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Fosi Audio Fosi Audio ZD3 Fully Balanced Desktop DAC
- High-Performance ES9039Q2M Chip
- XLR Output / Trigger In/Out
- Op-Amp Rolling: SS3602, MUSES02, OPA2134PA
- Perfect Match to ZA3 Amp
Fully Balanced Design
Fosi Audio ZD3 Flagship Desktop DAC Preamplifier
Presents tailored DAC performance, ensuring superior audio quality for pure enjoyment with ease of use.
High-Performance Digital-to-Analog Audio Converter
The ZD3 is an audiophile-grade balanced stereo DAC meticulously developed by Fosi Audio after thoroughly understanding user needs. It features the ES9039Q2M high-precision DAC chip, delivering rich and superior sound.
- Input: USB, HDMI ARC, Optical, Coaxial, Bluetooth; Output: XLR,RCA
- SNR≥126dB; THD+N<0.00008%
- Bluetooth Codecs: SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD
Lossless Wireless Streaming
Bluetooth Transmission Audio Format: SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD.
High-End Components
Delivers unparalleled audio clarity and depth to enhance your listening experience.
1.5-Inch LED Display
Offers real-time feedback on audio settings for effortless control.
Fully Balanced Output Design
Engineered for impeccable noise reduction and purity.
Flagship Desktop DAC: A fully balanced digital-to-analog converter preamp with multiple inputs and outputs. Fosi Audio's first DAC to support HDMI ARC input and comes equipped with a high-performance ES9039Q2M chip to deliver rich and superior sound.
Premium Chipset: The ZD3 features the chipset consisting of XMOS XU316+ES9039Q2M+QCC3031+LME49720. It supports high audio resolution, with a maximum capability of DSD512 and PCM 32bit/768kHz sampling rates, providing unparalleled clarity and depth.
Versatile & Flexible: The ZD3 offers comprehensive connectivity, supporting inputs like Bluetooth, USB, OPT, COAX, HDMI ARC, and balanced XLR/RCA outputs. This flexibility allows you to customize your audio system to suit various setups and scenarios
Ease of Use: The ZD3 adopts a 1.5-inch OLED display, remote control, preamp bypass switch, and 12V trigger in/out interfaces, allowing synchronized power on/off with other home audio devices, all for a good user experience.
Family Design: Featuring the same design language as the ZA3 amplifier: compact and exquisite appearance and audiophile-grade components for high performance and excellent sound quality. Pair it with the ZA3 to create a robust home audio system.
- DAC ZD3 *1
- 12V Power Adapter *1
- Infrared Remote Control *1
- USB-A to USB-B Cable *1
- 3.5mm Trigger Cable *1
- USER MANUAL *1
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Professional Reviews 90/100
Deliciously Crispy
Sound Quality
91/100
Build Quality
87/100
Features Connectivity
86/100
Value for Money
95/100
The ZD3 delivers neutral clarity, vivid separation and a spacious, composed presentation without sacrificing tonal body. HIFI Daydreaming praises its exceptional connectivity, while IWII Reviews highlights the op-amp rolling potential that can tailor its refined, detailed sound. Balanced outputs, HDMI ARC and preamp flexibility make this a remarkably adaptable desktop hub.
What Reviewers Are Saying
Pros
Neutral, transparent sound with strong detail retrieval, separation, stable imaging and an expansive soundstage.
Exceptional connectivity for the price: USB, HDMI ARC, coaxial, optical and Bluetooth inputs, plus RCA and balanced XLR outputs.
Socketed op-amps offer meaningful sound tailoring, from the stock unit's warmer lushness to a more open, airy and analytical presentation.
Well-built, compact aluminum chassis and flexible fixed or variable output support DAC and preamp duties.
&
Cons
The small circular display is difficult to read from a distance.
Stock treble can sound somewhat laid-back, with less edge definition and drive than more forward competitors.
Bluetooth performance can stutter or skip when used farther away or through walls.
SOUND QUALITY PERFORMANCE 91/100
Reviewers find the ZD3 unusually accomplished for a compact desktop DAC, combining a broadly neutral and natural presentation with clear organization, strong separation, and a spacious image. Its character can be adjusted through op-amp rolling: the supplied LME presentation is described as warmer and more lush, while alternative JRC op-amps bring greater edge definition and air.
Tonal Balance and Musicality
91/100
HIFI Daydreaming calls the ZD3 neutral, insightful, and transparent, while IWII Reviews hears a healthy tonal balance with solid bass, open mids, and refined rather than aggressive highs. The Honest Audiophile similarly found a natural, slightly warm, lush, and inviting character with the supplied op-amps, though some listeners may prefer the sharper, airier balance available through op-amp changes.
Resolution and Detail
91/100
Reviewers consistently praise the ZD3's ability to make musical information clear and well sorted without turning clinical. HIFI Daydreaming highlights vivid detail, stable focus, and clear separation of instruments and voices, while The Honest Audiophile reports crispness, bite, accuracy, and strong retrieval of small details.
Digital Performance
90/100
The ZD3 is repeatedly described as transparent, clean, and composed, with HIFI Daydreaming praising its timing, imaging, and ability to organize a more precise signal. The Honest Audiophile reported no distortion or operational issues, and IWII Reviews found it slightly more transparent than a comparison DAC; the published 126 dB SINAD specification supports that clean impression.
Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.
Build Quality
87/100
Both reviewers who address construction describe a well-built aluminum enclosure. The Honest Audiophile notes that it is lightweight but has sufficient heft to remain stable on a desk, while HIFI Daydreaming calls the seamless aluminum body and orange-accented finish well executed.
Features Connectivity
86/100
The ZD3 is notably versatile for a desktop DAC, with USB, coaxial, optical, Bluetooth, and HDMI ARC inputs, plus both RCA and balanced XLR outputs. It also offers fixed or variable output, 12 V trigger connections, aptX HD Bluetooth, PCM up to 32-bit/768 kHz, DSD512 support via USB, and socketed op-amps for user tuning.
Value for Money
95/100
At roughly $170-$180, reviewers repeatedly regard the ZD3 as an unusually strong buy. HIFI Daydreaming calls it an incredible value and a class leader, while IWII Reviews considers it affordable and says that, with a JRC op-amp fitted, it was the best-sounding budget DAC around $200 in its comparison group.
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Authorized dealers for Fosi Audio Fosi Audio ZD3 Fully Balanced Desktop DAC
- 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