Short answer: the TANCHJIM Space. It ranks #5 of 14 usb-c dongle DACs by measured performance, rated 4.2/5, at $89.99. The Fosi Audio DS2 ranks #7, rated 4.1/5, at $59.99, $30 cheaper, a saving that is not big enough to make up the sound-quality gap.
Why pick the TANCHJIM Space: Audio Science Review measured 115 dB SINAD, right at the level where noise and distortion become inaudible, so this dongle is effectively transparent. The tradeoff: It rates below the FiiO KA15 for a similar price, and that rival publishes more than twice the power from its balanced output.
The case for 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.
Buy the TANCHJIM Space. It is rated higher, and the $30 you would save on the Fosi Audio DS2 does not close the gap.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Headphone Amps and DACs rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| TANCHJIM Space | Fosi Audio DS2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $89.99 | $59.99 |
| Ranked | #5 of 14 in USB-C Dongle DACs | #7 of 14 in USB-C Dongle DACs |
| Device Type | USB-C dongle | USB-C dongle |
| SINAD | 115 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) | 117 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 230 mW (manufacturer rated) | 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 | 2 x CS43131 |
| Volume Control | Digital (buttons) | Digital (buttons) |
| Weight | - | 0.2 lbs (91 g) |
Related Amp and DAC Comparisons
How TANCHJIM Space compares with other leading options:
- FiiO KA15 vs TANCHJIM Space
- E1DA 9039S vs TANCHJIM Space
- TRN Black Pearl vs TANCHJIM Space
- Fosi Audio DS3 vs TANCHJIM Space
- TANCHJIM Space vs TempoTec Sonata BHD Pro
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
TANCHJIM Space: $89.99 HiFiGo eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured 115 dB SINAD, right at the level where noise and distortion become inaudible, so this dongle is effectively transparent. A rated 230 mW into 32 ohms drives most headphones, and it offers both a 3.5 mm jack and a 4.4 mm balanced output with dual CS43131 DAC chips. Button volume control lets you adjust level on the dongle itself.
Cons: It rates below the FiiO KA15 for a similar price, and that rival publishes more than twice the power from its balanced output. The TRN Black Pearl rates higher and measured cleaner for much less. The 230 mW figure suits most headphones but leaves little headroom for hard to drive planar magnetic models.
Full TANCHJIM Space review and specifications →
| 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) | 230 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| SINAD | 115 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Digital (buttons) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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