Moondrop FreeDSP Mini USB DAC/Amp Dongle Review
A USB-C dongle DAC/amp from Moondrop with a Cirrus Logic CS43198 chip and an app- and web-controlled DSP, listed at $33.99. The page lists a maximum of 80 mW + 80 mW at 16 ohm and PCM up to 32-bit/384kHz, so it suits phone and computer users who want adjustable DSP settings.

Our verdict
A USB-C dongle DAC/amp for someone who wants a named chip, stated output power at 16 ohm and adjustable DSP settings through an app or a web page, at $33.99. Look elsewhere if you use an iPhone and want to configure settings on the phone itself, since the page says the app function is Android only, or if you need the output socket type stated. The main caveat is that the page's sound and measurement claims are the maker's own and were not checked here.
- Best for
- Someone who wants a USB-C dongle with a named Cirrus Logic chip and adjustable DSP settings.
- Skip if
- You want to configure the DSP from an iPhone, which the page says the app does not support.
Moondrop's FreeDSP Mini centers on a second-generation online DSP that the page says is adjusted through the MOONDROP App or a web page, next to a Cirrus Logic CS43198 decoding chip. The page lists PCM from 16-bit/44.1kHz up to 32-bit/384kHz and DSD256, a maximum output of 80 mW + 80 mW at 16 ohm, and a USB-C connection. It is listed at $33.99 as a single option.
Options and pricing
There is one orderable option at $33.99, so no color, plug or bundle choice is shown. The page shows $39.99 crossed out beside the price, which is the store's own comparison and not something we checked. It also notes that the app function is supported only on Android devices, and that iOS users can apply settings after configuring them on an Android device.
How it compares
The Shanling UA Mini is $36 and its entry mentions CS43131 and SGM8262, and the TRN Black Pearl is $36.99 with CS43131 mentioned, while the FreeDSP Mini page names the CS43198 at $33.99. The SMSL PS100 costs $35.99 and its entry mentions ES9023.
Shipping
- Methods and costs. The store's shipping page offers Standard Shipping (4PX, Yanwen or Yun Express), free for most countries, and Express Shipping (DHL Express, FedEx or SF Express) at 15-50 USD depending on the country, free for orders over 270 USD in most countries (checked 2026-11-11).
- Delivery times. It says an in-stock order ships within 3 working days, Standard takes about 2 weeks after shipping out (up to 1-3 months for some countries, and the store makes no refund for that transit time) and Express takes about 3-7 days. Festive seasons and other circumstances can change the timing.
- Taxes and fees. The buyer pays any customs, import or processing fees. The page says Standard via YunExpress is tax-inclusive for some countries, that remote areas can carry extra Express charges, and that a parcel refused or left uncollected over taxes is deducted two-way freight and may be destroyed with no refund.
- Where it ships. The page says the store can generally ship to most countries by Express and many by Standard, and to confirm Standard with the team for your country. It cannot ship to PO boxes or APO/FPO addresses and can only use Express to Hawaii. It does not name the US, Canada, the UK, Australia or New Zealand, so confirm before you pay.
- Lost parcels. If a parcel has been in transit for at least 3 months, the page offers a one-time reshipment or a full refund for orders under $50 and a 50% refund for orders above $50.
Returns and warranty
- Returns. The return page allows returning any non-customized product that is still factory sealed within 30 days of receiving it, with the buyer paying the shipping. Email [email protected] within that period; the store asks for the return to be shipped within 5 working days of the RMA instructions and in most cases processes a refund within 5 business days of inspecting it (checked 2026-11-11).
- Opened items. A product opened within the first 7 days after delivery can be returned for the price minus a restocking fee of 35% of its retail value, including when it still works properly.
- Refund or credit. The buyer can choose a refund to the original payment method (PayPal or card) or store credit; with no answer within 48 hours of confirmation the default is store credit, which can also be prioritized during promotions, final-sale events and for items 40% or more off retail.
- Not returnable. Customized products, including faceplate designs, are non-refundable, and the page says the same applies to carry cases, cables, ear tips and other accessories, "due to hygiene purposes". If one item in a package is defective, incorrect or missing, the refund or replacement covers only that item.
- Warranty. The page gives a 1-year warranty on products, excluding carry cases, ear tips and other accessories, and 3 months on cables and adapters, from the date of purchase. It covers factory defects that affect proper function, not damage from human error, negligence, accidents, dismantling, water, abuse or modification (checked 2026-11-11).
- Not covered or limited. It does not apply to items bought elsewhere (AliExpress, Amazon, local dealers and the like), prize or giveaway items, normal wear or colour change, commercial use, or items that were stolen or went missing. Coverage is limited for products 40% or more off retail, for review units and for items repaired or modified by anyone Linsoul has not authorized.
- Claims. Email [email protected] with the order number, the issue and photos and videos of the fault. The store may ask for the unit back for a replacement. It covers shipping for some defects reported within 7 days of delivery if the fault can be shown on video or photo; after 7 days the buyer ships it back. For wrong or missing items an unboxing video of the whole sealed parcel is required.
Before you buy
Linsoul says it was founded in 2016 by the Crazy HiFi team to bring Chinese HiFi makers closer to listeners worldwide, and that it now sells other makers' products alongside four brands of its own, THIEAUDIO, Kiwi Ears, ZiiGaat and Tripowin (checked 2026-11-11).
We have not read any independent review of this product or of the store. Ratings and owner reviews shown on the store's own pages are the store's and were not verified.
What we liked
- The page names the chip (Cirrus Logic CS43198) and lists PCM up to 32-bit/384kHz and DSD256
- Output power is given with its load: a maximum of 80 mW + 80 mW at 16 ohm
- The page describes DSP settings (filter type, frequency point, gain, Q value) in an app and on the web
- The page states the conditions behind its dynamic range and THD figures (1kHz sine wave, A-weighted)
Worth noting
- The listing text names no output socket type, weight or dimensions
- The app function is Android only per the page, so iOS users must configure settings on an Android device first
- Output power is given only at 16 ohm, with no figure for higher loads
- Every figure is the page's own claim and none was measured here
Questions before you buy
Which chip and sample rates does the FreeDSP Mini list?
The page names the Cirrus Logic CS43198 decoding chip and says it can decode PCM from 16-bit/44.1kHz up to 32-bit/384kHz, and DSD256.
What can the DSP adjust?
The page lists filter type, frequency point, gain and Q value, set through the MOONDROP App or a web page, with presets and a frequency response library for reference. It also describes a built-in community for downloading and sharing settings.
What output power does it give?
The page gives a maximum output of 80 mW + 80 mW at 16 ohm, with no figure for other loads.
Can I return it if I change my mind?
The return page allows returning a non-customized product that is still factory sealed within 30 days of receiving it, with the buyer paying shipping. An opened product returned within 7 days carries a 35% restocking fee. Refunds go to the original payment method or to store credit, which is the default if you do not choose.
How long does shipping take?
The shipping page says in-stock orders ship within 3 working days. Standard Shipping takes about 2 weeks after shipping out, up to 1-3 months for some countries, and Express takes about 3-7 days. Standard is free for most countries; Express costs 15-50 USD and is free over 270 USD (over $499.99 for large items such as headphones and desktop DAC/AMPs).
Does Linsoul ship to the US, Canada, the UK, Australia and New Zealand?
The page says Linsoul can generally ship to most countries by Express and many by Standard, and to ask the team about Standard for your country. It names no restriction for the US, Canada, the UK, Australia or New Zealand, but it does not list them either, and it can only use Express to Hawaii.
What warranty does it have?
The page gives a 1-year warranty on products from the purchase date for factory defects, not for human error, accidents or modification. Coverage is limited for items 40% or more off retail and for review units, and it does not apply to items bought from other sellers.
Sources & verification
What this review is based on and the day we last read it. Specs and claims from the maker are the maker’s own; the verdict and the rating are ours.
From the store
- Moondrop FreeDSP Mini product page: specs, options and price (the buy buttons go there)Specs, options and the listed priceRead November 11, 2026
- Linsoul shipping pageStandard and Express shipping, costs and times, import taxes, lost parcels, couriers, trackingRead November 11, 2026
- Linsoul return policy and warranty page30-day returns of sealed items, 35% restocking fee on opened ones, 1-year and 3-month warranties, exclusions, how to claimRead November 11, 2026
- Linsoul support FAQThe same shipping, return and warranty rules in question form, plus order changes and cancellationsRead November 11, 2026
- About LinsoulFounded in 2016 by the Crazy HiFi team; names its own brands; the awards listed there are the store's own accountRead November 11, 2026
What we couldn’t verify
- The page's wording on reference-level HiFi sound, correction of timbre defects and better playability is the maker's claim and was not checked here.
- The page says its dynamic range, THD and maximum output figures come from the maker's own measurements (A-weighted, 1kHz sine wave); they were not checked here.
- The listing text names no output socket type, weight or dimensions.
- We have not read an independent review of this product or the store, and the store's own ratings were not verified. We read the store's catalog description only: a specification table or image shown just on the live page was not read.
- The shipping page names no US, Canada, UK, Australia or New Zealand times or fees: its figures are general and we could not confirm them for these countries.
Spotted an error or something out of date? Tell us and we’ll fix it and update the date.


