Hello friends.
I want to share my impressions about the new Fosi Audio DAC, the ZD3.
In the A/V area I use a Denon X2800H, a WiiM PRO and an external DAC based on ESS9038Q2M, which feeds both active and passive speakers.
For watching movies I do use the AVR in 7.1 configuration but for everyday use I prefer the 2.1 option through the DAC.
I hope you find this introduction interesting.
FOSI ZD3
High-performance DAC with ‘wow’ effect
ZD3 A new player that breaks into the game board of high performance DACs.
FOSI AUDIO has in its catalogue DAC`S in different formats, portable, gaming and desktop format, each one specialised in a specific sector and with a great quality, like the recent DS2 or SK02.
The ZD3 becomes a reference DAC within the desktop and Hi-fi systems range, as it is a great brain to configure a high fidelity system.
What differentiates the ZD3 from other DACs? The connection flexibility it offers.
Technically it is a DAC equipped with reference components in charge of the management of the different functions and connections that the ZD3.
ESS ES9039Q2M + XMOS XU316 + QCC3031 + LME49720 has, a great set that demonstrates its value in the final sound.
As a sample some values that indicate the high level it offers us are THD <0.00008% and a signal/noise ratio of 126 dB.
The ZD3 comes in a compact size of 155x175X55 mm, continuing the style of the ZA3 amplifier.
In this reduced volume we find two differentiated zones, a minimalist front panel presided over by a 1.5’ oled display, which allows us to visualise volume, source type or sampling rate, visible from several metres away and with the possibility of deactivating the display illumination.
On the rear side, space has been optimised by concentrating a large number of inputs and outputs, which provide great flexibility in configuration.
Up to 5 different sources can be used in this DAC, providing the power of the chipset and improving the A/D conversion performance of any installation.
USB: 32 bit/768 kHz PCM; DSD512
OPT/COAX: 24-bit/192 kHz PCM
Bluetooth: 24-bit/48 kHz PCM
The signal converted to analogue format can be amplified via a pair of balanced (XLR) and unbalanced (RCA) outputs, which still provide greater flexibility in configuration.
There is also a 12V Trigger input and output, which allows the ZD3 and other devices to be triggered synchronously.
This function allows for example a ZA3 or an external power amplifier to be activated remotely.
What does it sound like?
Round with an effect that can provoke a ‘wow’ from the first song.
The sound offered by the ZD3 with the OP-LME49720 is balanced, the bass is punchy and the treble is balanced without being a ‘loudness’ effect.
Nowadays the performance of Hi-Fi DACs is high, with the difference being made by the configuration and functions offered by each manufacturer.
Within the customisation possibilities, as in previous V3/ZA3 products, it is possible to install the OPs preferred by the user, allowing subtle changes to the sonic signature of the DAC.
This is something unthinkable a few years ago, to be able to customise an audio system by a simple operation at home, without requiring any technical knowledge.
We can establish 3 typical scenarios of use of the ZD3, hi-fi system, desktop system and A/V system.
The first two scenarios Hi-fi and DESKTOP are the natural habitat of this device, but the inclusion of an HDMI-ARC port allows the ZD3 to integrate seamlessly into your living room.
This integration allows for an enhanced experience in everyday use as the TV can become an additional source, enhancing the audio-visual experience.
This integration is seamless as the use of HDMI-ARC allows the ZD3 to be controlled from the TV remote control, allowing volume control and synchronised on/off.
On the other sources everything works smoothly, a fast Bluetooth pairing, options to connect sources such as cd, streamer, tv box etc...
On the dual XLR/RCA output you can configure different options without additional devices, you can connect a headphone amplifier, amplifier for passive speakers or active speakers, being comfortably managed from the ZD3.
The ZD3 has a switch at the bottom which offers the possibility to use the signal directly without being processed by the preamp part of the DAC.
After an intensive use of 2 weeks I have installed the ZD3 in the DEKSTOP zone and in the TV zone.
Desktop where the main source is connection to pc via usb with Tidal and broadcasts from different digital platforms.
In the TV zone is where the ZD3 has demonstrated its versatility of connections, highlighting the HDMI input.
Streamer, PC, PS5 and TV have all benefited from the ZD3's potential, considerably improving the sound quality of all devices and allowing fast switching between sources and TV control over the ZD3.
One of the top in-house experts with thousands of hours on PS5, corroborates that there is an improvement in sound over the ES9038Q2M previously used.
‘Wow, what the PS5 sounds like now’.
In this environment the ZD3 enhances the viewing experience using a pair of stereo speakers, without the need for an AVR or soundbar.
An option to consider as an alternative to more complex and bulky systems.
