Fosi ZH3 Balanced Headphone Amp & DAC Review

[Mutex]

I'm unsure whether to buy this one or the Fosi Audio K7. It's mainly to connect it to the PC and hook up my Sundara headphones and some active speakers via RCA. I like both because they have bass and treble control, but I really don't know which one to buy.

I ended up returning the ZH3 and getting the Topping DX5 II instead. It's more expensive yes, but because I was planning for the next 10 years of usage, it was absolutely worth it. Having a built-in PEQ where I can simply dial in the correct values from oratory1990's list and get a perfect Harman response (or any other response for that matter) out of my headphone, makes this the best value for money imho.

I actually saved two profiles for my headphone on the DX5 II. One 100% Harman (according to oratory1990's measurements), and another Harman adjusted to my liking. You mentioned the need for bass and treble control? With the DX5 II you'll have all the control you want.

oratory1990's EQ settings for my headphone improves its Harman response score from 66/100 to 100/100.

 

[Whatsthephuss]

I'm unsure whether to buy this one or the Fosi Audio K7. It's mainly to connect it to the PC and hook up my Sundara headphones and some active speakers via RCA. I like both because they have bass and treble control, but I really don't know which one to buy.

K7 will let you switch back and forth between headphone out and RCA out and let you use tone controls for both afaik. ZH3 only does tone controls with headphone out (I use a 3.5mm to RCA adaptor to other amps). ZH3 has a remote, K7 has more controls on the unit.

If you plan to use multiple headphones at once the better option is the ZH3, as I read in the K7 manual that plugging into both headphone sockets at the same time may cause the 4.4mm to become unbalanced.

For your use case of switching back and forth between headphones and speakers, the K7 would make more sense as it would support separate volume and tone controls for each. If you want to play both at the same time I would get the ZH3 and use the unbalanced headphone out to feed your amp and the balanced 4.4mm out for the Sundaras

 

[Whatsthephuss]

I ended up returning the ZH3 and getting the Topping DX5 II instead. It's more expensive yes, but because I was planning for the next 10 years of usage, it was absolutely worth it. Having a built-in PEQ where I can simply dial in the correct values from oratory1990's list and get a perfect Harman response (or any other response for that matter) out of my headphone, makes this the best value for money imho.

I actually saved two profiles for my headphone on the DX5 II. One 100% Harman (according to oratory1990's measurements), and another Harman adjusted to my liking. You mentioned the need for bass and treble control? With the DX5 II you'll have all the control you want.

oratory1990's EQ settings for my headphone improves its Harman response score from 66/100 to 100/100.

I use a WIIM mini as the source and it has a much better EQ application than Topping Tune.

The combination of the WIIM and ZH3 cost me $240, so it’s a better value for the money imo. The DX5II I bought hasn’t been used in weeks.

 

[Thearkymen]

K7 will let you switch back and forth between headphone out and RCA out and let you use tone controls for both afaik. ZH3 only does tone controls with headphone out (I use a 3.5mm to RCA adaptor to other amps). ZH3 has a remote, K7 has more controls on the unit.

If you plan to use multiple headphones at once the better option is the ZH3, as I read in the K7 manual that plugging into both headphone sockets at the same time may cause the 4.4mm to become unbalanced.

For your use case of switching back and forth between headphones and speakers, the K7 would make more sense as it would support separate volume and tone controls for each. If you want to play both at the same time I would get the ZH3 and use the unbalanced headphone out to feed your amp and the balanced 4.4mm out for the Sundaras

I don't need the tone controller via RCA since my active Edifier speakers already have that function built-in, and I will only use one headset, not several at the same time.

 

[Mutex]

I use a WIIM mini as the source and it has a much better EQ application than Topping Tune.

Not sure what makes you say that. Topping Tune works great and has basically the same (if not more) features.

The combination of the WIIM and ZH3 cost me $240, so it’s a better value for the money imo.

Glad you like your setup. Probably a good fit for anyone who likes streaming services and mobile usage. Not my use case though.

I personally have no use for any of WIIM's streaming features, and its DAC isn't a selling point either, so for me it would just be a glorified EQ box. And because I was looking for a good DAC/amp specifically, the DX5 II is exactly that. It delivers 3x the power of a ZH3, so easily the best value for money from an amp perspective, capable of driving even Susvara level headphones.

 

[Whatsthephuss]

Not sure what makes you say that. Topping Tune works great and has basically the same (if not more) features.


Glad you like your setup. Probably a good fit for anyone who likes streaming services and mobile usage. Not my use case though.

I personally have no use for any of WIIM's streaming features, and its DAC isn't a selling point either, so for me it would just be a glorified EQ box. And because I was looking for a good DAC/amp specifically, the DX5 II is exactly that. It delivers 3x the power of a ZH3, so easily the best value for money from an amp perspective, capable of driving even Susvara level headphones.

I have been using WIIM for several years and have never had a problem with the software. I’ve used Topping Tune for several months and I cannot say the same, which is why I ended up going back to WIIM. What can you do with Topping Tune that you can’t do with WIIM?

Yes I am very pleased with the combination streamer + DAC. I had both the ZH3 and DX5II hooked up at the same time for a while but that’s how I ended up making my decision. I own HE6SE and several other cans that are difficult to drive and I haven’t run out of headroom with the ZH3. The only practical advantage I found with the DX5II over the ZH3 in my setup is that the DX5II can have all outputs active at once so it can feed three headphones and two headphone amps at once. I’m still keeping mine, but waiting for the bugs to get smoothed out before invest more time in Topping Tune.

 

[Mutex]

What can you do with Topping Tune that you can’t do with WIIM?

The whole Source FR and Target FR analysis part.

You have the HE6SE you say? Topping Tune already comes with the HE6SE Frequency Response that you can import as Source FR from a folder. That way you can see how your headphone sounds out of the box.

You can then also import a target curve (Harman for example) to see what you want to achieve (white line).

You can then apply filters and use the "Filtered FR" option to see what these filters do to your headphone response to see if it approaches your target. It took me literally a minute to approach the low end of your headphone to the Harman curve. A little bit more and I can probably make it fit on the higher frequency range as well.

 

[Whatsthephuss]

The whole Source FR and Target FR analysis part.

You have the HE6SE you say? Topping Tune already comes with the HE6SE Frequency Response that you can import as Source FR from a folder. That way you can see how your headphone sounds out of the box.
View attachment 497370

You can then also import a target curve (Harman for example) to see what you want to achieve (white line).
View attachment 497371

You can then apply filters and use the "Filtered FR" option to see what these filters do to your headphone response to see if it approaches your target. It took me literally a minute to approach the low end of your headphone to the Harman curve. A little bit more and I can probably make it fit on the higher frequency range as well.
View attachment 497372

That would be fine and dandy if it didn’t delete my EQ profiles randomly. Cool feature, but all it would show me is how different my preference is from Harman. So it wouldn’t make up for the time I spent re-inputting EQs

 

[Whatsthephuss]

I don't need the tone controller via RCA since my active Edifier speakers already have that function built-in, and I will only use one headset, not several at the same time.

K7 if you use Bluetooth or a headset with microphone (gaming), ZH3 would be my choice in every other situation.

 

[Bow_Wazoo]

Actually: 145€

Fosi Audio ZH3 DAC vollsymmetrischer Kopfhörer-Vorverstärker mit 4 in 4 out HIFI | eBay.de

Perfekt für HiFi-Kopfhörer oder Aktivlautsprecher – die ultimative Desktop-Audiolösung. Fosi Audio 6th Anniversary. Fungiert als DAC/Verstärker/Vorverstärker für Desktop-HiFi. Die UAC-Modus-Umschaltung gewährleistet volle Kompatibilität mit Spielekonsolen für Musik und Gaming.

ebay.us

 

[Bleib]

View attachment 491983

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.

Hmm, I don't even get where I'm supposed to download DFU tool. Fosi's firmware update process is very confusing

 

[bungle]

Hmm, I don't even get where I'm supposed to download DFU tool. Fosi's firmware update process is very confusing

It is inside one of FAQ items ;D. Though I guess it requires certain Windows version.

 

[amaury.dg]

Hello all,

I've bought a fosi ZH3 and I have a little noise problem in my headphones (akg K371) when the screen is not at 100% brightness.
My configuration is: ZH3 connected to headphones, USB to the computer and XLR cable to active speaker (active speaker are always OFF (no power but AC cable connected) when testing).
I heard the noise (very quiet but audible) when there is no sound and the screen is NOT at 100% brightness. If I set the gain from L to H the noise is louder. If the screen is at 100% brightness --> no audible noise in headphones.
I do some tests and the noise change when setting different % of brightness (25-50-75). If I remove the XLR cables --> no audible noise... If I use just one XLR noise is audible but not so loud. I think the brightness is controlled by setting a different duty cycle in the LED (like in LED flashlights) and it's the cause of the noise. May be something linked to a loop (XLR - AC ground - DC supply) ?

If someone has idea ? (don't know how to tag Fosi here ;-) )

 

[Fletcher Munson]

Is anyone else here using this as just the front end Preamplifier for a larger system? not using the headphone amp much.

 

[otanica]

Hi

I want to connect a ZH3
Turntable, phono preamp, rca input ZH3, XLR output ZH3, powered speakers.
When in AUX output mode will the ZH3 amplify this RCA signal or only attenuate?


Thanks
Brad

 

[Tiggerlator]

Would it make any difference running this from pure DC, ie via a battery pack? just wondering.

 

[Fletcher Munson]

Would it make any difference running this from pure DC, ie via a battery pack? just wondering.

I doubt there would be any difference, its pretty good already

 

[amaury.dg]

Hello all,

I've bought a fosi ZH3 and I have a little noise problem in my headphones (akg K371) when the screen is not at 100% brightness.
My configuration is: ZH3 connected to headphones, USB to the computer and XLR cable to active speaker (active speaker are always OFF (no power but AC cable connected) when testing).
I heard the noise (very quiet but audible) when there is no sound and the screen is NOT at 100% brightness. If I set the gain from L to H the noise is louder. If the screen is at 100% brightness --> no audible noise in headphones.
I do some tests and the noise change when setting different % of brightness (25-50-75). If I remove the XLR cables --> no audible noise... If I use just one XLR noise is audible but not so loud. I think the brightness is controlled by setting a different duty cycle in the LED (like in LED flashlights) and it's the cause of the noise. May be something linked to a loop (XLR - AC ground - DC supply) ?

If someone has idea ? (don't know how to tag Fosi here ;-) )

Update:

If I use another headphones, DT990 pro 250ohm, I heard nothing...I think it's also linked to the high sensitivity headphone I use (akg K371)

@amirm (yeah I found how to tag someone ;-) )

 

[jjk1]

Hello all,

I recently bought the Zh3 and I would like to be able to power multiple headsets.

Since I can’t use the RCA output and the headphone output at the same time on this unit , I have a few questions.

Is there an electrical difference (or a noise / distortion penalty or impedance issues I need to worry about) if I use the front unbalanced headphone output as a source for another headphone amplifier?

I’d like to reconnect my Oppo ha-1. I’d use it in analog bypass mode. This way I could use the balanced output on the Zh3 for one headphone + the 2 headphone jacks in the Oppo, and I could use the Oppo RCA output to feed my integrated amp for speakers and/or its own headphone Jack. I can set the integrated amp (Marantz PM8006) In power amp direct mode or as its own preamp.

Any issues, or things I need to consider if using the Zh3 as a preamp and using its unbalanced phone output as the source for other amps?

Thanks..

JJK

 

[Whatsthephuss]

Hello all,

I recently bought the Zh3 and I would like to be able to power multiple headsets.

Since I can’t use the RCA output and the headphone output at the same time on this unit , I have a few questions.

Is there an electrical difference (or a noise / distortion penalty or impedance issues I need to worry about) if I use the front unbalanced headphone output as a source for another headphone amplifier?

I’d like to reconnect my Oppo ha-1. I’d use it in analog bypass mode. This way I could use the balanced output on the Zh3 for one headphone + the 2 headphone jacks in the Oppo, and I could use the Oppo RCA output to feed my integrated amp for speakers and/or its own headphone Jack. I can set the integrated amp (Marantz PM8006) In power amp direct mode or as its own preamp.

Any issues, or things I need to consider if using the Zh3 as a preamp and using its unbalanced phone output as the source for other amps?

Thanks..

JJK

That’s exactly how I use the ZH3, both unbalanced and balanced headphone outputs work great as a preamp for other amps, even with headphones plugged in simultaneously.

In this review on the first page amirm measured the balanced headphone output then compared it to the XLR outputs of the best DACs you can buy and it performed perfectly well. In the manual, Fosi listed some measured specs and it appears the unbalanced headphone output has even lower noise and higher dynamic range than the 4.4mm output, so no worries there.

Medium gain roughly equates to 2V/4V max output (unbalanced/balanced) so that’s what I typically use, but it’s a juggling act depending on the sensitivity of headphones that are plugged in and how much gain you have to play with down the line.