Fosi Audio ZD3 Balanced DAC Review

[maxliii]

Thanks for the review Amir.

DACs certainly are a solved problem and this is an excellent example, however, I see no benefit in replacing my Benchmark DAC2, SMSL SU8 or Topping D50s. These all perform extremely well in their respective systems and the only reason to upgrade would be for a DAC that included EQ and DSP filters.

Why do EQ and DSP filters MATTER that much? How does it work in the audio listening?

 

[maxliii]

Ask in this thread;

Serious Question: How can Op Amp rolling improve the sound of an already well measuring device? Are that many confused? (Master Thread)

On OP-Amps and Op-amp rolling Another contentious topic. Manufacturers of DACs and Amps often socket op-amps to allow people to swap them with different types, with the aim of improving the sound - or getting a different “sound signature” (Whatever that might mean to you). We get it. It’s...

www.audiosciencereview.com

JSmith

Thanks for your kindness

 

[maxliii]

the fact this is as low as $130 on ebay with11/11 sales and coupons makes it a no brainer

i do get there's some issues with the hdmi and the BT is truly 5yrs behind the times but as yet no one comes close with the price

and fosi at least update the firmware

What kind of issues like on the hdmi and the BT?

 

[GXAlan]

What kind of issues like on the hdmi and the BT?

Depending on your TV and setup, it may accidentally turn on unintentionally.

 

[ObjectiveSubjectivist]

But V3 mono is an amp, but this one is a DAC and preamp

V3 mono is a power amplifier. This is a dac with preamp function. What's the problem?
It's made to work together.

I really don't know what's your point.

 

[maxliii]

Yes, its a good, but it does not have HDMI input

Why does HDMI matters that much for a DAC

 

[JSmith]

Why does HDMI matters that much for a DAC

Well it is a benefit to be able to send stereo PCM from a TV via HDMI ARC. This avoids any signal lock-on issues with optical, or any need to adjust DPLL settings (if available).


JSmith

 

[GXAlan]

Well it is a benefit to be able to send stereo PCM from a TV via HDMI ARC. This avoids any signal lock-on issues with optical, or any need to adjust DPLL settings (if available).

Why does HDMI matters that much for a DAC

And if you are using the DAC into an amp or active speakers, HDMI CEC lets you use the DAC like a soundbar where the TV remote powers on and off the audio system and also allows volume control.

 

[maxliii]

Ah yeah, I was thinking more about LDAC and headphone amp..

Why is LDAC better than aptX or other formats for a DAC and headphone amplifier?

 

[maxliii]

It would be nice to have a Plus version with analog input, then it would be awesome!

Why do you think a analog input would be better?

 

[Graham849]

Why do you think a analog input would be better?

People want an integrated pre-amp in a small form factor. Optical, Coax, USB, Bluetooth, Hdmi and analog inputs. Swiss army knife.

 

[maxliii]

We need basic smoke testing of the HDMI, not just from an audio quality perspective but to confirm its basic functionality with the TV.
Many of these devices have bugs in these simple features.

The following three questions should serve as a checklist:

- Does the device turn on and off automatically?
- Can the volume be adjusted (CEC)?
- Are there any noticeable sound issues?

What is smoke testing? Why do you think it is necessary for HDMI?

 

[maxliii]

Why USB type B insted of type C

Why does type C matter that much to you?

 

[maxliii]

Just let Fosi know what you want, they lack of a product which has LDAC and headphone amp.

Why is the LDAC essential for a headphone amp?

 

[maxliii]

OLED is the incorrect choice for a static display. I will likely be unreadable within 6 months.

Martin

What kind of display you used is better?

 

[maxliii]

Amir calls it "desktop" but with those inputs, features, and remote it would work well also in the living room and TV room.

Fosi Audio should make something similar but with EQ for room correction and preference.

Why do you think a dac with EQ for room correction and preference is vital? How many modes is worthwhile?

 

[F1Fan72]

Hi, On paper, how would this compare with an Eversolo Z8?

 

[maxliii]

Exactly my questions and there's no user manual available at this time at https://fosiaudio.com/pages/user-instruction.

In addition: Will the device switch automatically to HDMI input when a TV is turned on? Are volume levels remembered separately for each input?

The holy grail: balanced output, signal sensing for source switching, signal sensing for on/standby, separate "last volume" memory for each source, trigger in/out, HDMI with CEC where the TV remote does everything.

Many reasonably priced devices with all but one or two of those. I just want a good, flexible two channel system, not a big AVR box, where I can control music and control TV with a single remote for each. Essential in a multi-user household where other people won't grasp all the particular interactions of connected devices. The increasing prevalence of Bluetooth remote controls makes it that much harder to integrate devices for remote control.

Why a remote control for integrate devices is important? And why do you attach importance to the volume remembering? And what is a two channel system?

 

[Multicore]

Why do you think a dac with EQ for room correction and preference is vital? How many modes is worthwhile?

It's not essential because these can be implemented elsewhere. But many of us listen in rooms that dominate the bass and should be corrected for and we all have our preferences and some recordings need correction too.

 

[daniboun]

Why does the LDAC supporting is vital?

Check LDAC measurements vs other codecs and you ll understand )