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 JCALLY JM20MAX ranks #8, rated 3.8/5, at $39.99, $20 cheaper, which does not close the gap in measured performance.
Why pick the Fosi Audio DS2: 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.
The case for the JCALLY JM20MAX: Audio Science Review measured 113 dB SINAD, which is clean for nearly all listening. Watch for: The maker doesn’t publish a 32 ohm power figure, so its ability to drive harder headphones is unknown.
Buy the Fosi Audio DS2. It is rated higher, and saving $20 with the JCALLY JM20MAX does not make up for the sound-quality gap.
Still deciding? The full Headphone Amps and DACs rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| Fosi Audio DS2 | JCALLY JM20MAX | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $59.99 | $39.99 |
| Ranked | #7 of 14 in USB-C Dongle DACs | #8 of 14 in USB-C Dongle DACs |
| Device Type | USB-C dongle | USB-C dongle |
| SINAD | 117 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) | 113 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 |
| Balanced Output | Yes (4.4 mm) | No |
| Inputs | USB-C | USB-C |
| DAC Chip | 2 x CS43131 | CS43131 |
| Volume Control | Digital (buttons) | - |
| Weight | 0.2 lbs (91 g) | 0 lbs (6.5 g) |
Related Amp and DAC Comparisons
How Fosi Audio DS2 compares with other leading options:
- 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
JCALLY JM20MAX: $39.99 Amazon eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured 113 dB SINAD, which is clean for nearly all listening. At 6.5 g it is a tiny USB-C dongle that adds a 3.5 mm jack to a phone or laptop for little money.
Cons: The maker doesn’t publish a 32 ohm power figure, so its ability to drive harder headphones is unknown. There is no balanced output, and the Fosi Audio DS2 rates higher with a 4.4 mm balanced jack, while the FiiO KA11 matches its rating for less.
Full JCALLY JM20MAX review and specifications →
| Balanced Output | No |
|---|---|
| DAC Chip | CS43131 |
| Device Type | USB-C dongle |
| Headphone Outputs | 3.5 mm |
| Inputs | USB-C |
| SINAD | 113 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Weight | 0 lbs (6.5 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons