Short answer: the TRN Black Pearl. It ranks #3 of 14 usb-c dongle DACs by measured performance, rated 4.4/5, at $35; the Fosi Audio DS2 ranks #7, rated 4.1/5, and costs $59.99, so there is little reason to consider the other one.
The TRN Black Pearl is the better-sounding pick. Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 117 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. The tradeoff: It only takes USB-C input, with no optical, coaxial or Bluetooth.
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.
Buy the TRN Black Pearl. It is rated higher than the Fosi Audio DS2 and costs less, so only choose the other one for a particular feature it does better.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Headphone Amps and DACs rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| TRN Black Pearl | Fosi Audio DS2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $35.00 | $59.99 |
| Ranked | #3 of 14 in USB-C Dongle DACs | #7 of 14 in USB-C Dongle DACs |
| Device Type | USB-C dongle | USB-C dongle |
| SINAD | 117 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) | 117 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 320 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced) | 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) |
| Equalizer | Yes (8-band, app) | - |
| Dimensions | 2.2” x 0.9” x 0.5” (57 x 23 x 13 mm) | - |
| Weight | 0.1 lbs (25 g) | 0.2 lbs (91 g) |
Related Amp and DAC Comparisons
More top alternatives to TRN Black Pearl:
- FiiO KA15 vs TRN Black Pearl
- E1DA 9039S vs TRN Black Pearl
- TRN Black Pearl vs Fosi Audio DS3
- TRN Black Pearl vs TANCHJIM Space
- TRN Black Pearl 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
TRN Black Pearl: $35.00 Amazon eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 117 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. A rated 320 mW into 32 ohms from its 4.4 mm balanced output drives most headphones, and it adds a 3.5 mm output and an 8 band EQ app. It rates higher than the Chord Mojo 2 for a small fraction of the price.
Cons: It only takes USB-C input, with no optical, coaxial or Bluetooth. The FiiO KA15 rates higher and is rated for more balanced power, though it costs more.
Full TRN Black Pearl review and specifications →
| Released | Apr 2025 (1 year ago) |
|---|---|
| Balanced Output | Yes (4.4 mm) |
| DAC Chip | 2 x CS43131 |
| Device Type | USB-C dongle |
| Dimensions | 2.2” x 0.9” x 0.5” (57 x 23 x 13 mm) |
| Equalizer | Yes (8-band, app) |
| Headphone Outputs | 3.5 mm, 4.4 mm balanced |
| Inputs | USB-C |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 320 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced) |
| SINAD | 117 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Digital (buttons) |
| Weight | 0.1 lbs (25 g) |
- 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