I received another package, and a huge thank you to Fosi Audio for it! The package now contained the company's new DAC/Headphone Amplifier/Preamplifier, the ZH3. As a pleasant surprise, I also found the company's latest product, the IM4 earphones, alongside it. (There will be a separate article about the IM4) Although I received the product from the manufacturer, it is important to note that a good opinion is not an expectation, my opinion is formed solely by me, and the manufacturer does not influence it in any way. I form my opinion honestly and always based on my own user experience. The boxes are much nicer these days than they used to be.
Let's see what we find after opening the box:
1. ZH3 DAC/Headphone Amplifier/Preamplifier
2. External power supply
3. Variable USB cable, already familiar from the Q6 DAC
4. Remote control
5. 6.35 to 3.5 jack converter
6. Trigger cable
7. User manual
At first glance, it's clear that it's part of the "Z" series. The dimensions and shape of the housing are the same as the ZD3 and ZA3 models. You could say that this is an new version ZD3, but the difference is immediately noticeable in the front-panel headphone jacks. This is a new device.
The build quality is of very good quality. The housing is made of solid, vibration-free aluminum and the paint is durable.
You can find the technical content on the manufacturer's website. You can also get the necessary driver there.
A little info:
Premium chipset with AKM4493SEQ DAC, XMOS XU316 processor and four OPA1612 amplifiers, which supports up to PCM 768kHz/32bit and DSD512 formats. A self-developed, dual-power, symmetrical amplifier circuit.
The 3-level gain switch supports headphones between 16Ω and 300Ω, making it perfect for almost all in-ear and over-ear headphones.
Inputs: coaxial/optical/USB/RCA
Outputs: 4.4 mm/6.35 mm/RCA/XLR
SIN ≥ 115dB; Signal-to-noise ratio ≥ 121 dB; THD+N ≤ 0.00018%; Noise floor ≤ 1.9 μV Headphone impedance: 16-300 Ω Maximum sampling frequency: USB: PCM 32 bit/768 kHz, DSD512 OPT (Optical): PCM 24 bit/192 kHz COAX (Coaxial): PCM 24 bit/192 kHz Power supply: DC 12 V
4.4 mm balanced headphone output:
Max. output power: 2570 mW x 2 (32 Ω, THD+N < 1%
Signal-to-noise ratio: ≥ 119 dB
Dynamic range: ≥ 119 dB THD: ≤ 0.00018%
Noise floor: ≤ 4.9 μV
6.35 mm single-ended headphone output:
Max. output power: 640 mW x 2 (32 Ω, THD+N < 1%)
Signal-to-noise ratio: ≥ 121 dB
Dynamic range: ≥ 121 dBTHD: ≤ 0.00024%
Noise floor: ≤ 1.9 μV
Backside and connectors:
Backside connectors list: Outputs: XLR output. RCA output (which can be used in parallel at the same time!)
Inputs: Analog RCA, digital coaxial, optical, USB-C input, trigger in/out connectors and power input.. I am very happy about this analog RCA input, i always big need an (i.e. more and more) analog input. USB-C input, well, I regret this somewhat, because my special hifi USB cable is not equipped with a USB C plug, but I see this trend with several manufacturers and since the ZH3 sounds very good with the factory cable, I will accept it.
Inside and circuit diagram:
The ZH3 itself has three functions. 1: DAC – 2: Headphone amplifier (in PO mode) and 3: Preamplifier (in AUX mode). The preamplifier can be used with a volume control (AUX) as desired, for example in monoblocks or amplifiers with fixed volume, or (in LO mode) when the volume control is turned off and the full volume goes to the power amplifier. I only recommend this for amplifiers with adjustable volume or active speakers, as it outputs maximum volume. This setting is easily done from the menu. The ZH3 has an equalizer, which is also available from the menu. The equalizer can only be used in headphone mode. Unfortunately, it is not available on other outputs.
With headphones, the effect is +-12db for bass and +-10db for treble.
The ZH3 menu structure is clearly visible and easy to use despite the single button. All functions are easy to find and easy to adjust. Here you will find the input selection. the output selection, the filter setting and Tone and of course everything else. Output settings Headphones are set to PO, preamplifier to Aux and the full output volume is set to Lo output. The menu system is very user-friendly. I found only one small drawback. For me, exiting the menu is not the best solution, since there is no separate button to exit the menu on the device and after completing the settings, the device enters the default state after 10 sec. This is quite a long time for me. At first I looked for a way to exit from there. But it exits by itself.. These 10 sec could it can be if possible changed with a software update, say by at least half (5sec). (this is just an idea, i don't know how this is possible.) It 10 sec is not very annoying, but I found it slow. However, there is a “home” button on the remote control, so for me it is “problem solved” In general, we can say that the remote control helps a lot in the operation, although it is a fact that the large control button on the device is very easy to operate the device.
But with the dedicated buttons on the remote control, it is always faster.
There are six types of filters. These are: Precise Analytical, Powerful Dynamic, Neutral Balanced, Extended Highs, Well Defined, Natural Smooth.
The effect of the filters is a matter of hearing and taste. For me, three filters are clearly audible, and I am unsure about some. Just as I am unsure about which one I like best. I think "neutral balanced" is the best for me, but I have turned on others a few times. The "natural smooth" and "precise analytical" filters. I wish everyone a good game and hope they find their favorite.
User Experience:
Very good, even outstandingly good! Once you understand the menu, everything is logical and easy. After switching it on, it gets ready very quickly (1 sec). I use the display in automatic mode, so the display turns off after two minutes and the device itself turns off after 30 minutes of complete inactivity if it does not receive an input signal. The display is very visible, sharp and informative, displaying all important information. The display brightness can be adjusted in four levels (25%-50%-75%-100%)
Of course, the number of inputs could always be more and an XLR input would be useful, but if you look at the back panel, you can see that everything that fits on it is already on it. I can't fit anything else in this size. I connected a preamplifier to the analog rca input so I can connect more analog devices from there. The volume is perfect on both the rear outputs and the headphone output. The gain can be adjusted in three levels. For me, it is currently at the middle gain level. That's more than enough. It drives my headphones and IEM earphones very well and with enough energy. The volume adjustment is simply great! It can be adjusted very slowly, very finely. There is no sudden volume change if your finger slips. It would have been nice if the equalizer could be turned on and off in preamp mode, but this is only available on the headphone output. This device has the "Volume memory" function, so it remembers the last volume setting on each channel. The op amps are also interchangeable. The RCA and XLR outputs that can be used simultaneously are also very useful.
My experience with using it is very good!
I don't write a music list. I like everything from acoustic jazz recordings to rock, reggae, pop, disco, synth pop, deep house and many other styles. In acoustic music, the best possible instrument fidelity and a light, airy performance with a large soundstage are important. It has to be able to cope with all musical styles. Whether it's the wildest rock or the deepest basses, drums and clean vocals. Believable sounds of instruments are important. I feel good while listening, it conveys emotions, atmosphere and impresses me. It also has to be easy to use. I judge based on these.
Sound quality: Surprisingly good! It can be said to be warm, but not that colored warm, but a pleasant enjoyable very analog, natural-looking. With very good details, large space, natural and precisely placed instrument sounds. With a very good soundstage, airy and easy captivating performance. The bass is tight, no exaggeration or muddiness, just clean, articulated low frequencies, clean tight base. The midrange is brilliant, clear and uncolored, natural. Very good and clear vocals and beautiful piano, acoustic guitar, cymbal and any instruments sounds. Treble: airy light, clear, extensive. Very good decays, distortion-free, not excessively bright. A device that can be listened to for a very long time and with pleasure! While using it, the sound often brought a smile to my face.
Summary: The ZH3 an excellent all-in-one balanced hi-fi device that provides a wide range of services. Very well thought-out menu, easy to use. Fine volume control. Very good and enjoyable sound. Sufficient power for all headphones, especially on the balanced output. It's well worth the price. Its sound far exceeds products available for this price. I don't usually list prices. Depending on the sale, it's around 180-199 usd. (it may vary downwards depending on the sale) Unfortunately, I don't have measuring tools, so I can't attach measurements, but anyone who is looking for them can find them online. A very well-made device. Highly recommended!
Pros: Balanced DAC/Headphone Amplifier/Preamp functions
Sufficient power for almost all headphones (especially on the balanced output)
Very good quality, long-lasting listening enjoy
No audible background noise
Easy to use
Wide range of features
Good menu system
Clear and sharp display
The build quality is very good. The housing is made of solid, vibration-free
aluminum and the paint is durable.
Very good volume control.
Cons: No EQ in preamp mode
The unbalanced output could be a little more powerful.
A bit slow to exit the menu quickly
