Fosi Audio DS2 Portable DAC & Amp Review

[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I believe that is the superseded "2023" model.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I believe that is the superseded "2023" model.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!

 

[maxliii]

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.

 

[norcalscott]

Have you tried sending an email to UAPP's developer?

He's usually super quick to respond and patch issues.

Not yet, I am going to try a few things on my side when I have time. You are correct - the developer is usually quick to respond - I had a HiBy R5 Saber early on and exchanged a few things with him regarding support of that device and a couple of issues I was seeing. He fixed them in the next release.