Fosi ZH3 Balanced Headphone Amp & DAC Review

[Bleib]

I finally updated the firmware that's supposed to fix the issue, but it only works in USB mode, definitely not SPDIF.

Yes, others have pointed this out on the Fosi forum as well

 

[huzidada]

Now that I've used it a quite a bit more the only bug I've experienced is that the screen doesn't always turn off. Have to interact with it again and then the long 2 minute countdown begins

You seem to have this, the Topping DX1 II and the DX5 II. From the 3 what would you recommend as a gaming priority and some music listening?

 

[Bleib]

You seem to have this, the Topping DX1 II and the DX5 II. From the 3 what would you recommend as a gaming priority and some music listening?

I sold the Fosi because sometimes I need optical out.

DX1 II has mic in, so that can be great for gaming, nothing I currently use.
DX5 II is the most mature product at this point, most features, the strongest headphone amp so it can be more future proof. It also more solid on the table due to its weight.

All of them are fine, all transparent, so look into what you might be needing.

 

[huzidada]

I sold the Fosi because sometimes I need optical out.

DX1 II has mic in, so that can be great for gaming, nothing I currently use.
DX5 II is the most mature product at this point, most features, the strongest headphone amp so it can be more future proof. It also more solid on the table due to its weight.

All of them are fine, all transparent, so look into what you might be needing.

Thanks, I dont need the mic. Im just a little worried how the AKM chip compares to the ESS for soundstage and footsteps

 

[Bleib]

Thanks, I dont need the mic. Im just a little worried how the AKM chip compares to the ESS for soundstage and footsteps

Don't expect any difference @ DAC level, frequency response, distorsion, noise are all terrific on all three DACs

Obviously PEQ can be used to strengthen audio around footsteps, something Fosi lacks, but in that case Peace APO and Equalizer software is available for all audio devices through the computer anyway..


Edit: Some report sudden loud bugs with DX1 II

Topping DX1 II DAC & HP Amp Review

Firmware is also here now https://www.toppingaudio.com/download/dx1-ii-version-v2-69-firmware-update

www.audiosciencereview.com

 

[huzidada]

Don't expect any difference @ DAC level, frequency response, distorsion, noise are all terrific on all three DACs

Obviously PEQ can be used to strengthen audio around footsteps, something Fosi lacks, but in that case Peace APO and Equalizer software is available for all audio devices through the computer anyway..


Edit: Some report sudden loud bugs with DX1 II

Topping DX1 II DAC & HP Amp Review

Firmware is also here now https://www.toppingaudio.com/download/dx1-ii-version-v2-69-firmware-update

www.audiosciencereview.com

I think we definitely take the DX1 II off the list. Does the DX5 II have its issues sorted or is it still an issue?

 

[onethreetwowaitthatswrong]

It also more solid on the table due to its weight.

Funny, I have both and the fosi feels more heavy, stable and solid to me than the topping. Perhaps due to its more elongated shape. But as you say, both are fine.

Does the DX5 II have its issues sorted or is it still an issue?

Comparing the two threads (and keeping in mind that there are much more toppings out there), some DX5II have some issues, a proportion that seems a bit higher than what I've read about the Fosi, but less than a few months back, and probably a very small part of the units, and it seems to mostly be about saving settings after updates. Haven't had any issue with mine anyways.

 

[huzidada]

Funny, I have both and the fosi feels more heavy, stable and solid to me than the topping. Perhaps due to its more elongated shape. But as you say, both are fine.


Comparing the two threads (and keeping in mind that there are much more toppings out there), some DX5II have some issues, a proportion that seems a bit higher than what I've read about the Fosi, but less than a few months back, and probably a very small part of the units, and it seems to mostly be about saving settings after updates. Haven't had any issue with mine

Thanks for that, how would you compare the two in terms of performance

 

[Bleib]

Funny, I have both and the fosi feels more heavy, stable and solid to me than the topping. Perhaps due to its more elongated shape. But as you say, both are fine.

Yes,.you're probably right but more so I meant that DX1 II doesn't have a lot of weight to it

 

[onethreetwowaitthatswrong]

Thanks for that, how would you compare the two in terms of performance

Soundwise, I have nothing to reproach to either of them, they both do their job right. The fosi ran a little hot lately, in the scorching weather, but I used it more, and as a HPamp, than the Topping which I use as dac only a significant portion of the time. I dont use eq on any of them so I can't comment on this side. They are both more than adequate to power my (not so demanding) headphones (see config in signature), so if you're hesitating between the two and the price difference isnt a problem, I'd just say to go for the one that has the features that interest you the most, the one who looks better to you, because sonically it's gonna be equivalent.

 

[formdissolve]

Fosi ZH3 Listening Tests
I chose to test the Dan Clark Audio E3 headphone with the ZH3. I used the high gain and with it, there was incredible fidelity and lots of headroom. I think I had the volume at 75 even at very high loudness. Detail in the music was amazing as was the bass impact. The combination melted my heart in how clean and dynamic the performance was!

Picked one up on sale for under $200 and I agree - really loving the sound and clarity of the unit with my Dan Clark Aeon RT Open headphones. Nice dynamics and detail. Fosi is quickly becoming a new fave company of mine!

 

[lazpete]

Built myself a tiny little signal chain with a wiim mini, ZH3 as a dac/preamp into a topping mini 300, driving my Larsen 4 v3 in my living room. Its pretty amazing what this tiny little setup can deliver.

 

[338h10]

Do we know the output impedance of the XLR balanced outputs in the back? Thanks!

 

[Khibs]

I like this unit, but they need to add brightness screen control on the dac itself, and let the screen be off while in use too.

 

[Bleib]

I like this unit, but they need to add brightness screen control on the dac itself, and let the screen be off while in use too.

Screen off exists but it takes 2 minutes to turn it off

 

[NReS]

Hello everyone. Sorry about my poor English. I bought a ZH3, but the sound through my headphones seems too smooth and unimpressive. I'm thinking about modifying it. I know a little about electronics and can solder, but I don't understand everything about this DAC's circuit design. Does anyone know the purpose of the NE5532 op amps before the transistor headphone amp at these points? They look like preamps! I'd like to replace them with something else, like an LME49720 or an OPA1656. What do you think?

Spoiler: image

 

[RandomEar]

Hello everyone. Sorry about my poor English. I bought a ZH3, but the sound through my headphones seems too smooth and unimpressive. I'm thinking about modifying it. I know a little about electronics and can solder, but I don't understand everything about this DAC's circuit design. Does anyone know the purpose of the NE5532 op amps before the transistor headphone amp at these points? They look like preamps! I'd like to replace them with something else, like an LME49720 or an OPA1656. What do you think?

As you can see in the initial post of this thread, the amp measures essentially transparent and has plenty of power for the vast majority of headphones out there. So if it sounds "unimpressive", the problem is most likely either your headphones or you source material / music. It's not the headphone amp.

Changing op amps is also a useless endeavor. You will almost never improve the measured performance of the amp, and definitely not the audible one. In most cases, there will be zero audible differences and in some rare cases, swapping op amps will result in severe distortion or an oscillating circuit. It's not worth it in any way.

Does Op-amp Rolling Work? [Video]

In this video I "upgrade" the 57 cent op-amp in the Douk A5 stereo amplifier with a $49 one. Does it make a measured difference? Watch to find out: Test review at: https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/does-op-amp-rolling-work.61518/ Please subscribe to the channel. It...

www.audiosciencereview.com

Fosi Audio V3 op-amp rolling, has anyone tried it? Snake oil? Or are there actual differences?

A plastic cup holds water. A glass looks better, has better specs in certain areas... but still it just needs to hold water, which it does fine be it crystal, Ikea glass or plastic. And sometimes the "worse" component, a plastic cup, is just what was specified for the job and lasts longer and...

www.audiosciencereview.com

Sparkos SS3602 Opamp Rolling In Fosi P4

This is a detailed measurements of effect of swapping the stock NE5532P op-amp in Fosi P4 preamplifier with Sparkos SS3602 "discrete" opamp. The SS3602 costs US $79.80 and the NE5532P, US $0.47. Swapping opamps in P4 is more challenging due to back connectors/switches that need to be...

www.audiosciencereview.com

Rolling (replacing) Op-amps in Topping D10 DAC

This is a study of whether changing op-amps in a DAC makes a measurable difference. Taking a lead form "rolling" tubes in tube products, a trend has started in replacing op-amps -- sometimes with much difficulty -- to improve performance of solid state products like DACs. A few months ago I...

www.audiosciencereview.com

Op-amp Rolling Using AIYIMA A07

I have made my homework and re-measured AIYIMA A07 with NE5532, LME49720 and OPA2134. My measuring system has been improved since the time of my first measurements of the A07. However, no breakthrough findings, but good enough to debunk some strange myths. I measured the A07 supplied from SMPS...

www.audiosciencereview.com

 

[Bleib]

Hello everyone. Sorry about my poor English. I bought a ZH3, but the sound through my headphones seems too smooth and unimpressive. I'm thinking about modifying it. I know a little about electronics and can solder, but I don't understand everything about this DAC's circuit design. Does anyone know the purpose of the NE5532 op amps before the transistor headphone amp at these points? They look like preamps! I'd like to replace them with something else, like an LME49720 or an OPA1656. What do you think?

Spoiler: image

View attachment 549391

If it's too smooth you should try Peace Equalizer app + equalizer APO for some EQ
Forget about modifying the unit

 

[nOOky]

Hello everyone. Sorry about my poor English. I bought a ZH3, but the sound through my headphones seems too smooth and unimpressive. I'm thinking about modifying it. I know a little about electronics and can solder, but I don't understand everything about this DAC's circuit design. Does anyone know the purpose of the NE5532 op amps before the transistor headphone amp at these points? They look like preamps! I'd like to replace them with something else, like an LME49720 or an OPA1656. What do you think?

Sorry for the obvious response, but have you tried a different filter on the unit itself? I prefer neutral balance most of the time.

 

[tangledfeet]

I've just joined after perusing this wonderful forum, so please forgive me as my first post is a question.

I've recently picked up a pair of 'as new' Genelec 8020Ds and I'm very impressed with them. I'm currently using an iFi GO Link USB-C headphone DAC from my laptop and a 3.5mm jack to twin (unbalanced) XLR but I think the iFi is struggling.

As much as I'd like the SMSL D200 I can't justify... would the XH3 be a good, cheaper, alternative?

Thanks you.