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 TANCHJIM Space ranks #5, rated 4.2/5, at $89.99, $10 cheaper, not enough of a saving to outweigh the sound-quality gap.
The FiiO KA15 is the better-sounding pick. Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 115 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. The tradeoff: 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 TANCHJIM Space does well: Audio Science Review measured 115 dB SINAD, right at the level where noise and distortion become inaudible, so this dongle is effectively transparent. The catch: It rates below the FiiO KA15 for a similar price, and that rival publishes more than twice the power from its balanced output.
Buy the FiiO KA15. It is rated higher, and the $10 saving on the TANCHJIM Space is not enough to make up the difference.
Want more options? Browse the full Headphone Amps and DACs rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| FiiO KA15 | TANCHJIM Space | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $99.99 | $89.99 |
| Ranked | #1 of 14 in USB-C Dongle DACs | #5 of 14 in USB-C Dongle DACs |
| Device Type | USB-C dongle | USB-C dongle |
| SINAD | 115 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) | 115 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 560 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced, desktop mode) | 230 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 | 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) | - |
Related Amp and DAC Comparisons
More worthwhile head-to-heads for FiiO KA15:
- FiiO KA15 vs E1DA 9039S
- FiiO KA15 vs TRN Black Pearl
- FiiO KA15 vs Fosi Audio DS3
- 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
TANCHJIM Space: $89.99 HiFiGo eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured 115 dB SINAD, right at the level where noise and distortion become inaudible, so this dongle is effectively transparent. A rated 230 mW into 32 ohms drives most headphones, and it offers both a 3.5 mm jack and a 4.4 mm balanced output with dual CS43131 DAC chips. Button volume control lets you adjust level on the dongle itself.
Cons: It rates below the FiiO KA15 for a similar price, and that rival publishes more than twice the power from its balanced output. The TRN Black Pearl rates higher and measured cleaner for much less. The 230 mW figure suits most headphones but leaves little headroom for hard to drive planar magnetic models.
Full TANCHJIM Space review and specifications →
| 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) | 230 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| SINAD | 115 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Digital (buttons) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons