Fosi Audio ZD3 Fully Balanced Desktop DAC
- Regular price
- $179.99 USD
- Sale price
- $179.99 USD
- Regular price
-
$179.99 USD
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- High-Performance ES9039Q2M Chip
- XLR Input / Trigger In/Out
- Op-Amp Rolling: SS3602, MUSES02, OPA2134PA
- Perfect Match to ZA3 Amp
High-Performance Digital-to-Analog Audio Converter
The ZD3 is a 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
Swappable Op-Amp Design
Easily replaceable DIP8 dual discrete op-amps, meeting your pursuit of a personalized audio experience, such as LME49720, NE5532, MUSES02, SS3602.
Bypass Mode
The signal bypasses the internal preamp section, providing a fixed output level for direct signal transmission.
Trigger In/Out
Enables synchronized on/off across your audio setup, automating system control for seamless operation.
Perfect Match to ZA3 Amp
In the same series and form factor, the ZD3 provides seamless integration with the ZA3, unlocking audio details and clarity.
- 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.
- Chip Set: XMOS XU316 + ESS 9039Q2M + QCC3031 + LME49720
- Maximum Sampling Rate:
USB: PCM 32bit/768kHz; DSD512
OPT/COAX: PCM 24bit/192kHz
Bluetooth: PCM 24bit/48kHz - Output Level:
XLR: 5Vrms RCA: 2.5Vrms - Input Mode:USB, HDMI (ARC), Coaxial, Optical, Bluetooth
- Output Mode: XLR, RCA
- SINAD: 126dB
- THD: ≥120dB
- THD+N: <0.00008%
- Dynamic Range: ≥123dB
- Noise Floor: ≤2μV
- Bluetooth Version: 5.0
- Bluetooth Connection Distance: ≥13m
- Bluetooth Transmission Audio Format: aptX HD, aptX, AAC, SBC
- Power Supply: DC 12V 1.5A
- USB Compatible Devices: Windows 7, 8, 8.1, 10, 11 (Some require drivers; please refer to the user manual)Mac OS X, Linux (No driver required)
- 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
- For RCA output, replace one op-amp. For XLR balanced output, replace two op-amps corresponding to the left and right channels.
Tools required: needle-nose pliers, tweezers, and an H2.0 hex screwdriver.
- Use the hex screwdriver to remove the two screws on either side of the rear panel.
- Remove the front panel knob, and with needle-nose pliers, unscrew the nut and washer from the potentiometer, then slide out the front panel.
- Disconnect the components near the notch of the circuit board by the front panel, which is connected to the Bypass mode switch.
- Carefully pull out the mainboard, and you will find three interchangeable op-amp chips.
- Replace one op-amp for RCA output and two for XLR output, corresponding to the left and right channels.
- Use tweezers to gently pry out the op-amp chip(s) from the side pin gap.
- Install the new op-amp chip(s) into the sockets. Ensure correct orientation by matching the '1' marking or the groove on the chip cover with the 'O1' position on the PCB. Incorrect installation may damage the op-amp.
- After installing the new op-amp(s), connect the amplifier, power, and speakers to test if the sound is working. If all is fine, reassemble the device.
If you need more guidance, please scan the QR code or watch the video starting at 10:02. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w7L_jZyh90Q)
- The ZD3 does have HDMI CEC. In HDMl ARc input mode, you can control the ZD3's volume with yourTV remote, but it does not support HDMI EARC
- Please refer to the tutorial video for guidance on swapping op-amps: Watch Video.
- No. The ZD3 does not have a built-in headphone amplifier and cannot connect headphones; it also does not support an analog input AUX.
- Yes, the ZD3 supports both ASIO and WASAPI drivers in Windows 11.
- Yes, you can use a dual 3.5mm male splitter cable to control two ZA3 amplifiers synchronously
- The ZD3 has disabled the multiple filter modes provided by the ESS chip, and it only uses one default filter mode, making adjustments unavailable.
S
The ZD3 is a DAC well worth the money and Fosi has good customer service. After receiving it, I installed a Sparkos op amp and then put it to work. I was skeptical that I would hear a difference from my previous DAC but was pleasantly surprised with the sound quality. Music through the USB input was richer. There was an issue with the optical input though. Once or twice per hour (randomly), for about a second, the sound would either resemble an echo from a tin can or there would be a digital glitch. After reaching out to customer service, I was sent a firmware upgrade with detailed instructions on how to install it and since then, everything sounds great on all inputs. I'm using it in bypass mode just as a DAC so I can't comment all it's functions. There is one other glitch I discovered when testing inputs. When using the HDMI input, my system will not stay off after shutting it down. Between five and ten seconds after turning off the ZD3 and the TV, everything turns itself back on. Luckily, I only need to use the optical and USB inputs. This is why I only gave it four stars. It meets my needs and sounds great but it's not perfect.
Q
Fosi Audio ZD3 Fully Balanced Desktop DAC
T
You have to deliver the produkt, before I can review it .
Still not receiver.
J
I bought the ZD3 to be used with my Wiim pro streamer, Fosi P3 tube preamp, Juson Audio JTA100 and a pair of Klipsch R-610F. The ZD3 was the missing component and has taken my system to its next level with a cleaner sound and more stronger bass.
P
I connected this via balanced outputs to V3 Mono amps. Sound is very good, much better than my old system. Very enjoyable sound.
I like this DAC that I can upgrade power supply and op amps.