Short answer: the Fosi Audio DS2. It ranks #7 of 14 usb-c dongle DACs by measured performance, rated 4.1/5, at $59.99. The FiiO KA11 ranks #9, rated 3.8/5, at $32.99, $27 cheaper, a saving that is not big enough to make up the sound-quality gap.
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.
What the FiiO KA11 does well: Audio Science Review measured 110 dB SINAD, which is clean for nearly all listening. The tradeoff: There is only a 3.5 mm output, with no balanced jack.
Buy the Fosi Audio DS2. It is rated higher, and the $27 saving on the FiiO KA11 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 DS2 | FiiO KA11 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $59.99 | $32.99 |
| Ranked | #7 of 14 in USB-C Dongle DACs | #9 of 14 in USB-C Dongle DACs |
| Device Type | USB-C dongle | USB-C dongle |
| SINAD | 117 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) | 110 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 170 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced) | 200 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Headphone Outputs | 3.5 mm, 4.4 mm balanced | 3.5 mm |
| Balanced Output | Yes (4.4 mm) | No |
| Inputs | USB-C | USB-C (Lightning version also sold) |
| DAC Chip | 2 x CS43131 | CS43131 |
| Volume Control | Digital (buttons) | - |
| Weight | 0.2 lbs (91 g) | 0 lbs (8.5 g) |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | - | 22 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Dimensions | - | 1.8” x 0.4” x 0.4” (44.5 x 9.7 x 10.5 mm) |
Related Amp and DAC Comparisons
More top alternatives to Fosi Audio DS2:
- FiiO KA15 vs Fosi Audio DS2
- E1DA 9039S vs Fosi Audio DS2
- TRN Black Pearl vs Fosi Audio DS2
- Fosi Audio DS3 vs Fosi Audio DS2
- TANCHJIM Space 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
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
FiiO KA11: $32.99 Amazon eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured 110 dB SINAD, which is clean for nearly all listening. A rated 200 mW into 32 ohms drives most headphones, impressive from an 8.5 g USB-C stick, and a Lightning version is also sold for older iPhones. It costs less than the JCALLY JM20MAX for the same rating.
Cons: There is only a 3.5 mm output, with no balanced jack. Power falls to a rated 22 mW into 300 ohms, too little for high impedance headphones, and the Fosi Audio DS2 rates higher with a balanced output and lower measured distortion for more money.
Full FiiO KA11 review and specifications →
| Released | Jan 2024 (2 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Balanced Output | No |
| DAC Chip | CS43131 |
| Device Type | USB-C dongle |
| Dimensions | 1.8” x 0.4” x 0.4” (44.5 x 9.7 x 10.5 mm) |
| Headphone Outputs | 3.5 mm |
| Inputs | USB-C (Lightning version also sold) |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | 22 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 200 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| SINAD | 110 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Weight | 0 lbs (8.5 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons