#donglemadness

Full review of Fosi Audio DS1 and comparisons with popular ES9038Q2M Dongle DACs
Chapters:
00:00 Intro
00:12 Contents & Build
00:38 Configuratrion & Specifications
02:52 Sound Analysis (MAIN)
03:13 Listening Equipment Used
04:52 Sound Impressions & Grading
16:28 Comparisons (with other ES9038Q2M DACs)
21:46 Comparisons (Sound Characteristics)
23:18 Conclusions
Get Fosi Audio DS1 at:
Amazon US：amzn.to/401Xefu
Aliexpress：s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_on0...
Official website：www.fosiaudio.com/product/hea...
Shot On:
- Canon EOS R6 Mark2
- Canon RF 15-35mm F2.8 L USM (Primary)
- Canon EF 50mm F1.2 L USM (Secondary)
- ATOMOS Ninja V (Canon CLOG3 BT2020 ProRes 4.2.2 4K59P)
My Tidal Version Playlist:
tidal.com/browse/playlist/ba3...

[@nigelliddicoat9094]

Thank you for your in depth review of the DS1. Probably the best quality review in terms of presentation and detailed performance criteria that I have ever watched. Before watching this presentation my understanding of this type of product was pretty basic, but not anymore. Thank you so much Professor Andy.

[@donglemadness]

My pleasure

[@ricardoaugusto922]

Good morning. Great review but a very interesting proposal for the value and quality of this equipment. After the 2 iems CCA CXS and KZ ZVX which you evaluated very well, I realized that it is not a channel focused on indicating expensive products, but on the pleasure and fun of listening to your music with quality, whether it is 10, 20, 50, 100 or 200 dollars or but. Keep up the great work, it's such a joy to wake up and see new content from you.

[@donglemadness]

Thanks Ricardo. You have a great day there,🙏

[@kimdambong6779]

About to order after I watch your review😂🤟

[@eriklscott64]

Oh my God!!😅 This is amazing!!🎉 I actually was watching your review of the KZ ZVX. And I probably missed the first couple of seconds doing something. The reason I mentioned I probably was doing something as I didn't see the association with Andy's audio vault. So anyhow I'm watching the review and I'm thinking how OnPoint you are. And how comfortable you are to watch. I felt like I was in the room with you having a conversation. And I watch everybody don't get me wrong. I watch Paul I watch HBB, etc. And I even know a couple of them. So I'm enjoying this video review and I'm thinking I got to let this guy know how good he is cuz we need somebody like him to stay around. You're so on point about the etymotic e2r. One of the best sounding except they're so damned uncomfortable that's why they don't ever get the proper praise. And don't get me wrong I love all kinds of iems. from 2 dollars up to$2,500. One's designed for bass, one's desiged for mid-range, and the ones that I really like that have that kind of 3d affect. And you know I've heard you mention the 1500 so I knew that you knew like expensive Good gear and cheap good gear. So I said damn I got to go to his current page and leave him a note to please keep doing this. So when I go and it turns out it's Andy's Audio Vault. Dude your like a god in my book!!!😊 This is such an honor to be able to subscribe to your channel and watch the video all the way through and give it a thumbs up and if I can possibly muster some cash I'd like to throw you something. Your work on Dongle dacs is up there with Crinicles work!!!! And so excited that you are doing videos and obviously you've been doing them for a while but sometimes things get by. But now that I know you're here I'm going to visit all the time and make sure I do whatever I can to make sure you stay doing this. Your manner how you come across is great relaxed not abrasive in anyway. Just a pleasure. And then to find out your one of my idols😮.😊 Is just fantastic!!! I go by the name of BigErik sometimes at Online audio sites like HeadFi and such. Well I have the opportunity please let me still say thank you so much for all of your phenomenal work!😅😂 I mean your work is just incredible. It's so geared towards the average person and yet its top-of-the-line information. To anyone who's not aware you need to check out his listing for dongle dacs. If I remember right there was something about you weren't going to be able to keep it save where was so somebody volunteered to pay to have it permanently put some place. I'm sure you must have a link somewhere. I suggest permanently putting a link to it on every video. To anyone who has not read it, it is so full of information, a must-read. So again thank you so much and I'm sorry this was long but you made my day!!! Stay healthy and take care!!! Big Erik

[@donglemadness]

Erik, it is an honor and my pleasure to be acknowledged like this, Thank you! my primary site #donglemadness is indeed still alive and kicking, in fact just celebrated 2nd anniversary of #donglemadness last week. This KZbin channel however is my primary medium now, since last November 2022 and I intend to stay because it is a lot more "interactive" to talk about it )and I am lazy AF to write now hahaha). I will take your suggestions into advise and will show my primary site in each videos going forward. You have a good day there Erik

[@davemichael1440]

quite a inclusive and precise vedio for recommending devices

[@donglemadness]

Thank you!

[@Mykeoguns]

Keep up the good work sir ❤

[@donglemadness]

Thank you, I will

[@nailedit05]

Nice review 🙂

[@erhanozgul5301]

Researhing alot and i think FOSI DS1 is ONE OF THE best DONGLES to buy Reviewed by one of the best DONGLE REVIEWER! Thank u Andy

[@lowaltitudeninja1818]

Wow, what a detailed review! I'm familiar with the REYIN DA-PLUS sound and I can't say a single bad thing about it. That's why I was curious how the DS1 would compare. It didn't actually make the REYIN obsolete, which I sort of expected after reading your very positive comments about the DS1 on fb. Compared to the REYIN, the DS1 is cheaper and has independent volume controls, but it seems to be limited by its power output. Well, the scores speak for themselves. Ultimately, it will come down to personal preferences, I guess.

[@donglemadness]

Yes, you are right, it boils down to preferences as well when we look into such a competitive market of audio gears now

[@marcelpfeiffer6587]

Great review! Sounds like a good alternative in the sub 100$ range.

[@donglemadness]

It really is!

[@nidhinpavurala517]

I was waiting for this...!! No inline mic... Hmm

[@-iIIiiiiiIiiiiIIIiiIi-]

It's strange the High and Low settings are not for gain it is for impedance rating. I had to find out the hard way. Like I said very strange.

[@jackfein8914]

Plz review Fiio ft3. Thanks for answering fan comments.

[@donglemadness]

Thanks Jack, if I can get one I will surely want to review it. Cheers!

[@frederf69]

i find that the sensitivity rating more significant that the ohm's rating - the Dan Clark Aeon closed X is 12.5 ohm & 91db sensitive per mw requires more power than the Beyerdynamic DT1990 Pro 250 ohm @ 102db sensitive per mw. Good review ✌😎👍 thank you!

[@donglemadness]

Indeed, especially for planars. You have a great day there!

[@ambientblue-eyedmonkey8849]

That's because 12.5 ohms is considered very low and requires way more current, a lot of dongles are optimized to deliver max power into 32ohms and cap their current output below 32ohms. The lower the ohms the more current it takes to drive it, while higher ohms number requires more voltage, that's why Andy had trouble here driving his Sennheiser HPs, it needs the least 4 volts. In perfect world when you go from 32 ohms to 16ohms your dongles power in milliwatts should double up, but almost all dongles deliver less power at 16ohms than at 32ohms. BTW, thanks Andy for praising Centrance Dacport HD, without you I wouldn't have known about it, So I just got it and it's fantastic, volume wheel is the greatest thing to me, besides it's power of course.

[@ambientblue-eyedmonkey8849]

So when you have low sensitivity and such low ohms it becomes why harder to drive it.

[@petrpulpytel]

thanks for great reviee👍 subbed... do you plane to review the new fiio ka5? thanks

[@donglemadness]

Thanks Petr. KA5 is with me now and already using it extensively before review is out. Hopefully sometime next week

[@petrpulpytel]

@@donglemadness Great Andy👍 you are the best for dongle dacs.. im really curious if the ka5 can win 5 stars😀

[@donglemadness]

@@petrpulpytel We will find out soon enough!

[@Dcage13]

❤❤❤

[@sollomonim6273]

Is the iBasso DC03 Pro better than this to pair with the Kiwi Ears Cadenza? Thank you for your review!

[@donglemadness]

Yes. DC03PRo is rated higher for good reasons. And you're welcome 🤗

[@ericthacker839]

Super Great Video I just order my Fosi Audio DS1, never had a dac be for I know once I get it and try it out I'm going to upgrade can you recommend something for me I use a Andriod phone over ear headphones like Beats, Sennheiser momentum 4, Bower and Wilkins PX8 and Sony m4 and m5. Thanks you so much.

[@donglemadness]

That's awesome, just wait for your DS1 to arrive and spend time using it, enjoy the refinement it offers, then only think and assess if you want a bit more of upgrades

[@ericthacker839]

Ok I'll let you when I get them, most likely I will upgrade.

[@kiki_indra]

Can't wait for fiio KA5 review...

[@donglemadness]

Soon. Thanks

[@jackfein8914]

Can’t wait for FiiO FT3 review. Mine just got shipped. I’m gonna have it soon

[@k_g_h]

I have a question. In the reviews of products using two cs chips (ex: tanchim space, truthear shio), there is a saying that the resolution is bad due to the damping effect using two cs chips, and on the contrary, is it true that the sound of the ess chip (ds1, ka3) becomes clean? They say the products using the cs chip are similar to the feeling of the Apple Dongle, which only has good output.

[@donglemadness]

What was the test conditions? were they done on measurements or extensive listening using different type of devices in varying condition? I don't do measurements and I don't have the tools to do it, so it is always actual listening analysis from me. Both SHIO and Space definitely falls into neutral uncolored DAC which offer smooth edged presentation, and perhaps this smoothness can be perceived as "lacking resolution" especially if the listener is more attuned to appreciating a more clinical and analytical sound. The trade-off for this, usually in the process of being analytical, many DACs ended up losing some element of smoothness and musicality especially when paired with an already analytical and resolving IEMs. Both Space and SHIO definitely has resolution and good imaging, the issue is that they opted to use permanent sound filter that would not allow the user to change the sound characteristics because both CS chips on those dongles can sound clinical if you want them to be. It boils down to what you perceive as good to yourself, your own ears, do you prefer crisp analytical sound (Hi-Fi)? or do you prefer smoother transients with good balance of organic presentation? only you can decide on that

[@SacrificiaLamb.The.Gixxerator]

@AndyAudioVault [Q]ustion : Does this Dongle have Media Control? If not, Is there any dongle out there with dedicated Media control like Play/Pause, Next Track etc...? Or a dual purpose Volume Rocker where you can Hold to skip a track?

[@donglemadness]

Check out the FiiO KA5, it has a single function button that serves as Play/Pause and you can also configure the vol to next/previous too

[@SacrificiaLamb.The.Gixxerator]

@@donglemadness Thanks, Are there any other options? or is that the BEST Sounding one with Skip Track control?

[@donglemadness]

@@SacrificiaLamb.The.Gixxerator That would be KA5 for the features you asked. Most other dongles don't have that feature. You can also check my review on MUSEHIFI M3 on my primary #donglemadness site and see if it will work for you

[@LJG999ab]

I am new to this area. I have the Fosi DS1 on order. As you pointed out both the DragonFy Cobalt and the Fosi Audio DS1 use the ES9038Q2M DAC. Audioquest touts an output of 2.1 V as a selling point (which I believe is significantly more than the Fosi DS1). However, to drive most quality headphones, this appears unnecessary- and in the case of portable USB DACs this seems to be their main function. The Cobalt also supports MQA What is also confusing is the support for High res audio. For example, does the Fosi DS1 support ALAC? Is this support dependent on whether you are steaming from an iPhone, iPad or Mac? Does it vary by model. From a consumer perspective the support for lossless (high resolution or not) is probably sufficient for most headphones and listeners. What is also interesting is that consumer reviews of these devices often reference premature failure, high temps, etc. Which raises the question of how important amplifier power output is when driving high impedence headphones over longer periods.

[@donglemadness]

When Cobalt was released many years ago, anything with 2 Vrms was an achievement for DAC/Amp in very small form factor. But for the last 3 years, 4 VRMS is a normal thing now, and I can safely say 2 VRMS is considered as minimum as of today. As for Hi Res, ALAC is a codec, Hi-Res itself is a definition of lossless medium with the ability to present sound dynamics in the fullest extend, and by this reckoning DS1 or tons of other newer dongles for that matter are all capable of Hi-Res because doing playback of 44.1/32 bit is a normal standard now (if you still consider CD lossless quality Hi-Res). ALAC just like FLAC or outright WAV are all Hi-Res, for as long as they come from original uncompressed mastering. High temp in dongles are also not a new thing. If you ever use Apogee Groove or CEntrance DACport HD, then you will know those two can fry an egg after using them for 1 hour. But both my Groove and DACport HD remains fully functional as they were since I got them many years back. I am seeing the same behavior still on most dongles that offer dedicated amp section, like Hidizs S9 Pro among some of them. But if Cobalt is failing due to high temp, then it is some sort of engineering fault that AudioQuest need to tackle because apparently the far more powerful Apogee Groove and DACport HD does not fail due to heat

[@tarno_bejo_]

I hope this formula is the right one. V = sqrt (P x R) Vse = sqrt (l20mW x 32ohm) Vse = sqrt (0.l2W x 32ohm) Vse = sqrt (3.84) Vse = l.95V Vbal = sqrt (220mW x 32ohm) Vbal = sqrt (0.22W x 32ohm) Vbal = sqrt (7.04) Vbal = 2.65V I havent noticed any DSD capable dongle that supports mic. Tho, I ve been wondering whether CS46L4l does support mic or not. And i think that dongle is the cheapest dongle that supports DSD. I dont have any dongle that offers balance port. So, i ve been curious: can both ports produce sound when being used at the same time, sir?

[@donglemadness]

Thanks Tamo. Unfortunately, MIC support and DSD does not go hand in hand, the many dongles that I have tested, I can't remember any of the higher spec dongles supporting MIC. I do know the likes of VE Megatron support MIC, but it is not a dongle. On dual ports dongles, most of them will still produce sound when connected on both 3.5mm and 4.4mm, but I would not recommend to do that as it can impair power delivery because you will be applying load on both ends

[@soundarraj5830]

U have mentioned DS1 have Dual ES9038Q2M DAC but i can't find it any website regarding this spec.... U have said DS1 have indipendent volume control another reviewer says its not... It control only source volume.... Please clarify... Thanks in advance...l am about to make a purchase of DS1 these doubts are kept me on hold... Your help is much appreciated...

[@donglemadness]

I you check the section at 00:52, that specification was obtained directly from Fosi Audio. And it clearly shows dual ES9038Q2M. Also, I would again reconfirm the volume is independent, meaning you can adjust the volume separately on the dongle side without affecting the host volume

[@ericthacker839]

Hi my friend I would like to try a pair of headphone like the one's you by your side which one do you recommend for audiophile thank you so much.

[@donglemadness]

Depending on your budget, the one I recommend the most for good price to performance ratio is the FiiO JT1

[@ericthacker839]

@@donglemadness thank you

[@andresvr8357]

To be this close to musehifi it must be something soft, which is softer, this or 7hz71?

[@donglemadness]

DS1 is smoother than the crisp focused 71

[@user-bm4ni5wp2h]

The name of the Fosi dc1 amplifier indicates DSD512, and the description states that its dac supports DSD only up to 5.6 MHz. But DSD512 is 22 MHz. How to understand this? Does the amplifier support 22 MHz or not?

[@donglemadness]

I would not be able to try that as I don't have DSD512. Max I have in my library is DSD256

[@user-bm4ni5wp2h]

@@donglemadness And does the dac support DSD256?

[@donglemadness]

@@user-bm4ni5wp2h All ES9038Q2M supports DSD512 natively, including this one

[@user-ni8qj1kp6y]

Hi, I'm using fosi ds1 and I'm thinking of buying another dc03pro or dc04pro, can I feel the difference? If it doesn't make much difference, I'm only going to use ds1

[@donglemadness]

DS1 is already a very good DAC. There will be differences but set your expectations properly. Anything that I rated 4.5 Stars and above, the differences can be marginal because they already offer the best output to be expected from dongle DACs. Also the sound nuances would be the one that separates them, like DC03Pro offer a bit more of energy and dynamism to the sound compared to DS1, DC03Pro being more vibrant. DC04Pro on the other hand offer something which I consider as attunement to analog sound which DS1 is lacking, DC04Pro also offer wider sense of soundstage. So it depends on what is that you seek? does the nuances makes any difference to you? only you can answer that

[@user-ni8qj1kp6y]

​@@donglemadnessThank you for your kind answer. That's a lot of reference. I want to try dc04pro Thank you for helping me move on to a beginner Have a nice day

[@mokisan]

​@@user-ni8qj1kp6ydid you get the dc04 pro?

[@mdk12172633sg]

I wonder why didn't you add Fiio KA3 you did review it on dongledac madness...

[@donglemadness]

Lol, I missed it. And probably missed a few others too. As you can see I already lined up 7 dongles from the same DAC for comparisos and that was already lengthy

[@mdk12172633sg]

Anyways.... I have something yels to aks ... I see a lot of reviews on budget dongle DACs ... And you practically have everything specific for dondacs.... I meen you use flagship phone from sony just to make sure you have enough storage for songs 😂 I have the exact same plan... So are you going to review some famous DACs like Mojo 2 or hugo 2 or ifi xdsd grephine ... Cos i would like to know where this DACs stands when compared to budget one's You might be the 1st who does the chart to value this products and it feel easy ... I will be waiting for somthing like that .... And hope someday you start reviewing DAPs like A&K sp2000t or ibasso DX 320 alos .... ❤️

[@donglemadness]

@@mdk12172633sg I would love to do that too, but I am still buying most of the items and getting something like Mojo 1,2 or Gryphon is not something that is easy on my pockets lol. If I can get them, yes by all means I will do it

[@mdk12172633sg]

@@donglemadness i hope they start sending you review products 👍🏻... When it comes to dongledac reviews ... I thought you are the best . Keep doing good work 👍🏻

[@donglemadness]

@@mdk12172633sg Thank you!

[@IvanMartinez-gt3uh]

Hola veo que leí tu reseña de jcally jm10 y le pusiste ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ estrellas y a este fosi DS1 le pusiste ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 1/2 y es más caro por lo que veo

[@donglemadness]

JM10 was a 4.5 stars too

[@k_g_h]

As far as I know, ds1 and fiio ka3 used the same ESS chipset. Which of the two is the better choice if I prefer flat, spacey sounds? (I will mainly use it for the s12pro, a planar earphone.) And which of the two consumes more power?

[@donglemadness]

Many DACs can have the same chipset, how they tuned/implemented will differ. Between DS1 and KA3, I would say DS1 is flatter neutral, KA3 is still neutral too, as how good DACs should behave. Power wise, both would appear similar of not exceeding 3 Vrms. You want spacious staging, DS1 it is. Power efficiency also slightly better with DS1

[@k_g_h]

@@donglemadness Thank you!😊 Are the musical resolution of both products similar?

[@donglemadness]

@@k_g_h yes

[@armurano5093]

The KA3 comes with an app for fine tuning. Is that a deal breaker for the DS1?

[@donglemadness]

@@armurano5093 No. Because despite not offering an app, DS1 out of the box practically does not need tinkering. But I do wish it has an app like FiiO which would allow users to customize

[@simas861]

Which one is better, DS1 or DS2 ?

[@donglemadness]

I don't know about DS2, haven't tried it

[@Malik08902]

Dual dac? Not single dac?

[@donglemadness]

The config you see on 00:38 is taken directly from Fosi Audio website, so it says dual

[@Malik08902]

⁠​⁠@@donglemadnessthanks your answer! That's why I wrote it! On the official site 1x ess dac I saw! I dont understand. There is a picture on google of the audio circuit: 1x ess dac + 2x riot opamp

[@zengerz]

Fantastic stuff and reviews man! Very easy to step into the world of IEM, dongles etc thanks! I am curious about the cheap Loconaq E1 with ESS9038Q2M chip in it how it would compare or score in your ratings compared to this Fosi audio dac or other dongles. Maybe it is an interesting dac to reviews since it is also very cheap. Have a great day!

[@donglemadness]

Thanks. I may want to try Loconaq too 😁

[@zengerz]

@@donglemadness Would be nice for sure to see your opinion and rating on it compared to other dacs. I already ordered some Tanchjim Zero and KZ ZVX sets for myself, friends and family thanks to your work :)

[@zengerz]

@@donglemadness I forgot to say there that after your reviews the tanzu heyday my doubts where gone before ordering a planar iem headset but it was spot on and a fantastic purchase so thanks again and the timing was perfect! :D

[@donglemadness]

@@zengerz My pleasure

[@zengerz]

@@donglemadness :) looking forward and new videos and reviews, thanks for teaching! I just stumbled upon this dac on alixpres for around 70$: Akliam PD4 with dual cirrus logic43131 and volume buttons. Might be an interesting cheap dac, I dont know but it reminds me of the ibasso 04pro I have in my head thanks to you ;) Maybe it is interesting how that dac performs with that configuration for that amount of money. Just a suggestion as I accidentally stumbled upon it and there are probably hundreds of unknown dacs out there. HAve a great day!

[@eriklscott64]

Very good comment Ricardo. Hey I'm back for a minute. So I watched some videos and then saw that a couple of ten days ago you had a giveaway. And you say dongles madness and you talk about yourself a little. I was heartbroken. It seemed like most of the comments were just about getting a prize!!!😢 You know when I said I thought you were a god, I meant that the fun light and yet respectful way. The impression I'm getting is most people do not know who you are. The influence you've had on products for small companies. The value of your testing to the general public. VE collaboration. Abigail and avail and of course Megatron. Here's one for you why don't you throw everybody a real spin and try doing an earbud evaluation. There's that other fellow that does them but he does it in his native language and he throws a couple of English words in. Other than that there's nobody that does earbuds. And I mean real earbuds. Don't get me wrong I have over ear in ear (Iem's) and earbuds. People that like earbuds tend to really specialize in them. And then of course you know there was some problems with the giveaway .it would be awesome to have won something but to be able to be in the same chat room as you would be worth it. I am going to try to watch all the videos and catch up on things. My health is very poor. Unfortunately it dictates what I can do or not. So what I want to say to you people is this guy is a real legend in this hobby. Work he has done and the influence he has had on products that really count is just unbelievable. This is a true honor!!! So I thank you again sir!!!! You have enlightened me with all of your hard work. The only good thing about it is it might have been a lot of work but boy it was fun wasn't it!!!! Take care and once I get caught up I'm going to see if there's some way I can quote unquote "buy you a cup of coffee" I don't mind a one-time payment but I don't like the patron things. Take care of thank you BigErik rik

[@donglemadness]

Thanks again Erik. You are right about earbuds. In fact if I am to reflect on this Earbuds scene, there's tons of earbuds enthusiasts around and that is definitely an audience I want to interact too. Once I am cleared with the current backlog of dongles, I may do one for some of my favorite earbuds!

[@eriklscott64]

@@donglemadness oh my God that would be awesome!!!!! You know I love how you show how different dongles interact differently with different headphones. Just like I have bass headphones I have mid-centric headphones I have stage presence headphones. I also have dongle dacs that are darker or brighter or neutral or don't get their mojo going until past halfway. And so you can mix certain dongles with certain headphones to get a certain sound. And the way you explain things is awesome. You're teaching so many people. Real stuff not just you know is my playlist and this is my graph and don't give me wrong it's all important. But Weight note, decay, speed, etc. The little nuances that is the magic we look for. I know you say you're currently not working but you probably working all the time if that makes any sense? I hope so. I didn't look Is there a coffee button I heard there's a new coffee button on these KZbin things? If not I'm a subscriber You probably have my email address I woulda love to send you something by PayPal If you're able to receive? Again back to business You doing important work. Yes that alone is probably enough but you know what you deserve some monetary feedback. Doing the right thing is great but it doesn't pay the bills. So to receive something for doing the right thing is the right thing. I know you did all your hard work because you love the hobby but again you really have done some real work!!! I wish you nothing but the best and I'm so honored to talk to you. Again I'm going to look real quick when I get a chance and see if there's a coffee button but if not let me know if there's any way that I can PayPal something. Take care and thank you BigErik

[@donglemadness]

@@eriklscott64 Thanks again Erik