Review of the customer oriented donge Fosi Audio DS1
The Fosi Audio DS1 is a small, powerful digital audio amplifier or dongle made to deliver high-quality sound in a small package. It is the latest offering from Fosi Audio, a company that has been providing high-quality audio equipment for over a decade. The DS1 is an upgrade from the previous version, with improved sound quality and a more sleek and modern design.
Thanks to Fosi Audio For providing the DS1 for review purposes.
Company Overview
Fosi Audio is a company that designs and makes high-quality audio equipment at prices that most people can afford. The company was founded in 2007 and is based in China, with a strong focus on research and development. Fosi Audio’s mission is to provide music lovers with the tools they need to enjoy high-quality sound without spending a fortune.
Technical Specifications
- Form: USB-C Dongle
- Chipset: 2 x ES9038Q2M
- Output: SE 120 mW BAL 200 mW
- SNR: ≥ 120dB
- Frequency Response (Hz): 20 Hz – 20 KHz
- Weight (g): 38gr
Packaging
The Fosi Audio DS1 comes in a compact and well-designed box that is both sturdy and eye-catching. The box features an image of the amplifier on the front and a list of key features and specifications on the back, along with some basic instructions for use.
In the box
- Inside the box, you will find the DS1 amplifier itself,
- A black USBC converter
- Manual
Design
The only similar looking is MR2. However, The Moondrop Moonriver 2 and Fosi DS1 are two different types of audio equipment, with different design philosophies and technical specifications. The Moondrop Moonriver 2 is a high-end audiophile-grade headphone amplifier and DAC, designed for critical listening and accurate reproduction of music. The Fosi DS1, on the other hand, is a budget-friendly desktop / mobile amplifier designed to power headphones for general use.
Internals
The Fosi Audio DS1 is not a dongle, but a digital audio amplifier. The ES9038Q2M chip is known for its excellent performance and low noise floor, allowing for clear and accurate sound reproduction. It supports high-resolution audio up to 32 bit/384 kHz and DSD 256, making it a great choice for audiophiles and music lovers who want to get the most out of their digital audio collection.
Fosi Audio S1 Sound
The Fosi Audio DS1 is a USB-C dongle that is designed to improve the sound quality of headphones and earphones that are connected to it. Here are some of the key sound characteristics of the DS1:
Clarity: The DS1 is designed to provide a clean and clear sound signature, with good detail and resolution across the frequency spectrum. The high-frequency response is particularly noteworthy, with good extension and detail. The DS1 provides a solid and well-defined bass response that is punchy and tight. The bass is not overly emphasized, but it still has good impact and presence. Soundstage: The DS1 provides a fairly wide and spacious soundstage, with good imaging and separation between instruments and vocals. The soundstage is not as wide as some other high-end USB-C dongles, but it is still quite good for its price range. Warmth: The DS1 provides a slightly warm sound signature that is pleasing to the ear. The warmth is particularly noticeable in the midrange, which has a smooth and natural timbre.
The same degree of transparency also holds for Letshuoer S12, which is openly displaying its planar nature. Zero, on the other hand, appears to be more serious. Additionally, DS1 slightly reduced it, but S12 produced different results. When combined with DS1, Blues Rock of the Blues Brothers lacks that blues. On the other hand, I turned up the built-in rockers to their maximum volume, but 40/100 of V30 signifies a medium-to-high volume.
Comparisons
The only comparison is with Truthear Shio. Its like the battle of dual CS43198 and dual ES9038Q2M.
My only comment is that if Truthear Shio scores a hundred, Fosi DS1 rates seventy-five, and the sound is less mid bass emphasized.
Where to Buy
- Amazon (https://a.co/d/e7KKIiw)
- Official Website (https://www.fosiaudio.com/product/headphone-amplifier/ds1-dac-headphone-amplifier/) 10% off promocode: CAR10DS1
Fosi Audio DS1 Review Conclusion
In general, the Fosi Audio DS1 is a solid choice for individuals who are searching for a USB-C dongle that has a sound profile that is clean and detailed, has a good bass response, and has a slightly warm midrange. The soundstage is also fairly impressive for its price range, making it a wonderful alternative for music listeners who place a high priority on spaciousness and separation in their musical experiences.
7.5/10
PROS
- Powerful
- ES9038Q2M providing detailed playback
- 4.4mm output is helping it stay current
CONS
- Less mid bass influence
- Metal case is open to scratches
- Can get hot
- Smartphones might not recognise it as a dongle or peripheral
