Fosi ZH3 Balanced Headphone Amp & DAC Review

[Limopard]

While it's a fact that the ZH3 isn't the most powerful amp in single-ended mode I only expect problems with headphones like 600 Ohm Beyer DT 880/990.

Nearly all other demanding headphones can be wired balanced with fairly little effort.

 

[Whatsthephuss]

While it's a fact that the ZH3 isn't the most powerful amp in single-ended mode I only expect problems with headphones like 600 Ohm Beyer DT 880/990.
View attachment 491361
Nearly all other demanding headphones can be wired balanced with fairly little effort.

110db is spicy AF imo. DT880 600ohm were measured here and distortion is off the chart by the 104db measurement.

I have DT770 and an amp that can push it harder than the ZH3, but those are the headphones that taught me what IMD sounds like…

I also have AKG K340 which are 88db/mW and a 400ohm load so even more difficult to drive than DT880. There are no issues playing them ridiculously loud with the ZH3, I’d wager the DT880 would have issues before the amp does.

I have headphones that can play 110db without distorting but the old DT & AKG headphones are not great for that imo.

 

[Whatsthephuss]

While it's a fact that the ZH3 isn't the most powerful amp in single-ended mode I only expect problems with headphones like 600 Ohm DT880/990.

If you don’t want to take my word for it, check out the Beyerdynamic spec sheet for the DT880 - they recommend maximum power handling of 100mW. Still incredible cans despite a design that’s older than I am

 

[Bernard23]

While it's a fact that the ZH3 isn't the most powerful amp in single-ended mode I only expect problems with headphones like 600 Ohm Beyer DT 880/990.
View attachment 491361
Nearly all other demanding headphones can be wired balanced with fairly little effort.

What's the calculator you're using?

 

[Bernard23]

Found it...

Well I guess the Fosi has more than enough for my Yamaha phones!

 

[Bernard23]

Fiio RT1 pro on my shopping list, they are OK too at 391mW for 120dB. I wouldn't listen to music that loud for anything other than a moment obviously so these are the most extreme settings.

 

[Whatsthephuss]

Fiio RT1 pro on my shopping list, they are OK too at 391mW for 120dB. I wouldn't listen to music that loud for anything other than a moment obviously so these are the most extreme settings.

I would gladly EQ a steep bass shelf to 120db if the headphone can handle it without falling apart…

 

[robertospeed]

 

[Whatsthephuss]

 

[Whatsthephuss]

View attachment 491955

Side by side (or top to bottom) ZH3s feeding both inputs of Beyerdynamic A1. I began listening with HD490 but swapped to HE6SE later on.

Stock vs Burson V7V sounded similar enough for my usual playlist… until I put on the bass heavy playlist. To me, the difference is noticeable in the kick and bass, and maybe that’s partly due to the >12db boost I have below 150hz on the WIIM PEQ that puts a huge emphasis on the low end. Swapping back and forth I can hear that one is more tight and well defined than the other. I won’t say which one

A friend of mine has lent me their Burson Soloist GT with V7C, and while I have done a classic swap before, I’m curious to really compare how they are different thanks to the affordable and high quality Fosi ZH3. I’m thoroughly enjoying the second unit and have put the DX5II back in its box. The EQ isn’t needed due to the WIIM (which has better stability), the extra power isn’t being used (HE6SE sounds great on ZH3), and I no longer need the multiple outs on the DX5II with my PO workaround + second unit.

 

[krankran777]

https://support.fosiaudio.com/products/zh3

I followed the guide and installed the new firmware from the link above, but for some reason the firmware won’t update. The DFU tool clearly shows “success”, but when I reopen the DFU tool to check, the version is still the previous 1.14. I’ve tried using a USB 2.0 port and different cables, but it didn’t help at all. Reinstalling drivers or running the program as an administrator also made no difference.

Is there anyone who has experienced the same issue or knows how to fix it? As far as I know, most DACs have a firmware update mode, so I’m not sure whether this issue is related to the device settings or the firmware itself.

 

[Mike_Trueman]

Does someone knows what the output wattage is with a 300Ohm headphone? (ZH3)

 

[Altemir]

Does someone knows what the output wattage is with a 300Ohm headphone? (ZH3)

View attachment 492424

~274mW for 300Ohm and 4.4mm balanced output

 

[Bernard23]

 

[Bernard23]

Ffs I read 3000 ohm

 

[Conehead]

Couldn't resist for that sale price:
View attachment 477197

I highly recommend buying through Fosi Audio official EBay stores. They post “make an offer” options on many products and I recently purchased for $145.

 

[Bernard23]

I bought mine from Ali for £120 delivered tariff free to the UK. They're on the plane to Heathrow.

 

[ChillRay]

Hey everyone. I'm a new member but long time lurker. Just wondering if the ZH3 has any DC protection?
I'm looking to replace my schiit stack from 2020 (modi 3 + magni heresey) that's showing signs of wear and tear (some static and popping sounds that have gotten progressively worse over the past year or so. Volume knob is also emitting a lot of static). I would be mainly using this as strictly a headphone amp to power my HD 600 & r70x.

 

[Wildgift]

My ZH3 cuts off the first second of music using my Mac. Any thoughts?

 

[Henrik]

My ZH3 cuts off the first second of music using my Mac. Any thoughts?

I heard a youtuber complain about it. He contacted Fosi and they replied that the ZH3 has an in-built pop filter, which will mute the sound for the initial 200 mS.
I don't know if it mutes the audio instantly when you stop the music.
Fosi mentioned to the youtuber that there is a fix, but you need a Windows PC to install a piece of software.
I don't know if this software is a one-time task, installing it into the ZH3 or if it's a driver residing on a Windows PC.
If the latter, we macOS users are stuck.
I would very much like to have more information on this.

EDIT: The aforementioned youtuber is replying to my questions on the subject on his video. Look for my name in the comments.