While many audiophiles are known for their extravagant spending habits, the reality is that a fulfilling and high-quality listening experience doesn’t have to break the bank. With a budget-friendly price tag of $60, the Fosi Audio DS2 2024 offers a well-crafted DAC/amp that can be paired with a top-tier headphone or in-ear monitor, leaving ample funds for your audio indulgence.
Consider investing in the Fosi Audio DS2 2024 amplifier directly from Fosiaudio.com or Amazon at a competitive price of $59.99. While at that price point, it’s rare to find portable DACs/amps boasting both a 3.5mm and 4.4mm port combination? The closest comparable prices are around $80.
The lightweight design of the DS2 2024 makes a significant impact, weighing in at just 3.2 ounces and exuding an air of effortless agility. Don’t let that fool get to you. The Q5A amplifier is crafted with CNC precision using a sturdy metal material, boasting an impressive claim of shock-resistance courtesy of Fosi’s meticulous design. What sets this particular DAC apart from others is its comprehensive two-year warranty, unlike most of the recent models I’ve reviewed that typically come with a one-year guarantee.
The device features an external LED indicator that displays a charging pattern on its surface. Located on the underside of the device are the 3.5mm and 4.4mm ports, with the USB-C port situated on the opposite side at its highest point. With precision-crafted left-handed aspect, users enjoy intuitive 60-step quantity controls that provide a pleasing tactile response upon each press.
A pair of internally matched Cirrus Logic CS43131 Digital-to-Analog Converters drive the 3.5mm and 4.4mm audio output stages.
While the DS2 2024 doesn’t boast an extensive range of features, its existing capabilities are executed with precision and effectiveness. Capable of delivering up to 510mW at 32 ohms through its 4.4mm output, while the 3.5mm connection produces a more modest 130mW at the same impedance, rivalling the decoding capabilities of DSD256 and PCM 32-BIT/385kHz.
On the front panel of the Fosi Audio DS2 2024, a small LED display directly below the brand logo indicates the current decoding mode. For professional content mastering, sampling frequencies below 48kHz are considered substandard, while those between 48-96kHz are acceptable but unremarkable; anything above 96kHz and up to 384kHz is considered high-end or exceptional. For DSD, all pattern charges receive a gentle blue treatment.
While the three-point-five millimetre port does provide some functionality, its relatively low power output may limit its overall effectiveness. My Campfire Audio Andromedas needed to be cranked up significantly more than usual. Typically, I need to calibrate my volume slider to around 10% of maximum capacity to avoid potentially harming my hearing while interacting with the Mammoths, which are relatively fragile creatures. With the DS2 2024, I inadvertently increased the output, which proved inauspicious for power-hungry IEMs.
For its price point, this DAC/amp delivers truly exceptional sound quality. I’d describe the DS2 2024 as a potent hybrid DAC/amplifier, striking an ideal balance between warmth in the low-end frequencies and clarity throughout the midrange spectrum, without compromising on overall transparency.
During my listening session, I experimented with multiple playlists using the Sennheiser HD660S2 headphones and the company’s sleek IE900 in-ear monitors. I also compared the Campfire Audio Mammoth IEMs to the HiFiMan HE-4000 planar magnetic headphones. Charles Mingus’ 1959 album “Mingus Ah Um” features the iconic track “Moanin'”, which showcases his unique blend of jazz, blues, and gospel styles through an intricate tapestry of horns, reeds, and rhythm sections. With meticulous accuracy, this technology recreates what’s observed, allowing for an immersive experience as you dissect the devices’ interactions and their nuanced placement within the stereoscopic visual framework.
While the bass and midrange aren’t exceptional, they remain enjoyable. The upright bass plays a crucial role in Mingus’s composition, providing a confident foundation without overpowering the horns or hi-hat. Skrillex’s “Mumbai Energy” and Large OKRIT’s “My Sub” unleash a primal fury, their sonic intensity coursing through the air like a raw, unbridled force.
Upon comparing the sonic characteristics of Paul Simon’s “Diamonds on the Souls of Her Footwear” with those of the Get Out OST, particularly “Shikilinga Kwa XXXX,” it becomes evident that both tracks share a distinctive, expansive soundstage akin to what one might expect from closed-back headphones. The vocals are indeed brilliant in their clarity and emotional resonance. Without DACs that effectively roll off higher frequencies, Paul Simon’s vocals teeter on the edge of becoming overly sharp, much like the situation with the DS2. With the DS2, Artwork Blakey’s iconic “Moanin'” track takes on a new dimension as the shrill horns reverberate through the sonic landscape.
For a general audience, this audiophile training may offer significant value at $60, as it includes a 4.4mm balanced connection capable of driving even the most demanding headphones and in-ear monitors with ample power.
The competition at $60 is essentially non-existent. Among established players in the hardware space are the HiBy FC4, Fiio KA13, and Fiio Ka3, all formidable competitors. While all three models offer similar features, including single-ended and balanced output options, it’s worth noting that they also come with a $20 premium, sans any significant enhancements in audio quality.
While the iFi GO Hyperlink costs around $60, it won’t provide the same features as its counterparts. Unfortunately, you won’t receive the 4.4mm or 2.5mm balanced outputs nor the on-device volume controls along with the 3.5mm single-ended port.
- You’re on a funds
- Here’s an improved version: You’re already rocking a pair of high-quality headphones or in-ear monitors (IEMs), complete with sturdy 4.4mm connectors that ensure a reliable connection to your audio gear.
- Stepping into Apple Lossless, you find yourself surrounded by crisp, precise audio that mirrors the original recording with unparalleled accuracy.
- Meet your new best friend: energizing 3.5mm cabled in-ear monitors that are ready to fuel your passion for sound.
In the premium tier, finding headphones with a 3.5mm and 4.4mm balanced audio jacks is a rare occurrence. For an affordable $59.99, the Fosi Audio DS2 2024 offers remarkable readability and impressive sonic elements, making it an outstanding choice for those entering the realm of audiophilia. It delivers rich, resonant bass notes that are sure to satisfy even the most discerning audiophiles seeking a deep, rumbling low-end experience.
With its rock-solid build quality and a comprehensive 24-month warranty, the DS2 offers a reliable foundation for enjoying high-quality audio experiences.
With its seamless transition to Apple Lossless and Hi-Res Audio, the Fosi Audio DS2 offers exceptional value without anxiety about “buyer’s remorse.”
