+Neutral sound signature
+Crystal clear sound output
+Multifunctional volume knob
+Powerful power output
+3.5mm SE and 4.4mm Balanced terminations
+Built like a tank
+Plug and play dac/amp
+Great technicalities
-Features like software app for volume control (subjective)
-Kind of bulky
INTRO
SK02 is a DAC/AMP offers portability and high power output driving music gear with ease. It a simple plug and play source which uses 3.5mm and 4.4mm Balanced terminations. The multifunctional volume knob is huge plus for a portable DAC/AMP you can adjust the volume to your liking in a most convenient way.
Disclaimer
I would like to thank Fosi Audio for arranging a unit for me. My opinions are unbiased, and I haven't been influenced or instructed to praise these gear. Every detail in this review is actual experience made by listening for hours everyday.
Specifications
Model : SK02
Input : USB/OPT
Output : 3.5mm Headphone,4.4mm Headphone,3.5MM line out/OPT
Amp output maximum power
3.5MM ：
High Gain: 280mW@32Ω, 130mW@64Ω, 40mW@250Ω, 30mW@300Ω
Low Gain: 90mW@32Ω, 50mW@64Ω, 15mW@250Ω, 10mW@300Ω
4.4MM ：
High Gain: 1100mW@32Ω, 550mW@64Ω, 150mW@250Ω, 120mW@300Ω
Low Gain: 350mW@32Ω, 180mW@64Ω, 50mW@250Ω, 40mW@300Ω
Frequency Range 20Hz-20kHz (±0.02dB)
THD ≤0.001% @ 1kHz
SNR :
3.5mm Headphone :
Low Gain:116dB
High Gain:120dB
4.4mm Headphone :
Low Gain : 110dB
High Gain : 115dB
Headphone matching impedance 16-300Ω
PC-USB Sampling Rate 32Bit/384KHz DSD256
OPT Sampling Rate 24Bit/192KHz
DAC Chip ES9038Q2M
Device Dimension 4.76*2*1.69inch (121*51*43mm)
Net Weight 0.84lb/380g
Power Supply 5V, USB Type-C
Packaging
Fosi Audio Sk02 Headphone Amp
2-in-1 USB-A/C to C Cable
User’s Manual
Build and features
The build is made from aluminum CNC ensures solid durability and long lasting use.
The Multifunctional volume knob serves as volume adjustments, play/off button and to turn on/turn off the SK02.
It also features low/gain mode buttons for quick switching to your liking
The light indicator helps the user to determine the sampling rate of songs.
The high power output of SK02 whooping 1100mw driving mostly of your gears with ease.
Sound Aspects
Fosi Audio SK02 sounds neutral and analytical. Bass is clean and well- controlled it has enough punch and texture. I just want to emphasize the highs have more bite lowering the volume help this department. Technicalities is above average for the asking price. It picking up enough micro details and nuances as well as creating wide stage performance.
Source used :
Rosetechnics Quietsea
Tangzu Xuan NV
EPZ Q1 Pro
Letshuoer DZ4
DDHIFI TC05 Cable
Stock Cable
This DAC spend 30-40 hours of burn in before taking details of this review
Pairing
With Rosetechnics Quietsea
The bass shows tactility and more punch. The V shape tuning of quietsea affects the mids become recessed but with sk02 it helps the mids to make more frontal presentation. As for the highs it has more bite and crisper quality
With Tangzu Xuan NV
It is a neutral-warm tuning benefits more with this SK02. It shows more controlled and textured bass. Mid is smooth and lusher. Vocals is airier and more intimate. Treble is still safe and engaging enough to enjoy the presentation.
L
With EPZ Q1 Pro
Another harmanish tuned gear synergized well with SK02. It has already full sounding bass but when paired the bass takes it to another whole new level. It is tighter, punchier and well controlled. Mids is airer and more frontal. Treble is livelier and engaging. The technicalities have noticeable improvement such as imaging snd layering.
Letshuoer DZ4
A neutral gear which focuses vocal clarity. It has clean and coherent sounding bass which not appealing to everyone. The mids is the star of the show here the techs of SK02 helps this department. The vocals is lusher, airer and more intimate presentation. Also it helps the treble of DZ4 a little livelier.
Conclusion
The SK02 is a versatile DAC/AMP that you can carry on the go or some desktop setup. This is the most powerful DAC/AMP I've used in this price range whooping 1100mw which is crazy imo whatever your gears is. I'm easily recommend this SK02 for those people who looking for a budget decent desktop setup.