Fosi Audio DA 2120C DAC Amp Review - Maybe the DAC/Amp for You

[@trapt29]

I have this amp and I love it. I have been through a few of these little amps and this one meets my needs. I love my treble and clarity and this provides everything I love about sound. I recently bought the smsl DA9 and it did not provide enough clarity for me despite having the treble all way up.

[@RobertSpiller]

I'm a newby here and I'd like to ask you a question...does it carry a headphone jack so I could use my headphones?

[@walrusgumbootable]

I’ve seen Korn live and I live in IOWA. I appreciate the CheapAudioMan!

[@ren0901]

thanks for the vid - picked up this amp and you're correct about the country setting for the EQ (who knew?). The amp is driving a pair of very old (some might say vintage) pair of Cambridge Soundworks Ensembles (two separate not-so-sub woofers) and is performing well. Was worried about the cheap built-in DAC but my ears really can't tell. Thanks again

[@markmiller1438]

I have one of these and I like it, but I have a warning for anyone planning to use it with a TV. I'm using it to drive a pair of speakers (Elac Debut B6.2, if you must know) to give my TCL TV decent sound, but the Fosi remote uses a lot of the same commands as the TCL remote. For example, the FOSI 'down' volume will cause the TV's caption options to appear on the screen. The Fosi Bass+ and Bass- will turn the TV's volume up and down. This can be . . . irritating. I've got it dialed in so that I generally control the volume with the TV's remote (I leave the FOSI volume at around 45), so I rarely have to use the Fosi's remote, but be aware of it if you want to use this with a TV. I have no idea how it would affect other brands of TV.

[@jasonreyes9504]

How do elacs sound with this amp? I have b5.2. what series and year tcl are you using?

[@markmiller1438]

​@@jasonreyes9504 For the TCLs, we've had the problem with two of them. I think they're both 4-series, and one of them is only a few weeks old. As for the sound, the Elacs seem good with the FOSI, but I really haven't hooked them up to another amp yet to compare.

[@angelheart1129]

I purchased one of these little wonders as an interim solution while my big dollar $5k integrated is in the shop once again. Guess what, with a reference grade DAC into auxiliary and my alnico/neodymium home brew speakers it’s a killer piece for pennies 🙌 I’m keeping this class D wonder connected for a week or two until the reference map returns from the hospital then moving it on to some lucky buyer Thinking the 32 volt dc 5 amp power supply makes a great deal of the magic, I’m also connected to a powered subwoofer and it blends seamlessly at 60hz and below ❤️

[@cheapaudioman]

Isn’t it amazing what one can get these days. You should check out the aiyima a07 amzn.to/3hwGhH7 it’s got a surprisingly full lush sound for a class D

[@angelheart1129]

Thanks 🙏 my 95db speakers sing wonderfully with this Fosi amp 😍

[@yournightmare9999]

@@angelheart1129 i have two 90db towers with 8" woofer do you think this fosi can run them

[@angelheart1129]

Easily without breaking a sweat 😅

[@mgsamps]

I got a Fosi Audio BT30D 2.1 a few weeks ago for my PC audio. Best thing I've ever bought for 85 quid, sounds incredible with an 8 inch sub. Not sure if the DA2120 has a different amp IC to the BT30D but I can assure anyone reading this review it doesn't sound dry harsh or flat, it did sound a little edgy at first, but now with 2-3 weeks use it sounds incredible, smooth clean and very punchy, and it goes loud. I was so intrigued I connected it to my full size system, pre-outs from my Denon PMA1600NE into some Monitor Audio Silver 200's and my CD player and I was pretty gobsmacked by the performance of this tiny box, it didn't quite have the warmth of the Denon class A/B amp on its own but even so.. if money is tight and you need a great little digital amp with BT you definitely won't be disappointed. I think with all these little amps and DAC's give them a few weeks to run in.

[@lazzzzze1]

Are you still enjoying the BT30D? I've had mine for a few months and pretty happy with it.

[@mgsamps]

@@lazzzzze1 Yep no complaints, running a pair of PSB Alpha's and a sub from it. Still can't believe such a big sound comes from a such a tiny little box.

[@chillyboy2008]

This one has dac, for pc is perfect if you don't have a good sound card

[@BudgetRC_Channel]

interesting observations. I just bought one of these a few weeks ago to power some DIY speakers that I built years ago for my inlaws, but I had to try it out first! Using the bluetooth input, I was really impressed at how full it sounded. No harshness at all on mine. I wonder if there was something wrong with yours. I thought it sounded at least as good as the NAD that I usually drive those speakers with. What you may be hearing is a boost near 20khz due to the noise filter that Class D amps use. Some of them lower the damping factor at high frequencies, and in the process, can cause a rise in response in the top octave with some speakers, depending on how much their impedance profile rises at high frequencies.

[@angelheart1129]

I found it detailed and resolving NOT THIN! with a reference quality DAC and highly resolving expensive speakers/cables

[@Рашка-у8й]

I'm afraid all of you ppl are fulla crap a little bit. That reference quality DAC of yours gets fed through an ADC onboard the Da-2120C before getting fed to the TAS5352A via i2s. Basically the amp itself is a big fat 100wpc dac but you must feed it through USB to cut out the unnecessary crap from the chain. Haven't blind tested but I kinda suspect it sounds best over usb. By about a mile.

[@DougMen1]

You said the RCA jacks are outputs, but they're actually inputs for a CD player or similar device with analog outputs

[@adaboy4z]

I had a Fosi BT20a and it was a nice full sound over BT into some Bang & Olufsen S80. Sent it back as it didn't play nice with my record player. I recently ordered the DA-2120c to play around with my other sets of speakers.

[@ramondelgado6778]

Also, I LOVE that mini Class D, amplifier stand!

[@mauricioperez-reyes5051]

This man is the funniest thing in audio today

[@billywindsock9597]

I'll be right back, I'm off to buy some corn.

[@ruley73]

I see that Polk Audio now makes a matching amp rack for their T15 speaker stands. 😂😂

[@johnnixon2504]

Mmmmm corn. My favorite way to eat corn is via beef that has consumed said corn.

[@SystemicNuance]

Hifi review channels have some of the best personalities in the online review space.

[@020matrix]

Fosi Audio DA 2120C + Wharfdale diamond 220 + denon sub great combo

[@DeanoEssex]

RCA Out?? I want to hook something like this for my vinyl record player but you say RCA out. My deck has RCA out so i want RCA in. Is this a mistake by you or are the RCA out only?

[@hardtymz2517]

Mono subwoofer out. Stereo rca IN. This video is not the brightest bulb in the drawer. In facts it’s mad dim, barely functioning.

[@Luxumbra69]

Wow. Very informative! Thank you. I"ll be using this amp to power a pair of Polk T50's and a powered 10" polk sub. Hope it is as good as you made it seem :P

[@canadianwildlifeservice8883]

Please review the latest Hamilton Beach toaster as the updated model now includes a bluetooth receiver and is 1,200 watts

[@masvas1]

Since your video was sponsored by Corn, I tipped my hat to you, and I'm compelled to Subscribe.

[@esjihn]

I have a schiit stack for my hifi headphone setup with bifrost 2 dac, lokius eq, and jotunheim 2 headphone amp. The cool part is as you suggested in the video I can use 2 parts of the stack (dac and eq) and run it through the fosi audio just to power the speakers while maintaining great sound.

[@B.B.Digital_Forest]

I just ordered this today. Until my desired AV receiver is back in stock I can try out my Pioneer speakers with this.

[@B.B.Digital_Forest]

Update: I managed to hook them up to my tower speakers but I can only play via Bluetooth right now. Tomorrow I'll find a coaxial cable to connect my blu-ray player and another cable to connect my TV. After a few minutes just playing MP3s I can say my speakers seem to be as promising as some reviewed, but I need a better source to really test them out. Plus I want to hook up my subwoofer anyway. Edit: SoundCloud sounds great with this thing! The DA2120C did heat up a bit after playing. I haven't tested the different setting because I didn't get batteries for the remote control yet. But I love how easy using banana plugs were.

[@B.B.Digital_Forest]

Update: I finally connected my Pioneer SP-BS22-LRs to this thing. For the moment I've got them hooked up to my PC until I get some proper speaker stands. The vocals are good, even for a game like Mass Effect: I'm using the optical connection of my motherboard. But the 2120C needs to be restarted if you leave your Windows PC on sleep. I guess it needs a constant signal from the source?

[@JoseFerreira-zb7wh]

You have to try the FX Audio Dac-X6 Mkii, Randy. The first one was already a classic in the value department (FX Audio Dac-X6), this one isn't that much expensive and t's great! Excellent on a budget.

[@angelheart1129]

Using this with Gustard X pro DAC and love it 🥰

[@cdhankerson7586]

Outstanding review Go navy, I knew that you had it in you.

[@alexanderboehm80]

I like Corn - „Sour mash“ style. As used in Kentucky.

[@hardtymz2517]

So thats why they voted for trumpy bear. TIL

[@bradleyfogelberg6054]

Hi Randy I think you're doing a great job. Just saw the polk t15 for sale for around 60 bucks so if anyone wants to practice with there router there u go. To be fair the t15 were made to be up on the wall above the ear level presumably for use as surrounds. They sound bad at ear level so I've heard. Could you review the t50 cause I need one but dont want to buy one if theres better options for the price. Take care and thanks

[@FabianWinkler]

Correction at 4:00. It does not have RCA out. These are RCA inputs.

[@moonytheloony6516]

Clicky-Clicky sounds are very important.

[@FrightfulMess]

Thanks for that Yamaha speaker review I asked for, Randy. You pretty much answered my questions, so now all I have to do is sneak that 2-300 odd dollars past the wife for those emotivas, Sony, or Elac speakers. Might be forced to go with those Elacs that are offering monthly payments on Amazon, but at least I know for sure my speakers really aren't cutting it. They ARE more than 20 years old now, anyway. Again, thanks!!!

[@Casey.S.]

I like these little things. Nice review.

[@rjzlwop3153]

I think it’s crazy that you won’t drink while you’re on camera I think it’s funny to hear the goofy complaints from people, corn is amazing all the way around

[@angelheart1129]

Had this amplifier connected in my kit to DAC cables and speakers costing twenty 20 times more for 15 months The ability to voice my sound from my listening position via remote is amazing 🤩 ❤😊 Been in the hobby 50 years, this represents a giant killer for so little investment

[@DeanoEssex]

Hi Martin i noticed you commented on this old video only 4 hours ago and you seem to be knowlegable on it. i'm not sure if cheapaudioman will respond to my question. He mentions this has RCA out so does that mean my Record deck which has RCA won't be compatible with this unit. I want to downsize my amp to something small for my deck. If this is only RCA out then surely a record deck wont work. Can you give me any advice please. Thank You Deano..

[@angelheart1129]

@@DeanoEssex this only has one rca left and right single ended input, sub out and the usual DAC inputs usb, co-ax, optical and a giant Bluetooth antenna but I don’t vouch for the DAC it’s very basic I’ve never used the dac or Bluetooth

[@DeanoEssex]

@@angelheart1129 OK thanks for yor reply 👍

[@nicodemuspapadopoulos4708]

Thanks for the video! A couple of things, though... It's not a DAC. While there are digital inputs, there are no analog outputs. Next - The unit is rated for 240 Audio Watts Out, which is impossible. The power supply is rated at 32 VDC @ 5A, yielding 160 Watts total DC power from the supply. Multiply that by 90% efficiency of the digital amplifiers and you get a little over 140W. Deduct the miscellaneous other circuits, you wind up with (at the most) 140W, or 70W per channel. It's cute, but the specs are wrong and it's not a real DAC.

[@mmgee]

Thanks for the warning

[@ramondelgado6778]

Hello Randy! Great review, as usual, brother! Please help.....this one or the Topping MX3? I was about to buy the MX3 and then this video popped up. Your thoughts, please. Thank you again for your time!!!

[@stevezeidman7224]

Great CB reference good buddy!

[@PasqualeCafiero-w1d]

HELP! This or the Topping MX3 for an entry level setup (Jamo S803)?

[@allrc8737]

I have this Amp with my jamo s803 and this combo sounds amazing bro

[@jbradshaw7]

@cheapaudioman I've been going through your reviews looking for a recommendation on a power amp which just does the basic job of amplification, for when you already have an external DAC with headphone amp, bluetooth and USB input - why pay for those features again in a power amp right? It looks like this is another in that category. Subwoofer out would be a bonus, as would balanced inputs and EQ (or at least basic tone controls), but quality of sound (and the ability to drive bigger speakers with ease) comes first. Could you consider a video on such amps?

[@teddybonkers337]

Great informative and funny video as always.👍

[@thomasward00]

Looks good for a Bedroom setup, how would this compare with a standard receiver or amp for sound quality? Class D vs AB

[@nc3419]

Probably not but depends on quality of the amp/receiver. A good class AB can give more texture, separation, depth, not a big difference for some but some of us can hear it marginal as it might be. The Class D amps of this budget and size sounds nice to me, at least to what I have listened to. Aiyima a04 and a07 amps. Much better than Fosi HD-a1 IMO. As you move up the chain in $$$, you should get more. But the small, inexpensive class D I mentioned are nice sounding. I think the biggest difference is in dynamic swings, micro/macro, IMO. As to standard, I don't look too highly at cheap AV receivers but there are some which are decent.

[@imacrazyguy5831]

First.. realize cost. An A/B amp is always going to outperform a little desktop mini-Hifi unit. You are talking 100-120x2 4ohm rms vs several thousand watts to a 5.1-7.1 system. Outside of that, the performance on a desktop unit like this is absolutely perfect for a computer audio or small apartment, where pushing a thousand+++ watts is frowned on.

[@nc3419]

Consider an Aiyima A07 amp. approx $80, can add a dac w/BT, etc.

[@louis-philippebeaulieu2542]

Hi, Thinking of pairing this with Neumi BS5. Any thoughs? Still relevant in 2024? Looking for a cheap amp with BT and multiple input options. Thx

[@RICHUNCLEPENNYBAGS77]

I can't agree on the EQ settings. They all sound way worse to me than just leaving it on the neutral setting. One thing not mentioned in the video is that USB sounds different from optical (not sure why that is) and I'd call it worse.

[@btk4010]

@cheapaudioman have you or anyone else came across the Fosi Audio E10 / PRO? There's a hell of a lot of features packed into the unit. It's one of the few lower price DAC/AMPs that has a pre out - which interests me a lot. Their dodgy documentation states it's a Sub out, sometimes a pre out. Know any more details on sound and function?

[@VGiena]

Aiyima D05 looks very similiar to this dac/amp. They just rebrands of the same product? Great ep. Cheapaudioman .

[@gasolin75]

And douk audio a10

[@dimlitzil665]

Hey, I got this Amp, I connected it to my android phone, now I have a new phone and I can't connect it since it's paired with my old phone (that I don't have anymore), how can I reset it?

[@superidyt]

Hi. Nice video! I'm looking for a budget integrated amp for my Pioneer 6 ohms 130w speakers (SP-FS52). It's Fosi DA-2120C a good idea. Any other amp sugestion for listen to Rega turntable? Thank you.

[@nathanaelcole8466]

Just curious if you could look at this and the Aiyima D05. They are eerily similar and it is obvious they share a lot of components. I am not as versed in some of the technical specs and am wondering if that is where the differences lie. I know you raved on the T9 and credit it to the Texas Inst. chip so I am wondering if that could be where the difference lies between these two.

[@zbarz7918]

Hi Randy, Sorry for the "How do I" hold my hand question, but just trying to figure the EQ end out in the lineup. And honestly, I just miss my old EQs. They were fun. So, how and what type of EQ would you or anyone recommend for an amp like this or similar? Or, in my case, my slow road from China possible arrival of an Aiyama T8 DAC paired with an Aiyama 300W A08 Pro Amp. I take it the T8 Dac would be the Preamp, with the RCA Line Outs going to some type of EQ, yet to be determined, with the EQ out to the A08 RCA Audio Ins. And it would be as simple as that? I ask as I remember confusing hookups to tape decks and moniter capability and confusion, but in the end, somehow, you slide the levers and instant gratification. Any recommendations?

[@phatmeow7764]

Hi might have missed it : them binding post accept both banana jacks and bare wire then?

[@jamesrobson8774]

That is correct. The terminals accept bare wire and banana plugs.

[@eduardosalgado6598]

Hello, do you recommend it? I have a par of jbl mkii, a subwoofer polk 12 inches, and a soundcraft mixer, will this dac improve my equipment? Than you

[@tharveytucker1]

Hey I’ve got one of those! Decent amp

[@tuna9919]

There is a nice amp you should review, Loxjie A30, and Loxjie D30 DAC

[@theblackfurst4872]

Is the Fosi DA2120C a copy of the AIYIMA D05 or is it the other way around? Anyway - they seems to be great amps but the lack of a headphone plug and that you can't access tone settings without the remote is annoying

[@timothylewis2450]

Hi Randy! Great opinion as usual. Would you think the SMSL Ad18 or Aiyima T9 would be a better value for small room music?

[@cheapaudioman]

T9. Love that thing. Fun. Tube roll if you’d like. Hard to find fault with it

[@timothylewis2450]

@@cheapaudioman Thanks so much, was leaning towards it. Hoping to add 07 later. 😎

[@logan214]

I’m looking to run a few outdoor speakers around my tiki bar/pool. Would this be a good fit or any suggestions?

[@RockCity1111]

Good morning Randy. Have you tried the Polk R 100s on a regular Home theater receiver? I can't go emotiva because they have a issue getting audio from the optical out from Samsung tvs Plus the Crown amp video from yesterday made me forget about crown. I can get 100 watt Yamaha Rxa2a for 599.99. I really want those Polk R 200s. It should be fine with a 100 watt Yamaha right ????

[@Tutku35]

This looks identical to D05. Are they similar in performance though?

[@salarana1136]

At this price point of around $170, surely the Loxjie A30, Topping MX3, and maybe SMSL AD18 is better no?

[@Red.exe7]

Did you find out if the ad18 is better?

[@hardtymz2517]

The A30 sucks. It has serious design flaws and breaks easily. Reviews back that fact up. Also it’s past 2003, and it still wants to use mini usb to attach to a computer. Gross.

[@jlmain5777]

Hey Randy ya think that ol’ ginormous antenna will reach out to my chicken coop in the back? 🐓

[@yanni1398]

Isn’t this just a rebranded Aiyima?

[@hardtymz2517]

Other way around, playgurl

[@grangermacy]

I find this a bit hard to believe frankly. This is an all digital amp. So when using digital inputs you are not doing a digital analog conversion. Using the RCA analog, however, you are going through an analog digital conversion. If you put a DAC on it you are now doing a double conversion. Theoretically a terrible idea. I've got the Aiyama D05 which is basically the same. I find the digital inputs very clean and with rock solid placement and a good 3d image. It is highly detailed and might be a bit much for rock but it's beautiful with most jazz and classical music. I like the sound more than an Aiyama A07 with an RME dac. Go figure! The A07 doesn't present a solid image for me. The RME dac on the other hand is fabulous with my KT88 tube amp.

[@thehypercovery]

I’m thinking of buying this and feeding it from a DAC, is the double conversion you mentioned bad? aren’t basically of these chi-fi stereo amps going to suffer from this same issue?

[@PMantle]

I have the A instead of the C, but was just wondering if everyone else has to turn the volume over 60 to get decent volume? Or, is there a chance I did something wrong?

[@thomasbirdsell840]

Since you're so at ease using phonetics, I wanted to know if you learned them in amateur radio, or in the military?

[@patrickblendea9130]

Hey guys and cheapaudioman if you're there, I am torn with my upgrade path for my setup between this product and the sony STR-dh190 with a prozor dac. I use my speakers (polk t300) for a small bedroom setup and it is a multi purpose setup (music first, TV second, games third). I currently am running them with an little d class 2020a amp from lepy and was looking to replace that in the hopes of one day replacing the polk's with a pair of ELAC debut 6.2 speakers (when i have the space for them) and I was hoping for a reasonable setup to work well with both my current speakers and those when I can get them. Any advice is greatly appreciated!

[@piotrfrozen]

@cheapaudioman What amp would you recommend for Klipsch RP-500M?

[@ed0c]

Think this will run 95db sensitivity speakers that require around 80-100w (max 200w) 8ohm speakers? i want to plug them into a PC for movies/gaming.

[@abelfonseca]

Corn is the best sponsor ever. Im off to buy me some corn.

[@hardtymz2517]

Jonathan Brandis Likes this.

[@Klocaine237]

Fuk yeah RANDY. I'm a little country, a little crystal Meth!?!

[@DBrownCo]

Fosi Wosi was A bear, Fosi Wosi was only fair.🐻

[@iowaudioreviews]

Almost bought one of these, went with the SMSL SA300 instead. Looks like I made the rivht choice the SA300 has been quite nice.

[@stevenswall]

Is there much hiss? What if I used it for passive nearfield speakers, would I be able to hear it?

[@blue_blue-1]

I don´t like the amp-stand - or does it maybe fit the amp?

[@tuna9919]

How does it compare with the Fosi audio BT30D? Does it worth an extra $100?

[@Peconi111]

Wow you fixed your table 😂

[@MustPassTruck]

That Ryobi doesn't count as high quality.

[@Rockovissi]

Would this work as a nice preamp to get 7.1.4 out of my home theater receiver to power the two back surrounds?

[@ThomasTVP]

So, not better than the Aiyima T9 I just bought on your recommendation.

[@darrenparkes9805]

I love barley via beer. Eeeehhhhh, I’ve come across you’re channel it’s excellent, a great sense of humour but so imfomative,

[@m4nc1n1]

How does Fosi compare to Aiyima? I got the A07 and T8. They are fantastic. Never tried Fosi tho

[@cheapaudioman]

Some of the Fosi stuff sounds quite good. You’ll be hard pressed to improve upon the 07 and t8 though. The op amp and power amp chips in the 07 is where the magic is.

[@salmenda]

Could this power a set of jamo 809?

[@darrendavies1102]

Great review,,, no boy talk but man talk, anyways I'm out of my knowledge,,, got a strange question fir ya,, if you got time,,, OK play, semi pro pc games like battlefield and cod, I'm after separation for were the fight is, and footsteps.. can't wear headphones,, Long story... Tinnitus,, omg. Keep them headphones low boys and girl's... Don't want commercial gaming speaker set up.,,, Crap,,, But looking at this may be a answer and not use onboard mother board sound chip ... Can you save me time and money 💰 if you were in my shoes abd buy once,, what would you recommend. For dac/amp and speaker set up.... buget not thousands but buy once not twice..lol Many thanks love your channel, no nonsense,, love it. Keep well..

[@hardtymz2517]

Real gamers don’t go deaf. Try closed captions and Dolby Atoms!

[@TheTop40hub]

Groovy

[@ts6640]

How do you bypass the internal DAC of the unit given it is an integrated DAC/Amp/Streamer?

[@RICHUNCLEPENNYBAGS77]

Plug in the RCA input?

[@hlurpseed]

Picked up an Aiyama T8 6N3 DAC amp that does all this for $129 on Amazon and love it. I use it on an older Onkyo TX-5811 amp to handle a Blu Ray player and Bluetooth. The Aiyama might be worth reviewing. Its new and has a tube preamp stage. I have Fosi’s $69 BT amp you reviewed and love it too.

[@nc3419]

I like Aiyima products, own four. For small budgets and footprints, they do well.

[@arena_rock_man9030]

It does everything but power speakers... :-(

[@hargoniyamaki5168]

No free range, grain fed, gluten free Pomeranian t-shirts yet?

[@dicmccoy]

That's a big knob.

[@felipeyate1247]

Corn Rules!!!

[@TheoSmith249]

You should NOT make fuel out of corn.

[@Gug9000]

Does that Ryobi router have 5G? 😆

[@howardgreenfield1255]

What? No classical?? 10-4 good buddy....

[@praxisodinson8378]

0:58 Beef, the best plant based meat.

[@zardoz2627]

Do yourself a favor, don't feed your cattle corn. Hay and grass is the way to go.

[@leadpaint1969]

But cows love KoRn...

[@hardtymz2517]

@@leadpaint1969ew. Welcome to the party pal!

[@andrewf8578]

works terrible with Windows

[@hlurpseed]

Radio Shack aesthetic.

[@franckthetanck9905]

if it had a headphone out, this would have been a MX3 killer

[@hardtymz2517]

No too much.

[@mrmax1467]

Ok ? Alright ?

[@davidsmithson9236]

Breaker....breaker... did you say lite rock..over. Was it named after the Muppets character?

[@hardtymz2517]

Fraggle Rock