The Fosi ZH3 is a DAC and headphone amp for desktop use or it can slot into any audio system.
FOSI
The older I get, the more I appreciate listening to music through headphones. There is something about putting on a pair of headphones that brings you closer to the music without the disturbance of others. I particularly enjoy using wired headphones. I know wireless headphones have come a long way, but for me, they still don’t quite offer the sort of detail and range that wired models do, especially if you are streaming music from a hi-res service like Qobuz or TIDAL.
To get the most out of hi-res music and a pair of high-quality headphones, you’ll need a DAC and headphone amplifier. There are plenty on the market, ranging from small and portable models that are no larger than a cigarette lighter to full-featured audiophile models like the Fosi ZH3. Featuring an audiophile-grade chipset, dual-power balanced amplifier circuit and an ultra-low noise floor, this is a DAC and headphone amp designed for high-resolution listening across headphones, active speakers and gaming consoles
Fosi Audio is a new brand to me and the company makes a range of affordable hi-fi audio products, including headphones and the ZH3, an all-in-one desktop DAC, headphone amplifier and preamp that delivers high-fidelity performance at an accessible price.
The Fosi ZH3 is designed to drive all kinds of headphones as well as having XLR outputs so it can drive a pair of studio monitors.
FOSIDesktop Friendly Design
Encased in a compact, desktop-friendly footprint and built around an audiophile-grade chipset, the XH3 uses Fosi’s custom dual-power fully balanced amplifier circuit for a powerful and high-resolution sound that has a very low noise floor. It also offers comprehensive connectivity and seamless integration across headphones, active speakers and gaming consoles.
“Our goal with the ZH3 was to take the kind of sound quality usually reserved for high-end systems and make it available in a product anyone can enjoy,” says Ryan Huang, Founder and CEO of Fosi Audio. “Compact and powerful, it is perfect for driving high-impedance headphones, pairing with active desktop speakers, or serving as the centerpiece of a complete HiFi setup.”
At the heart of the ZH3 is an audiophile-grade chipset built around the AKM 4493SEQ DAC which has a reputation for accurate high-resolution playback. The ZH3 also has an XMOS XU316 processor for fast and stable performance, plus OPA1612 op-amps that provide ultra-low distortion audio in the analog stage.
The striking fascia of the Fosi ZH3 has a multi-function control know, headphone jacks for 4.4mm and 6.35mm, plus a bright LCD for menu display.
FOSIThree Gain Settings
This headphone amp can provide up to 2,570mW output through its 4.4mm balanced connection, with three selectable gain settings for driving anything from sensitive in-ear monitors to high-impedance over-ear headphones. With a noise floor as low as 1.9µV, the ZH3 lacks any hiss, even in the quietest passages of a recording, ensuring every detail comes through to the headphones clearly.
Beyond raw performance, the ZH3 is designed to adapt to how you listen to music. It has a wide range of inputs and outputs, including USB, optical, coaxial, RCA, 4.4mm, 6.35mm, XLR and RCA pre-outs, ensuring connection to headphones, active speakers and even amplifiers.
Onboard Bass And Treble
Users can shape playback with onboard bass and treble controls, plus there’s the option to play with six digital filters or bypass EQ entirely for a pure signal path. With support for both UAC 1.0 and UAC 2.0, the ZH3 is designed to work between gaming consoles and high-resolution PC audio sources.
At the rear of the Fosi ZH3 are outputs for just about any possibility and there are even 12v trigger ports.
FOSI
I listened to the XH3 using Fosi’s i5 planar magnetic headphones and I’ll be writing a hands-on next month. The interesting thing about Fosi’s product lineup is that everything is designed and tuned for use with each other, so there’s a good deal of synergy across the brand’s product range.
The ZH3 has been designed with simplicity in mind. There is an LCD and intuitive front panel controls that give the user clear feedback. It’s all packaged in a modern and minimalist design that can fit into almost any system, ranging from a desk to a full-fat audio system. There is a multifunction knob, remote control and 12V trigger inputs for integration with third-party systems.
Pricing and Availability:
The Fosi ZH3 is available now and can be purchased here priced at $199.99.
Tech Specs:Chipset: XMOS XU316, AKM4493SEQ, OPA1612 x 4. Max. sampling rates: USB PCM 32-bit/768kHz, DSD512 / Optical PCM 24-bit/192kHz / Coaxial PCM 24-bit/192kHz. Headphone impedance: 16Ω – 3000Ω. Inputs: Coaxial, Optical, USB, RCA. Outputs: 4.4mm, 6.35mm, RCA, XLR. Power input: 12V DC.
4.4mm balanced headphone output
Max output: 2570mW x 2 (320/THD+N<1%). SNR: 2119dB. THD: ≤0.00018%.Dynamic range: =119dB. Noise floor: ≤4.9pV.
6.35mm single-ended headphone output
Max output: 640mW x 2 (320/THD+N<1%). SNR: ≥121dB. THD: ≤0.00024%.Dynamic range: ≥121dB. Noise floor: ≤1.9HV.