Fosi Audio DS2 Review

There are tons of DAC dongles on the market that allow for hi-res listening on the go, but the budget market is scarcer for a quality one. That’s why the Fosi Audio DS2 from Fosi Audio looks so promising. Priced at around eighty dollars, the DS2 provides an accessible entry point for audiophiles seeking a reliable digital-to-analog converter. The only other quality DACs it has in its way are the  iFi Go Link and Go Link Max, but they don’t have detachable USB-C cables. Does the DS2 come out on top as the new leader for budget DAC dongles?

What You Get

• DS2 DAC Dongle
• USB Type C to Type C cable
• USB-A adapter
• User Guide

Build

The DS2 has a simple but strong design that feels like good value for the price. It’s a small chassis made from CNC-machined metal, with a sleek, silver finish that feels good to hold in your hand. It keeps a clean surface, with small volume buttons that are integrated naturally. With the DS2, it’s all about simplicity and ease of use, which is a highlight of its solid build. You get headphone outs for 3.5mm and 4.4mm jacks, with a detachable USB-C port, bringing some nice competition to the iFi Go Link Max.

Design

Inside the DS2 is a Cirrus Logic CS43131 flagship chipset with a high-powered amplifier. It’s capable of resolutions up to DSD256 and PCM 32bit/384kHz, and its low noise floor allows you to listen to hi-res audio without having to worry about draining your battery. With an eighty-dollar DAC dongle, you’re probably not looking to drive high-impedance headphones with the DS2, but that doesn’t mean it’s not capable. The DS2 is rated at 170mW@32Ω, making it able to deliver enough drive to any pair of headphones or IEMs you use it with.

Sound Impressions

To test the sound of the DS2, I chose a few different IEMs and headphones to get a good picture of what this DAC dongle can do. For this, I chose the ThieAudio Origin, 7Hz Timeless II, Meze Alba, and Focal Azurys. The DS2 seems to do a few different things to their respective sound signatures. While the width of the soundstage doesn’t feel like it extends any wider through the DS2, it gains more depth. The DS2 makes a headphone like the Azurys image a lot clearer, while other pairings like the Origin and Timeless II gained a more cavernous space where the layers stack on each other with better separation and breathability.

Using the Alba with the DS2 didn’t affect it as greatly, although, its linearity gets forced out of zone in a few instances, showcasing a more immense scale than before. In terms of the timbre, the DS2 is fairly balanced and uncompromised. I didn’t find it to favor a particular range of frequency, rather it helped even out the response of some IEMs and headphones. For instance, the Origin is usually very bombastic with its aggressive bass, but the DS2 helps give it separation in the mix without sacrificing its body. The same goes for the Azurys, where the DS2 helped clear away some of the fog and smooth out its low-end resonance. As for the mids and highs, the DS2 remains fairly flat and neutral. The amp provides enough power for headphones and IEMs to not make them sound too plain, but do not expect any significant coloration.

Summary

The DS2 DAC Dongle proves to be a formidable player in the realm of portable audio solutions. Its robust build quality, coupled with the powerful Cirrus Logic chipset, ensures that you not only get great value for your investment but also an enhanced listening experience. With the ability to drive a variety of headphones and IEMs, along with its balanced sound signature, the DS2 effectively elevates your audio experience without overwhelming the user with complexity. For those on the hunt for a high-quality, budget-friendly DAC, the DS2 undoubtedly merits your attention.

The Fosi Audio DS2 is available at Audio46.