Fosi Audio DS2 Portable DAC & Amp Review

[Stokdoof]

Like always a considerable part of the credits should go to the dac chip designers.

 

[GeorgeWalk]

A big thank you to Amir for the review.

The DS2 is one of our products as we make our entry into the high-performance DAC market. The DAC market is filled with many outstanding companies with which everyone is familiar. We will humbly learn from these companies as we continue to grow, and we hope to follow in their footsteps by bringing Fosi Audio’s unique touch to DACs for audiophiles worldwide. In addition to portable DACs, we’ll soon be introducing a desktop DAC as well.

To show our appreciation for the support from ASR members, we’re offering a special discount code for the DS2. You can use this code to get 20% off your DS2 purchase!
ASRDS220

link:
https://fosiaudio.com/products/fosi-audio-ds2-2024-dac-headphone-amplifier
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CTHN2QB3
https://www.amazon.de/dp/B0BJ66KJ2B
https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0BJ66KJ2B
https://www.ebay.com/itm/296311456320

Just ordered! Thank you!

 

[Labjr]

Can the balanced headphone output be used into a an amplifier or preamp with balanced inputs?

 

[Rodney Jones]

Don't need it but purchased anyways - I'll find a use or give it to one of my kids. Really loving the pair of V3 mono amps I picked up - happy to support a company like Fosi.

 

[carsknivesbeer]

Lightning to USB-C works as it should?

 

[nonloso]

Can it be connected to a standard USB-A port, with an adapter? Or does it need one of the higher voltage sources provided by USB-C?

 

[staticV3]

Can it be connected to a standard USB-A port, with an adapter? Or does it need one of the higher voltage sources provided by USB-C?

It can be connected to a standard 5V USB-A port.

For this, you can either use an adapter like this:

coupled with a USB-C to USB-C cable

Or you can use a USB-A to USB-C cable, without adapter:

 

[Mario_jr]

It's the regular fast roll-off filter built into every cs43131 chip:
View attachment 393107

Ive had to chime in.... "Incredible out of band filtering" with the axis shifted.... yeah right

 

[salmo]

Damn, they mastered CS43131 implementations at this moment. Great device for that price!

 

[F1308]

Can it be connected to a standard USB-A port, with an adapter? Or does it need one of the higher voltage sources provided by USB-C?

A to C USB adaptor included in the box.

 

[pseudoid]

@amirm,
Thank you for another informative review.
I think we have come to a point to nominate a new PinkPanther into the fold.
I vote for a tanned PinkedPanther, laying-out on a chaise lounge, w/proper headphones and proper attire.

 

[mc.god]

It can be connected to a standard 5V USB-A port.

For this, you can either use an adapter like this:
View attachment 393147
coupled with a USB-C to USB-C cable

Or you can use a USB-A to USB-C cable, without adapter:
iView attachment 393148

I connect Sonata BHD to my laptop via an old usb-A to MINI usb cable (i use it since it has the right length for my needs and has an integrated ferrite ring) and an adapter like this:

 

[mc.god]

I vote for a tanned PinkedPanther, laying-out on a chaise lounge, w/proper headphones and proper attire.

I hope you don't mean something like this

 

[Joffy1780]

Of course there is another way (easier??).
If your phone has wireless charging ability, you could place it on a wireless charger. I have been doing so, for many years with my 5 year old Huawei phone & a wireless powerbank on flights.

If you need to charge (and listen) on the go, though, one of these splitters and a powerbank are a brilliant solution.

 

[id.ray]

Are there any unbalanced power figures, just asking cause i currently use Sennheiser 599 with a thx onyx

 

[Ken Tajalli]

If you need to charge (and listen) on the go, though, one of these splitters and a powerbank are a brilliant solution.

As I said, if you choose your power bank right, there would be no need for a splitter!
Simply connect up the dac, and place the phone on the power bank.

 

[WalterW]

Topping vs Fosi fight who presents more stellar products to lower and lower prices and the winner is ..... the consumer!

 

[Joffy1780]

As I said, if you choose your power bank right, there would be no need for a splitter!
Simply connect up the dac, and place the phone on the power bank.

View attachment 393177

Brilliant if you're sitting relatively still, but if you're on the move the splitter and a wired powerbank are a great solution.
I use them when I'm cooking and when I'm at work doing my rounds.

 

[Ken Tajalli]

Brilliant if you're sitting relatively still, but if you're on the move the splitter and a wired powerbank are a great solution.
I use them when I'm cooking and when I'm at work doing my rounds.

You can pick up the phone, change songs or whatever, just place it back when you can.
My power bank can pump just short of 3 amps to the phone wirelessly, when the battery is low.
five minutes every now & then during flight, can charge my phone to 80%, no problem.

 

[Joffy1780]

You can pick up the phone, change songs or whatever, just place it back when you can.

What if you don't have a surface to put the phone on? As I say, the splitter is a great solution for when you're walking, or cooking (where I prefer the phone in my pocket) or even if your device doesn't charge wirelessly. I'm not knocking your approach, just this approach is better for me