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Watt’n Potatoes

Authorized dealers for Fosi Audio Fosi Audio ZA3 Balanced Stereo Amplifier

  • Acoustic Technologies — online and in-store — Montréal, Québec, Canada (website)
  • Altitudo Audio — online and in-store — Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada (website)
  • Apos Audio — online and in-store — Oakland, California, United States (website)
  • Audeos — online and in-store — Żywiec, Województwo śląskie (website)
  • Audio 46 — online and in-store — New York, New York, United States (website)
  • Audio Domain — online and in-store — Stadtbezirke I, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany (website)
  • Audio Magic - EU — online and in-store — Wola, Województwo mazowieckie, Poland (website)
  • AUDIOPHONICS — in-store — Bordeaux, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France (website)
  • AV Cables — online and in-store — Hornsyld, Denmark (website)
  • B&H Photo — online and in-store — New York, New York, United States (website)

and 13 more verified dealers

Potato score: 87.4

87%

Fosi Audio Fosi Audio ZA3 Balanced Stereo Amplifier #1
Fosi Audio Fosi Audio ZA3 Balanced Stereo Amplifier variant 1
Fosi Audio Fosi Audio ZA3 Balanced Stereo Amplifier variant 2
Fosi Audio Fosi Audio ZA3 Balanced Stereo Amplifier variant 3
Fosi Audio Fosi Audio ZA3 Balanced Stereo Amplifier variant 4
Fosi Audio Fosi Audio ZA3 Balanced Stereo Amplifier variant 5
Fosi Audio Fosi Audio ZA3 Balanced Stereo Amplifier variant 6
Fosi Audio Fosi Audio ZA3 Balanced Stereo Amplifier variant 7
Fosi Audio Fosi Audio ZA3 Balanced Stereo Amplifier variant 8
Fosi Audio Fosi Audio ZA3 Balanced Stereo Amplifier variant 9
Fosi Audio Fosi Audio ZA3 Balanced Stereo Amplifier variant 10
Fosi Audio Fosi Audio ZA3 Balanced Stereo Amplifier variant 11
Fosi Audio Fosi Audio ZA3 Balanced Stereo Amplifier variant 12

Fosi Audio Fosi Audio ZA3 Balanced Stereo Amplifier

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View at Fosi Audio
XLR Input
Mono Mode
Bridgeable
Subwoofer Output
  • PBTL Mono Mode Support
  • XLR Input / 12V Trigger in
  • Op-Amp Rolling: SS3602, MUSES02, OPA2134PA
  • Replaceable Knobs: Black Knob

Fosi Audio ZA3

The next generation balanced dual-mode Class-D power amplifier. Fosi Audio's first amplifier supporting both stereo and mono modes.


Amplifying Your Voice, Shaping Our Innovation

At Fosi Audio, behind every innovation, there's a story. The birth of the ZA3 amplifier is just such a story, centered around our users. After the launch of the V3 amplifier, we gathered innumerable feedback from passionate audiophiles. They expressed a desire for us to develop an even better amplifier based on V3.


  • Input: RCA, XLR, ¼”TRS; Output: Stereo, Mono
  • SNR≥106dB; THD<0.006%; SINAD: 89dB; Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz (±0.1dB)
  • Rated Power Output: Stereo 180W*2 @4Ω; Mono 235W @4Ω

TI TPA3255 Amp Chip Integrated​

Enabling superior sound and ultra-low distortion across the audio band with Class-D efficiency.


Swappable Op-Amps

Compatible with DIP8 dual op-amps. Roll them to get your preferred sound signature.


Advanced Heat Dissipation Design

Enhanced cooling with larger chassis, whole-body heatsink, and side ventilation with dust covers.


Separated Digital & Analog Modules

Optimized circuit board layout protects core audio modules from interference for a purer sound.


  • Dual-Mode Innovation: This new generation mini amplifier offers both stereo and mono modes, and adapts flexibly to your diverse needs, allowing seamless mode switching. In stereo mode, it delivers a robust output of up to 155W, while in mono mode, the power soars to a maximum of 235W. Pair two ZA3 units in mono configuration to create a powerful audio system, significantly enhancing your listening experience.
  • Richer Connectivity: Debut amplifier with balanced input and trigger in, the ZA3 features a balanced combo audio signal input connector supporting both XLR and 1/4" TRS plugs. This design minimizes interference and reduces noise floor. The 12V trigger-in connector enables synchronization with other devices, streamlining the process of turning on/off without individual operations.
  • Audiophile-Grade Components: The ZA3 features the TPA3255 high-end Class-D amp chip and utilizes premium Japanese NCC, ELNA, and German WIMA capacitors, and Japanese Sumida inductors for exceptional audio quality. With a SINAD rating of up to 89dB, an SNR of up to 106dB, and a low noise floor of only 150μV, it delivers exceptional clarity and low distortion.
  • Advanced Heat Dissipation: Based on V3's groundbreaking heat dissipation design, we upgraded ZA3's cooling system by featuring a larger chassis, moving vents to the sides, and adding dust covers to achieve better ventilation for a sustained and stable high power output.
  • Enhanced Scalable Fun: Personalize your audio experience with the op-amp rolling feature! The ZA3 stocks five swappable op-amps for left and right channel outputs, balanced input, and subwoofer output. Experiment with compatible DIP8 dual op-amps such as Sparkos SS3602, MUSES02, OPA2134PA, OP249, AD827, RM4558, LM4562, LME49720HA, etc. to fine-tune your sound to perfection.
  • ZA3 Power Amplifier x 1
  • 32V/5A or 48V/5A Power Adapter x 1
  • User’s Manual x 1

Replacing the op amps for both left and right channels in stereo mode, regardless of RCA or XLR inputs, will notably enhance sound quality.
Mono Mode: Only replacing the op amps for the right channel.


Using XLR input mode allows for further sound quality enhancement by replacing the op amps for the XLR channel.


If a subwoofer is connected, there's the option to replace the op amps responsible for the subwoofer channel.
Note: Carefully align the notch/the number '1' on the chip's cover with the 'O1' mark on the PCB.


Here is a tutorial video for your reference: https://youtu.be/VvYYwxAfBi4


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Professional Reviews 87/100

Rating for Fosi Audio ZA3 Balanced Stereo Amplifier

Nicely Roasted

Sound Quality

86/100

Build Quality

86/100

Value for Money

93/100

The ZA3 punches far above its compact footprint with smooth, spacious sound, convincing detail and ample drive. The Honest Audiophile praised its neutral refinement and accurate imaging, while Cheap Audio Man heard substantial dynamics and stage scale. Its dual-mono flexibility, swappable op-amps and 48V muscle make it a standout value for thoughtfully matched speakers.

What Reviewers Are Saying

"this has Dynamics this has Clarity this has sound stage this has power and it does it all for $135"

— Cheap Audio Man

Pros

Balanced operation delivers a smooth, neutral-to-detailed presentation with accurate imaging and useful soundstage depth.

Dual-mono operation brings markedly stronger dynamics, authority, bass control, separation and image focus.

Exceptional performance-per-dollar, with strong power and broad speaker-driving capability from a compact chassis.

&

Cons

RCA input is reported to sound noticeably inferior to balanced XLR operation.

Stereo mode can sound less controlled and dynamic with difficult, low-sensitivity speakers; dual mono is the stronger configuration.

The subwoofer output does not high-pass the main speakers, limiting its usefulness for bass-management duties.

SOUND QUALITY PERFORMANCE 86/100

Reviewers generally find the ZA3 clean, smooth and engaging for a compact Class D power amplifier, with good detail and a spacious presentation when partnered well. Its most convincing results come via balanced input and, especially, when two units are used as monoblocks; some listeners found stereo operation less composed with demanding loudspeakers.

Transparency Resolution

86/100

The Honest Audiophile found detail retrieval and resolution good, while inToit Reviews heard a reasonably clear presentation for the price. Passion for Sound, however, preferred XLR strongly over RCA and found a competing amplifier more resolving, while noting improved nuance with upgraded op-amps.

Tonal Balance Musicality

88/100

Several reviewers describe a smooth, neutral-to-slightly-warm and non-fatiguing balance. Passion for Sound particularly praised its richer, more natural and lifelike midrange character, although inToit Reviews heard a mildly flat timbre, restrained treble and occasional midrange hollowness with certain speakers.

Dynamics

85/100

With suitable speakers and the 48V supply, reviewers report ample level, authority and more fullness from balanced connection. Stereo-mode control was less consistent: inToit Reviews heard soft bass and strain with difficult loads, and Erin's measurements found protection could engage under sustained demanding conditions; dual-mono operation was repeatedly described as a major step forward.

Soundstage Imaging

87/100

The Honest Audiophile found images accurately placed across a generously spaced stage with useful depth and layering. Cheap Audio Man also praised its broad, open staging, while Passion for Sound found that a pair in dual mono substantially tightened focus, separation and image scale.

Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.

Build Quality

86/100

Reviewers describe a compact, solid aluminum-alloy chassis with sensible layout, effective ventilation and only mild warmth in use. The mono/stereo switch, balanced XLR and TRS inputs, subwoofer output, and ability to run a pair as monoblocks make it unusually flexible, though Erin notes the sub output does not high-pass the main speakers.

Value for Money

93/100

At roughly $125-$150 with the higher-output 48V/5A supply, reviewers consistently regard the ZA3 as a highly capable budget amplifier. Z Reviews calls it an outstanding performance-per-dollar proposition, inToit Reviews says it can better many Class D alternatives below about $600 in the right setup, and Audio Masterclass sees a pair as an accessible route to monoblocks.

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Authorized dealers for Fosi Audio Fosi Audio ZA3 Balanced Stereo Amplifier

  • Acoustic Technologies — online and in-store — Montréal, Québec, Canada (website)
  • Altitudo Audio — online and in-store — Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada (website)
  • Apos Audio — online and in-store — Oakland, California, United States (website)
  • Audeos — online and in-store — Żywiec, Województwo śląskie (website)
  • Audio 46 — online and in-store — New York, New York, United States (website)
  • Audio Domain — online and in-store — Stadtbezirke I, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany (website)
  • Audio Magic - EU — online and in-store — Wola, Województwo mazowieckie, Poland (website)
  • AUDIOPHONICS — in-store — Bordeaux, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France (website)
  • AV Cables — online and in-store — Hornsyld, Denmark (website)
  • B&H Photo — online and in-store — New York, New York, United States (website)

and 13 more verified dealers

Acoustic Technologies logo
Altitudo Audio logo
Apos Audio logo
Audeos logo
Audio 46 logo
Audio Domain logo
Audio Magic - EU logo
AUDIOPHONICS logo
AV Cables logo
B&H Photo logo