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Fosi ZD3 -Balanced DAC (ESS 9039Q2M) - First Look!

I updated my firmware and played for a couple of hours without any glitches. So far so good!
 
Been listening for 3 hours. No glitches so far! Keep going @Fosi Audio ! Now add a dimmer setting to the display! Press the display off button once for dim, again for off.
 
Hi all, new member here and hoping to get some advice.

I’ve just ordered a ZD3 into which I’ll feed my WiiM Ultra and then onto a pair of V3 Monos…..onto a pair of Dali Oberon 5’s.

I’ve just read this entire thread with great interest, and particularly interested in the latest firmware update 1.06 which seems to fix a persistent glitch (well done Fosi if that’s the case)

Forgive my ignorance but how do I check and install this updated firmware….do I need to connect the ZD3 to a pc?

Thanks very much in advance.

Ian.
 
Iggypot said:
Hi all, new member here and hoping to get some advice.

I’ve just ordered a ZD3 into which I’ll feed my WiiM Ultra and then onto a pair of V3 Monos…..onto a pair of Dali Oberon 5’s.

I’ve just read this entire thread with great interest, and particularly interested in the latest firmware update 1.06 which seems to fix a persistent glitch (well done Fosi if that’s the case)

Forgive my ignorance but how do I check and install this updated firmware….do I need to connect the ZD3 to a pc?

Thanks very much in advance.

Ian.
Click to expand...
Download the file from the following link:




Unzip it and follow the instructions in the pdf (ZD3 Software Upgrade Steps.pdf)
 
Iggypot said:
Hi all, new member here and hoping to get some advice.

I’ve just ordered a ZD3 into which I’ll feed my WiiM Ultra and then onto a pair of V3 Monos…..onto a pair of Dali Oberon 5’s.

I’ve just read this entire thread with great interest, and particularly interested in the latest firmware update 1.06 which seems to fix a persistent glitch (well done Fosi if that’s the case)

Forgive my ignorance but how do I check and install this updated firmware….do I need to connect the ZD3 to a pc?

Thanks very much in advance.

Ian.
Click to expand...

CReeDeR's post has the right info, but yes, you do need to connect to a PC.
 
I recently received a pre-release purchased ZD3 after protracted shipping delays. No issues with USB. Some Coax/Opt inputs work fine, but not from my Amazon Basics HDMI audio extractor (crackling sound output) and nothing when connecting my latest generation Apple TV 4K through HDMI directly. I'm thinking the firmware upgrade might help, but there doesn't seem to be a way to perform it for someone in a Mac environment?
 
Is this a legit link? Seems cheaper than anywhere else I've seen it. Am I missing something?

www.ebay.com

Fosi Audio ZD3 Fully Balance Desktop DAC Integrated Amp Converter with ES9039Q2M | eBay

It supports high audio resolution, with a maximum capability of DSD512 and PCM 32bit/768kHz sampling rates, providing unparalleled clarity and depth. N OTE: When the ZD3 is used with an LG TV, a bug in the LG TV system may cause issues with the HDMI-CEC function.
www.ebay.com
 
turbotuff said:
Is this a legit link? Seems cheaper than anywhere else I've seen it. Am I missing something?

www.ebay.com

Fosi Audio ZD3 Fully Balance Desktop DAC Integrated Amp Converter with ES9039Q2M | eBay

It supports high audio resolution, with a maximum capability of DSD512 and PCM 32bit/768kHz sampling rates, providing unparalleled clarity and depth. N OTE: When the ZD3 is used with an LG TV, a bug in the LG TV system may cause issues with the HDMI-CEC function.
www.ebay.com
Click to expand...
I'm guessing it's an early black Friday special maybe. I believe that is the official Fosi eBay page.
 
alebin said:
I recently received a pre-release purchased ZD3 after protracted shipping delays. No issues with USB. Some Coax/Opt inputs work fine, but not from my Amazon Basics HDMI audio extractor (crackling sound output) and nothing when connecting my latest generation Apple TV 4K through HDMI directly. I'm thinking the firmware upgrade might help, but there doesn't seem to be a way to perform it for someone in a Mac environment?
Click to expand...
Yes another vote for a Mac OS firmware update option please.
 
turbotuff said:
Is this a legit link? Seems cheaper than anywhere else I've seen it. Am I missing something?

www.ebay.com

Fosi Audio ZD3 Fully Balance Desktop DAC Integrated Amp Converter with ES9039Q2M | eBay

It supports high audio resolution, with a maximum capability of DSD512 and PCM 32bit/768kHz sampling rates, providing unparalleled clarity and depth. N OTE: When the ZD3 is used with an LG TV, a bug in the LG TV system may cause issues with the HDMI-CEC function.
www.ebay.com
Click to expand...
I got 20% off from Fosi and this is only 17%.
 
Matt1974 said:
There’s a firmware update for the pops/ clicks, contact Fosi customer services. It’s made a big improvement for me, not 100% eliminated but less frequent and when I get a pop the volume is much lower.

Otherwise great. Sounds really good to me, particularly with the 4580D op amp.

I personally like the screen, looks classy, subjective I know!
Click to expand...
Well after 3 weeks of listening with the stock op amps I decided to swap them with the included 4580D. By any means I'm an expert or audiophile but oh boy! Stock sounds great in my system, rounded warm sound with more emphasis in the low than the highs. Sound stage narrower and towards the back of the speakers. Now the 4580 for me is the opposite, more emphasis on details on the highs and less fat on the lower end. Not bright by any means. Sounds is faster and bass got a bit tighter. Sound stage opened up in all directions, wider,taller and more to the front of the speakers which I like. In some tracks sounds like having surround speakers!!! Next step is updating the firmware. Very pleased. Thanks for the suggestion.
 
Ricrosar said:
Well after 3 weeks of listening with the stock op amps I decided to swap them with the included 4580D. By any means I'm an expert or audiophile but oh boy! Stock sounds great in my system, rounded warm sound with more emphasis in the low than the highs. Sound stage narrower and towards the back of the speakers. Now the 4580 for me is the opposite, more emphasis on details on the highs and less fat on the lower end. Not bright by any means. Sounds is faster and bass got a bit tighter. Sound stage opened up in all directions, wider,taller and more to the front of the speakers which I like. In some tracks sounds like having surround speakers!!! Next step is updating the firmware. Very pleased. Thanks for the suggestion.
Click to expand...
The firmwares sound different to me. I know it’s probably impossible.
 
Just to confirm to everyone that all my grievances with the ZD3 were fixed by the latest firmware update, I haven't noticed any glitches since.

I found that @amirm reviewed the ZD3 here, and he seems rather happy with it.

I'm glad that I gave Fosi Audio the opportunity to address these issues and that I kept my ZD3.
 
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