Fosi Audio ZP3 Preamplifier Review

[telemike]

Well about this volume indicator issues, it's not a new thing. The classic McIntosh 4300V receiver had volume up/down buttons with no volume indication. You did have power meters which helped a little bit, but that was a USA made big dollar reciever.

 

[ICIETDIYEUR]

People hi

I think that a passive attenuator could be a (very) good solution to not distort the signal of the source connected upstream as well as the amplifier connected downstream, provided that it is judiciously designed (eg: resistors sorted at 0.1%, etc...).

The volume indication could be OLED meters and would be the only 'active' part of such a preamplifier.

Relays with a 12V trimer could be added and why not adjustable high pass and low pass filters (also passive) could be useful depending on the user configuration.

All of its constituent circuits by their 'nature' would make it possible to have a level of ripple necessarily lower than any active circuit: the SINAD ultimately obtained by the installation would only be better off...

... to ponder, gentlemen builders

 

[Bleib]

With a major design fault such as that it can only receive poor
They should release V2 instantly

 

[SoySalsaPicante]

How much +dB gain is this thing with volume maxed out?

 

[Talisman]

I've almost always appreciated Fosi products, but this one is frankly an inexplicable disaster.
Performance is meaningless if essential basic features are missing.

 

[Dmitri]

Downgraded to “Not terrible,” though I’m beginning to feel that’s over generous. Specs and price are nice, but the volume control is unforgivable. I seriously can’t understand why anyone might allow such a flaw. My Anthem receiver allows for initial start up volume control that I have set so power on always starts at -35 db. Can’t believe Fosi didn’t integrate a similar solution.
This site is designed with the purpose of both informing the public and to provide feedback for the companies that design and produce the equipment tested herein. Here’s hoping Fosi will take advantage of the feedback here and fix the issue.

 

[JamesC]

I’ve been using the ZP3 in my listening room for a couple of weeks, and volume hasn’t been an issue. It remembers the last volume setting after power-off, and I use the remote for all adjustments. I also prefer it to my Schiit Saga S, which clicks audibly when changing volume.

 

[SoySalsaPicante]

I’ve been using the ZP3 in my listening room for a couple of weeks, and volume hasn’t been an issue. It remembers the last volume setting after power-off, and I use the remote for all adjustments. I also prefer it to my Schiit Saga S, which clicks audibly when changing volume.

The Schiit gear use relay-actuated volume attenuation ladders, so the clicking is to be expected. This preamp uses a chip attenuator.

 

[Toni71]

Such volume memory is nice; however, after reading this review on Amazon, this is the second reason why I won't add it to my system with my expensive speakers. The first is the lack of seeing where the volume is.

'One minor complaint about its volume control is, it doesn't always remember its last volume setting as indicated by some its reviewers. It immediately outputted its maximum volume when it was powered up on one occasion, which fortunately was caught before any harm was done.
Nevertheless, that minor gripe aside, Fosi Audio has once again produced another exceptionally capable audio product for the money which can sonically challenge much more expensive & lauded preamps that are currently available.'

 

[Ted G]

I’m in the market for an inexpensive xlr pre-amp and this would have been perfect!

 

[Bleib]

I’m in the market for an inexpensive xlr pre-amp and this would have been perfect!

If you're Europe then this is not much more expensive

AUDIOPHONICS AP310-PREAMP Balanced Preamplifier MUSES72320

Audiophonics is proud to present the AP310-PREAMP, a pure analogue balanced preamplifier. Combining comfortable power with a MUSES72320 volume control and full connectivity, it is a sure bet for anyone wishing for a quality audio system.

www.audiophonics.fr

 

[sergeauckland]

I need one! Mine memorizes the last volume level set, so no risk of blasting out accidentally...

Manufacturers do daft things sometimes. My Meridian preamp also memorises the last volume setting, unless there's been a power cut, in which case it reverts to the default zero gain volume setting, as there's no non-volatile memory. Fortunately, in my system, I've arranged the overall system gain so that at pre-amp unity gain it's loud, but only a little louder than I normally listen at. Nevertheless, it would have been a lot better if either they had implemented a non-volatile memory, or at least had the default at minimum volume. At least I do have a decent 1-99 volume level indicator!

S.

 

[Jmudrick]

I’ve been using the ZP3 in my listening room for a couple of weeks, and volume hasn’t been an issue. It remembers the last volume setting after power-off, and I use the remote for all adjustments. I also prefer it to my Schiit Saga S, which clicks audibly when changing volume.

I guess the critical question is does it remember the settings after power is interrupted? I could live with it if so

 

[DSJR]

Manufacturers do daft things sometimes. My Meridian preamp also memorises the last volume setting, unless there's been a power cut, in which case it reverts to the default zero gain volume setting, as there's no non-volatile memory. Fortunately, in my system, I've arranged the overall system gain so that at pre-amp unity gain it's loud, but only a little louder than I normally listen at. Nevertheless, it would have been a lot better if either they had implemented a non-volatile memory, or at least had the default at minimum volume. At least I do have a decent 1-99 volume level indicator!

S.

Had I bought a Meridian 502 (and an external phono stage) rather than a Bryston BP25P with one built in, my audio life since 2002 would have been far different. I also bought a seemingly unused Quad 77 preamp very cheaply indeed, boxed and with the two-way remote control for a 'second system' that never materialised (oh if only I'd tried it in the main rig) and herself made me sell it as the box for the two items was huge...

 

[Joe Smith]

The Schiit gear use relay-actuated volume attenuation ladders, so the clicking is to be expected. This preamp uses a chip attenuator.

The Saga 2 is a great little preamp - particularly for low level listening, as the relay volume control stays accurate for both channels all the way down. The clicks are only an issue if you're constantly changing volume while listening - not sure why one would do that, as the remote has a nice MUTE function if someone comes in to talk, etc.

Fosi should release a new version of this product with a digital dB readout for the volume level, that would solve the issue cleanly. SMSL has such for what was a $110 product, the AO100, and it works well.

 

[SoySalsaPicante]

The Saga 2 is a great little preamp - particularly for low level listening, as the relay volume control stays accurate for both channels all the way down. The clicks are only an issue if you're constantly changing volume while listening - not sure why one would do that, as the remote has a nice MUTE function if someone comes in to talk, etc.

Fosi should release a new version of this product with a digital dB readout for the volume level, that would solve the issue cleanly. SMSL has such for what was a $110 product, the AO100, and it works well.

I change volume frequently due to the (sometimes dramatic) change in volume level track to track in my mixed streaming playlists. That being said, the clicking relays don't bother me, and I agree that the Saga 2 is a great preamp!

 

[DanielT]

19:30 says it all. Serious omission. Hard to believe.

Plus, maybe a little picky, but he also has a point about the barely visible on/off light. The big problem is the volume control knob, of course, but if Fosi hopefully fixes that, they can take the opportunity to put in a slightly larger LED light for the on/off button.

Maybe a little OT for this thread but I'll mention it anyway:
Speaking of pre amps, I saw that Michael Beeny, who has tested cheap pre amp boards, has now built his own. That pre amp seems to have potential. He will sell his pre amp board sometime now in the near future.

With a good Alps volume pot plus everything else, it probably won't be cheaper than a Fosi pre amp, but for those who want to tinker with some fun desktop DIY projects this fall it might be something to think about:

Michael Beeny

My channel is mostly about audio. As and when possible, kits. I upload new content when I can. However, due to heath issues, there could be long intervals with no output from me. I do what I can, when I can.

www.youtube.com

By the way, thanks for this test Amir.

 

[JamesC]

I guess the critical question is does it remember the settings after power is interrupted? I could live with it if so

So far it does. I didnt have the issue yet of it unexpecting having increased volume on power up.

 

[ICIETDIYEUR]

People hi

Actually, I think a little differently:

why offer such a device when almost all dacs these days have a volume control (and sometimes even a PEQ...) ?

 

[sceptical1]

A 43db difference in H2 between bal and rca? Is it that volume control chip?