs |
| Device Type | USB-C dongle | USB-C dongle |
| SINAD | 115 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) | 117 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 560 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced, desktop mode) | 170 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced) |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | 78 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced) | - |
| Headphone Outputs | 3.5 mm, 4.4 mm balanced | 3.5 mm, 4.4 mm balanced |
| Balanced Output | Yes (4.4 mm) | Yes (4.4 mm) |
| Inputs | USB-C | USB-C |
| Outputs | Coaxial S/PDIF (shared 3.5 mm jack) | - |
| DAC Chip | 2 x CS43198 | 2 x CS43131 |
| Volume Control | Digital (buttons) | Digital (buttons) |
| Equalizer | Yes (10-band parametric) | - |
| Dimensions | 2” x 1” x 0.4” (52 x 25 x 11 mm) | - |
| Weight | 0 lbs (21 g) | 0.2 lbs (91 g) |
Related Amp and DAC Comparisons
How FiiO KA15 compares with other leading options:
- FiiO KA15 vs E1DA 9039S
- FiiO KA15 vs TRN Black Pearl
- FiiO KA15 vs Fosi Audio DS3
- FiiO KA15 vs TANCHJIM Space
- FiiO KA15 vs TempoTec Sonata BHD Pro
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
Fosi Audio DS2: $59.99 Amazon eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured 117 dB SINAD, so its noise and distortion are transparent. It offers both a 3.5 mm jack and a 4.4 mm balanced output, with physical volume buttons, from a USB-C dongle. It rates higher than the FiiO KA11 and JCALLY JM20MAX.
Cons: A rated 170 mW into 32 ohms, and only from the balanced output, drives most headphones but leaves little headroom for planar magnetics. The TRN Black Pearl rates higher with more balanced power and the same SINAD for less, and at 91 g it is heavy for a dongle.
Full Fosi Audio DS2 review and specifications →
| Released | Mar 2024 (2 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Balanced Output | Yes (4.4 mm) |
| DAC Chip | 2 x CS43131 |
| Device Type | USB-C dongle |
| Headphone Outputs | 3.5 mm, 4.4 mm balanced |
| Inputs | USB-C |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 170 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced) |
| SINAD | 117 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Digital (buttons) |
| Weight | 0.2 lbs (91 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons