Fosi Audio has introduced the SK02 , a small, versatile, high-performance device that shares the form factor of the SK01 . The SK02 functions as a headphone amplifier, portable preamp, and portable DAC. The SK02 is equipped with an ES9038Q2M DAC chip and a low-noise, high-speed SGM8262 operational amplifier.
This allows the SK02 to support high-resolution streams up to PCM 32bit 384kHz and DSD256 with an output power of up to 1100mW. There is also a gain control (High and Low) to adapt to headphones with impedance from 16 to 300 Ohms. In terms of inputs, the SK02 features USB-C and optical Toslink. Outputs include a 3.5mm jack and a 4.4mm balanced headphone jack, as well as a 3.5mm/mini Toslink auxiliary output.
ES9038Q2M DAC Chip
The SK02 uses the ES9038Q2M DAC chip from ESS Technology. This 32-bit stereo DAC is a high-performance chip specifically designed for audiophile devices. It is based on the HyperStream II architecture and allows the Fosi Audio SK02 to support 32-bit 384 kHz PCM and native DSD streams up to DSD256.
Fosi Audio SK02: A powerful headphone amplifier,
the SK02 is capable of delivering significant headphone output. Using the SGM8262 op-amp, its 3.5mm output reaches 280mW @ 32Ω, and its 4.4mm balanced output reaches 1100mW @ 32Ω, with THD < 0.001%. Two gain modes allow the SK02 to adapt to all types of headphones with impedances ranging from 16Ω to 300Ω.
Fosi Audio SK02: Portable Preamplifier
The 3.5mm jack/mini-Toslink auxiliary output also allows you to connect the SK02 to an amplifier. This turns the SK02 into a portable preamplifier. If you are using a USB-C input, then you must use a 3.5mm jack as the output, and if you are using a Toslink input, then you must use a mini-Toslink jack for the SPDIF signal.
LED Interface
There are several LED indicators located on the top panel of the SK02. They make it easy to find important information about the current playback, such as sample type, gain setting, and selected input mode.
Multi-Function Control Knob
A large knob/potentiometer provides access to the SK02’s main settings and controls.
- Rotate the potentiometer to finely adjust the volume.
- Simply press the button to access the play/pause function.
- Double clicking turns off the sound (mute).
