Fosi Audio S3….serious streamer?

[SoySalsaPicante]

View attachment 516701
Where is the USB-C I/O?

Doesn't have it. People basically screaming for this in the Fosi community forum. Fosi is saying that S3 won't have USB I/O, but later models like the S3 Lite (more geared towards people planning to use an external DAC) and whatever the higher-spec model will be will also.

 

[snickers]

Finally a new streamer that makes sense!
Love the XLR output, the connect functions for Tidal ans Spotify, also Airplay and HDMI ARC.

Only thing I'm missing for myself is a additional loudness function, then it could really replace as simple solution my RME Adi-2 + Streamer.

 

[SoySalsaPicante]

Finally a new streamer that makes sense!
Love the XLR output, the connect functions for Tidal ans Spotify, also Airplay and HDMI ARC.

Only thing I'm missing for myself is a additional loudness function, then it could really replace as simple solution my RME Adi-2 + Streamer.

It's pretty badly missing Qobuz completely at the moment, although they're saying that Qobuz Connect is in the works.

 

[Bleib]

Wiim seem to be great at updating their software, can we expect Fosi to do it as well?

 

[xanalog]

Hey FOSI,
Kudos for your S3 release... in the coattails of your SP3.
But if you are listening, I am going to wait for the 'S/P4' version; when the RCAs are replaced w/dual-use XLRs and that other minor USB omission is corrected.

 

[Thc007]

Hi, I'm new in this forum.

I have 2 ZA3 Monoblock and a pair of ELAC Debut 2.0. I have my turntable connected to Izi Zen Air phono amp, and that goes directly to the 2 ZA3s.

If I get this new S3 do I need to get rid of the IZI Zen Air and hook up the Turntable directly to this DAC?

What would you recommend it should by my next upgrade?

Turntable ATLP60 with needle from LPgear.
IZI Zen Air
2 ZA3 Monoblocks
ELAC Debut 2.0

I'm looking for 2 things, first better audio fidelity. And second the option to be able to play from more sources right know I only use my system for the turntable.

Also, if I do get this one. How can I connect this so it triggers both Za3 monos, and control volume?

 

[fredreadrick]

Sold my Ultra & DMP-A6 g2 ME....
Nothing can replace PC based streamer/player for me.
If Fosi has included usb i/o and the price is right, I'll reconsider.

 

[Brian Hall]

Fosi Audio S3 Balanced HiFi Streamer/DAC/Preamp

Fosi Audio S3: Wi-Fi 6 & Bluetooth 5.3 streamer w/ flagship chipset, balanced circuit. NAS/online, App control. streamer/DAC/preamp. Clean, detailed sound.

fosiaudio.com

Bells, whistles and polish?

Come on Fosi, do better. It was looking pretty decent until I saw the lack of usb c and coax inputs. It seems like most dac / streamer makers have this issue - always leaving off one or two important inputs.

I want an all in one great device like the Wiim amp ultra could have been if it had included all the inputs (hdmi arc, usb c, coax, optical and rca) and a good headphone amp.

 

[xanalog]

It appears FOSI S3 uses the older Burr-Brown PCM1804 (28-pin ssop) ADC.
As with its newer TI cousins -the PCM1820 and TAA5242- all 3 provide for 'balanced' audio inputs.

...always leaving off one or two important inputs...

Some old-sayings have staying power: "Almost counts in Horseshoes and hand-grenades!"
[idem for atomic bombs and -apparently- A/DAC combos.]

 

[GGroch]

Rick Ruiz YouTube channel just posted a 1st look with a teardown. the S3 uses StreamUnlimited technology found in, I am told, some high end streamers from ArCam and midrange JBLs (like the Authentics series).

1st indications are it is GoogleCast 2 and Airplay 2 compatible. Ruiz says some StreamUnilmited skus include DIRAC. I love my WiiM Ultra and will not run out an buy an S3, but it is great that technology competitors to LinkPlay are stepping in. WiiM did not have room EQ at 1st either, and SteamUnlimited is a serious platform. I am pleased there will be new choices.

 

[fredreadrick]

No pricing up to now?

 

[kemmler3D]

Looks decent all around, if I hadn't already stuffed my house full of WiiM gear this would be catching my eye. It's good to have some competition among budget streamers, otherwise WiiM might get tempted to enshittify their app at some point... start charging a subscription fee for EQ, who knows...

 

[tom_tom]

First look on device

 

[mocenigo]

View attachment 516701
Where is the USB-C I/O?

I guess there is no USB. One must use Wifi or ethernet.

 

[zeropoint]

Captured from the above video:

 

[zeropoint]

Ditto; rear of plastic/resin enclosure:

 

[Schlippwhip68]

I totally can.

Bluetooth on this is surely an afterthought, home theater connectivity and network streaming are the main focus.

If Fosi are too cheap to include a USB bridge in this, then they're totally cheap enough to use a slightly older Bluetooth receiver for half the price.

It’s not aluminium either….its a resin shell which in turn should keep the cost low but that being said people are still paying £89 for the plastic Wiim mini, which I think is a con, especially when Fiio can give an aluminium body as they do with the SR11 which doesn’t need a software suite to sound good either.

 

[staticV3]

It’s not aluminium either….its a resin shell.

Odd choice for the harsh conditions of domestic listening environments.

Plasticky timbre guaranteed.

/s

 

[Masavanas]

I'm still unsure which will be the successor to my current streamer ..the candidates are Eversolo A6, Shanling SM1.3, Fiio R9, Bluesound Node ..and now the S3 is also coming up even though I think it will be at a lower price range.
For now at the top of the list is the SM1.3 ..let's say it seems to have the fewest flaws, or rather ..the flaws it has are not that important for my need. Fosi has used us well and this S3 promises just as well.. although the lack of volume indication is in my opinion unforgivable. Let's see when it comes out ..I have until June.

 

[staticV3]

For now at the top of the list is the SM1.3 ..let's say it seems to have the fewest flaws

No built-in room correction means it'll sound worse than even a measley WiiM Pro, now that's a flaw.

Or do you use external room correction?