Can a $77 DAC beat a $350 one? Audioquest Dragonfly Cobalt vs Fosi Audio DS1

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 23 ส.ค. 2024

ความคิดเห็น • 156

  • @cheapaudioman
    @cheapaudioman  ปีที่แล้ว +7

    Fosi Audio DS1 amzn.to/3DKBbSs
    Audioquest Dragonfly Cobalt howl.me/ci4QpMc94Cd
    Free DAC/AMP from Audioquest forms.gle/nmN2gBexqPe1cHFW9 (be careful of scammers! winner will be emailed and not chosen from the comments! if you get a message that you've won in the comments it is a scam!)
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  • @moogoomoogoo5990
    @moogoomoogoo5990 ปีที่แล้ว +41

    A Dongle DAC sounds like something from Harry Potter.

    • @peterlarkin762
      @peterlarkin762 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Dumbledore dongle DAC. Say it 3 times, you start seeing fireflys :)

    • @CristianSanchezz22
      @CristianSanchezz22 8 หลายเดือนก่อน

      3 points for your comment

    • @jasonmiller7816
      @jasonmiller7816 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Or penthouse 😮

  • @dansteinmeyer4369
    @dansteinmeyer4369 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    Another dongle DAC to consider is the iFi GO link DAC/headphone amp for $60. I just got one and it sounds really good - right up there with my Audioquest Dragonfly Black. It's standard USB-C for the "universal" phones, but comes with a USB-A adapter and also an Apple Lightning adapter, so works right out of the box with my iPhone. It also does handle MQA for my Tidal subscription and has lights to show you what resolution you're getting by color. All this and less than the $77 Fosi Audio DS1.

    • @danielace4212
      @danielace4212 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Just ordered the iFi GO Link. Eager to check it out.

  • @Brian_Romska
    @Brian_Romska ปีที่แล้ว +13

    Randy! Fosi Audio and audio quest, as well as all the other non-sith audio companies and sponsors! You’ve come so far from the wobbly table and 500 subs since I’ve been stalking, I mean following, you. Good stuff as usual and thanks again for another great vid!

    • @lamb88ert
      @lamb88ert ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Problem is he has so many companies cutting him checks its hard to know what info is legit anymore

    • @cheapaudioman
      @cheapaudioman  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Wow, thanks!

  • @r00s.
    @r00s. ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Great review, Randy! Cheers.

  • @JohnScheppler
    @JohnScheppler ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Great review, and someone is going to end up with a nice gift thanks to Audioquest.

  • @benkrake3678
    @benkrake3678 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    I have the Audioquest DragonFly Black, which I bought 3 or 4 years ago, and it’s pretty decent of the basic DragonFly range. I’m currently saving up for a Peachtree Audio Nova 150 integrated amplifier, which has a very good DAC, which is capable of double DSD, and decent headphone amp built into it. So when I finally get that, I’ll most likely use that for headphone listening over the DragonFly Black.

  • @Alamo-cz5xc
    @Alamo-cz5xc ปีที่แล้ว +6

    I have owned all the AQ dongles and currently own the Hidizs. IMO, the Hidizs absolutely smokes all of the AQ offerings.

    • @cheapaudioman
      @cheapaudioman  ปีที่แล้ว

      I was impressed with the hidizs. they seem to go in and out of stock. I remembered that they weren't available for a while on amazon.

    • @Alamo-cz5xc
      @Alamo-cz5xc ปีที่แล้ว

      @@cheapaudioman you're right, they are sometimes scarce

  • @abxaudiophiles
    @abxaudiophiles ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Great perspective!! Cheers.

  • @razetw
    @razetw ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I enjoy my hidizs S9 pro. It came from the factory with a non working otg cable. They offered a replacement but I opted out and ordered one from Ddhifi that works perfectly and has the arrows on the outside for orientation marking. Ddhifi is snug and secure and more flexible. I recommend both together. Thanks for the content!

  • @1988remixx
    @1988remixx 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Just noticed your coffee mug! I worked at Parker Hannifin (CSO) in Irvine back in the early 90’s!!

  • @thomasward00
    @thomasward00 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Don't forget that all Dragonfly dacs are Made in the USA

    • @d0nj03
      @d0nj03 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Ah, so that's why they're trash price/performance wise.

  • @johnchristiansen7239
    @johnchristiansen7239 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Love your channel Randy! Your watch game is on point too!!

  • @bugjuicer
    @bugjuicer ปีที่แล้ว +2

    3:30 - I always max the volume, then go back one notch/click/tap. For some reason, sounds just that little bit better half the time, especially in the car

    • @AviMP
      @AviMP ปีที่แล้ว

      Yup I do that too with similar results.

  • @Kenny-Somafunk
    @Kenny-Somafunk ปีที่แล้ว +5

    If you want to get decent audio quality from an Audioquest Dragonfly then take it outside, place on the ground and drop a brick on it then go buy something much better sounding for £100, they are very poor sounding and measure pretty poorly for snr and output.

  • @quantumrift11
    @quantumrift11 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Hey Randy! I've only ever used PC for audio and hifi. My experience on volume control is that it largely depends, speaking of DACS and Windows, they are a bit funny! No other way to put it, some DACs have an issue with maxing volume. My personal policy is to try and keep the PC volume at 40-85% not too low or not too high until I have sufficiently concluded which volumes can be maxed without negs. I try and dial the Douk ST-01 in so that I am around that range at normal or higher volume.
    And then there's per application, and then software EQing. Tidal on Windows, when the volume is maxed, starts to distort regardless of Windows sound device volume. I don't know why, but once I noticed it, and fixed it, I was very surprised. The highs got scratchy. Distortion! So I keep Tidal's volume slider at around 75% and that seems to resolve that. When I learned that about Tidal, I began to keep Spotify, TH-cam, and others at around 70-80% just in case. My point being, it's a bit finnicky, I would say 50% of the time maxing all sliders on PC doesn't cause an issue. But the other half of the time, it does matter substantially. And in fact there are situations where you don't want it to be higher than 50%. For instance some PCI-E sound cards actually calibrate the max undistorted output at 50%, and higher is just bonus amplification which begins to totally fall apart as you raise it above 60, 70 percent. In fact The volume dial on the software shows green up until 50% then goes yellow and red, letting you know that you can increase the output at a cost. But if you are just using Windows Audio your only option is to just notice that you can't max the volume slider without turning the signal into an unstable mess that distorts and fluctuates in volume. This is very useful, some headphones just aren't loud enough and if you aren't critical listening you can get a lot of extra volume. So the scenarios are endless but in my lengthy PC experience, about 50% of the time it does matter how high your audio device is set to in Windows. Half the time, it can be set too high. And a small percent of the time, it can be set too low. I have seen before that the amp isn't getting everything if you are under 10 or 20% volume on the sound device. So listening closely and playing with the volume sliders on sound device, per application, and being mindful when using any sort of DSP either built into Windows or third-party. Like Loudness Normalization, etc, needs to be payed attention to if you want optimal sound quality. I'm not a pro I've just used Windows exclusively for all of my media for 30 years and I can tell you it's finnicky. You have I am sure a ton more experience with Pre-amps, amps, 3, 4 different components and having to dial in the volume, level, gains of each. Well when using Windows, the same exact applies to all other volume levels. Sometimes they can just be maxed, other times they have to be dialed in the same as other hardware levels.
    I leave it to someone with more expertise on the back end to comment and explain why this is, but in my experience volumes being too high or low in the audio device or even per app, often does matter, although probably not nearly as often in 2023 as in the 2000's or so lol.

  • @queencabbage3689
    @queencabbage3689 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    I really enjoy my Dragonfly Cobalt. It's got a lot of nuance for such a little guy. But I honestly think it's not worth what I paid lol

  • @shipsahoy1793
    @shipsahoy1793 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    👍Good video Randy, thanks for the info! 🥂

  • @Big_Red_Dork
    @Big_Red_Dork ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Dude, you're seriously reviewing products now right as I'm getting curious about them, a few times in a row 😆

  • @WisGuy4
    @WisGuy4 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Randy, give the two Emotiva large dongle DACs - the Little Ego+ and the Big Ego+ - a try. The former is only $49.10 and the latter is $79.10.

    • @raulgarcia1718
      @raulgarcia1718 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      The issue with the Egos is that they draw too much power from iOS devices so you would need the upgraded camera adapter with the built in lightning port to power the dac and charge the phone. So it not the portable option.
      I use the original little ego in one of my setups and it is a solid performer. If you only your your computer as a source it’s a very good option. If you are using a phone or tablet then you need the proper adapter with a port for the power cable

    • @kevincorr2985
      @kevincorr2985 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@raulgarcia1718 I always use the camera adaptor anyway with the charge port no matter what dac.

    • @raulgarcia1718
      @raulgarcia1718 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@kevincorr2985 that is ideal and I do the same but if portability is important in one’s use case, having to plug in your dac may be a non starter.

  • @jeffjefferson7384
    @jeffjefferson7384 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    In a battle between Expensive DAC/Amp + Budget Speakers, and Budget DAC/Amp + Expensive Speakers, I'd go for the latter every time.
    What do you guys think?

  • @peterduran4419
    @peterduran4419 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I have the Dragonfly Red that was given to my by a friend, when he picked up the cobalt... I thought the Red was great, and then I got the Hidizs S9Pro, and I loved those better.... and then I got the Moondrop Moon River2, and that's the one I use the most now... but mostly because that one came with the 4.4mm balanced output, and that's what I have on my Noble Audio Tux5 IEMs. When I listen to my Noble Audio M3 IEMs, I use the S9Pro with the 3.5mm single ended output, and I also use my Meze 99 Noir headphones with a 2.5mm balance cable.

  • @MarkLawsonY3K
    @MarkLawsonY3K 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    I appreciate you saying "you try" not to be influenced by support. Can't happen no matter how great you think you are. Can't subscribe because there is too much info and knowledge to absorb without delusion.

  • @ryanbartlett672
    @ryanbartlett672 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Thanks. Good comparison. I miss MQA. Sounded the best to me. Now tidal is flac only trying to find an EQ that sounds similar...think it is ear fatigue on low end

  • @ThreeToesofFury
    @ThreeToesofFury ปีที่แล้ว

    DUDE! Just found your channel today. Oh man its what ive been looking for!!! Thanks for all you do...im a new subscriber and will be a regular visitor!!!!!

  • @nitto420s
    @nitto420s 5 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I have the dragonfly red and the blue they are both equally great and completely different sound profiles great for different types of music. Well worth the money for either one or both

  • @Thee.Mighty
    @Thee.Mighty หลายเดือนก่อน

    when you showed your cap and said about coffee, I've just finished my cap, and felt sad)))

  • @jeffcsMN
    @jeffcsMN ปีที่แล้ว

    Love this hi-if nerd channel! Cheers Randy. You are the king.

  • @Simon_Hawkshaw
    @Simon_Hawkshaw ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Thanks so much for this info, as usual. I am considering an R2R dongle DAC to get an idea of R2R technology before getting an $800 + DAC.

    • @cheapaudioman
      @cheapaudioman  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      smart

    • @peterlarkin762
      @peterlarkin762 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Im using an Ares 2 r2r dac for over a year. There is not a huge difference between it and 100-200$ dacs. It is 'better', but in hindsight I wish I put that money into better speakers. I would be quite happy using the brilliant Khadas toneboard full time.

    • @Simon_Hawkshaw
      @Simon_Hawkshaw ปีที่แล้ว

      @@peterlarkin762 Many thanks for your input. I shall look into getting an R2R dongle DAC now.

  • @CapitanHarlockisback
    @CapitanHarlockisback ปีที่แล้ว +4

    300 quid for that ugly usb key, only ‘cause is “audioquest”, it’s a scam.

  • @mikecampbell5856
    @mikecampbell5856 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    You recommended the low cost Schiit Modi 3 DAC and I loved it so much, I bought another one! Great value.

  • @XeonX__ASMR__METAL-experiments
    @XeonX__ASMR__METAL-experiments ปีที่แล้ว +1

    E1DA is only one ...is Transparent and technical. No other can be so technical and transparent.

  • @Panotaker
    @Panotaker 5 หลายเดือนก่อน

    the Cobalt is on sale now for $199. So I just ordered one. I guess they are getting ready to come out with a new one.

  • @palmal3542
    @palmal3542 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    How can a DAC alter frequency response....either it works or it doesn't?

  • @carlosalvarez7445
    @carlosalvarez7445 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Audioquest DACs a overpriced outdated devices. Nowadays there are many options better in quality and connectivity. The Hidizs is certainly one of them, but can think also of the THX Onyx and Earmen Sparrow

  • @dustind9242
    @dustind9242 9 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Stumbled across your review on this... clicked the link for the Fosi and found it to be 40% off!! Done deal!!!

  • @ginom407
    @ginom407 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Great Review Randy!👍 Good luck to all who entered the giveaway.

    • @cheapaudioman
      @cheapaudioman  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Thanks 👍

    • @SangramVID
      @SangramVID ปีที่แล้ว

      @@cheapaudioman Ifi zen blue V2 vs Fiio BTR 30pro which one best for my old Yamaha rx n600 avr ..for mobile throw Ldac input or any other Plz suggest i waiting i am from India

  • @ingalook
    @ingalook ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Fosi Audio has a DS2 now for cheaper, confused as if this is the better dac if it is cheaper than the DS1??

  • @greatpix
    @greatpix ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I'd been using two if the Audioquest Dragonfly Black v1.2, one for home and one on my laptop at work. After years of use they both lost one channel. I replaced on of the older units with the updated v 1.5 Black and use it in my TV system through the Fosi TB10D (newer one) and Andrew Jones designed Pioneer tower speakers. It does a decent job, certainly better than the PC's normal output. I had tested the Topping Dx3 Plus, which was a hair better in some aspects.

  • @undefeatedmc
    @undefeatedmc ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Sound signature depends on DAC output stage right? I really wish companies put in both types of them so we can just flip a switch and go from fun to analytical instead of buying two units :'/ I would buy it just for convenience sake

  • @t3dewys
    @t3dewys ปีที่แล้ว

    I use a different adapter with my iPhone and AQ Cobalt. It’s the one with lightning to USB as well as a port to charge the iPhone while in use.

  • @pcow64
    @pcow64 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Hi, I am thinking about hooking up a external DAC for my DeskTop Computer and I don't know where to start? Can you recommend a DAC with HDMI in and type B USB out? Thanks Randy, really appreciate the help in choosing the right DAC.

  • @Drakken2030
    @Drakken2030 ปีที่แล้ว

    Will you please do a review on the qudelix 5k dongle dac. I'm curious to hear your thoughts and reactions on this product thank you so much keep up the great work love what you doing

  • @khubilia
    @khubilia ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I have the Fosi D2 dongal it is great for what I want it to do. I can use all my IEMs on it and most headphones on it. Simple easy to use plug and play for sure. Did you try to use the High and Low gain on the D1....Hold the volume button down to switch between the two (positive, negitive).

  • @TALPOKEYASHA
    @TALPOKEYASHA ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Thanks for the opportunity!
    Just too bad they are all SE and not BAL as well for the price.
    But would still be happy to win one of them 😁
    P.S Blue is my favorite color.

  • @wej5541
    @wej5541 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I don't have the exact same headphones as Randy does, but I have the Sennheiser HD 600 and Hi-Fi Man Sundara. I find the HD 600 works better for vocally focused music like Adele as well as classical and jazz while the Sundara works better for Rock with better slam. Seeing how Randy prefers Rock I'm not surprised that he likes the Edition XS better.

  • @michaelhartley8426
    @michaelhartley8426 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I have a Fosi class AB Amp that’s excellent. I’ve heard the Dragonfly Red and the Cobalt. I’d like to have one of each but if I’m winning one I would prefer to win a Cobalt.

  • @robertendsley8312
    @robertendsley8312 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Instead of buying a big DAC and streamer. Can I do this: hook up my iPhone that has Tidal. Take the 3.5 jack into RCA and plug into the AUX of my integrated amplifier Rega Elex-R and be on my way?

    • @raulgarcia1718
      @raulgarcia1718 ปีที่แล้ว

      You will need the lightning to 3.5 mm adapter to do this but it’s only $8 or so from Apple. You would be limited to 24/48 but that’s enough for lossless and spatial audio. If you want to go hirez then you would add an external dac + the apple lightning to camera adapter.
      If your iPhone still has a headphone jack then you don’t need the adapter unless you are using an external dac.

    • @michaelwright1602
      @michaelwright1602 ปีที่แล้ว

      Pick up the Cayin RU6 dongle DAC, a bit pricey at $250, but it trounced my nearly $900 Denafrips Ares II on my two channel rig.

  • @kvonne
    @kvonne 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I have brougt an Onten and put my lan cable behind it and into an ipad air 2 it sounds really great with my black Dragonfly, but for noise i have olso brougt a AUDIOQUEST JITTERBUG FMJ and to test difference olso brought the Blue Cobalt Dragonfly not recieved it yet.

  • @proffessasvids
    @proffessasvids 8 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I'm assuming you didn't run the 6xx from the 4.4mm balanced output on the fosi randy? Xx

  • @johnmarchetto8097
    @johnmarchetto8097 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Late to the game on this post, but…. Dragonfly Cobalt on sale at $199 vs Fosi DS1 at $75? Any thoughts on better bang for the buck ??

  • @stuartnorman8713
    @stuartnorman8713 ปีที่แล้ว

    Might I suggest you do a vid on line level passive and active crossovers for bi-amping speakers

  • @puglife6291
    @puglife6291 11 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I have the Astell & Kern AK HC3 dongle DAC and it sounds sublime. Worth reviewing.

  • @chicharones9640
    @chicharones9640 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Can someone please recommend a DAC that can work with Metal music and other types of music. Yes i do jazz music and other soft music but NOT A SINGLE PERSON talks about how these thing will play out when listening to metal, rock etc

  • @SpirallingOut
    @SpirallingOut ปีที่แล้ว

    Did you listen to the Fosi DS1's 4.4mm output through a balanced cable with the Editon XS?

  • @great100m
    @great100m ปีที่แล้ว

    This is the kind of comparison that you do best.

  • @spamcan9208
    @spamcan9208 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I'm confused, is detail just another term for treble in the audiophile world? I've sometimes seen treble equated to detail in other reviews too. Because I would think there is detail a dac might leave out on something like the strike of a mallet on a large orchestral bass head.

    • @ScottEvil
      @ScottEvil ปีที่แล้ว +3

      No, but it is easier to pick out detail in the highs and mids.

  • @glencolly7981
    @glencolly7981 ปีที่แล้ว

    Hidizs S3 PRO Ultra Portable Hi-Res DAC Dongle
    Hi, do you ever review anything like the above item? I’ve had things like this in the past but cheaper I just would be interested in your thoughts I’m not affiliated to this product I just would be interested in your opinion on such things
    many thanks
    Glen

  • @donaldcadoret4653
    @donaldcadoret4653 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    What is it that you don't like about the HD 6XX for music, Randy?

    • @adaboy4z
      @adaboy4z ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I sold my HD 6XX 2 weeks after owning them. The hype wasn't real for me. Went back to my HiFiman.

    • @Rsalmond83
      @Rsalmond83 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@adaboy4z I sold my Hifiman to go back to the 6XX. It sounds sexy!

  • @user-bm4ni5wp2h
    @user-bm4ni5wp2h 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

    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?

  • @piker3000
    @piker3000 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    That hidizs s9 pro is a turd… I mean it works but kills your phone battery and the iPhone cable goes to sh*t in about a dozen uses. Replaced it the cable twice… over it. Does the Fosi get hot and kill your battery?

  • @CHAUNCEY.GARDNER.
    @CHAUNCEY.GARDNER. ปีที่แล้ว

    I'm still ususing the LGV30,as my go to DAC,yeah it's OLDER,but it's quad DAC,and when your a single dad,your kids come first,one day I will pick one up.

  • @audx2338
    @audx2338 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    For desktop use, is there a reason not to go with dongles over the bigger "desktop" boxes? As long as my amp or keyboard has volume controls? I've never understood the difference - is some level of quality being sacrificed for size?

    • @raulgarcia1718
      @raulgarcia1718 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      There is no reason not to do that. If your desktop is the only source it’s a good space saving option

    • @michaelwright1602
      @michaelwright1602 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      The quality of the dongle DACs today is outstanding. The $250 Cayin RU6 just trounced my nearly $900 Ares II DAC... Many good dongle DACs out there.

  • @michaelwright1602
    @michaelwright1602 ปีที่แล้ว

    Cheap vs expensive... I've got one. The Cayin RU6 dongle DAC, seemingly trounced my Ares II... Simply better, and only $250! And yes, I hooked it up to my two channel rig. Sad to say, at least in the first round of listening, it was the better DAC.

  • @joephillips1793
    @joephillips1793 ปีที่แล้ว

    I have my Hidiz S9 pro connected to my Emotiva PT-100. I think it sounds great, but I’ve been wondering how much better a

  • @Feliciano12v
    @Feliciano12v ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Why use Apple CCK adapter when an OTG cable works with iPhone?

    • @Rsalmond83
      @Rsalmond83 ปีที่แล้ว

      To charge your iPhone or iPad while listening to music. Some dongles suck the life out of your device quickly.

  • @tpr299
    @tpr299 ปีที่แล้ว

    The Audioquest Cobalt also has the Jitterbug noise filter built into it which is a $60-$70 accessory.

    • @zengerz
      @zengerz ปีที่แล้ว +1

      every good dac filters noise

    • @user-dc3cg2br3z
      @user-dc3cg2br3z 8 หลายเดือนก่อน

      So I don’t need to buy a i silencer jitter bug on its own?

  • @scober9281
    @scober9281 ปีที่แล้ว

    @cheapaudioman
    I'm in the market for a stereo component DAC and want to bypass a preamp. Source into DAC, into amp. I'm under the impression not all DACs can be used without a signal boosting preamp even if they have variable output. Is that true? Do you have any experience with which DACs can be used this way? Thanks for any help you can provide.

  • @Diegooo140
    @Diegooo140 ปีที่แล้ว

    Regarding the Hidizs, it’s the cable not the dac. Just change it and it fits snug :))

  • @asotomayor
    @asotomayor 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    The answer is yes, any of the modern dongle DACs are good enough

  • @davidbartlett984
    @davidbartlett984 ปีที่แล้ว

    Argh, watched the review and bought it, only to discover that it doesn't play on my new Samsung Galaxy Tab! I get a prompt asking if Tidal is allowed to use the DS1, select YES, then silence. Works fine on my old Samsung S8 phone.

  • @AkhileshKotla777
    @AkhileshKotla777 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I have both the DS1 and the S9 Pro. The S9 Pro sounds way better to me for very little extra money.

  • @ryanjofre
    @ryanjofre ปีที่แล้ว

    Good subject man.

  • @alexpal1495
    @alexpal1495 ปีที่แล้ว

    Can thie fosi audio ds1 dac compete the typical 1.000 k laptop built in dac? Can we then connect our kind of good external pc speakers to it? If yes what do we do with the volume control at the dac?

    • @raulgarcia1718
      @raulgarcia1718 ปีที่แล้ว

      An external dac will often be better than the built in dac in most computers. Sound is where a lot of computer makers cut corners unless you request a solid sound card on a custom build.

  • @TheSFFV
    @TheSFFV ปีที่แล้ว +1

    This is a good one.

  • @neobluemax
    @neobluemax ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Mo money means mo problem.

  • @jaytecx5942
    @jaytecx5942 9 หลายเดือนก่อน

    This was one long advertisement for Fosi audio which could have been shorter.

  • @EsotericArctos
    @EsotericArctos ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I have noticed more Fosi featured on your channel recently. Maybe just noticing it. That said, even though they sponsor you, you seem to be staying pretty real with it all and giving pretty good reviews. I know how hard it is when you have a sponsor to remain unbiased as they pay you, but I feel you have achieved a good balance between keeping a sponsor happy and giving a good review.

  • @joenovak6393
    @joenovak6393 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I would have $500, $1000 and +$1000 DAC's. The $1000+ range has more of a resolving, spacious and wider sound that the Sub $1000 does not do.

    • @adaboy4z
      @adaboy4z ปีที่แล้ว +1

      But Dacs are designed to be transparent to the source. How can it have a sound?

    • @wej5541
      @wej5541 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@adaboy4z The analog phase of DACs are all different. Two DACS can use the same chip but one DAC has a better analog circuit and sounds better.

    • @adaboy4z
      @adaboy4z ปีที่แล้ว

      @Wayne Joy But manufactures have stated they make their Dacs to sound transparent to the source. If a Dac is altering the sound then somethings wrong. I belive we hear what we want. A/B testing can solve that issue. I can hear differences with amps, speakers, room sizes and treatments.

    • @wej5541
      @wej5541 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@adaboy4z The manufacturers are either lying or disagree what the source is supposed to sound like.

  • @kevincorr2985
    @kevincorr2985 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I prefer the iPnone adapter that has a charging port because you often need to charge at the same time. Much more useful than the single no charge one shown here.

    • @fritzkabeano1969
      @fritzkabeano1969 ปีที่แล้ว

      No wireless charging on the iPhone? Bummer......

  • @sodabellyforgetful
    @sodabellyforgetful หลายเดือนก่อน

    weren't you in breaking bad?

  • @SnapperX3
    @SnapperX3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Aiyima T8 is $108 on Walmart right now.

  • @frankbrannigan2916
    @frankbrannigan2916 ปีที่แล้ว

    I kind of feel sorry for you sir. You have so much greatness upon you. Makes me feel like your the beggar searching for the drink upon the water. Thank you for those of us who know that the struggle is real.

  • @madhukark8133
    @madhukark8133 ปีที่แล้ว

    Fiio , Creative are good
    for less than half that price...

  • @johnchambers930
    @johnchambers930 ปีที่แล้ว

    How can you be sponsored by any company and still be an honest reviewer? Of course I take everything you review with a grain of salt.

  • @texasbassranger
    @texasbassranger 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    When I had more money than I had sense, I bought the Cobalt because, well...because three hundred dollars, I mean it had to be the best out there, right. Now, my GR1s are really easy to drive, so I had no problems with it at all, but it seemed on a lot of bass heavy tracks, it would muddy up the mids, and it got to the point of distraction. Not too long ago, I got turned on to buddies iBasso DC04 and it was like magic. The resolution and clarity was magnificent. The high end sparkled, whereas the Cobalt was sort of meh, and the bass punched me in the face without any distortion at all. Again, this might come down to the headphones I was using. I put the cobalt up on Ebay, and it sold in a day. I'm gonna hang onto the DC04, though. It really, really opened up my classic rock collection.

  • @jonasf4065
    @jonasf4065 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Us made vs China made? Easy choice for me.

  • @sergiobisonte
    @sergiobisonte ปีที่แล้ว

    350$ for a dac??? for less than 150$ I have a big powerfull receiver, a great pair of speakers, a vintage highend cd player, and a bluetooth audio receiver with analog and digital outputs... (and if I was into vinil, I can get a vintage one for arround 100$... total price well under the price of a single dac) this is beeing cheap and spending money where it matters more...

  • @jasongibson3574
    @jasongibson3574 ปีที่แล้ว

    Audioquest dacs usually test poorly for the money. They are in the same realm as Ifi in terms of massively overrated products. Not surprising at all Audioquest gets spanked by much cheaper products. The Tempotec Sonata HD Pro will wipe the floor with it.

  • @MrAzeker
    @MrAzeker ปีที่แล้ว

    Would be cool if you could get an affiliate link for aliexpress, if that's possible. I'm going to buy one, but it's cheaper from China and easier to get here in Korea. Just a thought.

  • @trevorhunton7526
    @trevorhunton7526 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Best option is a decent quality home cinema amp. Superior in every way to decent hi fi amp's. I have a beast of a Denon and an Onkyo and both of them push out oodles of high quality hi fi sounds.

  • @Jaytecx
    @Jaytecx ปีที่แล้ว

    Dragonfly Cobalt is the best £200 I ever spent. The portable ESS ES9038Q2M is performing on all fronts with excellent timing, weight and dynamics.
    No need for an expensive DAP when paired with the rather luxury iPhone via OTG cable.

    • @zengerz
      @zengerz ปีที่แล้ว

      audioquest cobalt is expensive for what it offers. you pay for the name while it gets beaten in audio quality by sub 100$ dac dongles :)

    • @Jaytecx
      @Jaytecx ปีที่แล้ว

      @@zengerz What it's offering me is excellent SQ matching a DAP several times the price. In my opinion. Would be interested to hear all the competition, but it's not possible.

    • @zengerz
      @zengerz ปีที่แล้ว +3

      @@Jaytecx
      There are literally over 30 dacs better for cheaper since you mostly pay for the Audioquest brand name.
      Hidisz s9 (pro), ibasso 03/04 (pro), hiby dongles, moondrop dongles, shanling dongles, tempotec Sonata etc.. to much to name actually 😉

    • @Jaytecx
      @Jaytecx ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Have you heard all these then?
      I keep some reservation when people use the term “better” talking about SQ.
      There’s a subjectivity issue 🙂

    • @fritzkabeano1969
      @fritzkabeano1969 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@zengerz Yep and there's a price war going on for the under $100 dongle market right now. Ebay is your friend.

  • @mikeortiz2139
    @mikeortiz2139 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Just looked on Amazon and Fosi Audio has a DS2 model as well. It's cheaper too.

    • @mikeortiz2139
      @mikeortiz2139 ปีที่แล้ว

      You know, looking up the dac chips the DS1 has a better Dac according to ESS.

  • @lastcall9998
    @lastcall9998 ปีที่แล้ว

    I have an ADI-2 DAC, some HD820 headphones, and I am still not happy with the sound, lol.
    Some days I want to quit music altogether, but... I can't...

  • @bricethaice
    @bricethaice ปีที่แล้ว +1

    cheap dac, class a amp

  • @wallyallgood
    @wallyallgood ปีที่แล้ว

    i went down this wormhole with the ifi hip-dac because i wanted to beef up my headphone listening experience with tidal masters. it was a disaster!
    like the dragonfly, you need a lightning to camera iphone dongle. the problem is that this adapter is made for cameras, so it’s made to lay flat on a surface while connecting the two devices. Because i live in nyc and am often walking, i wanted a solution while i was out and about. when connecting the iphone to the dac and stacking them on one another, the dongle is in a U shape and this was the disaster. these dongles are absolute trash unless you lay them straight. i went through probably 6-7 different dongles, from the apple store, random ones on amazon, etc. within a week or two, the bending of the dongle would damage it and cause the dac to no longer be able to transfer sound.
    i was super bummed because the sound was great when i was sitting still, but when using headphones i’m always on the move so this unfortunately cannot be a solution for me.
    anyone else experience the same issue? any other solutions?

  • @nimerino5144
    @nimerino5144 ปีที่แล้ว

    Given the audible distortion, the weird ringing in transients and the muddled presentation I’ve always been baffled by the praise for any of the Dragonflys, they’re all awful, no matter what the consensus is. And that’s before looking at the measurements. Granted, poor measurements are rarely audible, but with these, they align.

    • @erasmososa6861
      @erasmososa6861 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

      any alternatives that you would recommend???

  • @Dark-Star
    @Dark-Star ปีที่แล้ว +1

    For goodness sake! Review the Fosi Audio K4! You’re the Fosi Audio Man, come on. Don’t do the Q4. Do the K4. It’s the best…

  • @yspegel
    @yspegel ปีที่แล้ว

    Should I expect Iphone users here because they already spend way too much on apple products? Or should I not expect them because they refuse cheap?

  • @PoofyHairedFancyBoy
    @PoofyHairedFancyBoy ปีที่แล้ว

    How we lookin?