Fosi P4 vs ZP3

[jscro626]

I have a little collection of dj mixers and amplifiers which I switch out from time to time. All of my amps have volume control so this hasn't been an issue before, but I recently acquired an amp without volume control, so I have a need for a preamp to solve that issue. I was going to order the P4 and call it a day, but the ZP3 got me thinking...

I could benefit from longer cable runs. All of my DJ mixers have balanced outs, and I have an audio interface I'd like to jack into on the other side of the room and not have to breakout the laptop when I want to record or sample. Being able to run 50 ft cables would make my music room more flexible. I also wouldn't mind some subwoofer filtering as well. At the ZP3's price, I think it makes more sense. However...

The reviews for the P4 are glowing, while the ZP3 reviews are so so. I noticed in Amirm's review of the ZP3, he mentioned the unbalanced ins/outs and tone controls introduce some distortion. All of my amps are of the home audio variety, so none of them are balanced. The output to the amp/speakers is always going to be rca line out. My shit isn't audiophile by anymeans, but I don't want to sacrifice audio quality in the name of functionality.

I can just return the ZP3 if it doesn't suit my needs, but I'd prefer just to get the P4 if it's going to be the best sounding option for my scenerio.

Any input from anyone?

 

[Power Pop 23]

I have a little collection of dj mixers and amplifiers which I switch out from time to time. All of my amps have volume control so this hasn't been an issue before, but I recently acquired an amp without volume control, so I have a need for a preamp to solve that issue. I was going to order the P4 and call it a day, but the ZP3 got me thinking...

I could benefit from longer cable runs. All of my DJ mixers have balanced outs, and I have an audio interface I'd like to jack into on the other side of the room and not have to breakout the laptop when I want to record or sample. Being able to run 50 ft cables would make my music room more flexible. I also wouldn't mind some subwoofer filtering as well. At the ZP3's price, I think it makes more sense. However...

The reviews for the P4 are glowing, while the ZP3 reviews are so so. I noticed in Amirm's review of the ZP3, he mentioned the unbalanced ins/outs and tone controls introduce some distortion. All of my amps are of the home audio variety, so none of them are balanced. The output to the amp/speakers is always going to be rca line out. My shit isn't audiophile by anymeans, but I don't want to sacrifice audio quality in the name of functionality.

I can just return the ZP3 if it doesn't suit my needs, but I'd prefer just to get the P4 if it's going to be the best sounding option for my scenerio.

Any input from anyone?

Welcome to ASR !

Note the concern Amir had with the implementation of the volume control in the ZP3. I would look for alternatives to the ZP3.

 

[jscro626]

I

Welcome to ASR !

Note the concern Amir had with the implementation of the volume control in the ZP3. I would look for alternatives to the ZP3.

I appreciate it! I am a very long term lurker.

 

[Ropeburn]

Welcome!

DJ mixers are nothing but luxuriously equipped preamps in terms of functionality. Why not use the best sounding one you have for volume control?

 

[jscro626]

Welcome!

DJ mixers are nothing but luxuriously equipped preamps in terms of functionality. Why not use the best sounding one you have for volume control?

The LED/VU meters are a tool to know what I'm doing levels wise when using multiple sources and I'd really prefer those to match what I'm doing when I'm playing gigs. Also a couple of mixers I own really prefer to be pushed to sound good. Right now, I can only turn things up about 1/2 half way before it's uncomfortable on the amp with no volume control and there isn't much information to work with on the meters.

I'd prefer to just get a device I can stick in my rack and forget about.

 

[Ropeburn]

When you say "forget about it", does that mean you aren't going to actually use it for volume control while you're listening? But just to limit the signal going to the poweramp?

If so, you don't even need a preamp. A simple passive volume control is enough.

 

[jscro626]

When you say "forget about it", does that mean you aren't going to actually use it for volume control while you're listening? But just to limit the signal going to the poweramp?

If so, you don't even need a preamp. A simple passive volume control is enough.

That's exactly what I mean. I figure anytime I switch out an amp and or mixer, I'd set levels with the volume control on the preamp. Then I'm just using the mixer's fader to send the signal to the preamp anytime I'm powering on/off. I wouldn't be adjusting the volume much at all which is the way I work with my current amps.

I hadn't considered a passive unit, but that sounds more affordable. Any decent ones to recommend?

The schitt one looks promising and the price is right.

 

[Bleib]

Fosi Audio ZH3 Fully-balanced DAC Headphone Amp/Preamp is coming out in September. It has a display so probably no volume problems

6.35mm + 4.4mm headphone jacks

XLR Output & RCA In/Out

Optical, coaxial, and USB input

12V Trigger in/out

Might be an alternative?

 

[KR500]

I own the Fosi devices and also the Schmidt preamp mentioned
I have several devices from both manufacturers and use them
Don’t care for my Schmidt Sys Switcher Passive Preamp, although it fulfills its duties with no problem, plus great price point.
It’s the knob and pot I don’t like, knob too small and slippery, seems to have a bit of channel imbalance going on too.
I put a piece of matte tape on the knob to help grasp it but rarely use it now.
JDS Labs used the same pot on the Atom I have but it has a better knob and no channel imbalance at all.
IThe Atom has Unbalanced RCA also.
My favorite DAC is the Bifrost 2 Uber, but it is unbalanced only.
The ZP3 preamp works well and I use it daily with balanced to ZD3 and ZA3.
First purchased the ZD3 and used it to control volume, but getting the ZP3 just works better for my needs.
I have no issue with the volume knob concerns but understand it could be a problem for some.
I like the smaller ZP4 preamp but it is on my desktop setup.
Have you considered the Mackie “Big Knob “ ?

 

[Joe Smith]

There are a number of well made passive preamps on eBay at any time - IMO the Luminous Axiom is one of the best made ones, a little pricey, but nice, and they can make it in various ways depending on your equipment. I went another route and had one custom-made by an Audiokarma guy for around $100, still use that from time to time - solid oak case, nice oversize knob.

The Schitt Saga 2 would also be worth a look for you. For $280, it's considerably more than the Fosi P4, but has some really nice features. Four inputs, balanced outputs out to amp, remote, relay-stepped attenuation with very precise channel matching. It's a very nice unit.

 

[Schlippwhip68]

Nice knob!