Short answer: the Fosi Audio DS1. It ranks #10 of 14 usb-c dongle DACs by measured performance, rated 3.4/5, at $55.99. The Periodic Audio Rhodium ranks #14, rated 1.6/5, at $49, $6.99 cheaper, which does not close the gap in measured performance.
The Fosi Audio DS1 is the better-sounding option. Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 104 dB, which is clean for nearly all listening. The tradeoff: Fosi Audio doesn’t publish a 32 ohm power figure, so it is hard to know which headphones it can drive well.
Why pick the Periodic Audio Rhodium: 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 Fosi Audio DS1. It is rated higher, and the $6.99 saving on the Periodic Audio Rhodium is not enough to make up the difference.
Want more options? Browse the full Headphone Amps and DACs rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Fosi Audio DS1 | Periodic Audio Rhodium | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $55.99 | $49.00 |
| Ranked | #10 of 14 in USB-C Dongle DACs | #14 of 14 in USB-C Dongle DACs |
| Device Type | USB-C dongle | USB-C dongle |
| SINAD | 104 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) | 82 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Headphone Outputs | 3.5 mm, 4.4 mm balanced | 3.5 mm |
| Balanced Output | Yes (4.4 mm) | No |
| Inputs | USB-C | USB-C |
| DAC Chip | ES9038Q2M | - |
| Volume Control | Digital (buttons) | None (phone/PC volume) |
| Weight | 0.1 lbs (38 g) | 0 lbs (4.4 g) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | - | 31 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Dimensions | - | 0.4” x 0.3” x 4.6” (10.8 x 6.9 x 117 mm) (overall length incl. cable) |
Related Amp and DAC Comparisons
How Fosi Audio DS1 compares with other leading options:
- TempoTec Sonata BHD Pro vs Fosi Audio DS1
- Fosi Audio DS2 vs Fosi Audio DS1
- JCALLY JM20MAX vs Fosi Audio DS1
- FiiO KA11 vs Fosi Audio DS1
- Fosi Audio DS1 vs Samsung USB-C to 3.5mm Headphone Jack Adapter
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
Fosi Audio DS1: $55.99 Amazon eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 104 dB, which is clean for nearly all listening. It offers both a 3.5 mm output and a 4.4 mm balanced output in a light 38 g body with button volume control.
Cons: Fosi Audio doesn’t publish a 32 ohm power figure, so it is hard to know which headphones it can drive well. It rates lower than the Fosi Audio DS2, which costs about the same and measured transparent at 117 dB, and the FiiO KA11 rates higher for less.
Full Fosi Audio DS1 review and specifications →
| Released | Aug 2022 (4 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Balanced Output | Yes (4.4 mm) |
| DAC Chip | ES9038Q2M |
| Device Type | USB-C dongle |
| Headphone Outputs | 3.5 mm, 4.4 mm balanced |
| Inputs | USB-C |
| SINAD | 104 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Digital (buttons) |
| Weight | 0.1 lbs (38 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