Fosi ZH3 Balanced Headphone Amp & DAC Review

[Paco De Lucia]

Its quite a sweet sounding unit. i'm using it just for pre-amp duty right now.

Running balanced XLR to one PA5 II+ for the main speakers and the RCA to another PA5 II+ running the subs. Both outputs are active

 

[Ufasas]

So what, now i should sell Fiio k7 ? I don't even know where to sell K5 pro, lol. This dac's 2.5 watts, holly molly, sexy

 

[ejr]

Yes AUX is one of the output options in the menu. it activates the rca and xlr

I also tried all the filter settings and couldn't tell the difference between them

Thanks again.

FWIW - I have always found the filter settings on every DAC that I have owned to be very subtle. I usually use the one that seems to be most neutral to my ears.

 

[esk]

So what, now i should sell Fiio k7 ? I don't even know where to sell K5 pro, lol. This dac's 2.5 watts, holly molly, sexy

I was curious about this ZH3 but I'm going to keep using the Fiio K7. There isn't any reason for me to change. I like the simplicity of it.

 

[complete]

Hello, I am using Topping E30. Would this DAC be an improvement for me? Thank you.

 

[JeremyFife]

Hello, I am using Topping E30. Would this DAC be an improvement for me? Thank you.

Not in any measure of sound quality. If the Fosi has features that you wish the Topping had, then perhaps.

 

[onethreetwowaitthatswrong]

Is this device the SOTA if all one is looking for is a desktop Dac/HP amp with transparent sound, USB input, a 4.4mm HP output not needing a ton of power and a competent volume knob ?

Alternatives I found are either much more expensive and/or packed with unnecessary features ; equivalent seems to be SMSL C200 Pro but many issues were reported here and cheaper choices like the Fiio K11 RDR have also been criticized, where other devices in the same price range like the Fiio K7, SMSL DS100 and Earmen ST-Amp have either not be tested or issues have been pointed as well. Would be lovely to have a cheaper device (with internal power even) but does it exists ? Someone posted earlier in the topic that this Fosi would be the balanced DX3 Pro+, which, if true, would suffice to make me happy.

 

[ejr]

If the analog inputs are for a turntable, why is there no ground connector (and is there a workaround -- i.e. someplace where I can connect a groundwire securely)?

 

[ThsM]

Not in any measure of sound quality. If the Fosi has features that you wish the Topping had, then perhaps.

As I read that question, I did not expect such an answer. I thought of something like; of course the Fosi is better, it is brand new and shiny with latest tech. Go and replace the E30!!!
As I also still use a Topping E30, I am happy to read this Anyway, I ordered the Fosi for the headphone out and preamp duties.

 

[Paco De Lucia]

If the analog inputs are for a turntable, why is there no ground connector (and is there a workaround -- i.e. someplace where I can connect a groundwire securely)?

The RCA inputs are not for a turntable

 

[MANDEV1L]

I have asked the manufacturer about the RCA input sensitivity.
It is claimed to have 0.775 Vrms.
Anyone can verify this ?

 

[MANDEV1L]

I have asked the manufacturer about the RCA input sensitivity.
It is claimed to have 0.775 Vrms.
Anyone can verify this ?

There are many sources with default output level at 2 Vrms. I am wondering if it is necessary to attenuate the output to avoid clippings for using ZH3 as a preamp.

 

[ejr]

This from Audio-Technica, in response to my question about connecting my turntable:

"Your A/D converter will be expecting a line level signal (unless the converter has a phono preamplifier built into it) so the phono preamplifier inside the turntable will have to be used (set the preamp selector switch on the back of the turntable to the line position). When the turntables internal phono preamplifier is used, connection of the ground wire is not required."

They went on to say that I could just connect my turntable to the ZH3 with two RCA cables and flip the switch on the turntable to use the built-in phono stage.

 

[bungle]

This from Audio-Technica, in response to my question about connecting my turntable:

"Your A/D converter will be expecting a line level signal (unless the converter has a phono preamplifier built into it) so the phono preamplifier inside the turntable will have to be used (set the preamp selector switch on the back of the turntable to the line position). When the turntables internal phono preamplifier is used, connection of the ground wire is not required."

They went on to say that I could just connect my turntable to the ZH3 with two RCA cables and flip the switch on the turntable to use the built-in phono stage.

Sure. That switch makes it normal line-level and corrects the bass (RIAA) - the bass is recorded lower so that needle stays better (consistent) in a groove. Many turntables don’t have it (inbuilt correction) and require some external device to do RIAA and amplification. Some turntables offer even digital output built in. It can happen on analog signal or in digital domain. The ZH3 doesn’t do turntable preamplification.

 

[jkim]

There are many sources with default output level at 2 Vrms. I am wondering if it is necessary to attenuate the output to avoid clippings for using ZH3 as a preamp.

Do you know exactly which output under what impedance load is the 0.775 Vrms input sensitivity referenced to? It could be referenced to the headphone out in high gain. I would not worry too much about it, since you attenuate the output with the volume control in any case.

 

[amaury.dg]

Yes, thank you very much for your feedback. We would like to address some of the points you raised:

1/2. The ZH3's headphone amplifier circuit is a Class A/B dual-power fully discrete push-pull differential complementary balanced circuit. Therefore, it may generate slight heat even when no music is playing. Please rest assured that we have conducted rigorous testing, and this will not affect the normal operation or lifespan of the device.

3. Yes, considering that some customers may prefer linear power supplies, we have used a DC 12V power interface to allow users the flexibility to switch to different power supply methods if desired.

4. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused. However, we are not entirely clear about the issue you mentioned. Could you please provide more detailed information about the specific problem?

5/6. The device features five levels of screen mode adjustment. The "2min" setting refers to the auto screen-off mode. The other four levels allow you to freely adjust the screen brightness.

7. When operating in a non-BYPASS mode, the signal is affected by EQ adjustments, so a change in SNR is normal as the music signal is altered. However, dynamic range should not be significantly affected. Our analog input-to-output path is fully analog, with no ADC conversion involved.

Hello,

For 1) the temperature of the headphone amplifier: I have also bought a ZH3 but it's quite 'hot' even when using AUX output. So the output stage is powered even when not using headphones ?

Thanks !

 

[UA8890]

Gadget disassembly. Inside view. And more... Turn on subtitles and their translation into English.

 

[UA8890]

Positive feedback on both measurements and components.

 

[UA8890]

Разобрав плату, я сравнил качество этой платы Fosi с качеством платы Topping DX5II. Визуально качество платы Fosi выше. Я удивлён. https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/topping-dx5ii-teardown.64527/
Для визуального сравнения качества досок.

 

[Power Pop 23]

Fosi Audio dot com is offering the ZH3 for a net price of $159.99 (after applying a coupon code) - per a posting at Slickdeals:

Fosi Audio ZH3 All-in-one Desktop HiFi DAC/Headphone Amp/Preamp $160 + Free Shipping - 2025-09-29

Fosiaudio has their Fosi Audio ZH3 [fosiaudio.com] All-in-one Desktop HiFi DAC/Headphone Amp/Preamp on sale for $159.99 when you apply discount code ZH3SEB20 during checkout. Shipping is free. About

slickdeals.net