Fosi Audio ZD3 Balanced DAC Review

[Lux Maldini]

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.

Hello, may I ask what specific DSP Filters are you referring to?

 

[Ajax]

Hello, may I ask what specific DSP Filters are you referring to?

Digital Signal Processing (DSP) filters that act like a cross over such as:

• Low-pass filters: Allow low frequencies to pass through while attenuating high frequencies.
  
  
• High-pass filters: Allow high frequencies to pass through while attenuating low frequencies.
  
  
• Band-pass filters: Allow a specific band of frequencies to pass through.
  
  
• Band-stop filters (or Notch filters): Block a specific band of frequencies.
  

 

[mugmealer]

Hello all, I'm looking to buy the ZD3 for the sake of its versatile set of inputs, which includes HDMI ARC.

Does anyone know what kind of digital input formats are supported through this HDMI port? Is it just limited to PCM stereo, or does it support multichannel(either compressed or uncompressed) and does its own downmixing? I can't seem to find any information on this.

 

[ManniX]

Hello all, I'm looking to buy the ZD3 for the sake of its versatile set of inputs, which includes HDMI ARC.

Does anyone know what kind of digital input formats are supported through this HDMI port? Is it just limited to PCM stereo, or does it support multichannel(either compressed or uncompressed) and does its own downmixing? I can't seem to find any information on this.

I don't know for sure but I'd be surprised if it does support multi-channel PCM audio downmixing.
Probably better to write Fosi to get a definitive answer.

 

[mugmealer]

I don't know for sure but I'd be surprised if it does support multi-channel PCM audio downmixing.
Probably better to write Fosi to get a definitive answer.

Okay. I have tried to post a thread in their Customer support forum almost 24 hours ago, but it is still awaiting approval before being displayed publicly.

 

[ManniX]

Okay. I have tried to post a thread in their Customer support forum almost 24 hours ago, but it is still awaiting approval before being displayed publicly.

Uhm, I'd try more direct ways like the form contact, e-mail, whatsapp:

Contact Us

Whatever you need, we’re here to help.Just get in touch, and we’ll try our best to respond within 24 hours.Due to high volume of orders and interactions, it may take longer for you to respond. We are working diligently during this critical time and we appreciate your patience.

fosiaudio.com

They are here as well:

@Fosi Audio

 

[Lux Maldini]

I think it's better they know why some of us don't want them. If both DACs had 2v output instead of one 1.8v I could see more of a point to it. Some love gear, settings etc

Hello, do you mean that the output signals of these two are inconsistent, so you don't like this feature? Would you like this feature if the output signal is consistent?

 

[Lux Maldini]

Just needs PEQ and it can replace my Wiim + E50 setup for my tv

Hello, may I ask when everyone will use the PEQ feature? What specific things are being regulated? Thank you for your reply.

 

[Lux Maldini]

I am still waiting for a DAC with HDMI arc with EQ presets (5bands+). I'm using a 42 oled TV as a PC monitor and sometimes I want to use the build-in TV apps. It would be very nice if I could set an EQ for the speakers for all my use cases.

Hello, I would like to ask what specific applications do you mean by 'TV internal applications'? What types of scenarios do you want EQ to support?

 

[Lux Maldini]

I would also want a sub out and a high pass filter for when the sub is used, along with EQ/DSP for room correction.

Hello, what range of adjustment do you want for the high pass filter function? What specific functions does EQ/DSP for room correction refer to? Can you explain it more clearly?

 

[Lux Maldini]

Yes. that is correct.

Wiim Pro to ZD3 via optical cable.
ZD3 to Saga 2 via RCA cables. (Using the Saga 2 volume control instead of the ZD3 so the ZD3 is switched to bypass.)
Saga 2 to V3 Mono's via XLR cables.

I also have a CD player hooked up to the ZD3 via coax cable. The Saga 2 provides other available RCA hook ups. (Phono via Mani 2, and I could also add a subwoofer.)

Excuse me, may I ask which device is connected to this subwoofer? I noticed that Mani 2 doesn't seem to have a subwoofer output channel.

 

[Bleib]

Hello, do you mean that the output signals of these two are inconsistent, so you don't like this feature? Would you like this feature if the output signal is consistent?

No. I'm not currently interested in two DAC chips in one unit. I consider DACs basically a solved technology. I would be interested in PEQ function with a microphone though.

 

[Lux Maldini]

Looks like it is only a matter of time (hopefully short) before Fosi releases a matching headphone amp to pair with this in terms of looks. Probably the most improved brand in term of priceerformance:looks:function

Yes, they are about to launch a DAC&HEADHONE AMP with RCA input.

 

[Lux Maldini]

well ... i liked the ZD3 i got last week so much i ordered the matching fosi ZA3 amp today with the 48 volt PS for $120 delivered using their %20 off coupon . FSMC20

Fosi Audio ZA3 Balanced Stereo Amplifier

This new generation mini amplifier offers both stereo and mono modes, adapts flexibly to your diverse needs, allowing seamless mode switching.

fosiaudio.com

i hope they have a matching "ZP3" preamp in the works with a decent HP out put and balanced in/out .

Will HP out determine whether you purchase ZP3?

 

[Lux Maldini]

That is what you get when you feed a Dolby signal to a non-Dolby DAC. If you can't tell your source to downmix to Stereo, you can always get an audio extractor with this capability, such as https://a.co/d/9hZnzqN

If it's multi-channel audio, it doesn't seem to be useful either. It's not a multi-channel down mixing device. When outputting multiple channels, it can only be converted to OPT or HDMI interface for output, and cannot convert 5.1 or 7.1 channels into 2-channel audio output.

 

[Lux Maldini]

This is the 1k Sine comparison between ZD3 and D50s, excellent

Spoiler

View attachment 424354
View attachment 424355

For some reason, HQPlayer refuses to output in DSD512.
I hadn't this issue with the D50s.

The screen is very nice but it's a pity that keeps displaying the volume level in bypass mode.
It should be able to show something else in alternative.

The pop filter seems to work quite decent but it does not remove the audio pop when changing codec with DSD.
It's more subtle but the pop it's still there.

No offense, may I ask which DAC can completely eliminate POP sound during DSD switching?

 

[Lux Maldini]

Yes I think we all had the same idea more or less, it'd be so natural.
Let's hope @Fosi Audio will find some spare XP points for this development

But I guess, and I hope, they are working already on a successor model.
It'd be nice to have the same but less frugal, with options, LDAC, 5V/2.5V output and a real parametric EQ per channel.
Would be perfect to counter the Topping D50 III.

Why do we need 5V/2.5V output? Is 2/4V output not enough?

 

[charlielaub]

The trend these days in high end class-D amplifiers seems to be to reduce gain to reduce noise. But then to reach full output you need to a higher input voltage. Thus the need for up to 5Vrms coming out of your preamp. This line level is not unheard of. I have an old analog preamp that can put out 5Vrms.

 

[ManniX]

No offense, may I ask which DAC can completely eliminate POP sound during DSD switching?

No offense taken
The point of that remark was that when I initially read about the ZD3 I missed the 2nd line in the marketing material which said it was not removing the pop completely.
I'm not sure if there's one which completely removes it, maybe the RME-2?

Why do we need 5V/2.5V output? Is 2/4V output not enough?

It's enough but with the bump up in output from the DAC you can use a lower volume on the amp and get the same dB.
Bumping 2/4V to 2.5/5V is basically distortion free while raising the volume on the power amp almost always is not distortion free.

I forgot to mention that the FOSI FAQs are saying:

The balanced XLR output is 5Vrms, and the RCA output is 2.5Vrms.

But on Amir's review he measured 2/4V.
Not sure who is right but I tend to trust more Amir; maybe the output level was changed via a FW upgrade later?

 

[salmo]

Really nice DAC! But I have two complains right now:
1. we can't set screen brightness
2. power consumption is a little high, when turned off
- in USB mode 3,8W,
- with turned off screen it drops to 3,2W,
- after powering off whole unit... 2,7W, why so high, come one, trigger stuff I guess?