Fosi Audio DS2 Portable DAC & Amp Review

[roladyzator]

Wouldn’t this make more sense than the SMSL su1 if you just need an usb input DAC?

Are you also connecting to active speakers?
In such case, the SU1 has an optical input that you can use to break ground loops.

If not, then absolutely, I think this is the cheapest device with this kind of performance while also being very small.

 

[mc.god]

Wouldn’t this make more sense than the SMSL su1 if you just need an usb input DAC?

In such scenario, as a pure dac, a single ended one with no volume control like Jcally JM20 will be cheaper and would make even more sense.

 

[Basilderat]

I am a little surprised by the lack of interest in whether the balanced out of the DS2 is actually connected to a common ground - surely this is important for anyone wanting to use the balanced out as - a balanced out.

UPDATE: Fosi contacted me and said there is no stock, and asked if I am happy to wait, which of course I am.

No info on whether the balanced out has a common ground though.

You can get them through AliExpress for $73, two weeks delivery to Sydney:

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005007555219103.html

I bought mine from them no issues.

 

[Psinet]

You can get them through AliExpress for $73, two weeks delivery to Sydney:

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005007555219103.html

I bought mine from them no issues.

I believe that is the superseded "2023" model.

 

[Basilderat]

I believe that is the superseded "2023" model.

This one then?: 'Fosi Audio DS2 2024 " for $84

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005006691690191.html?spm=a2g0o.order_detail.order_detail_item.4.5f09f19cQ0TSKc

 

[Woai]

In such scenario, as a pure dac, a single ended one with no volume control like Jcally JM20 will be cheaper and would make even more sense.

Do we have measurements for it ?

 

[staticV3]

Do we have measurements for it ?

Here's 1kHz SINAD and THD+N vs Output power at 32Ω:

 

[Mort]

If I'm using this as a desktop DAC and have RCA inputs on my amp, will there be any difference using the 4.4 balanced vs 3.5 to RCA adapter? No right?

 

[antcollinet]

Holy Hell

We are truly living in a golden age of Audio. $55 for this level of performance is utterly amazing. Many people don't need any other DAC in their system.

 

[antcollinet]

PEQ is tough with Macs.

Not really.

You can use the apple AUnbandEQ plugin with Sound Source, or any other audio unit plugin host. Job done.

 

[skcheng]

Don't need this at all, but felt compelled to buy after reading the reviews. I picked up two from eBay:

Fosi Audio DS2 USB C to AUX Headphone Amp DAC Dongle Dual Output DSD256 Jack NEW | eBay

Fosi Audio DS2 USB C to AUX Headphone Amp DAC Dongle 3.5mm Jack Audio Adapter US. Upgraded Version: A new generation USB-C portable headphone DAC and amplifier, supporting up to DSD256 and PCM 32bit/384kHz decoding for a high-resolution sound reproduction.

www.ebay.com

 

[antcollinet]

Are you also connecting to active speakers?
In such case, the SU1 has an optical input that you can use to break ground loops.

If not, then absolutely, I think this is the cheapest device with this kind of performance while also being very small.

Or use the balanced output - assuming your active speakers have balanced inputs.

 

[staticV3]

If I'm using this as a desktop DAC and have RCA inputs on my amp, will there be any difference using the 4.4 balanced vs 3.5 to RCA adapter? No right?

You cannot connect a 4.4mm balanced output to an RCA input without risk of deteriorated performance or damage to the DAC.

Use 3.5mm.

 

[roladyzator]

Or use the balanced output - assuming your active speakers have balanced inputs.

I don't think anybody has concluded yet if 4.4mm jack has a proper ground connection for this use case.

 

[Basilderat]

Holy Hell

We are truly living in a golden age of Audio. $55 for this level of performance is utterly amazing. Many people don't need any other DAC in their system.

I use my DS2 with a pair of HiFiMan HE400SE, and added Amir's EQ profile and a balanced cable. I use this with an iPhone as my mobile system, in the car and when walking. Performance is really excellent, all for under AU$200. It really is a golden age of Audio HiFi!

 

[max lee]

I already have great performing dongles, It won't sound much different,........I don't really need it.....................ordered! ....I am a lost cause

why ordering it even though you`ve had some?

 

[Mort]

why ordering it even though you`ve had some?

Fair question. Many of us admire the engineering of audio devices and collect more gear than we need.

 

[Aldoszx]

Got mine today.
A quick test on my Iphone and now it is connected to iLoud Micro Monitors and I am impressed !
Nice little piece of gear !

 

[Labjr]

I got mine today too. Sounds great...but experiencing occasional dropouts with Windows 10.

 

[Aldoszx]

I'm using it with Roon and Ropieee endpoint on RPi.
I am gonna test it tomorrow with Windows, and maybe MacOS.