Fosi Audio ZD3 Balanced DAC Review

[jjk1]

Don’t expect any updates for this DAC for the display that will likely burn your eyeballs over time if it doesn’t just burn out first
They are perfectly happy selling an unfinished product. I’m done with it. - just another disposable great measuring inexpensive frustration inducing bug ridden ARS approved device.

From FOSi support ( well at least they provided an answer so I guess that counts for something)

“Thank you for your questions! At this time, there is no firmware update available that dims the display when changing volume on the ZD3. Also, when connected via USB, volume control must be done either through the ZD3 itself or your system settings — direct iOS volume control is not supported.

We appreciate the suggestions, and will share this feedback with our product team.”

 

[Wmacky]

So if anyone is following this thread but hasn't yet gotten a ZA3, and ZD3, Or have one ZA3and wanted to run in mono like me. Fozi has a deal on Amazon. There are offering the ZA3, and a ZD3 for $289. Mine came with a GAN power supply. https://www.amazon.com/Fosi-Audio-Z...agwFus9-&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9tdGY&psc=1

 

[ManniX]

Don’t expect any updates for this DAC for the display that will likely burn your eyeballs over time if it doesn’t just burn out first
They are perfectly happy selling an unfinished product. I’m done with it. - just another disposable great measuring inexpensive frustration inducing bug ridden ARS approved device.

Seems a bit too harsh to me
I'd say unfinished if there was something it was supposed to be there which isn't. And this is not the case.
Also, it doesn't look to be bug ridden, quite the opposite.
Yes maybe not fully featured but it's a great measuring device at a very bargain price, there are other offers on the market to consider.
But you have to pay for it.

 

[JFByers]

I leave mine on 24/7. By the time the display fails (if ever...) I figure the same $150 will buy a DAC that will measure just as well, if not much better -- and I won't be able to hear a difference anyway. Win/win situation here with this thing.

 

[komhst]

From time to time I turn off the display from the remote control. If I adjust the volume or change the source it turns on again. OK, no problem, I turn it off again...
It is an exceptionally good DAC which measures extremely well! It plays native DSD from foobar with superb sound quality. What else could you ask?

 

[Wmacky]

So I notice a soft pop when starting a song via USB, and with Sample rate changes. I understand others had this issue? Did firmware resolve this? How do I check current firmware for the ZD3. Does anyone have the latest Firmware.

 

[ManniX]

So I notice a soft pop when starting a song via USB, and with Sample rate changes. I understand others had this issue? Did firmware resolve this?

Looks like the intended behavior. The ZD3 has an "anti-pop filter" which is meant to soft the pops not eliminate them.
Indeed in comparison to the D50s I have too, they are less and much more subtle.

How do I check current firmware for the ZD3.

Click on the USB drivers icon in the system tray, if it's Windows, Info tab under Revision:

Does anyone have the latest Firmware.

Fosi is weird, they don't put it in downloads only attached to an issue entry in their FAQs:

ZD3 Software Upgrade Steps-1.0.8 - spdif_noise.zip

drive.google.com

 

[Wmacky]

Thanks so much. Very helpful!

 

[rwdv70]

I recently got the ZD3. It sort of replaces the DAC in my Bluesound Node 2 (via coax) and is connected to an Audiomat Solfege integrated tube amp (via RCA) and Linn Keilidh speakers. I think it sounds very well for such a small and cheap unit. However I do think the power supply it comes with is very small and "cheap". Can I expect any improvement if I replace it with a beefier (and perhaps cleaner) version?

Opamps rolling is a bit controversial. I did that on my old Keces DA-131 DAC - which has a very nice toroidal transformer b.t.w. - many years ago and heard a noticeable difference. However not having A-B tested it, that might (in hindsight) have been an entirely subjective effect from making the (small) investment in different opamps. I've listened to many YT opamp tests on the ZD3 and can hardly hear a difference to be frank. But I've listened to those videos on YouTube in the webbrowser (Edge) on a Windows laptop and Sennheiser Momentum 3 headphones via Bluetooth. Windows does not support AptXHD (even though my laptop has a Snappdragon soc). Hence, the whole signal path is affected in many ways that might prevent hearing a 'massive difference' (like many YouTubers describe it) anyway.

 

[ManniX]

Can I expect any improvement if I replace it with a beefier (and perhaps cleaner) version?

If you don't have an issue with the power supply, it probably won't.
No need for anything beefier as well.
Spend the money on audio equipment to verify the audio quality with MTA.
Will make worthwhile any other expense and will avoid wasting money on something which you wouldn't need.

Opamps rolling is a bit controversial.

Yes it is indeed.
I'd avoid using anything else other than the default LNE op-amps on the ZD3.

The ZD3 uses 3 op-amps; 2 x XLR and 1 x RCA.
If you want to use the RCA you have to replace 3 op-amps as the RCA is downstream the XLR outputs.
Which means 3 expensive op-amps like the SS3602 will cost more than the whole DAC.

I've tested the SS3602 and a bunch of others with the ZD3 and the LNE is just better.
Couldn't hear any difference listening while with the measurements showed no change at all at the RCA level.
While on the XLR outputs with the SS3602 there was a tiny difference, more noise in the high frequencies.
You are free to experiment, easy especially with low-cost op-amps, but I don't think you'll get more than a (maybe welcome?) "tube" effect on an otherwise almost perfect DAC.

 

[Mike_Trueman]

I have my amp connected with SPDIF (optical) straight to my PC (realtek ALC4080).

Should the ZD3 sound better if i connect it with USB to my PC and then with RCA to my amp?
Or is it a waste of money?

 

[Thighsofsteel]

I have my amp connected with SPDIF (optical) straight to my PC (realtek ALC4080).

Should the ZD3 sound better if i connect it with USB to my PC and then with RCA to my amp?
Or is it a waste of money?

What is your PC doing in this config? The NAD amp is a streamer DAC already isn’t it?

 

[Mike_Trueman]

What is your PC doing in this config? The NAD amp is a streamer DAC already isn’t it?

Also using it as an amp for my PC. Playing music files, Youtube, movies, games, ...

 

[Thighsofsteel]

Also using it as an amp for my PC. Playing music files, Youtube, movies, games, ...

Then I think the ZD3 will not offer anything to be honest. The NAD is a decent product. Save your money.

 

[Mike_Trueman]

Then I think the ZD3 will not offer anything to be honest. The NAD is a decent product. Save your money.

Thinking the same. But using the USB connection is bypassing the onboard soundcard thats why i tought things could improve.

 

[Thighsofsteel]

Thinking the same. But using the USB connection is bypassing the onboard soundcard thats why i tought things could improve.

It’s your money. But I wouldn’t.

 

[DSJR]

I recently got the ZD3. It sort of replaces the DAC in my Bluesound Node 2 (via coax) and is connected to an Audiomat Solfege integrated tube amp (via RCA) and Linn Keilidh speakers. I think it sounds very well for such a small and cheap unit. However I do think the power supply it comes with is very small and "cheap". Can I expect any improvement if I replace it with a beefier (and perhaps cleaner) version?

Opamps rolling is a bit controversial. I did that on my old Keces DA-131 DAC - which has a very nice toroidal transformer b.t.w. - many years ago and heard a noticeable difference. However not having A-B tested it, that might (in hindsight) have been an entirely subjective effect from making the (small) investment in different opamps. I've listened to many YT opamp tests on the ZD3 and can hardly hear a difference to be frank. But I've listened to those videos on YouTube in the webbrowser (Edge) on a Windows laptop and Sennheiser Momentum 3 headphones via Bluetooth. Windows does not support AptXHD (even though my laptop has a Snappdragon soc). Hence, the whole signal path is affected in many ways that might prevent hearing a 'massive difference' (like many YouTubers describe it) anyway.

Tube amp and Keilidh's?

I sold Keilidh speakers and even owned a late pair for some months. They're a different and far more neutral speaker converted to 'aktiv' and used with a pair of LK140s or the five channel 5125 amp (one channel unused) - the active cards go inside each amp or position on the main board in the case of the 5125 tested here. You'd need to get inside to do the crossover work necessary though, but the drivers could probably do with checking for firmly tight fixing after twenty-five to thirty years )

 

[ManniX]

Should the ZD3 sound better if i connect it with USB to my PC and then with RCA to my amp?

It's for sure technically better, depends on what you listen if it makes a difference.
Since it's not very challenging, give it a try. You can always keep both the optical and USB connected.
The ASIO driver from Realtek it's quite horrible, that could be already a plus by itself.

 

[rwdv70]

Tube amp and Keilidh's?

I sold Keilidh speakers and even owned a late pair for some months. They're a different and far more neutral speaker converted to 'aktiv' and used with a pair of LK140s or the five channel 5125 amp (one channel unused) - the active cards go inside each amp or position on the main board in the case of the 5125 tested here. You'd need to get inside to do the crossover work necessary though, but the drivers could probably do with checking for firmly tight fixing after twenty-five to thirty years )

The Keilidhs were inherited from my father, who passed away some time ago. He also left me a Node 2, a Denon DCD-1600NE, and a Japanese Triode TRV-A300SE tube amp. After many years without having any system in the living room, I finally made space to set up all his equipment. My brother received some Devialet Phantoms, by the way (though my wife didn’t allow me to go for those). The Triode amplifier, delivering 8 Watts in class A, was very clear and transparent but lacked bass depth. So, I brought out my old Audiomat Solfège tube amplifier from the attic The Audiomat is a "beast"—extremely heavy and has no trouble driving the Keilidhs.

The Node 2 is a decent streamer, and with Spotify Connect, I can easily use my laptop phone. I plan to switch to Qobuz once they launch their Connect service for Bluesound devices. My first upgrade was acquiring a new DAC. Initially, I tried my old Keces DA-131 DAC but decided to upgrade anyway. The Fosi DAC meets all my requirements: affordable, compact, and high-quality. In the upgrade path, the Keilidhs will likely be replaced next. I also have an old pair of Elipson 1303s eating dust in the attic but I am inclined to invest in something more modern. I was particularly impressed with the Radiant Acoustics speakers at the local HiFi Klubben store., I may also upgrade the amplifier, possibly to a Nilai or even some inexpensive Fosi mono blocks.

I do not plan to upgrade the power supply or change the op-amps of the ZD3. I cannot hear any difference, and, if anything, it might degrade the performance.

 

[obsessive9119]

Thinking the same. But using the USB connection is bypassing the onboard soundcard thats why i tought things could improve.

If you’re using optical out, I’d have thought that the PC soundcard isn’t really going to affect things unless it’s faulty.