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 Rode AI-Micro ranks #13, rated 2.1/5, and costs $79, so there is little reason to consider the other one.
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 catch: 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 Rode AI-Micro: It doubles as a small audio interface, with two 3.5 mm microphone inputs alongside its headphone jack, and weighs just 0 lbs (13 g). The catch: Audio Science Review measured only 80 dB SINAD, a level where noise and distortion can be audible, especially with sensitive in ear monitors.
Buy the Fosi Audio DS1. It is rated higher than the Rode AI-Micro and costs less, which makes it the one to get unless you need something the other one does better.
Want more options? Browse the full Headphone Amps and DACs rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Fosi Audio DS1 | Rode AI-Micro | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $55.99 | $79.00 |
| Ranked | #10 of 14 in USB-C Dongle DACs | #13 of 14 in USB-C Dongle DACs |
| Device Type | USB-C dongle | USB-C dongle |
| SINAD | 104 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) | 80 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, 2 x 3.5 mm TRS/TRRS microphone |
| DAC Chip | ES9038Q2M | - |
| Volume Control | Digital (buttons) | - |
| Weight | 0.1 lbs (38 g) | 0 lbs (13 g) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | - | 125 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Dimensions | - | 1.6” x 1.5” x 0.4” (40 x 38.2 x 11.1 mm) |
Related Amp and DAC Comparisons
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- 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
Rode AI-Micro: $79.00 B&H Photo eBay
Pros: It doubles as a small audio interface, with two 3.5 mm microphone inputs alongside its headphone jack, and weighs just 13 g. A rated 125 mW into 32 ohms drives most headphones. It rates higher than the Periodic Audio Rhodium.
Cons: Audio Science Review measured only 80 dB SINAD, a level where noise and distortion can be audible, especially with sensitive in ear monitors. There is no balanced output. The FiiO KA11 rates far higher with much cleaner measurements for less.
Full Rode AI-Micro review and specifications →
| Balanced Output | No |
|---|---|
| Device Type | USB-C dongle |
| Dimensions | 1.6” x 1.5” x 0.4” (40 x 38.2 x 11.1 mm) |
| Headphone Outputs | 3.5 mm |
| Inputs | USB-C, 2 x 3.5 mm TRS/TRRS microphone |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 125 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| SINAD | 80 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Weight | 0 lbs (13 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons