Fosi Audio DS2 Review: A Powerful Budget DAC/Amp Worth Considering

>AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. As an eBay affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Greetings mate and welcome aboard!

Stuart Charles here, HomeStudioBasics.com helping YOU make sound decisions, so…

Today we’ll review Fosi Audio’s DS2 and find out if it’s right for you, covering build, power output, sound, and more.

By the time you’re finished reading this article, you’ll know if it’s worth a purchase.

If it isn’t, I’ll point you in the direction of something that is.

Deal?

Cool.

Let’s dive in!

Fosi Audio’s DS2 is a tiny Amp/DAC combo slightly bigger than a flash drive. It’s light, very portable, and built well.

Equipped with a USB Type-C jack, volume +/- buttons, a 3.5mm and 4.4mm headphone jack, it has balanced and single ended connection; supporting up to DSD256 and PCM 32-Bit/384kHz.

The indicator light changes color according to sample rate:

<48kHz: Red
48-96kHz: Green
96-384kHz: Yellow
DSD (64/128/256): Blue

With a power output of 128mW at 32Ω single-ended and 170mW @ 32Ω balanced, there’s plenty of juice here, and I hardly need to turn the volume up at all with my K702 (a benchmark for gauging driveability).

Right now, I’m at 17-25/100, and it’s more than enough.

Containing no internal battery, the DS2 draws power from the audio source device via USB port.

Actual power consumption depends on usage and the device system. The DS2 features 2 high-quality DAC chips, so it’s normal for it to generate heat during use.

Keep in mind that when connected to a phone, it will draw power from the battery, so be prepared to charge your phone more often after use.

Sound

Playlist(s): Here
Headphones Used: AKG K702 (single-ended), FiiO FT1 (balanced), more soon.

Fosi Audio DS2 Review

Featuring dual Cirrus Logic CS43131 DAC chips and minimal noise/distortion, the DS2 is a great option for those looking to get their feet wet without spending a fortune.

Perhaps the biggest draw for me is its high power output at such a low price.

The K702, contrary to all the BS you read online, isn’t all that hard to drive. But it’s certainly inefficient and does need more current than your average headphones.

Required Reading: What is Sensitivity in Headphones? [Explained]

This is why I use it as a benchmark to gauge whether or not an Amp/DAC has sufficient power output.

That said, the DS2 drives it rather easily and provides a neutral backdrop for your music. This is pretty remarkable given it’s so cheap, and the price tag is even better.

My previous top recommendation for portable value, the Go Link, may be replaced by the DS2, as it offers significantly more power and better performance overall.

Signal to noise and distortion, perhaps the main pillar of what constitutes a “good” dac, is exceptional here, coming in at 130dB and surpassing many more expensive desktop units I’ve tried.

All for around $59.

Stunning.

With 43mW of power into a 300 Ohm load, you’re pretty much set for any headphones that may be lying around.

I have almost 30 of them, and the DS2 is just fine with all comers: HD600, 400se, etc. It even drives my K240M 600 Ohm; only needing around 40-50/100 to achieve comfortable loudness and plenty of headroom.

Impressive, Snake!

After comparing the Go Link and DS2 side by side, I found that each provides roughly the same power output through my phone, but the DS2 seems to be more powerful through my PC. With it, I’m at about 40/100 for a comfortably loud signal with an AKG K702, but the Go Link requires 70+.

Balanced Listening

With a balanced connection, you can expect more of the same, only it’s even easier to drive whatever headphones you have.

I do believe that balanced provides slightly better resolution and overall clarity, so take that for what it’s worth.

Required Reading: Balanced vs. Unbalanced Audio Cables: Is There A Difference?

John The Blind’s “Paranoid” is a great example of a song that sounds excellent with the DS2 and FT1, but keep in mind the song was also mixed and mastered well: a super important component and probably the most crucial to a good listening experience.

Accessories

I appreciate the very malleable braided cable, which pairs well with a phone. The rubberized regular cables are very stiff and hold their shape too much, but this one is flexible, loose, and seems to be made well.

The included USB-A adapter is also a nice addition, as you can easily connect it to a PC if yours doesn’t happen to have a USB-C jack.

One drawback is the lack of an included OTG cable, which would have made the DS2 more convenient for iPhone users.

While this was likely done to keep costs down, it does feel like a missed opportunity. Many competing products include the necessary adapters, so it would have been nice to see Fosi follow suit.

If you’re using an older iPhone without USB-C, you’ll need to purchase a separate adapter or OTG cable (options toward the end). While not a deal-breaker, it’s something to keep in mind.

Fortunately, iFi’s Go Link (a product I own) provides a USB-C female to lightning adapter, seen here:

So I have a failsafe and can still use the DS2 with my phone when companies neglect to provide an adapter or cable.

It’s a bit puzzling why all the necessary accessories weren’t included. A simple OTG cable or adapter would have made the DS2 more universally compatible, especially for iPhone users.

Final Verdict

Fosi Audio’s DS2 is a highly capable DAC/Amp combo that offers ample power and performance at a budget-friendly price.

Packed with dual Cirrus Logic CS43131 DAC chips, it delivers minimal noise and distortion, making it an excellent option for anyone looking to dip their toes into high-quality audio without breaking the bank.

With support for DSD256 and PCM 32-Bit/384kHz, it’s versatile and can handle a wide range of formats if that’s your thing.

One of the standout features of the DS2 is its impressive power output, easily driving demanding headphones like the K702 with minimal volume adjustment.

For a portable unit of its size, this is a remarkable achievement, and the value is further solidified by its low cost.

However, there’s a significant downside—while it performs well across the board, the lack of an included OTG cable for iPhone users is frustrating. It feels like an unnecessary oversight, and although there are potential (can’t guarantee anything) workarounds (this USB-C female to lightning adapter or this OTG Cable), it’s still disappointing that an essential accessory is missing from the package.

Still, for the price/power output, it’s hard to say no. My previous dongle recommendation was the Go Link, but I think Fosi has a better product.

Fosi Audio DS2

>>>Price: Check Amazon | Check Fosi Audio<<< (Use code MKTDS215 for 15% OFF)

In The Box

Fosi Audio DS2

User Manual

USB-C to USB-C Cable

USB-C to USB-A Adapter

Specifications

DAC Chipset: Dual CS43131
Power Output: Single-ended: 128mW (32Ω), Balanced: 170mW (32Ω)
S/N: 130dB
Frequency Response: 20Hz – 20kHz +/-0.5dB
PCM: Up to 32-Bit/384kHz
DSD: DSD64/128/256
Dynamic Range: 130dB
THD+N: 0.0002%
Recommended Headphone Impedance: 16-300Ω (Single-ended), 16-300Ω (Balanced)

Well, that’s about it for today my friend! I hope you’ve enjoyed this Fosi Audio DS2 Review and came away with some valuable insight.

Questions? Comments? Requests? Did I miss the mark on something? Please let me know down below or Contact me!!

If you love what I do here and want to support the blog and channel in a more personal way, check me out on Patreon and discover all the value I have to offer you.