FOSI S3 Balanced Streamer Review

[Jeromeof]

I have this streamer and I do like the hardware implementation but I think the Fosi Audio App needs allot of work but they did share a roadmap recently:

Official Statement on the Fosi Audio S3 App Experience

Over the past few weeks, we’ve received a lot of thoughtful feedback from reviewers, beta users, and early supporters regarding the app experience for the Fosi Audio S3. We would like to sincerely thank everyone who has taken the time to test the product, share suggestions, and point out areas...

fosiaudio.com

 

[Power Pop 23]

Regular Wiim Pro is in lower performance class:

Yes,

It good to see the competitive measured performance and balanced outputs that the Fosi Audio S3 brings to the market for streamers.

WiiM-branded streamers offer mature software with the option applying Parametric EQ and room correction.

 

[AndyMorris]

I'm afraid I am a loss as to what streamers are for? Seriously I cannot see a reason.

Seeing as you need you phone to run the control app, why not just have a decent, modern Bluetooth receiver and run your streams from your phone?

Most homes don't have ethernet wiring, so how many people are going to sit it next to the router?

Or is it really just a very nice Wi-Fi/Bluetooth receiver?

 

[morillon]

He said Pro and "much cheaper."

Price
"plus" (249 euro)<" s3" (280)< ultra(399) (screen, phono,Headphone )


Ps:
quality of analog input for this s3?

 

[morillon]

I'm afraid I am a loss as to what streamers are for? Seriously I cannot see a reason.

Seeing as you need you phone to run the control app, why not just have a decent, modern Bluetooth receiver and run your streams from your phone?

Most homes don't have ethernet wiring, so how many people are going to sit it next to the router?

Or is it really just a very nice Wi-Fi/Bluetooth receiver?

For home entertainment systems generally connected to the "box"... wifi or ethernet, when available, is the "primary" function.

 

[Bleib]

quality of analog input for this s3?

Yes, does it go through ADC conversion like all Wiim?

 

[Talisman]

An elegant streamer full of inputs and outputs but without any connected services is like a very elegant Carrara marble bathroom but without a water connection...
At the moment, I don't see any reason to choose this over any Wiim.

Thanks for the review

 

[amirm]

Seeing as you need you phone to run the control app, why not just have a decent, modern Bluetooth receiver and run your streams from your phone?

You will have range problems. And lossy audio codec. And would require the phone to be in close proximity of the device to keep playing.

 

[ShadowFiend]

Wiim Ultra is nearly perfect apart from Airplay lacking, while Wiim Pro/ Pro Plus lacks eARC HDMI. Fosi S3 can offer both of those in addition to balanced output.

 

[ShadowFiend]

You will have range problems. And lossy audio codec. And would require the phone to be in close proximity of the device to keep playing.

Not to mention streaming through Bluetooth will drain the battery of the phone fast.

 

[Audionaut]

I would have ranked it the highest levels if it had support for Roon already available.

I understand that it’s important to you, but Roon isn’t really essential for a streamer’s basic setup. I think it’s an overreaction to downgrade a streamer just because Roon isn’t supported.

 

[Audionaut]

I'm afraid I am a loss as to what streamers are for? Seriously I cannot see a reason.

Seeing as you need you phone to run the control app, why not just have a decent, modern Bluetooth receiver and run your streams from your phone?

Higher bandwidth
Works even without a connection to any phone
No connection drops
Hi-Res support
Multi Room skills of some streamers
Etc.

 

[amirm]

I understand that it’s important to you, but Roon isn’t really essential for a streamer’s basic setup. I think it’s an overreaction to downgrade a streamer just because Roon isn’t supported.

My recommendations are based on my objective and subjective assessment. You can vote otherwise in the poll.

 

[tw99]

Software features, usability and reliability are going to be the make or break for this type of device. While I appreciate they've done a good job on the hardware basics, I'd be still going with WiiM if I wanted a device in this class, since they are way ahead on the software front.

 

[Power Pop 23]

With their S3 streamer, Fosi Audio joins WiiM in carrying forward the aesthetic that started with the design of the 2005 Apple Mac mini.

 

[F1Fan72]

Hopefully it should be long before it’s Roon ready.

If it had bass management / RC I’ll buy one now

 

[Bleib]

Here's the schedule

 

[Corvuscorone]

I'm afraid I am a loss as to what streamers are for? Seriously I cannot see a reason.

Seeing as you need you phone to run the control app, why not just have a decent, modern Bluetooth receiver and run your streams from your phone?

Most homes don't have ethernet wiring, so how many people are going to sit it next to the router?

Or is it really just a very nice Wi-Fi/Bluetooth receiver?

I use the Hiby music app with eq and 10 band peq (with Qobuz or Tidal) on my Android phone and a 3-5 meter long usb cable between my phone and dac. I get lossless playback easily and cheaply. Sometimes I use bluetooth connection between my phone and dac (LDAC). I don't see why I should spend money on a separate streamer.

 

[EeeGee]

Welcome back Amir. Hope u r well.
Voted fine. No Roon, no USB out (for DSD support) and no screen are limiting factors for me.

 

[Power Pop 23]

Here's the schedule
View attachment 527220

It is welcome news that Fosi Audio intends in the future - matching the practice of WiiM - to offer functional upgrades to the app controlling the S3.

I hope the Fosi Audio S3 sells well enough for WiiM to consider offering a streamer with balanced outputs.