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.