The Fosi ZP-3 Balanced Preamp. At $199.00 it’s a steal. A Great Desktop Solution!
• TheZP3 Balanced Preamp: Features 3-in-3-out options for connecting up to three audio sources. A remote control is included.
• Versatile Connectivity: Equipped with RCA1/RCA2/XLR inputs & RCA/XLR/Sub-Out outputs. Supports balanced XLR in/out plus RCA/XLR signal conversion.
• Audiophile-Grade Components: Built with premium parts including ELNA capacitors, relays, NJR NJU72315 volume IC, and gold-plated RCA jacks, delivering exceptional clarity and high-fidelity performance
• Adjustable High-Pass Filter: Three-level HPF settings filter low-frequency signals from the RCA/XLR outputs, sending only mids and highs to main speakers while routing bass through the SUB-OUT.
• Flexible Sound Customization: Includes bass/treble control with bypass function, and L/R balance knobs for personalized adjustment.
If you wish to purchase this unit I would be grateful if you used this affiliate link: https://amzn.to/3HmzAqT
If you wish to join the channel please click here: https://www.youtube.com/@OldGuyHifi/membership
If you have any Hifi gear that needs repair please contact: https://www.theaudiolegacy.com/pages/service, for more info.
All of my reviews are completely subjective. I do not accept payment for reviews.
*DISCLOSURE: Some of the links below contain affiliate Amazon links. If you purchase with those links, I do receive a small commission but, it doesn’t affect your price or your ability to return something. Thank you.
Amplifiers:
• Advance Paris A12 Classic: https://shop.skylabsaudio.com?sca_ref=6609663.MTejnTqC6497
• Black Ice Audio F22 KT88 Integrated Tube Amp: https://blackiceaudio.com/integrated-amplifers-1/p/black-ice-fusion-f22v2-tubeintegrated
• Cambridge EVO150: https://www.theaudiolegacy.com/collections/cambridge-audio/products/cambridge-audio-evo-150?sca_ref=8700910.lWvqI3VLzxuWar5N
Speakers:
• Wharfedale Diamond 12.4 Speakers: https://amzn.to/3WberDp
• Martin Logan Impression 11 ESL: https://www.martinlogan.com/en/product/impression-esl-11a
• Buchardt P300 : https://buchardtaudio.com/collections/passive-speakers/products/p300
DACs:
• LAIV Harmony R2R DAC: https://www.laiv.audio/harmony-dac
• LAIV Harmony μDAC: https://www.laiv.audio/harmony-udac
• Musician Pegasus II: https://aoshida-audio.com/products/musician-pegasusii?DIST=RENGGg%3D%3D
DDC/Re-Clockers
• SMSL PO100 PRO DDC/Reclocker:https://amzn.to/3WHbBqS
• LAIV Harmony μDDC: https://www.laiv.audio/harmony-uddc
• Singzer SU-2: https://apos.audio/products/singxer-su-2-usb-digital-interface?sca_ref=7308241.j5jMh2ymfF
• Matrix X-SPDIF3: https://apos.audio/products/matrix-x-spdif-3-usb-interface?sca_ref=7308241.j5jMh2ymfF
Streamers:
• Audirvana is my primary streaming platform. 30 day free trial here: https://audirvana.com/try/
• Cambridge MXN10: https://www.theaudiolegacy.com?sca_ref=8700910.lWvqI3VLzxuWar5N.
• Shanling SM 1.3: https://forte-distribution.com/product/shanling-sm1-3
CD Transports/Players
• Shanling ET-3: https://forte-distribution.com/product/shanling-ec-zero-t-portable-cd-player
• SMSL PL200 T CD Transport: https://apos.audio/products/smsl-pl200-t-mqa-cd-transport-cd-player?_pos=2&_fid=df93980b8&_ss=c&sca_ref=7308241.j5jMh2ymfF
Analog:
• Fluance RT-84 turntable: https://amzn.to/4aMuZrt.
• IsoAcoustics zaZen Series Isolation Platform: https://amzn.to/4aFbQsc
• Audio Technica AT-OC9XEN MC Cart: https://amzn.to/3C0PCna
• Cambridge Audio Alva Duo Phono Preamp: https://www.theaudiolegacy.com/collections/cambridge-audio/products/cambridge-audio-alva-duo?sca_ref=8700910.lWvqI3VLzxuWar5N
• Stack Audio (Spindle) Serene Stabilizer: https://stackaudio.co.uk/product/serene-stabiliser/
• Stack Audio Serene Record Mat: https://stackaudio.co.uk/product/serene-record-mat/
Accessories/Cables:
• IsoAcoustics Gaia Series III Speakers & Subwoofer Isolation feet: https://amzn.to/3PXLxEn
• IsoAcoustics Gaia Series II Speakers & Subwoofer Isolation feet: https://amzn.to/4aIrfbm
• IsoAcoustics Iso-Puck Series Acoustic Isolators: https://amzn.to/4aFLeY2
• All cables are from Wire World: https://www.theaudiolegacy.com/collections/wireworld?sca_ref=8700910.lWvqI3VLzxuWar5N
• Stack Audio AUVA Equipment Isolators: https://stackaudio.co.uk/product/auva-equipment-isolator/
Desktop gear:
• xDuo TA20 Plus Tube headphone amp: https://apos.audio/products/xduoo-ta-20-plus-tube-amp?sca_ref=7308241.j5jMh2ymfF
• Philharmonic True Mini Monitors: https://philharmonicaudio.com/products/true-mini?variant=44391547764980
• Sound Solver, Large Desktop HiFi Audio Rack: https://sound-solver.com/products/desktop-hifi-audio-rack-large-standard-height
• Community Post Playlists: https://www.youtube.com/post/UgkxFWsrQVhpupMc-WdqrP_X4ZtMXiQmVz1q
Chapters
00:00 In the beginning
10:46 Opamp Video Tutorial
#Fosi #ZP3 #Balanced #Preamp #steal #Great #Desktop #Solution
Originally posted by UCnXGgtaGLaY-xsKYgndyuAQ at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KAMLakr_fE0
The ZP3 Balanced Preamp: Features 3-in-3-out options for connecting up to three audio sources. Includes a remote control for one-touch input switching and volume adjustment. Equipped with RCA1/RCA2/XLR inputs and RCA/XLR/Sub-Out outputs. Has balanced XLR in/out, plus RCA/XLR signal conversion for maximum compatibility. Audiophile-Grade Components: Premium parts including ELNA caps, NJR NJU72315 volume IC, and gold-plated RCA jacks. Adjustable High-Pass Filter: w/three HPF settings filter low-frequency signals from the RCA/XLR outputs and a SUB-OUT. If you are interested in purchasing this unit, consider using this affiliate link: https://amzn.to/3HmzAqT. If you wish to join the channel please click here: https://www.youtube.com/@OldGuyHifi/membership.
Swapping Op-Amps on Fosi products is like the biggest joke ever. Not only that you have to dissasamble the whole device in order to do the swap, you also cannot leave it open for testing purposes because of its 1 piece body acting same time as base and cooling structure for the circuit.
Whoever was designing it seem not to be very smart person.
so this is a preamp right? one of the specs that you always get with a dedicated preamp isn't the amount of gain applied to the signal? Why is this spec omitted and cant be found anywhere ?(rca/xlr)
Ed, I don’t blame you for not wanting to take that ZP3 apart!!!????
Tell me… compared to using the digital volume control on the ZD3, do you think the ZP3 adds to or removes anything from the sound?
Thanks Ed!. For getting a more dynamic and warmer sound from my ZD3, what do you think it would be better?. Using it directly as preamp, or adding the ZP3 to the chain?. Maybe just change Opamps in ZD3?
Moin und vielen Dank. Der ZP3 ist vielleicht nicht groß , aber soundmäßig braucht er sich nicht zu verstecken. In meinem Hifi-Fundus sind unter anderem 6 Vorverstärker( 3xRöhre) und 4 reine Endverstärker , 2 Paar Monoblöcke . Und drei verschiedene Lautsprechertypen. Infiniti Referenz 2.5 , Bookshelf , Breiband. Mag die Abwechselung. Und jetzt zum ZP3 bei dem ich die DIP8 gegen Sparkos SS3602 getauscht habe. Fakt ist der ZP3 ist keineswegs nur ein Desktop-Vorverstärker für ein Zweitsysthem. Ne absolut nicht. Denn so viel Spaß , Drive und Direktheit ist schon bemerkenswert. Und diese Eigenschaften behält er in Kombination mit anderen Komponenten. Dabei ist er nie harsch oder vordergründig. Gut ausbalanciert mit glaubwürdiger , greifbarer Bühne , schöner Staffelung und keinen 20 meter Luft zwischen den Instrumenten. Nein genau richtig aus der Mitte mit Wucht und Raffinesse. Bezahlt ohne die Sparkos 167 Euro. Nice ????
I love your channel we’re from the same generation and have similar HiFi values, but I’m not quite sure you’re right about the overall performance of this preamp. I own a lot of HiFi equipment and studio gear too (since I’m a retired producer/audio engineer) I have some amazing gear, but enjoy collecting these new Chinese developments ie Amps, DAC’s Phono Preamps, CD players and Transports -,you know the stuff I’m talking about.
Anyway, this ZP-3 and the P4 are actually pretty amazing. I was taking the P when I used my mono Krell amps as a first test and then for general use the my NAD Stereo power Amp and Fosi’s own mono block V3
I did A/B testing with an excellent Audiolab 9000 Q preamp and switching between the two, I couldn’t hear any difference. Using several different speakers the same result came back. The smaller P4 was almost as good. In fact some of my friends said it sounded very similar.
I’m just wondering if you had a good example. Old school thinking tells me a good analog preamp helps make power amps shine.
The detail, dynamics and low noise was outstanding.
You’ve been so right about many products, I’m just wondering if you had a dud. ????
Thank you for stealing another 25 minutes of my time away, I always enjoy your balanced reviews, I cannot wait to hear about more solutions for my desktop!
Thanks Ed for another interesting review. Fosi continues to impress! I'm going to need a few more desks!????
… and Aiyima just came out with the T20 Tube Preamp for a suggested retail price of USD $150…
Me thinks the Fosi ZP3 should blend well with active speakers like the Adam T5V or A7V, Kali LP6 V2, or IN5 V2. Heck even the Hercules DJ Monitor 5 speakers! That way, the Speaker amp is not needed, but an extra power outlet is though. Then the only other things for the desktop set-up is the DAC, and the headphone amp. However, now with sets like the Fiio K17, and Luxsin X9 coming on to the market, a single combo DAC/Headphone Amp unit can replace 2 components. Well, that, at least, is how I am planning for my future desktop system.
Interesting pre amp Ed. Simple and to the point.
What is that unit shown during the introduction with the big long tubes( flashing disco lights)?
The ZP3 has a bunch of soldered-in NE5532 op amps. I'm not sure how much of a difference replacing the two socketed op amps will make. It may be that the NE5532s are in less critical circuits. Fosi certainly didn't make the ZP3 with swappability in mind and this design even seems like they're discouraging it. The case should have been easy to open. One of the things that makes some of their products interesting is the ability to tinker with it.
The volume control is digitally controlled. Turning it while the unit is off has no effect. It also has separate levels for each input source, so even when on, you can only change the volume for one source at time. It also remembers all three levels after turning it off and back on. One major issue is that there is no indication of what the volume level is. The dimple on the knob does not indicate much.
I returned mine a few weeks ago. Couldn’t get over the volume quirk. I feel like it could have been perfect if not for that.
After seeing your review a while ago on the Fosi P4 preamp, i went ahead and purchased it. I've been very happy with it as part of my bedroom setup, with a Fosi ZA3, ZD3, and my Energy Connoisseur 2 speakers. When th????e ZP3 came out, i wondered if hadn't jumped on the P4 too soon. However, it seems that the features found on the ZP3 vs the P4 are features i may not necessarily use. What similarities/differences have you noticed? I know the P4 is less expensive, which i like. Thanks again for another wonderful review!
Gah! I bought this yesterday and it's coming tomorrow. I would have used your affiliate link. Thanks for the review. It fits my needs perfectly.
Thanks for the quantity and quality of reviews. I like that you look at the full spectrum of audio equipment, chi-fi and hifi, some stuff i would never buy, and some i would love but can’t afford, it helps educate and make me smarter and more knowledgable, thx!
Since Fosi encourages Op-Amp replacements, this ZP-3 and the number of screws and plastic sides (goof balls), this would be a NO-GO purchase for me. There are a number of brands in this price point to buy.
Thank you for the video I really do appreciate your input on various products that you share with us. Thank you much.
I think you really needed to explain why you think it 'sounds great' as a desk top system but not so much for critical listening. What aspects of sound quality were missing? Also there was hardly any mention of how the high pass filter and sub out performed. I think this feature is probably this products biggest drawcard for most potential buyers.
Shame you didn't get into it to swap op amps I was counting on your review
I can't stand multi-task buttons and especially those that require military precision handling. I only have one Fosi product, their closed headphones. They are the last headphones I will buy, because there is no getting around my allergy. I can say they are the most comfortable pair I have tried though. As for sound, not that great, but that is true of ALL headphones. That said though a little EQ covers a multitude of sins with them.
Then again I have no use for a desktop preamp. I'm thinking more of exploring full size preamps personally as I'm growing tired of mine and it's lack-luster performance. I think a downgrade may be my answer.
The real question regarding desktop clutter is whether or not a dedicated pre-amp is even needed. As you stated in the video, there are many very good DAC/headphone amp/pre-amp combo units available so adding another pre-amp isn't necessary, unless you really need the bass management feature.
This is not the quality or performance of their P2 preamp. Yes this has the balance control and the P2 does not but big deal. I made the mistake of ordering this direct from Fosi, took a while to arrive and when hooked up, would not provide much volume especially compared to the P2's. I tried it on several amps and configurations and all the same result, low volumes. I contacted Fosi and very long story short, Ive been jerked around by them ever since. All I wanted was to return this for another unit without the defect. They are not really interested in standing behind the product, they will just wear you down with unnecessary questions and procedures. If you do purchase one, get it from Amazon where you can return without question. My opinion ……hard pass. Spend a bit more and get more quality and possibly better customer service.
The Aiyima T20 as a balanced tube-based pre-amplifier also looks like a great product for the asking price. Looking forward to your feedback on that preamp.
Fosi, SMSL, Aiyima, Douk, FiiO, and others keep raising the bar. Amazing how good these new line of products are. So grateful to you for bringing these to us, so we can keep up with new technology even though we may not be in the market to buy one.
Thanks for all your hard work and the fun you bring.
thanks for great review. Please get and review also Aiyima T20! looks nice – hybrid opamp/tube stuff….
Whoa, amazing find, Ed. Killer for those starting their HiFi journey.
Off the top of your head, are you aware of any preamps with a loudness knob like on some Yamaha integrated amps?