Fosi Audio ZP3 Preamplifer

To be honest I didn't need to buy the Fosi ZP3 analogue preamplifier. I am pretty happy with my ( 5 times more expensive) Audiolab cdq8300 cd/dac/analogue/headphone amp combination driving my 4 x Fosi Audio V3 monoblock power amps.
However, my curiosity about such a low cost preamp with a balanced input & output plus with tone controls/ a balance control/a subwoofer output and a remotel controller got the better of me. Therefore, I took the plunge and bought it.
Too say I was astonished by its performance is an accurate statement. Its sound quality was very clear and revealing, with a authorative bass, a nuanced midrange and tidy and clean treble. Wide ranging dynamics were effortlessly rendered with no compression or adverse tonal changes. It was especially capable via its balanced input & output, which was demonstrated when I connectedy Ifi Zen phono preamp pentacon 4.4 mm out to it adding a more potent bass and overall more dynamic sound.
In comparison to my Audiolab, it was just as capable of resolving fine details, just as transparent and with the same wide ranging dynamics.
Needless to say it complimented my V3 monoblocks perfectly.
One minor complaint of its volume control I found is it doesn't always remember its last setting as advertised. It immediately outputted its maximum volume powering up on one occasion.
Nevertheless, that minor gripe aside, Fosi Audio has once again produced another exceptionally capable audio product for the money which can sonically challenge much more expensive & lauded preamps that are currently available.

I connected my ZD3 DAC and my two ZA3 amplifiers used in mono mode to my new ZP3 (all connections through XLR). My ZD3 DAC is "boosted" by two Sparkos SS3602 OP Amps on the XLR outputs. In this combination of Fosi Audio devices, my test CDs (Eliane Elias "Paulistina" and The Bad Plus "These Are the Vistas") highlighted all the sound qualities that this coherent and efficient system could produce, the CD player being connected to the ZD3 DAC via the coaxial input. The sound result is quite convincing on my Bower & Wilkins DM640 speakers, with the HPF (High Pass Filter under the ZP3 preamp) switch set to 20Hz to 20,000Hz. It's like listening to these CDs for the first time, even though I know them so well. There's a real synergy in this assembly of the “Z” range, which is a credit to the excellent Fosi Audio design team.

We live in a wonderful era where we can listen to music in very high fidelity without breaking the bank thanks to Fosi Audio. The equipment is well-made, and the Fosi Audio support team always goes above and beyond to satisfy its customers with expertise and friendliness, which is rather rare these days. At the total price of the above equipment, you can really indulge in the essential speaker selection while being able to extend your budget. Never skimp on speakers!
Just two minor reservations: 1) it lacks a jack socket for headphones; 2) the mini-jack cable usually included to power the "trigger" connection could do with being a little longer to allow more flexibility in installing the equipment.