Fosi Audio DS2 Portable DAC & Amp Review

[HalSF]

So I went in holidays riding the bike for few days. But my high quality audio system was with me: DS2 and Zero Red.

A pleasure.

The DS2 and Zero Red are my own new combo as well. The sound quality is a joy. Pure hi-fi excellence at an unbeatable price.

No problems whatsoever via the USC-C port on the front of the Mac M4 Mini, my iPad Mini, and iPhone SE (using Lightning cable with the included adaptor).

 

[renaudrenaud]

The DS2 and Zero Red are my own new combo as well. The sound quality is a joy. Pure hi-fi excellence at an unbeatable price.

No problems whatsoever via the USC-C port on the front of the Mac M4 Mini, my iPad Mini, and iPhone SE (using Lightning cable with the included adaptor).

Yes, this combo is in my bag with the computer, when I forget it I am sad.

 

[MarkF786]

I just bought a Fosi Audio DS2 (2024) from Amazon, but very oddly the maximum volume is very low (using 64Audio 12Ut IEMs); it's audible, but lower than even background listening levels. The volume controls work, because I can reduce the volume and turn it back up. I'm using it with an iPhone, which isn't controlling the volume. I've tried four different brand lightning/USB C OTG cables (which work with many other DACs), different music apps, rebooted the phone, switched IEMs to ThieAudio Monarch Mk3, etc. I have many other USB dongles, and switched to another without this problem. Also, I tried to see if I could switch gain mode like the old model, but that doesn't work, which confirms this is the 2024 model.

Has anyone encountered this problem?

P.S. I tried it on my MacBook Pro with USB C and the volume could go very loud. It seems to be incompatible in some way with a lightning/iPhone setup.

I've had bad luck with ASR's cheap & cheerful ChiFi recommendations, all having technical issues or shortcomings. I'm better off sticking with mainstream gear.

 

[HalSF]

I just bought a Fosi Audio DS2 (2024) from Amazon, but very oddly the maximum volume is very low (using 64Audio 12Ut IEMs); it's audible, but lower than even background listening levels. The volume controls work, because I can reduce the volume and turn it back up. I'm using it with an iPhone, which isn't controlling the volume. I've tried a few different brand lightning OTG cables, different music apps, rebooted the phone, switch IEMs to ThieAudio Monarch Mk3, etc. I have many other USB dongles, and switched to another without this problem. Also, I tried to see if I could switch gain mode like the old model, but that doesn't work, which confirms this is the 2024 model.

Has anyone encountered this problem

I've had the DS2 for just a few days, and have no volume issues using it with my iPhone SE. Both the iPhone volume and the +/- buttons on the DS2 control the volume — I double-checked just now. I usually keep the iPhone volume turned up all the way, and adjust the volume with the DS2 controls, and I'm getting plenty of volume.

iPhone SE > Apple Lightning to USB Camera Adapter > Fosi DS2 (using the Fosi USB-A to C adaptor) > headphone or IEM

​

 

[MarkF786]

I've had the DS2 for just a few days, and have no volume issues using it with my iPhone SE. Both the iPhone volume and the +/- buttons on the DS2 control the volume — I double-checked just now. I usually keep the iPhone volume turned up all the way, and adjust the volume with the DS2 controls, and I'm getting plenty of volume.

iPhone SE > Apple Lightning to USB Camera Adapter > Fosi DS2 (using the Fosi USB-A to C adaptor) > headphone or IEM

​

Thanks for the reply. Yeah, testing it with USB Camera adapter, it works, but not so well with a lightning to USB C OTG cable.

Nowadays most USB C DACs will work with such OTG cables, which I find I much more convenient than a chain of adapters. If using the USB Camera adapter is my only option, I think I'll stick with other DACs.

 

[HalSF]

Thanks for the reply. Yeah, testing it with USB Camera adapter, it works, but not so well with a lightning to USB C OTG cable.

Nowadays most USB C DACs will work with such OTG cables, which I find I much more convenient than a chain of adapters. If using the USB Camera adapter is my only option, I think I'll stick with other DACs.

My older iPhone SE is the reason for the Lightning adaptor. On my newer iPad Mini (6th gen) with USB-C, the DS2 plugs right in with no adaptor and works fine.

 

[MarkF786]

My older iPhone SE is the reason for the Lightning adaptor. On my newer iPad Mini (6th gen) with USB-C, the DS2 plugs right in with no adaptor and works fine.

Sorry, but you seem to not realize that with most USB C DACs, you can use a single cable that is lightening to USB C, and don't need the Apple Camera adapter. It would work on your iPhone SE (at least with most DACs). I have about 8 such USB C DACs that use this (every one I own does, going back a few years), and even there are lightning to micro-USB OTG cables that work with older DACs. I abandoned using the Camera adapter probably 4-5 years ago.

Fosi references it themselves in the manual: "When connecting the DS2 to a device with a Lightning connector, please use a Lightning to Type-C OTG cable (not included in the package)."

Here are some examples:

FIIO LT-LT2 Lightning to USB C OTG Cable
SHANLING L3 Lightning to USB C OTG Cable

 

[HalSF]

Sorry, but you seem to not realize that with most USB C DACs, you can use a single cable that is lightening to USB C, and don't need the Apple Camera adapter. It would work on your iPhone SE (at least with most DACs). I have about 8 such USB C DACs that use this (every one I own does, going back a few years), and even there are lightning to micro-USB OTG cables that work with older DACs. I abandoned using the Camera adapter probably 4-5 years ago.

Fosi references it themselves in the manual: "When connecting the DS2 to a device with a Lightning connector, please use a Lightning to Type-C OTG cable (not included in the package)."

Here are some examples:

FIIO LT-LT2 Lightning to USB C OTG Cable
SHANLING L3 Lightning to USB C OTG Cable

Consumed with my own desperate struggle for tech survival, I probably shouldn’t be trying to give advice to others.

Good luck with your DS2!

 

[RaucousRambutan]

Anybody know the output impedance for 4.4mm? I'm thinking of running this with my Kiwi Ears Aether which is 14ohms.

 

[mc.god]

Anybody know the output impedance for 4.4mm? I'm thinking of running this with my Kiwi Ears Aether which is 14ohms.

Hi and welcome to ASR.
Output impedance should be near 0 ohms at both 3.4 and 4.4 outputs.
Aether specs say 105 db/mW - 14 ohm impedance, that equates to 123.5 dbV, so it's pretty efficient and can be already driven at very high levels via the single ended output.

 

[Kuma]

Try a different cable

I tried a new cable and that didn’t fix the problem with the dropouts, and it is now bricked. No longer works at all and the LED doesn’t illuminate when plugged in.

I contacted FOSI support today so hopefully they’ll take care of it.

 

[Krazy8]

Hi there! Just wanted to say sorry in advance for my English—it’s not my first language. I’m looking to get a Fosi Audio DS2 DAC for listening to music from my phone and computer. Right now, I’m stuck trying to pick the right headphones. I really want to try out IEMs because I’ve only used over-ear headphones my whole life and I’m curious to try something new. But there are SO many IEM models out there—it’s a bit overwhelming! Could you recommend something for a first-time IEM user? If it helps, I’m pretty much into all kinds of music—total music junkie here. But I mostly lean towards heavy stuff like rock, metal, and heavy electronic.

 

[staticV3]

I really want to try out IEMs because I’ve only used over-ear headphones my whole life and I’m curious to try something new. But there are SO many IEM models out there—it’s a bit overwhelming! Could you recommend something for a first-time IEM user?

7Hz Zero:2 is the perfect starter IEM and if it fits your ears, can easily be your endgame

7Hz x Crinacle Zero:2 IEM Review

This is a review, listening tests, EQ and detailed measurements of the 7Hz x Crinacle Zero:2 IEM. It was kindly donated to me by a member and costs US $24.99. The cable is soft and longer than typical which I like. They take fair amount of effort to push it but then they make a reassuring...

www.audiosciencereview.com

 

[Viper780]

The latest version should be the blue ones from thruthear: https://truthear.com/products/zero
the predecessor where also tested here: https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...ruthear-x-crinacle-zero-red-iem-review.44865/

 

[staticV3]

The latest version should be the blue ones from thruthear: https://truthear.com/products/zero

That is the original Truthear Zero as tested by Amir.

Here's the link to the new version: https://hangout.audio/products/truthear-x-crinacle-zero-blue-2

 

[Kuma]

I tried a new cable and that didn’t fix the problem with the dropouts, and it is now bricked. No longer works at all and the LED doesn’t illuminate when plugged in.

I contacted FOSI support today so hopefully they’ll take care of it.

If anyone’s interested, they were quick to help and they are sending me a replacement. Quick to reply to my email and quick to honor their warranty.

 

[atothek]

I would like to try my Sennheiser 6xx with a balanced 4.4 cable with the Fosi.

Any recommendations for a cable to use?

Thanks

 

[Berwhale]

I would like to try my Sennheiser 6xx with a balanced 4.4 cable with the Fosi.

Any recommendations for a cable to use?

Thanks

My HD 660s came with a balanced cable, but it was too long for desktop use, so I made one from an OEM single ended Sennheiser cable (cost was only £8.31 when I last bought one)...

4-conductor headphone cable

+1 for reterminating an HD650 cable for use with other dual entry headphones. I've replaced the cables on my HD800 and Aeon 2 Closed with HD650 cables reterminated on the headphone end. Much more supple and less microphonic. The litz wire may be a bit a of a pain if you're new to it. You...

www.audiosciencereview.com

If you don't fancy making a cable yourself, then the OKCSC ones are OK (I have a 2.5mm balanced one for use with my Qudelix 5K)...

https://www.amazon.co.uk/okcsc-HDB4-Replacement-Headphone-Sennheiser/dp/B0BF4Z6XTJ

 

[MC_RME]

That is the original Truthear Zero as tested by Amir.

Which is here: https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...ds/truthear-x-crinacle-zero-iem-review.37380/

This is not the 7Hz Zero that you referred to above. I think I have to point this out as the 7Hz version is a single dynamic driver IEM. The Truthear Zero (in blue) is a dual driver design which currently was updated to 'Zero 2'. IMHO the whole naming scheme of the Crinacles seems not well thought out when starting the business,, so now I find it quite confusing.

 

[Bl00dWolf]

Hello =)
Can I buy a cable from 4.4mm to 2 XLR (R + L) and use FOSI DS2 with active XLR studio monitors for example?