Fosi Audio GR40 Tube DAC Headphone Amp Preamp

Fosi Audio GR40 Tube DAC Headphone Amp Preamp with Bluetooth Streaming

The Fosi Audio GR40 is one of those clever little all-in-one devices that packs an impressive amount of functionality into a compact body. At its heart, it’s a versatile tube DAC, preamp, and headphone amplifier rolled into one, which means it can slip seamlessly into a hi-fi setup, desktop system, or even serve as the brains behind a pair of active speakers. With support for Bluetooth, USB, optical, and coaxial inputs, plus outputs for RCA and headphones, the GR40 is built to handle just about anything you throw at it. It even prioritises the headphone output automatically when in use, making it a practical choice for both casual listeners and audio enthusiasts.

What really stands out is the high-resolution decoding on offer. Thanks to the ES9028Q2M DAC chip, the GR40 is capable of delivering stunning audio clarity with a 32-bit/384kHz sampling rate and support for DSD256. This level of performance ensures you’re not just getting convenience, but also real audiophile-grade playback with effective noise reduction that keeps the sound clean and true to the source. Whether you’re spinning up hi-res files or streaming via USB, the GR40 has the flexibility to bring out every detail in your music.

Wireless users aren’t left behind either - the GR40 comes with the QCC3031 Bluetooth 5.1 module, supporting a full suite of codecs including aptX, aptX HD, and aptX Low Latency. That means you can enjoy detailed, full-bodied sound without worrying about compression ruining the experience. And if you’re watching films or gaming, the low-latency support makes sure everything stays perfectly in sync, so there’s no disconnect between what you see and what you hear. Add in a solid 10-metre range and you’ve got a very capable wireless solution built right in.

Despite its small size, the GR40 doesn’t cut corners on design or usability. It offers intuitive controls for volume, bass, and treble, letting you dial in a sweeter, more organic sound to suit your taste while still preserving clarity in the midrange and treble. With its plug-and-play setup, there’s no need for drivers - just hook it up, toggle between inputs as needed, and you’re ready to enjoy. With a headphone power output that can comfortably drive anything from 32Ω to 300Ω, a frequency response of 20Hz–20kHz, and excellent SNR and dynamic range performance, the GR40 proves that big sound and versatility really can come in a compact, user-friendly package.

Our Review

The Fosi Audio GR40 is one of those rare little gems that manages to be both practical and seriously impressive, rolling a tube DAC, preamp, and headphone amp into a single compact unit that feels right at home in almost any setup. It’s got all the bases covered with Bluetooth, USB, optical, and coaxial inputs, plus outputs for RCA and headphones, and it even switches over to headphone mode automatically when you plug in - a small but thoughtful touch. Under the hood, the ES9028Q2M DAC chip delivers audiophile-level clarity with 32-bit/384kHz decoding and DSD256 support, so the music comes through with depth, detail, and minimal noise. Add in Bluetooth 5.1 with aptX HD and Low Latency, intuitive tone controls, and enough power to comfortably drive a wide range of headphones, and the GR40 proves that you don’t need a bulky stack of gear to enjoy rich, hi-res sound - it’s all right here in a tidy, plug-and-play package.