Portable DAC that sounds like my Schiit Stack?

[GMcDougal]

I recently purchased a Fosi DS2 (Newer Version) to use for my gaming laptop. I play mostly Counterstrike 2 and was looking for something similar to my Schiit stack (Magni 3+ and Modi 3e).


When comparing both to each other using Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Gen 2's, the DS2 sounds great, i mean Really great. From a fun point of view, i think Counterstrike 2 sounds slightly more fun with the DS2, but i have less detail with my DS2 and its noticeable. The overall sound on the DS2 sounds a little more pushed back too, slightly more distant.


Switching to the Schiit Stack, the sound is noticeably more detailed. I can hear everything. Its almost like hacking its so detailed. I can hear someone walking up behind me with gunfire near by. I can hear someone healing through a wall with gunfire going.


Its less bassy on the Schiit stack and the details are insane. The sound is closer to you and not as pushed back as the DS2.


Also, i dont know if this is contributing to what i am hearing, but i notice the DS2 and the Schiit stack are using different channels? The DS2 says 2 channel headphones 32 bit, 48000 Hz (Studio Quality) in the output part of windows 11 and the stack says 32 bit, 48000 Hz (Studio Quality) speakers. I tried to change the DS2 to speakers but can't figure out how.


Would this have anything to do with my sound difference?


If not, which portable DAC is like my Schiit stack?

This will be mostly used for gaming on a gaming laptop if it matters.

Thanks!


스

 

[dunring]

I use the DS2 also with IEMs with the 4.4mm and there's better power and performance on that connector. For the MMX300 I've had several, and the Sound blaster X1 on sale at Amazon for $29 will be great. It's also got console and mic support, with virtual 5.1 for gaming. In direct mode, music is much better though.
To get close to the stack performance, you'd have to get something with a balanced cable option to use the 4.4mm side for full power.

 

[GMcDougal]

I use the DS2 also with IEMs with the 4.4mm and there's better power and performance on that connector. For the MMX300 I've had several, and the Sound blaster X1 on sale at Amazon for $29 will be great. It's also got console and mic support, with virtual 5.1 for gaming. In direct mode, music is much better though.
To get close to the stack performance, you'd have to get something with a balanced cable option to use the 4.4mm side for full power.

Would you suggest i try an 3.5 to 4.4 adapter? My headphones aren’t wired for balance but maybe it would be better?

 

[originalsnuffy]

I recently purchased a Fosi DS2 (Newer Version) to use for my gaming laptop. I play mostly Counterstrike 2 and was looking for something similar to my Schiit stack (Magni 3+ and Modi 3e).


When comparing both to each other using Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Gen 2's, the DS2 sounds great, i mean Really great. From a fun point of view, i think Counterstrike 2 sounds slightly more fun with the DS2, but i have less detail with my DS2 and its noticeable. The overall sound on the DS2 sounds a little more pushed back too, slightly more distant.


Switching to the Schiit Stack, the sound is noticeably more detailed. I can hear everything. Its almost like hacking its so detailed. I can hear someone walking up behind me with gunfire near by. I can hear someone healing through a wall with gunfire going.


Its less bassy on the Schiit stack and the details are insane. The sound is closer to you and not as pushed back as the DS2.


Also, i dont know if this is contributing to what i am hearing, but i notice the DS2 and the Schiit stack are using different channels? The DS2 says 2 channel headphones 32 bit, 48000 Hz (Studio Quality) in the output part of windows 11 and the stack says 32 bit, 48000 Hz (Studio Quality) speakers. I tried to change the DS2 to speakers but can't figure out how.


Would this have anything to do with my sound difference?


If not, which portable DAC is like my Schiit stack?

This will be mostly used for gaming on a gaming laptop if it matters.




Thanks!


스

Having your output settings arranged for 32 bits doesn't mean your device is receiving or decoding 32 bits. It depends on your device, the music files, and the capabilities of your player. But mainly your music files are the limiting factor. In general you won't see anything in the real world of PCM above 24 bit 192khz; and frankly you can't hear past 20khz (which is covered by a 44khz sampling rate). There are probably test files above that but good luck on finding your favorite artists in esoteric sampling schemata.

Technically it is questionable to go from single ended 3.5 to balanced 4.4 and you certainly don't gain power. In fact, I think you can destroy equipment going from single ended to balanced so be forewarned. One needs a balanced 4.4 output from the get go to get the benefit. You can, with a proper adapter, go from 4.4 balanced to 3.5 single ended by the way, so it is a one way warning.

Can't comment on the audio quality as I don't know the Schitt device. CS is what I think is in your FOSI and that is a good midrange chipset. But its a function of design, power supply, and not just chipsets in terms of the overall sound quality. The great dongles start at around a $250 retail price and go up from there.

 

[sajesak]

I recently purchased a Fosi DS2 (Newer Version) to use for my gaming laptop. I play mostly Counterstrike 2 and was looking for something similar to my Schiit stack (Magni 3+ and Modi 3e).


When comparing both to each other using Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Gen 2's, the DS2 sounds great, i mean Really great. From a fun point of view, i think Counterstrike 2 sounds slightly more fun with the DS2, but i have less detail with my DS2 and its noticeable. The overall sound on the DS2 sounds a little more pushed back too, slightly more distant.


Switching to the Schiit Stack, the sound is noticeably more detailed. I can hear everything. Its almost like hacking its so detailed. I can hear someone walking up behind me with gunfire near by. I can hear someone healing through a wall with gunfire going.


Its less bassy on the Schiit stack and the details are insane. The sound is closer to you and not as pushed back as the DS2.


Also, i dont know if this is contributing to what i am hearing, but i notice the DS2 and the Schiit stack are using different channels? The DS2 says 2 channel headphones 32 bit, 48000 Hz (Studio Quality) in the output part of windows 11 and the stack says 32 bit, 48000 Hz (Studio Quality) speakers of ESPN. I tried to change the DS2 to speakers but can't figure out how.


Would this have anything to do with my sound difference?


If not, which portable DAC is like my Schiit stack?

This will be mostly used for gaming on a gaming laptop if it matters.




Thanks!


스

The sound difference is not due to the Windows label ("headphones" vs. "speakers"); it's due to how the DACs and amps are tuned. The Schiit stack offers more detail and tighter imaging, while the DS2 has a more relaxed, fun sound with less clarity. For a portable DAC that sounds more like your Schiit stack, consider the Topping G5, xDuoo XD05, or E1DA 9038D.