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 Fosi Audio DS1 ranks #10, rated 3.4/5, at $55.99. Close enough in price that the sound-quality gap is the deciding factor.
The Fosi Audio DS2 is the better-sounding choice. Audio Science Review measured 117 dB SINAD, so its noise and distortion are transparent. The catch: 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 Fosi Audio DS1 does well: 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.
Buy the Fosi Audio DS2. It is rated higher, and saving $4 with the Fosi Audio DS1 does not make up for the sound-quality gap.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Headphone Amps and DACs rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Fosi Audio DS2 | Fosi Audio DS1 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $59.99 | $55.99 |
| Ranked | #7 of 14 in USB-C Dongle DACs | #10 of 14 in USB-C Dongle DACs |
| Device Type | USB-C dongle | USB-C dongle |
| SINAD | 117 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) | 104 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 170 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 |
| DAC Chip | 2 x CS43131 | ES9038Q2M |
| Volume Control | Digital (buttons) | Digital (buttons) |
| Weight | 0.2 lbs (91 g) | 0.1 lbs (38 g) |
Related Amp and DAC Comparisons
More worthwhile head-to-heads for 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
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