Fosi Audio ZD3 Balanced DAC Review

[jackdanyal]

Is it me or the DAC producess less power/vrms in preamp mode rather than bypass mode?

When I use it with ZA3 in preamp mode, I can get enough loudness on 45 out of 80 volume level (ZA3 on max volume). But when I switch ZD3 to bypass mode, I can get the same amount of volume when I put ZA3 volume know on 9 o'clock position. Bare in mind I use it with RCA cables (ordered XLR). What's interesting, Burson's preamp produces the same amount of power as ZD3's bypass mode. So, does it mean ZD3's preamp is weaker and Fosi did it intentionally? Or maybe I missed smth?

 

[jackdanyal]

Ok, so I hooked it all back together today after updating the ZD3 to firmware 1.06

Ultra to ZD3 via usb - ZD3 switch to OFF - ZD3 to V3 Monos with XLR - QED cables to Dali Oberon 5’s

The sound was good, and balance I’d say ‘nicer’ or ‘fuller’ (if that makes sense) than without the ZD3 in the chain.

The only thing I don’t understand is why I now have to have the ZD3 volume set to around 45, which is over 50% if the ZD3 maxes out at 80…..to achieve the same sort of volume level I was getting with the Ultra going directly to the V3’s with the Ultra volume set to about 28 (out of 100)

Have I lost some gain (or something) somewhere?

I’m still feeling my way through this so please forgive me if it’s a dumb question or observation.

Thanks.

hey, I have the same issue, but not with Ultra, but rather comparing with different DAC (Burson Play 2)

 

[jackdanyal]

Don't bother matching those, it's just different.

how it could be different? It shouldn't be 2/4 vrms on every device should be 2/4 vrms. How is it possible that in one device we can get loudness with 25% of volume, but with Fosi only with 50%? there should be explanation of it. @Fosi Audio any idea what's going on?

 

[ManniX]

Is it me or the DAC producess less power/vrms in preamp mode rather than bypass mode?

I use the RCA output and bypass looks the same as volume at 80, max level, in non-bypass.
Didn't measure it but I hadn't any reason to. If there's a difference it's hardly noticeable.

 

[ManniX]

2/4 vrms on every device should be 2/4 vrms

I thought so as well until I started reading Amir's reviews

From the ZD3 review:
"Performance is noise bound. Competitors use 4.2 volt output which uses the best dynamic range of the audio analyzer. If Fosi had done that, it would probably extract another half a dB of SINAD."

I've seen up to 2.5/5.1 volt outputs in the reviews.

 

[taleoffice]

Have anyone tried to connect Wiim Ultra and Fosi ZD3? What connection do you use (usb, coax, optical or rca). What sounds the best and what cabel do you use?

 

[F1Fan72]

Have anyone tried to connect Wiim Ultra and Fosi ZD3? What connection do you use (usb, coax, optical or rca). What sounds the best and what cabel do you use?

I did..Simply USB ..

 

[Yersinia Bestmate]

Hello!

Does anyone know if Fosi ZD3 has an automatic on/off function when using usb input? Id est - does it power on when it detects input via usb and go to standby after a while once there's no input, like, for example, Topping E30II does?

edit: checked the manual, nothing there.

 

[F1Fan72]

Hello!

Does anyone know if Fosi ZD3 has an automatic on/off function when using usb input? Id est - does it power on when it detects input via usb and go to standby after a while once there's no input, like, for example, Topping E30II does?

edit: checked the manual, nothing there.

When I had one, only whilst using the trigger input

 

[Yersinia Bestmate]

When I had one, only whilst using the trigger input

Thanks!

Now I'm wondering if the ZD3 accepts 5V trigger or does it have to be 12V..

My preamp has only one trigger output which is currently in use for subwoofer amp and power amp with a splitter. It would be possible to power on the ZD3 with a usb-a-trigger cable but it only outputs 5 volts.

 

[F1Fan72]

Thanks!

Now I'm wondering if the ZD3 accepts 5V trigger or does it have to be 12V..

My preamp has only one trigger output which is currently in use for subwoofer amp and power amp with a splitter. It would be possible to power on the ZD3 with a usb-a-trigger cable but it only outputs 5 volts.

Look at post 232

 

[kauffman]

Have anyone tried to connect Wiim Ultra and Fosi ZD3? What connection do you use (usb, coax, optical or rca). What sounds the best and what cabel do you use?

i did
by coaxial digital cable (wiim ultra coax input for 24bit 192 settings) to ZD3 and from it RCA to fosi audio MC351
better sound against wiim DAC for sure in my opinion
cable coax from rocketfish high performance theater series
RCA focal ER1 cable