Dave B
New Member
Fosi Audio ZD3 Preamplifier/DAC Review
Fosi Audio sent me their ZD3 preamp/DAC for a grassroots, “everyman audio enthusiast” review. I have some familiarity with their products, as I also did a review on the V3 Mono.
First Impressions:
The ZD3 came nicely packaged in an attractive box with nice foam inserts to keep everything safe. I think that the “fit and finish” of the ZD3 is very nice. The combination volume/power/input selector knob has a nice solid feel to it and rotates smoothly. The round display window is attractive and helpful, showing input selection, volume, and even the signal type/quality (44.1K PCM, for example).
Function:
The balanced and RCA outputs worked as they were designed, as well as the optical and coaxial digital inputs. I didn’t have a chance to try out the USB or HDMI Arc inputs, as I don’t use equipment that supports those. There is a 12V trigger in and out, which I don’t know anything about, and a Bluetooth antenna.
On the bottom of the unit, you will find a switch labeled “bypass” that will allow you to bypass any preamplifier functions and use the ZD3 as a DAC only.
The volume knob rotates 360 degrees, so to keep volume in check you must keep an eye on the digital display. I believe that the unit was at 74 on the display when it came out of the box which, depending on your setup, could be very loud. Be careful to adjust the volume before trying to play a source, as it has a memory even after unplugging it. I’m not sure why there is a dimple on the volume knob, because “0” ends up at a different place on the dial every time you rotate it a few times, and it takes a full rotation just to get to “20” (which is a very low volume on this unit). Not a big deal, but I wonder about the intent (and if I’m missing something). Maybe it is for aesthetic purposes and/or contributes to a comfort level for those used to seeing some sort of marker on the knob.
**When using the ZD3 with a streamer that is also a preamp (or for some other reason has a volume knob), you will need to turn up the volume on the streamer/preamp very high (I put mine all the way up) in order to use the volume on the ZD3 properly (or vice versa if you would rather use the streamer’s volume control). Either way, make sure to turn the volume back down on whichever unit you use as the secondary volume control (unless you plan to keep the setup that way and not use the secondary unit as a standalone preamp again).
I do really wish the ZD3 had a subwoofer output. Its absence limits my choice of speakers. In many ways, it seems a natural match with my V3 monoblocks. Unfortunately, this pairing forces me to either use large speakers or be satisfied with limited bass performance. The diminutive size of the binding posts on the V3 Mono precludes even the use of a high-level sub hookup. Fosi’s ZA3 stereo amp has a sub out…why not the ZD3?
Another minor disappointment, for me anyway, is the lack of an analog input for use with SACD (a standard HDMI would have done the trick also). I don’t think that I’m able to use the HDMI Arc for this, but maybe I’m mistaken? I’m guessing this won’t be much of a distraction for most, who will likely use this component as part of a desktop/streaming setup.
Listening:
I hooked up the ZD3 with two different sets of monoblock amplifiers and two different sets of speakers. I compared 3 sources with each setup, a DVD/CD player, streamer, and Bluetooth. The first set of amps were Schiit Vidar 2 monoblocks, paired with an Oppo BDP-83 player, Eversolo DMP-A8 streamer, and Wharfedale Super Linton speakers. I thought that the system sounded very good, on par in many ways with my normal setup (with the Eversolo handling the preamp duties). I guess without hours and hours of comparative listening, what I can say is that I didn’t feel like anything was missing. I judge sound by how it makes me feel…if I can get lost in the music. Part of that is being able to hear nuances clearly and powerfully, with a big, enveloping soundstage. I felt that way with the ZD3 in the system. I’m not sure how much imagining has to do with a preamplifier, but nevertheless, clarity and separation was very good with the ZD3 in place. Most sources sounded full and well-balanced through the ZD3/Schiit setup (see note about Bluetooth performance at the end of the review).
The same can be said of the next setup I tried, the ZD3, V3 Monos, Oppo player, Eversolo streamer, and Super Lintons. The sound may not have been quite as full and enveloping, but, again, I didn’t feel like it was lacking anything…just a little different.
The final setup that I tried was the ZD3 paired with V3 Monos, NAD T-535 DVD/CD player, WiiM Ultra streamer, and Elac Debut B6 bookshelf speakers. Again, everything was as it should be (from my viewpoint). Clarity and imaging were very good. Of course, the bottom end was less full than I am used to due to the limitations of the Elacs’ 6.5” woofers. An enjoyable experience, nevertheless.
Final Thoughts:
I think the ZD3 is a very nice piece of gear, especially for $180. The lack of a subwoofer output is a big detraction for me, however. Nevertheless, if you are happy with the bass your speakers produce on their own, then the ZD3 may be a great choice for you, especially connected to a pair of V3 Monos.
*note – I am not one of those who decry the limitations of Bluetooth. I think it usually sounds pretty good (although I do limit it to providing background music). However, when listening to Bluetooth through the ZD3 at a “reasonable” volume, there was very noticeable distortion in 2 of the songs that I played. Switching back to my Bluetooth on my Eversolo with the same tracks, the distortion disappeared. Not a very good sample size, to be sure. I also don’t know much about Bluetooth technology and what may have caused the distortion. Nevertheless, it’s something I haven’t experienced before, and might be something to experiment with if Bluetooth is going to be a primary conduit for your music.
Fosi Audio sent me their ZD3 preamp/DAC for a grassroots, “everyman audio enthusiast” review. I have some familiarity with their products, as I also did a review on the V3 Mono.
First Impressions:
The ZD3 came nicely packaged in an attractive box with nice foam inserts to keep everything safe. I think that the “fit and finish” of the ZD3 is very nice. The combination volume/power/input selector knob has a nice solid feel to it and rotates smoothly. The round display window is attractive and helpful, showing input selection, volume, and even the signal type/quality (44.1K PCM, for example).
Function:
The balanced and RCA outputs worked as they were designed, as well as the optical and coaxial digital inputs. I didn’t have a chance to try out the USB or HDMI Arc inputs, as I don’t use equipment that supports those. There is a 12V trigger in and out, which I don’t know anything about, and a Bluetooth antenna.
On the bottom of the unit, you will find a switch labeled “bypass” that will allow you to bypass any preamplifier functions and use the ZD3 as a DAC only.
The volume knob rotates 360 degrees, so to keep volume in check you must keep an eye on the digital display. I believe that the unit was at 74 on the display when it came out of the box which, depending on your setup, could be very loud. Be careful to adjust the volume before trying to play a source, as it has a memory even after unplugging it. I’m not sure why there is a dimple on the volume knob, because “0” ends up at a different place on the dial every time you rotate it a few times, and it takes a full rotation just to get to “20” (which is a very low volume on this unit). Not a big deal, but I wonder about the intent (and if I’m missing something). Maybe it is for aesthetic purposes and/or contributes to a comfort level for those used to seeing some sort of marker on the knob.
**When using the ZD3 with a streamer that is also a preamp (or for some other reason has a volume knob), you will need to turn up the volume on the streamer/preamp very high (I put mine all the way up) in order to use the volume on the ZD3 properly (or vice versa if you would rather use the streamer’s volume control). Either way, make sure to turn the volume back down on whichever unit you use as the secondary volume control (unless you plan to keep the setup that way and not use the secondary unit as a standalone preamp again).
I do really wish the ZD3 had a subwoofer output. Its absence limits my choice of speakers. In many ways, it seems a natural match with my V3 monoblocks. Unfortunately, this pairing forces me to either use large speakers or be satisfied with limited bass performance. The diminutive size of the binding posts on the V3 Mono precludes even the use of a high-level sub hookup. Fosi’s ZA3 stereo amp has a sub out…why not the ZD3?
Another minor disappointment, for me anyway, is the lack of an analog input for use with SACD (a standard HDMI would have done the trick also). I don’t think that I’m able to use the HDMI Arc for this, but maybe I’m mistaken? I’m guessing this won’t be much of a distraction for most, who will likely use this component as part of a desktop/streaming setup.
Listening:
I hooked up the ZD3 with two different sets of monoblock amplifiers and two different sets of speakers. I compared 3 sources with each setup, a DVD/CD player, streamer, and Bluetooth. The first set of amps were Schiit Vidar 2 monoblocks, paired with an Oppo BDP-83 player, Eversolo DMP-A8 streamer, and Wharfedale Super Linton speakers. I thought that the system sounded very good, on par in many ways with my normal setup (with the Eversolo handling the preamp duties). I guess without hours and hours of comparative listening, what I can say is that I didn’t feel like anything was missing. I judge sound by how it makes me feel…if I can get lost in the music. Part of that is being able to hear nuances clearly and powerfully, with a big, enveloping soundstage. I felt that way with the ZD3 in the system. I’m not sure how much imagining has to do with a preamplifier, but nevertheless, clarity and separation was very good with the ZD3 in place. Most sources sounded full and well-balanced through the ZD3/Schiit setup (see note about Bluetooth performance at the end of the review).
The same can be said of the next setup I tried, the ZD3, V3 Monos, Oppo player, Eversolo streamer, and Super Lintons. The sound may not have been quite as full and enveloping, but, again, I didn’t feel like it was lacking anything…just a little different.
The final setup that I tried was the ZD3 paired with V3 Monos, NAD T-535 DVD/CD player, WiiM Ultra streamer, and Elac Debut B6 bookshelf speakers. Again, everything was as it should be (from my viewpoint). Clarity and imaging were very good. Of course, the bottom end was less full than I am used to due to the limitations of the Elacs’ 6.5” woofers. An enjoyable experience, nevertheless.
Final Thoughts:
I think the ZD3 is a very nice piece of gear, especially for $180. The lack of a subwoofer output is a big detraction for me, however. Nevertheless, if you are happy with the bass your speakers produce on their own, then the ZD3 may be a great choice for you, especially connected to a pair of V3 Monos.
*note – I am not one of those who decry the limitations of Bluetooth. I think it usually sounds pretty good (although I do limit it to providing background music). However, when listening to Bluetooth through the ZD3 at a “reasonable” volume, there was very noticeable distortion in 2 of the songs that I played. Switching back to my Bluetooth on my Eversolo with the same tracks, the distortion disappeared. Not a very good sample size, to be sure. I also don’t know much about Bluetooth technology and what may have caused the distortion. Nevertheless, it’s something I haven’t experienced before, and might be something to experiment with if Bluetooth is going to be a primary conduit for your music.
