Fosi Audio S3….serious streamer?

[Joe Smith]

Playing nicely…

 

[Joe Smith]

My ongoing issue with Fosi is that their printing for text by buttons is too faint. True on the Merak player and definitely true on this guy too. You have to basically memorize what the led positions mean.

 

[Brian Hall]

The USB port can easily be retrofitted using a DDC, such as the PO100 or U2PRO, for €35-60.
True galvanic isolation for USB is then included free of charge.

I've never had an issue with USB inputs. My desire for all the input types is so I can have and use all the input types for multiple devices in my office setup.

 

[xanalog]

Thank you for your interest in Fosi Audio’s streaming products,why you want a USB? ...
...you use the USB,to the host or link a DAC?

So that I (we) don't have to have multiple hardware, to route processed-analog audio from products like a DAP, a PC, or any other digital audio source.

I would like to know FOSI's decision and reasoning why the USB-C I/O was intentionally excluded?
+$10

 

[yuting]

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.

Thank you for your interest in Fosi Audio’s streaming products.
Our target users for this product are primarily using Wi‑Fi for streaming, so we didn’t focus much on Bluetooth initially.
That said, I’ve noted your request regarding Bluetooth. Out of curiosity, could you share: in what scenarios do you typically use Bluetooth on a streaming product?

 

[yuting]

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.

thank you !
we have S3 Lite Release Plan

Core Features:

• Pure Digital Transport (No DAC): Dedicated digital turntable functionality without built-in DAC.
  
  
• Connectivity: USB output + Coaxial output + Optical output.
  
  
• Target Price: $150–$200 USD.
  
  
• Design: Black finish, unified design language consistent with the ZA3 and ZD3 models.

Industrial Design Renderings:

Estimated Time to Market: End of August 2026

 

[yuting]

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

thank you !

Qobuz connect Development is complete and we are awaiting certification approval. We will roll out the OTA update as soon as certification is granted

 

[yuting]

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.

Thank you for your interest in Fosi Audio’s streaming products.
Our goal with this product was to provide Hi‑Fi enthusiasts with a streaming DAC that delivers exceptional sound quality. That’s why we spent so much time tuning the audio performance and included professional-grade audio interfaces.
Regarding your suggestion about adding a volume gain feature—could you share why you’d like to have this function?

 

[Brian Hall]

Thank you for your interest in Fosi Audio’s streaming products.
Our goal with this product was to provide Hi‑Fi enthusiasts with a streaming DAC that delivers exceptional sound quality. That’s why we spent so much time tuning the audio performance and included professional-grade audio interfaces.
Regarding your suggestion about adding a volume gain feature—could you share why you’d like to have this function?

A device like your streamer should also be able to function as a dac for other devices. It would be perfect for a desktop setup if it had all the inputs: USB C for input from a PC (top requirement). HDMI for input from a TV for watching movies with a Fire TV stick (second requirement). Coax and Optical for other devices like a CD player or digital radio.

It should also be able to function as a headphone amp to eliminate the need for another box.

My dream device would be something like the Wiim Amp Ultra if it had all the needed inputs and included a headphone amp. A one box solution that covers everything.

 

[Bleib]

A device like your streamer should also be able to function as a dac for other devices. It would be perfect for a desktop setup if it had all the inputs: USB C for input from a PC (top requirement). HDMI for input from a TV for watching movies with a Fire TV stick (second requirement). Coax and Optical for other devices like a CD player or digital radio.

It should also be able to function as a headphone amp to eliminate the need for another box.

My dream device would be something like the Wiim Amp Ultra if it had all the needed inputs and included a headphone amp. A one box solution that covers everything.

Full agreement. It's a bit odd that something named Ultra doesn't reach up to this.

 

[yuting]

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

Thank you for supporting Fosi Audio’s streaming solutions.
Yes, we’re constantly improving our app. Currently, we’re optimizing the user interface and adding Qobuz support.
I’m sharing a few design wireframes to show the progress. Once testing is complete, these updates will be rolled out via OTA, and we’ll continue to refine the app over time.

 

[yuting]

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?

I’d suggest connecting the S3 directly to the ZA3, assuming the ZA3 still has an available audio input.

 

[yuting]

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.

Thank you for your interest in Fosi Audio’s streaming products. We’ll continue to optimize our products and the overall user experience.

 

[staticV3]

in what scenarios do you typically use Bluetooth on a streaming product?

I would not use Bluetooth and do not see the limited codec support as a disadvantage.

Others apparently do, so best to ask them

 

[yuting]

Ditto; rear of plastic/resin enclosure:
View attachment 517072

Thank you for your interest in Fosi Audio’s streaming products.
We chose a plastic enclosure because it doesn’t block Wi‑Fi signals. If we had used a metal casing, we would have needed to add an external antenna.
To strike the right balance, we applied a metallic spray coating to the plastic shell—so the appearance still looks premium while maintaining good wireless performance.

 

[yuting]

Exactly.. it all passes from a dbx DSP with an AutoEq function ..I don't know what Fosi will use ..but I don't think it's top level ..Dirac type.

My thoughts exactly.

In my humble opinion 5 bands is not enough and here it really seems even the Q-value cannot be chosen which makes it basically just a graphical EQ with user interface based on sliders and (presumably) user-defined numerical values (ctr freq, I'd hope at least that would be freely selectable).

PS. to add - I've found the Wiim Mini a great purchase!

Thank you for your interest in Fosi Audio’s streaming products.
We’re continuously improving our products and app.
Below is the EQ interface we’re currently optimizing—we’re also expanding the EQ from 5 bands to 10 bands.
These updates are expected to be released in May.

 

[yuting]

Even then, the Fosi has no screen, Phono in, Coax out, nor support for surround support. For the same price.

Thank you for your interest in Fosi Audio’s products.
We’re currently developing a model with a display and these interfaces, and if everything goes smoothly, it should be released later this year.
Thanks again for your support!

 

[gtcore]

Thank you for your interest in Fosi Audio’s products.
We’re currently developing a model with a display and these interfaces, and if everything goes smoothly, it should be released later this year.
Thanks again for your support!

Sory for question but would like to know before buying; does Spotify connect support Lossless playing on Fosi S3?
Thank you!

 

[morillon]

Thank you for your interest in Fosi Audio’s streaming products.
We’re continuously improving our products and app.
Below is the EQ interface we’re currently optimizing—we’re also expanding the EQ from 5 bands to 10 bands.
These updates are expected to be released in May.
View attachment 521784

Here's a GEC mode...

but is a PEQ mode development?
How is your subwoofer output processed?

 

[Schlippwhip68]

Just found this...

Fosi S3 Music Streamer / DAC / Balanced Preamplifier

Buy Fosi S3 Music Streamer / DAC / Preamplifier in India with Free Shipping, GST Invoice, EMI Option and Official Warranty from The Audio Co.

theaudio.co

If the price is as listed on the link, I don't know if anybody will pull the trigger on s3.
I am expecting it to compete with Wiim Pro+ but Fosi aim it at Ultra price wise.

I would hazard a guess and say this may even supersede the Wiim Pro Plus especially if you use XLR.