How many Sparkos SS3602 op-amps do I need for the ZD3?

For RCA output, replace one op-amp. For XLR balanced output, replace two op-amps corresponding to the left and right channels.

How to replace the op-amps?

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 )

Does the ZD3 have HDMI CEC? Can I use my TV’s remote for volume control?

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

Can I get a video on op-amp swapping for the ZD3 DAC/Preamp?

Please refer to the tutorial video for guidance on swapping op-amps: Watch Video.

Can I use the Trigger Out from the ZD3 to control two ZA3 amplifiers?

Yes, you can use a dual 3.5mm male splitter cable to control two ZA3 amplifiers synchronously

Fosi Audio ZD3 Fully Balanced Desktop DAC - Fosi Audio

Fosi Audio ZD3 Fully Balanced Desktop DAC

Product Highlights

ES9039Q2M

DAC

1.5"

OLED Display

12V TRIGGER

In/Out

PCM 32bit/768kHz

DSD512

Fosi Audio ZD3 Fully Balanced Desktop DAC

Name: Fosi Audio ZD3 Fully Balanced Desktop DAC
Brand: Fosi Audio
SKU: ZD3-US-12V
Price: 179.99 USD
Availability: InStock

$179.99

238 total reviews

Product Highlights

ES9039Q2M

DAC

1.5"

OLED Display

12V TRIGGER

In/Out

PCM 32bit/768kHz

DSD512

Features

High-Performance ES9039Q2M Chip
XLR Output / Trigger In/Out
Op-Amp Rolling: SS3602, MUSES02, OPA2134PA
Perfect Match to ZA3 Amp

Product variants

Need help?

Pairs well with

Fast, Free Shipping!

24 Months Warranty

30-Day Money-Back Guarantee

Lifetime Customer Support

Fosi Audio ZD3 Fully Balanced Desktop DAC

$179.99

Review Videos

ZD3 blends versatility and op-amp upgradeability.

Forever Analog

Balanced ZD3 offers clear sound with multiple digital inputs.

Late Night Unboxing

Top reasons to consider ZD3 for desktop audio setups.

Ripewave Audio

ZD3 impresses with versatility and full-featured input options.

HIFI Daydreaming

Stylish fully balanced ZD3 excels in desktop DAC performance.

The Boomer Consumer

ZD3 blends versatility and op-amp upgradeability.

Forever Analog

Balanced ZD3 offers clear sound with multiple digital inputs.

Late Night Unboxing

Top reasons to consider ZD3 for desktop audio setups.

Ripewave Audio

ZD3 impresses with versatility and full-featured input options.

HIFI Daydreaming

Stylish fully balanced ZD3 excels in desktop DAC performance.

The Boomer Consumer

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.

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.

Product details

Description

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.

Specifications

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)

What‘s in the box？

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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5 stars: 195 (82%)
4 stars: 30 (13%)
3 stars: 7 (3%)
2 stars: 2 (1%)
1 star: 4 (2%)

Excellent DAC

I got this DAC to add digital inputs to my vintage HIFI system. Saw couple reviews and I liked it a lot. It's small but hefty, well constructed and most importantly sounds awesome! My onkyo A 9555 now sounds amazing when playing CDs!.

A noticible upgrade to a cheap DAC

The Fosi Audio ZD3 is a noticeable step up in sound quality, delivering a cleaner and significantly more dynamic sound than my old DAC. It does a brilliant job as the dedicated DAC for my Merak CD player. Running it balanced into the matching Fosi ZA3 amp integrates the two units perfectly, resulting in a lively and engaging listen.

A fantastic DAC with balanced outputs and premium sound

The ZD3 has been a perfect match for my ZA3 amplifier. Setup was quick, and everything worked immediately through the balanced XLR outputs.

The sound is clean, transparent, and highly detailed without becoming harsh. The DAC provides excellent instrument separation, a wide soundstage, and impressive dynamics. Bluetooth performance is also surprisingly good for casual listening.

I also appreciate the solid aluminum construction, responsive remote control, and intuitive interface. It feels like a premium product at a very reasonable price.

If you're looking for a balanced DAC to pair with the ZA3 or any quality amplifier, the ZD3 is an excellent choice.

ZD3/ZA3 and Monitor Audio Studio 10

Ordered the ZD3 and ZA3+48V/5A PSU (no Op-Amp rolling), dug up my Monitor Audio Studio 10’s from good 30 years ago, added Fosi’s XLR cables (30 cm) and GEARit Premium Braided Speaker Wire (4.57 m, 2 x 2.5 mm2/14AWG, black), connected my iPhone 16 via Bluetooth and already enjoyed the results. These things are tiny and fit easily on top of my left speaker. Monitor Audio was the first British speaker company to offer metal-dome tweeters (aluminium/magnesium and gold-color anodized finish). The woofer uses an aluminium-alloy cone. It all sounds neutral, has a smooth treble, excellent soundstage depth, and a good feeling of low-frequency authority. In my living room of about 16 m2 there is nothing to be ashamed about. My first digital setup. I’m a happy camper.

Great Full Sound Stage Music

I had never heard a sound like this before hearing this—and installing the Sparkos SS3602 in it has truly been the icing on the cake.

ZD3 an absolutely fantastic product.

I absolutely love the ZD3 and the service from Fosi. Just ordered the BOX X5 as well now.

Good purchase

Works great as a dac/preamp for my Dayton audio hta200. The ZD3 gives me remote volume control for the Dayton. Anyone who owns the hta200 knows that the supplied remote is useless! I perceive the ZD3 as improving the sound as well!

So far so good

I’m still early in the process of returning to Hi-Fi. My ZD3 arrived nicely packaged and in perfect condition. Instructions were very clear and I had no trouble connecting it to my Fosi preamplifier and amplifier. So far I’ve been using it to connect via Bluetooth to Spotify on my iPhone with great success. I bought a cheap iPhone 13 camera adapter and attempted to connect to the DAC via USB, but failed. Either this is due to a faulty adapter or fundamentally not possible. I’ll sort it out. Meanwhile I’m going to try connecting a CD player via fiber optic as an alternative to Bluetooth. I’m also on the hunt for a vintage turntable. I’m enjoying this project immensely.

Fosi Audio ZD3

I ordered me a new ZD3 DAC and can't wait to give it a test drive. I read ALL the reviews and it was rated "Top Shelf" and after reading all the info and tech data, it was an easy choice PLUS, they gave me a nice little discount for being such a nice guy (not really). I should have it in hand in a couple days along with 1TB drive with ALL DSD music files my bro hooked me up with. I'll give another review once I get it up and running. No need for the tiny amps though as I run 2 Phase Linear 2 channel amps pushing 500WPC and 350 WPC, a custom built Carver Pre. I build all my own equipment but a DAC is out of my wheelhouse. Can't wait. Very cool looking too

Melodious. Superb. Economical.

ZD3 + ZA3 = Excellent. For bit perfect audio my configuration is like this. Mac Mini M4 USB out to ZD3. ZD3 XLR out to ZA3 XLR In. Subwoofer connected to ZAR sub out. Controlling audio through ZD3. Sparation perfect, Vocals Perfect. I love stereo sound. Vocals comes from centre, one can identify all instruments playing in the song. Better than my Marantz 5004 AV Receiver combination.

Extremely pleased

This is my first hi-fi system after 20 years soundbars and one box items.
I chose the ZD3 after seeing multiple positive reviews and matched it with ZA3 amps.

It integrated seamlessly and I'm delighted.

good price/value rate

I've bought 1 LC30 VU, 2 ZA3 with Burson V7C chipsets and 1 ZD3. It sounds on a Polk Audio ES15 loudspeaker. I satisfied.

Super quality and sound

I got this recently and tried it and the quality and sound is great. Would recommend

ZD3 DAC

Perfect match with ZA3

cons: remote is looking ugly.

Auriculares

Se puede conectar por Bluetooth a los auriculares el fosi zd3 o tengo que comprarme también el fosi zh3 que tiene salida de auriculares.. otra pregunta no interfiere el altavoz de la TV, yo con fosi auriculares y mi mujer con el audio de la tele viendo una peli.. esque soy un pelin sordo y para no subir mucho la tele..

Amazing dac, better price.

This is an absolute steal for less than two hundred.

Balanced outputs, 12v trigger, remote, hdmi arc, good dac chip, easy to read volume display.

Do yourself a favor and get it. I use it to feed my za3 xlr input and love it!

ZD3

Running it on usb the pc and hdmi to my monitor for when I'm not using the pc zd3 paired with za3 powering a pair of eltax monitor III not the active monitors the passive monitors and Cambridge audio s90 sub with a few upgrades to the sub

Zd3 review

The dac is perfect. Clean audio without any noise. It is connected via usb to my pc and then RCA to fosi GR70 and balanced to ZA3. Both sound great the pre amplification stage is very natural and I cannot detect any colouring to the sound. I have also tried the Bluetooth and only noticed a slight reduction in volume but it is expected. I recommend this dac as it provides a complete solution for desktop audio.

Wow superb product

Greetings from Qatar
Amazing product

Versatile and great sounding DAC

The ZD3 provides an intuitive interface (including a remote control), plentiful and versatile input options, and clean sound all in a beautifully designed and premium feeling unit.
I have this DAC connected to my PC, TV and bluetooth inputs, and outputting to my GR70 amp as well as active bookshelf speakers.
Couldn't ask for more from the ZD3!

Great product

Amazing product, superb performances

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Fosi Audio ZD3 Fully Balanced Desktop DAC

Review Videos

ZD3 blends versatility and op-amp upgradeability.

Balanced ZD3 offers clear sound with multiple digital inputs.

Top reasons to consider ZD3 for desktop audio setups.

ZD3 impresses with versatility and full-featured input options.

Stylish fully balanced ZD3 excels in desktop DAC performance.

ZD3 blends versatility and op-amp upgradeability.

Balanced ZD3 offers clear sound with multiple digital inputs.

Top reasons to consider ZD3 for desktop audio setups.

ZD3 impresses with versatility and full-featured input options.

Stylish fully balanced ZD3 excels in desktop DAC performance.

Fosi Audio ZD3 Flagship Desktop DAC Preamplifier

High-Performance Digital-to-Analog Audio Converter

Lossless Wireless Streaming

High-End Components

1.5-Inch LED Display

Fully Balanced Output Design

Product details

Which Product is right for you?

Fosi Audio ZD3 Fully Balanced Desktop DAC

Fosi Audio GR40 Tube DAC Headphone Amp Preamp

Fosi Audio K7 Desktop DAC Headphone Amplifier

Fosi Audio SK02 Desktop DAC Headphone Amplifier

Fosi Audio ZD3 Fully Balanced Desktop DAC

Fosi Audio GR40 Tube DAC Headphone Amp Preamp

Fosi Audio K7 Desktop DAC Headphone Amplifier

Fosi Audio SK02 Desktop DAC Headphone Amplifier

FAQs

Customer Reviews

Fosi Audio ZD3 Fully Balanced Desktop DAC

Review Videos

ZD3 blends versatility and op-amp upgradeability.

Balanced ZD3 offers clear sound with multiple digital inputs.

Top reasons to consider ZD3 for desktop audio setups.

ZD3 impresses with versatility and full-featured input options.

Stylish fully balanced ZD3 excels in desktop DAC performance.

ZD3 blends versatility and op-amp upgradeability.

Balanced ZD3 offers clear sound with multiple digital inputs.

Top reasons to consider ZD3 for desktop audio setups.

ZD3 impresses with versatility and full-featured input options.

Stylish fully balanced ZD3 excels in desktop DAC performance.

Fosi Audio ZD3 Flagship Desktop DAC Preamplifier

High-Performance Digital-to-Analog Audio Converter

Lossless Wireless Streaming

High-End Components

1.5-Inch LED Display

Fully Balanced Output Design

Product details

Which Product is right for you?

Fosi Audio ZD3 Fully Balanced Desktop DAC

Fosi Audio GR40 Tube DAC Headphone Amp Preamp

Fosi Audio K7 Desktop DAC Headphone Amplifier

Fosi Audio SK02 Desktop DAC Headphone Amplifier

Fosi Audio ZD3 Fully Balanced Desktop DAC

Fosi Audio GR40 Tube DAC Headphone Amp Preamp

Fosi Audio K7 Desktop DAC Headphone Amplifier

Fosi Audio SK02 Desktop DAC Headphone Amplifier

FAQs

Customer Reviews

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