You often hear stories that life as an audiophile is very expensive, but that’s not true. For just $60, you get a well-built, well-equipped DAC/amplifier in the Fosi Audio DS2 2024, and have enough money to spend on quality headphones or IEMs.
Fosi Audio DS2: Price and Availability
You can purchase the Fosi Audio DS2 2024 directly from Fosiaudio.com or Amazon for $59.99. You won’t find many portable DAC/amps with both 3.5mm and 4.4mm ports at this price point. The closest competition is around $80.
Fosi Audio DS2: Setup and Installation
At 3.2 ounces, the DS2 2024 feels very light. But don’t let that fool you, oh no! It’s CNC machined from solid metal, which Fosi claims is shock-resistant. I guess they’re pretty confident because unlike most DACs I’ve tested recently, this one has a two-year warranty instead of one.
On the outside, you’ll see a sample rate LED indicator on one side. The 3.5mm and 4.4mm ports are at the bottom, opposite the USB-C port at the top. There’s an independent 60-level volume control on the left, which provides satisfying clicky feedback when pressed.
Internal dual Cirrus Log CS43131 DAC chips power the 3.5mm and 4.4mm outputs.
Fosi Audio DS2: Features
DS2 2024 isn’t overly feature-rich, but most of its features work well. It supports up to DSD256 and PCM 32-BIT/385kHz decoding, and outputs 510 mW into 32 ohms on a 4.4mm connection, and a slightly lower 130 mW into 32 ohms on a 3.5mm connection.
There’s an LED on the top side of the DS2 2024 next to the Fosi Audio branding that tells you what’s being decoded. For PCM, less than 48kHz = red, 48-96kHz = green, 96-384kHz = yellow. With DSD, all sampling rates emit blue light.
My only quibble is that the 3.5mm port is a bit underpowered. My Campfire Audio Mammoths have to be turned up higher than before Any other DAC I’ve used so far. Typically, I have to keep the volume slider at around 10% of maximum volume to avoid damaging my hearing with the Mammoth headphones, which are very sensitive. With the DS2 2024, I did crank up the volume, which isn’t a good sign for power-hungry IEMs.
Fosi Audio DS2: Sound quality
This $60 DAC/amplifier has impressive sound for its price! I would describe the DS2 2024 as a warm DAC/amplifier that doesn’t sacrifice clarity or detail for bass and midrange prominence.
I listened to a few different playlists through Sennheiser’s HD660S2 and their excellent IE900 IEMs. I also connected Campfire Audio’s Mammoth IEMs and HiFiMan HE-4XX planar magnetic headphones. Charles Mingus’ “Moanin'” is an intricately detailed, upbeat mix of big-band jazz that highlights the detail and musicality of the DS2. It reproduces this track with almost analytical precision, immersing you in the separation of the instruments and the way they are layered in the stereo image.
The bass and mids aren’t earth-shattering, but they are interesting. On the same Mingus track, the upright bass was clear and confident, without the need for horns or cymbals. Skrillex’s “Mumbai Power” and Big KRIT’s “My Sub” growl with aplomb.
When listening to Paul Simon’s “Diamonds on the Souls of Her Shoes” and the Get Out OST track “Shikilinga Kwa XXXX,” you’ll notice a closed-back headphone-like soundstage. To be clear, the sound is bright. Put on good headphones Because the DAC couldn’t smooth out the mids and treble, Paul Simon’s voice came close to hissing, as was the case with the DS2. The sharp horns I always mentioned in Art Blakey’s “Moanin'” are just as sharp in DS2.
Overall, it’s a great listening experience for $60, and one that will grow with you thanks to the inclusion of a 4.4mm balanced connection that should have enough power to drive all but the most demanding headphones and IEMs. All headphones and IEMs.
Fosi Audio DS2: Competition
Competition at $60 is almost non-existent. Hishell FC4, FiiO KA13, and FiiO Ka3 compete in terms of hardware. All three have similar features and have single-ended and balanced outputs, but you’re spending $20 more for them without a significant difference in sound quality.
Then there’s the iFi GO Link, which also costs $60 but doesn’t get the same features. You get a 3.5mm single-ended port, but no 4.4mm or 2.5mm balanced outputs, and no on-device volume control.
Fosi Audio DS2: Should you buy it?
You should buy Fosi Audio DS2 if…
- Your budget is limited
- You have quality headphones/earphones with 4.4mm cable
- You have just entered Apple Lossless
You should not purchase Fosi Audio DS2 if:
- You have power-hungry 3.5mm wired in-ear headphones
You won’t find many options with 3.5mm and 4.4mm balanced audio jacks at this price point. For just $59.99, the clarity and detail of the Fosi Audio DS2 2024 make it an excellent choice for those just starting out in the audiophile world. It even offers enough bass and bass to satisfy the bass lovers among us.
With solid build quality and a 24-month warranty, DS2 is a solid investment for enjoying high-resolution audio.
Enter the enthusiast paradise at a low cost!
For those who are new to Apple Lossless and Hi-Res Audio, Fosi Audio DS2 is a great investment without worrying about “buyer’s remorse”.