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 DS3 ranks #4, rated 4.3/5, at $99.99. Close enough in price that the sound-quality gap is the deciding factor.
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.
What the Fosi Audio DS3 does well: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 116 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. The tradeoff: Its rated 220 mW into 32 ohms drives most headphones but leaves less headroom than the FiiO KA15, which costs the same and rates higher.
Buy the FiiO KA15. It is rated higher than the Fosi Audio DS3 at the same price, so it is the default pick unless a specific strength of the other one matters more to you.
Want more options? Browse the full Headphone Amps and DACs rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| FiiO KA15 | Fosi Audio DS3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $99.99 | $99.99 |
| Ranked | #1 of 14 in USB-C Dongle DACs | #4 of 14 in USB-C Dongle DACs |
| Device Type | USB-C dongle | USB-C dongle |
| SINAD | 115 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) | 116 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 560 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced, desktop mode) | 220 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| 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 | ES9039Q2M |
| Volume Control | Digital (buttons) | Digital (buttons) |
| Equalizer | Yes (10-band parametric) | Yes (32-band parametric) |
| Dimensions | 2” x 1” x 0.4” (52 x 25 x 11 mm) | 2.2” x 0.8” x 0.4” (55 x 20 x 11 mm) |
| Weight | 0 lbs (21 g) | 0 lbs (16 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 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
Fosi Audio DS3: $99.99 Amazon eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 116 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. A 32-band parametric EQ gives unusually fine tuning control for a dongle, and it offers both 3.5 mm and 4.4 mm balanced outputs. At 16 g and 55 mm long, it is very light to carry.
Cons: Its rated 220 mW into 32 ohms drives most headphones but leaves less headroom than the FiiO KA15, which costs the same and rates higher. The TRN Black Pearl also rates higher and measures slightly cleaner for much less. Volume is button controlled.
Full Fosi Audio DS3 review and specifications →
| Released | Nov 2025 (11 months ago) |
|---|---|
| Balanced Output | Yes (4.4 mm) |
| DAC Chip | ES9039Q2M |
| Device Type | USB-C dongle |
| Dimensions | 2.2” x 0.8” x 0.4” (55 x 20 x 11 mm) |
| Equalizer | Yes (32-band parametric) |
| Headphone Outputs | 3.5 mm, 4.4 mm balanced |
| Inputs | USB-C |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 220 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| SINAD | 116 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Digital (buttons) |
| Weight | 0 lbs (16 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons