Fosi Audio DS2 Portable DAC & Amp Review

[Emlin]

Probably don’t cost much to manufacture. Can't be much inside the tiny thing. Everyone is used to mark-up from traditional audiophile companies.

Making things that smaller is usually more expensive.

 

[antcollinet]

Making things that smaller is usually more expensive.

Not always. Or even usually.

Cramming things that are big into an ever smaller package can increase costs. Putting a couple of small chips on a PCB into a small package that is easily big enough for them does not. Smaller parts and less material = lower costs.

 

[Emlin]

Not always. Or even usually.

Cramming things that are big into an ever smaller package can increase costs. Putting a couple of small chips on a PCB into a small package that is easily big enough for them does not. Smaller parts and less material = lower costs.

But making the chips small...

 

[antcollinet]

But making the chips small...

There is a whole audio system in this thing. Bluetooth, dac, processor, dsp, responsive ui, microphone, speaker, 6 hour battery (edit : add amplifier). Size of chips is not an issue.

 

[Hammeredklavier]

Just bought one of these but not having much joy with it, at least with my Windows 11 Lenovo laptop. It's extremely susceptible to dropouts and pops every time the computer does anything, to the point that it's virtually unusable. The computer works fine with my ancient Arcam rPAC so there's obviously some compatibility issue going on here with the DS2. Anyone having the same issue or have any suggestions to rectify? The problem persists regardless of which app is playing music or whether it's in exclusive mode.

Thanks

Alex

 

[vvox]

Just bought one of these but not having much joy with it, at least with my Windows 11 Lenovo laptop. It's extremely susceptible to dropouts and pops every time the computer does anything, to the point that it's virtually unusable. The computer works fine with my ancient Arcam rPAC so there's obviously some compatibility issue going on here with the DS2. Anyone having the same issue or have any suggestions to rectify? The problem persists regardless of which app is playing music or whether it's in exclusive mode.

Thanks

Alex

Try ds2 on PC or smartphone to check, if the problem in DAC or your laptop. Maybe you need to tweak your laptop, some energy savings settings, about USB ports.

 

[vvox]

48$ and 42.19$
Actual promocod for fosi site: FOSI-20

 

[Sound86]

48$ and 42.19$
Actual promocod for fosi site: FOSI-20

Is that price only available on mobile? The Fosi shop quotes me 71.39 USD

 

[vvox]

Is that price only available on mobile? The Fosi shop quotes me 71.39 USD

Fosi audio official store
Big save
Maybe your country haven't such discount)
Go to Fosi site and buy for 48$ with code: FOSI-20

 

[Zuminu]

Will this portable dac be good enough to my R70x?

 

[Viper780]

Shouldn't it be good enough for you?

The DAC isn't the problem and state of the Art.
Your headphones are high Impedance (470 ohms) and lower sensitivity (98 dB)

This mobile headphoneamp is one of the stronger ones but won't do any miracle. You will get higher volume but not the deepest bass and no extreme volume.

 

[Psinet]

Measured. The sleeve is connected to usb ground.

Thank you for that info Jason (still waiting on mine).

If I understand correctly, does this mean it will provide a properly balanced common noise rejection output for input into something like a miniDSP Flex balanced (with the right cable)?

 

[Viper780]

Why should you do such things?
Just connect your phone to the DAC / DSP. No need to put the AMP in between

 

[Psinet]

Why should you do such things?
Just connect your phone to the DAC / DSP. No need to put the AMP in between

Kind of a silly question for ASR

 

[skcheng]

I finally received my Fosi DS2. My Google Pixel 9 Pro XL couldn't drive my HiSenior Mega-5ESTs and I'm very impressed with the sound quality playing either Tidal tracks or Qobuz tracks. Very musical!!! I'll compare directly with my incoming iBasso DC Elite. Wonder if there will be any difference in sound??

 

[Emlin]

I finally received my Fosi DS2. My Google Pixel 9 Pro XL couldn't drive my HiSenior Mega-5ESTs and I'm very impressed with the sound quality playing either Tidal tracks or Qobuz tracks. Very musical!!! I'll compare directly with my incoming iBasso DC Elite. Wonder if there will be any difference in sound??

No DAC is musical. Musicality is down to the music and a different job.

 

[skcheng]

No DAC is musical. Musicality is down to the music and a different job.

Do you think the Fosi DS2 will work well with these IEMs?

https://shop.musicteck.com/collecti...on-limited-to-5-pairs-worldwide-special-order

Just realized today that they store is walking distance from my office.

 

[Emlin]

Do you think the Fosi DS2 will work well with these IEMs?

https://shop.musicteck.com/collecti...on-limited-to-5-pairs-worldwide-special-order

Just realized today that they store is walking distance from my office.

If that's a joke then I don't share your sense of humour or understand the point of it.

 

[skcheng]

If that's a joke then I don't share your sense of humour or understand the point of it.

I'm just having fun. I like gear .... that's all. Of course I want to make sense of it all ..... but I'm an old school audiophile. Multiple turntables, 6000+ lps, SET amps, horn speakers etc. But I do think measurements matter, low distortion, etc and that's why I'm here. I came here first, wanted to see some tests on IEMs and headphones and DAC/AMPs. And yes, I much prefer my HiSenior Mega 5ESTs over my Truthear Novas. And there are far worse ways for me to spend my money than on audio gear. Later this week I'll head over to the shop to audition some other IEMs, just not that $13K pair. We all pick and choose our hobbies. With regards to the Fosi D2, I wanted a "dongle" that could drive my planar headphones and IEMs, and so far, I'm very happy.

 

[Emlin]

I'm just having fun. I like gear .... that's all. Of course I want to make sense of it all ..... but I'm an old school audiophile. Multiple turntables, 6000+ lps, SET amps, horn speakers etc. But I do think measurements matter, low distortion, etc and that's why I'm here. I came here first, wanted to see some tests on IEMs and headphones and DAC/AMPs. And yes, I much prefer my HiSenior Mega 5ESTs over my Truthear Novas. And there are far worse ways for me to spend my money than on audio gear. Later this week I'll head over to the shop to audition some other IEMs, just not that $13K pair. We all pick and choose our hobbies. With regards to the Fosi D2, I wanted a "dongle" that could drive my planar headphones and IEMs, and so far, I'm very happy.

You could always spend your money in better ways. And you could also try not having "fun" at the expense of others.