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Fosi Audio is one of those brands that keep on pushing for new and better products while still remaining highly affordable. The DA2120C Compact Stereo Receiver is one of their more expensive models and retails for just $180. Combining a DAC and an amp into one box along with a host of other features, the DA2120C is quite a value. Let’s jump into the review and see if it’s worth the price tag!

Fosi DA2120C Compact Stereo Receiver

Fosi DA2120C Compact Stereo Receiver Specifications
Output:

120W + 120W @ 4 ohms

Frequency Range:

20Hz – 20kHz (±1 dB)

Bluetooth Transmission Distance:

Up to 28ft

Inputs:

Bluetooth, USB, Optical, Coaxial, RCA

Size:

L180 x W130 x H38mm (7 x 5 x 1.5in)

Warranty:

2 years

MSRP:

$180.00

Website:

www.fosiaudio.com

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fosi, audio, amp, dac, bluetooth, receivers, fosi receivers, receivers reviews 2023

Design & Setup

Fosi DA2120C Compact Stereo Receiver Remote

The DA2120C Compact Stereo Receiver is very easy to set up. One thing that I like is that it is small enough to be compact, but not too small to be a pain when plugging in everything in the back, it still has some space. No trouble at all getting it set up and ready to roll. The included remote is basic at best, but it works. I would also like to mention it has a subwoofer output!

Fosi DA2120C Compact Stereo Receiver Back

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I only really have one complaint about the DA2120C and that it is not very pretty. It’s an odd design but it’s not my cup of tea. They claim it’s an OLED display on the front, but it’s only in a GM green color. It’s crisp and easy to read, but not my favorite. The volume knob is tight and has some tactile feedback, though the buttons on the front feel on the cheaper side. The case is well-made and all metal with five-way speaker binding posts on the back, so the quality is still very much here.

Sound:

Alright, this is really what matters here, and honestly, it came as quite a surprise. The amp sounds amazing, much better than the previous units I was testing out this month. It feels very open, with much more soundstage and the highs are crisp. It’s probably the best under-$200 amp that I have heard this year. For bookshelf speakers, it really can push some power out. There seems to be enough headroom for larger speakers, but I didn’t try this out.

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Listening Setup:

DAC – SMSL DO300
Speakers – Jamo S 803
Interconnects – AudioQuest

Sample Music:

Valiant Hearts – Alaska
PVRIS – White Noise
Young Medicine – Lost Boys

There are some EQ adjustments available on the amp so I turned the bass up slightly as I felt that was lacking and the volume step up was odd, it felt quiet at times. However, there is a gain boost that makes it sound more like a normal class-D amp with a 6dB boost, just long-press the display button. The DAC is not perfect, it sounds right around $50 DAC territory. It’s not bad, but pairing the amp with something like the SMSL DO300 really makes the true power of the amp shine through.

Now for $180, it’s a great amp, an ok DAC, and an awesome compact integrated stereo receiver and it does go on sale often, at the time of writing it was down to $165 on Amazon. For a quick Bluetooth setup, this is a fantastic solution. If you have an external DAC, go for it. The amp in the DA2120C is seriously underrated!

Fosi DA2120C Compact Stereo Receiver

Conclusions

Fosi DA2120C Compact Stereo Receiver

Maybe it’s not your style, it’s definitely not mine, but it sounds awesome for the price. For under $200, it’s hard to beat this level of compact integrated stereo receiver. Add to that, the value of the remote, Bluetooth, the built-in DAC, and a sub-out! It’s pretty amazing what $180 will get you today for an audio experience. It’s a solid unit, at a great price with a highly underrated amp, it’s worth it!