FOSI S3 Balanced Streamer Review

[qorky]

@yuting Heyo! Long-time fan of ASR and Fosi, but just recently created an account here. I'm getting my S3 streamer later this week, is it possible for me to get access to the beta testing of the new app once I receive my streamer? I'll try out the standard app before I try the updated one, and would love to provide feedback on both the new and old app. I have a background in computer science so I know a thing or two about valuable feedback and software testing.

 

[yuting]

@yuting Heyo! Long-time fan of ASR and Fosi, but just recently created an account here. I'm getting my S3 streamer later this week, is it possible for me to get access to the beta testing of the new app once I receive my streamer? I'll try out the standard app before I try the updated one, and would love to provide feedback on both the new and old app. I have a background in computer science so I know a thing or two about valuable feedback and software testing.

Thank you for your support. I'll send you a private message with the download link for the new version of the APP.

 

[Chanur]

Thank you for your support. I'll send you a private message with the download link for the new version of the APP.

Any idea when the S3 Lite version will be releasing?

 

[yuting]

Any idea when the S3 Lite version will be releasing?

thanks，Delivery has already started, and the equipment is being shipped overseas. The launch date is currently scheduled for the end of August, as the equipment needs to be transported overseas first, which takes some time. Thank you for your support!

 

[HooStat]

Two questions. Is anyone using this to do digital source switching and digital volume control (plus streaming)? My use case is to control Genelec speakers with a digital input (via a Hosa optical to AES EBU converter) to switch between a Waxwing phono stage and the Fosi streamer. Just curious if anyone else is doing something similar, or using an alternative product.

Second question -- would the upcoming "lite" version perform this functionality? I don't need the DAC or balanced outputs.

 

[Joe Smith]

Thank you for your support. I'll send you a private message with the download link for the new version of the APP.

I tried to download the link that Betty had sent me for iPhone, but it didn't seem to work. Is there a better link for the app, yuling?

 

[bishop44]

Just installed my Fosi S3 for decoding HDMI from my LG TV (via. eARC) and feeding my Acoustic Energy AE1 Actives (via. balanced XLR).

Absolutely spot on. No issues whatsoever. Like others have said, it would have been nice to have a volume display on the unit but its not a serious issue.

Sound quality is exactly as you'd want it to be. Very nice.

I'm a long-time dabbler in hi-fi and I've spent good money on DACs (Naim DAC v1, Mytek Brooklyn) over the years. About 5 years ago I got seriously fed-up of system matching components so I ditched the amp-speaker match-up and went active. Never looked back since. I have the Topping DX5 Pro doing business in my office - another solid performer.

 

[Joe Smith]

I did finally download the new Fosi app on an old Samsung Galaxy phone I have. Big improvement over the current version. I gave Fosi a few suggestions for minor changes. Hopefully they will be releasing it soon. The 10 band EQ is ok, some of their pre loaded curves could be improved upon.

 

[yuting]

Hello，Hello everyone, I'm very glad to inform you that I've just received a notice from our music service provider: our new APP has now passed all tests, so we will release it as early as this week. We are currently conducting the final round of verification before launch, and if everything goes smoothly, the new APP will be available in app stores within the next couple of days. We will post an announcement on our official website once it goes live. On another good note, ROON has already started testing our product, and has only given feedback on two minor issues so far. We believe it won't be long before ROON completes their testing. I will keep updating you all here as always if there's any new development, and your feedback and questions in the comments are always welcome. Thank you all!

 

[redjr]

Good to hear that roon availability is nearer.

 

[vinomarshall23]

Hello，Hello everyone, I'm very glad to inform you that I've just received a notice from our music service provider: our new APP has now passed all tests, so we will release it as early as this week. We are currently conducting the final round of verification before launch, and if everything goes smoothly, the new APP will be available in app stores within the next couple of days. We will post an announcement on our official website once it goes live. On another good note, ROON has already started testing our product, and has only given feedback on two minor issues so far. We believe it won't be long before ROON completes their testing. I will keep updating you all here as always if there's any new development, and your feedback and questions in the comments are always welcome. Thank you all!
View attachment 549873

Hi Yuting,.
I hope this message finds you well. I have been using Apple Music for a year now. In all honesty, I'm hearing better soundstage and overall more volume compared to Spotify (after using Spotify for 7 plus years). Tidal is not available in our country. I'm using bluetooth DACs (Neoteck) and integrated receivers (old Marantz and newer Onkyo) as well, and I can attest that upgrading to the Fosi Audio S3 (been using this since (June 2026) was a night and day difference. I'm no expert but understands what I'm hearing on improvements. Just wanted to see here also fellow Apple Music users, and their feedback. This morning, Apple Music was unable to chromecast thru S3. Checked on playstore right away (I'm using an android device) and indeed there was an update for our S3 app. Still no luck in making chromecast work. Would appreciate to see some comments. Good Day

 

[formdissolve]

On another good note, ROON has already started testing our product, and has only given feedback on two minor issues so far. We believe it won't be long before ROON completes their testing.

Very exciting news! I've really been loving the S3 so far and having Roon support directly will be a major plus.

 

[babadono]

The Icon on my phone for FOSI app changed all by its lonesome. Does that mean it has downloaded the new app? Currently I am getting landscaping done near back patio so S3 is offline temporarily.

 

[babadono]

Curiousity got the better of me. Brought the S3 in from patio....yep the FOSI app has changed/updated. Fosi calls Qobuz "Qobuz Connect" but it is still using the phone as a streaming data relay. True Qobuz Connect devices would be streaming directly from Qobuz using the phone just as a remote control. At least that is my understanding after being on help desk at Qobuz for half an hour.

 

[yuting]

Curiousity got the better of me. Brought the S3 in from patio....yep the FOSI app has changed/updated. Fosi calls Qobuz "Qobuz Connect" but it is still using the phone as a streaming data relay. True Qobuz Connect devices would be streaming directly from Qobuz using the phone just as a remote control. At least that is my understanding after being on help desk at Qobuz for half an hour.

Thanks，S3 supports Qobuz Connect, which means you can use the Qobuz APP to cast music to S3 for playback. Thank you!

 

[Tom22]

This thread is rather quiet on Tidal Connect…any experiences? I have learned that there were issues in the past (Bug with resolution >44,1 kHz), but this appears to be resolved? I think I will buy one soon…

 

[yuting]

This thread is rather quiet on Tidal Connect…any experiences? I have learned that there were issues in the past (Bug with resolution >44,1 kHz), but this appears to be resolved? I think I will buy one soon…

Thanks，I haven't received any feedback on this issue for the time being. Thank you for your support!

 

[Joe Smith]

@yuting My main device (an iPhone) is still showing app version 0.2.1 - will the update get pushed automatically to current app users?

 

[yuting]

@yuting My main device (an iPhone) is still showing app version 0.2.1 - will the update get pushed automatically to current app users?

Thanks, our R&D team has uploaded the new APP firmware for both iOS and Android. However, since the new APP needs to go through the launch review for both iOS and Android, Android has already passed the review while iOS is still under review, which is why the update hasn't been released yet. You'll be able to upgrade once the review is completed, and it shouldn't take long. Thank you!

 

[jareinertson]

Hi Yuting,.
I hope this message finds you well. I have been using Apple Music for a year now. In all honesty, I'm hearing better soundstage and overall more volume compared to Spotify (after using Spotify for 7 plus years). Tidal is not available in our country. I'm using bluetooth DACs (Neoteck) and integrated receivers (old Marantz and newer Onkyo) as well, and I can attest that upgrading to the Fosi Audio S3 (been using this since (June 2026) was a night and day difference. I'm no expert but understands what I'm hearing on improvements. Just wanted to see here also fellow Apple Music users, and their feedback. This morning, Apple Music was unable to chromecast thru S3. Checked on playstore right away (I'm using an android device) and indeed there was an update for our S3 app. Still no luck in making chromecast work. Would appreciate to see some comments. Good Day

Glad to see you are enjoying Apple Music on the S3. I too am pleased with Apple Music via a WiiM Mini but am considering the S3 for a second system. I also use Spotify due to its excellent algorithms for selecting streams for my taste. I can’t say I can hear a difference in audio quality between to two vendors and I am happy with both.