Fosi Audio DS2

Prelude:
Fosi audio is a brand that quickly won the hearts of audiophiles around the world and beyond. Thanks to their proposals, all music lovers can enjoy high-quality, excellent audio at a very affordable price. They have many successful propositions and some truly outstanding models, such as SK2, a review of which you can find on my blog. Today we will take a look at the latest version of Fosi Audio ds2 version 2024, it is a miniature USB DAC/AMP dongle with huge output power. This time, a dual circuit from Cirrus Logic was used and the whole thing was priced at a modest USD 79.

Unboxing and ergonomics:
In terms of packaging, we have a small cardboard box with black printing. Inside you will find the device itself, a USB C-C cable, by the way, it reminds me of the one from xDuoo link 2bal, instructions and a USB C to USB adapter. It is quite a nice set, and the device itself is a practical, small metal block, of course we have a hi-res audio sticker and an indicator diode. There is also a detachable cable and, what I am personally very happy about, an independent volume control with clearly separated buttons.

Sound:
This is an interesting arrangement, because Fosi Audio does not strive for ruthlessness and dry neutrality, instead it offers us a pleasant and engaging tuning.
Lower tones: They are accentuated in such a way as to remain natural and at the same time engage us and encourage us to continue listening. The bass is engaging and encourages you to have fun with the music. However, this tuning is not perfectly neutral or colorless. fosi audio ds2 is dedicated rather to casual listening, which can be seen in the elastic and dynamic bass generated by this small device. It’s very interesting how cleverly and skillfully Fosi Audio DS2 combines the naturalness and appropriate mass of low tones with the simultaneous addition of a bit of pleasant and engaging warmth. Lovers of lower bands will certainly not feel their lack, and at the same time, people who like naturalness and purity of sound will also not be disappointed.
Mid tones: They were presented in a very vivid and natural way, slightly warmed up, but only to emphasize the realism and naturalness of the mid tones. The amount of information provided to us by fosi audio ds2 is truly considerable and encourages us to continue listening. Although I perceived the vocals as slightly placed in the foreground and pushed ahead of the line. Despite all this, I found naturalness and purity both tonal and musical. Each instrument was correctly separated and presented in a manner consistent with the recording. Importantly, the sound is quite smooth and even, which encourages further listening.
High tones: Importantly, they are not tiring or overwhelming. Instead, the focus was on the smooth and safe nature of the tuning. The quality of the treble itself is very good, although you can feel a lot of warmth in it. At the same time, the amount of details and information presented to us remains at a very high level, appropriate for much more expensive equipment, and not for a dongle costing less than USD 80, which is a huge positive surprise.
Technical layer and stage:
Technically, the fosi audio ds2 is a device that presents a warmer and musical approach to sound. At the same time, the music was allowed to show its authentic and musical character. fosi audio ds2 positions instruments perfectly and shows a lot of information. When it comes to power, it has a lot of it, and when it comes to the sound stage, it is wide and deep enough considering the price at which the fosi audio ds2 was priced.
Comparisons:
fosi audio ds2 VS iBasso DC04pro ($149)
The DC04pro presents a slightly higher technical level and has a larger stage, but considering the much lower price of the Fosi Audio DS2, these differences are fully justified. However, the fosi audio ds2 certainly has more power and is made of a more resistant material, which is aluminum, compared to the glass in the DC04pro. When it comes to the sound signature, in my opinion the fosi audio ds2 is warmer and the DC04pro puts more emphasis on the naturalness of the sound. However, both devices are great and the fosi audio ds2 really plays very close to the DC04pro. Therefore, I recommend checking both devices for yourself.
fosi audio ds2 VX xDuoo link 2bal ($149)
Link2bal has much less power than fosi audio ds2, because it was created at a time when there was no access to such good amplifiers. Link2bal sounds more bassy, has more low end, which is almost immediately noticeable. At the same time, fosi audio ds2 provides a smoother and more balanced sound. For many people, including me, xDuoo link2bal is one of the most natural dongles on the market. However, thanks to less bass and, importantly, less noise with the very sensitive Fosi Audio DS2 headphones, I can rate them very highly.
fosi audio ds2 VS ddHIFI tc44 pro (79USD)
This will be the most interesting choice, because both devices are incredibly good for their budget and, importantly, not only do they cost similarly, but they also have identical DAC circuits. fosi audio ds2, however, has a detachable cable and 3.5 and 4.4 mm sockets and much more power. At the same time, the ddHIFI tc44pro is much smaller, presents a wider and cooler tuning, but its compact dimensions make it a very well-designed device. Therefore, I can wholeheartedly recommend both devices.
Summary:
Fosi audio ds2 is another device from fosi audio that really delights and positively surprises. This is a great miniature DAC/AMP with a good quality detachable cable. It presents a mature, warmed sound with a pleasant, natural and smooth signature. The sound of the fosi audio ds2 is truly engaging and captivating to listen to. What I would definitely like to change is to add information about the current volume level and automatically reset this level to the lowest value each time the device is turned on. This would help increase safety when listening. However, this is not a disadvantage in this price range, it is rather a problem of most DAC/AMP devices without screens. However, returning to the sound, the Fosi Audio DS2 plays really well, so well that it can successfully compete with much more expensive equipment. Therefore, I heartily recommend this device and encourage you to listen to it.