Fosi ZH3 Balanced Headphone Amp & DAC Review

[Whatsthephuss]

This is due to hardware limitations, RCA and XLR do not support EQ adjustment;

It’s no problem, I’m getting exceptional sound out of the headphone output so I can’t complain

 

[Elvom]

Yes, we have updated the new software, and many customers have already solved the problem of music disappearing before 300ms after updating the new software. If you need it, you can contact our customers to collect the firmware;

Any chance to share it? Ive reached support over email and on fosi forums but no aswer yet

 

[Lux Maldini]

Any chance to share it? Ive reached support over email and on fosi forums but no aswer yet

sure.

 

[dvp]

Is there any chance it will drive DT 880 600 Ohm 96 db?

 

[Lux Maldini]

Is there any chance it will drive DT 880 600 Ohm 96 db?

6.35mm headphone jack -600 Ω -34mW;
4.4mm headphone jack -600 Ω -136mW;

 

[Elvom]

im having this issue in windows 11 when playing a new track, or video the sounds mutes for the first half second. I remember i had this same issue with another xmos device and used this thread to fix it: https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...os-driver-settings-for-no-cutoff-delay.25838/ however it doesnt seems to work anymore, anyone experiencing the same? any fix?
its like the dac goes into sleep for half a second when an audio track changes.

If i cant fix it ill be returning it, its driving me insane.

im having this issue in windows 11 when playing a new track, or video the sounds mutes for the first half second. I remember i had this same issue with another xmos device and used this thread to fix it: https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...os-driver-settings-for-no-cutoff-delay.25838/ however it doesnt seems to work anymore, anyone experiencing the same? any fix?
its like the dac goes into sleep for half a second when an audio track changes.

If i cant fix it ill be returning it, its driving me insane.

problem solved with the firmware update fosi support sent me!

 

[Parky]

You can eq at source if say its from a computer or anything else you can eq before it gets to the zh3. You could also use a physical equalizer from rca not sure on xlr though.

 

[robertospeed]

 

[bithalver1]

Anyone tried replacing the opamps ? Does the Burson V7V fit ?

Thx in advance !

 

[Whatsthephuss]

Anyone tried replacing the opamps ? Does the Burson V7V fit ?

Thx in advance !

Yes I replaced the opamps with V7V and am very happy with the sound. I had noise on the analog (RCA) input at volume level 24 and above (zero noise with digital inputs). After switching to V7V the noise is gone, but it could be I had a faulty stock opamp or one came loose in transport. The sound with the stock opamps was really quite nice so I didn’t think anything was broken until I changed op amps and there was noticeably less noise with high levels (24-32) on RCA input. Maybe it’s just my unit, or perhaps this is a case where op amps are not equal. It sure made an audible difference for me…

 

[conan16]

Can I use moondrop para with fosi audio zh3? Because it mentions between 16 and 300 ohm headphones. Is there any clipping risk or any risk for low impedance (8 ohm, 80db/mw sensitivity) headphones? Thanks.

 

[Hapo]

...if I understand this correctly the PEQ only works on headphone output and not XLR or RCA out...???...

 

[Whatsthephuss]

...if I understand this correctly the PEQ only works on headphone output and not XLR or RCA out...???...

Yep that’s correct. I use the SE headphone out with an adapter to RCA so that I can use the EQ for my other amps

 

[Hapo]

...interesting if inelegant...it is not like you would use headphones and audio system simultaneously...

...this new data makes the Fosi ZH3 with its RCA input a good bit less attractive and renews some interest in Topping DX5II...

...that solution you suggested would work with any such amp...

 

[Loud Silencer]

Hi, looking for lucky owner of both, the ZH3 and Gryphon. Leaving aside all the obvious differences between these devices, I'd like to ask about the sound quality comparison. I currently have the ZH3, but due to a job change, I'd like something portable to replace the Fosi. From the many reviews I've read, it seems that the Gryphon could successfully replace the ZH3. What are your thoughts?

 

[Whatsthephuss]

...interesting if inelegant...it is not like you would use headphones and audio system simultaneously...

...this new data makes the Fosi ZH3 with its RCA input a good bit less attractive and renews some interest in Topping DX5II...

...that solution you suggested would work with any such amp...

I’ve been using Topping DX5II as the main DAC in my chain now for over a month since August 15th. I use one EQ profile for all my headphones, and all 3 HP + RCA + XLR OUT are active at once. For that reason alone I’d choose the DX5II > ZH3.

However, the ZH3 gets RCA signal from the DX5II, and it’s tone controls sound great with Shure SRH1540 (via 4.4mm). I still use the RCA adapter from the SE HP jack to a Beyerdynamic A1 for my high impedance Beyers.

Again, if I had to choose one DAC it would be the DX5II. It’s feeding another amp with XLR out so I can plug in up to 8 headphones at a time. The source is a WIIM mini and it’s always feeding the Topping optical signal. I never turn it off and don’t plug it into a computer and it hasn’t given me any issues so far, even with old firmware that it came with.

 

[Whatsthephuss]

I’ve been using Topping DX5II… all 3 HP + RCA + XLR OUT are active at once. For that reason alone I’d choose the DX5II > ZH3

If the ZH3 had the option to have ALL outputs active WITH eq, it would have been a much closer competition. With each offering different options to customize the sound profile to taste…

 

[mo-seph]

Does anyone know if I can run this from a USB-A connection? I'm using a hub so I only have one cable into my computer, so I'd like to use e.g. USB-A -> USB-Micro cable and a USB-Micro -> USB-C converter.

One of those things that "should maybe" work, but doesn't always.

 

[solderdude]

Is there any chance it will drive DT 880 600 Ohm 96 db?

No problems driving the DT880/600 to 114dB peaks.

Can I use moondrop para with fosi audio zh3? Because it mentions between 16 and 300 ohm headphones. Is there any clipping risk or any risk for low impedance (8 ohm, 80db/mw sensitivity efficiency) headphones? Thanks.

No problems with driving this 101dB/V sensitivity headphone to at least 106dB peaks (somewhat loud)

 

[Hapo]

If the ZH3 had the option to have ALL outputs active WITH eq, it would have been a much closer competition. With each offering different options to customize the sound profile to taste…

...I most likely would have selected Fosi Audio ZH3 over Topping DX5II because of the RCA input if this was the case...what were they thinking...?!?...