This DAC Blew My Mind! No Kidding! The FOSI ZD3 forced me to reconsider my thoughts on SABRE DACs
This remarkable unit had me second guessing myself. At $180.00 and the ability to swap Op-amps it is an outstanding performer and value. Highly recommended. Use my code below and save $30.00
FOSI ZD-3: https://www.ebay.com/itm/Fosi-Audio-ZD3-Fully-Balance-Desktop-DAC-Integrated-Amp-Converter-ES9039Q2M-/296757673959?nordt=true
Use Code: OLDGUYHIFICODE for additional discount. Now $149.99
Please understand that all of my reviews are completely subjective. They are my opinion and not to be taken as criticism or as negative. I can only share my feelings and personal conclusions. No one has any influence over my reviews or conclusions. I do not accept payment for reviews.
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Current audio equipment list:
Amplifiers:
• Cambridge AXR-100 Receiver: https://amzn.to/3MFZuVN
• Cambridge EVO150: https://amzn.to/3UTJowI
• Galion TS120SE KT88 Integrated Tube Amp: https://www.galion-audio.com/pages/ts120
• Black Ice Audio F22 KT88 Integrated Tube Amp: https://blackiceaudio.com/integrated-amplifers-1/p/black-ice-fusion-f22v2-tubeintegrated
DACs:
• LAIV Harmony R2R DAC: https://www.laiv.audio/harmony-dac
• Schiit Bi-Frost Multi-Bit DAC with Unison USB
• Geshelli Labs J2S Socketed AKM4499 DAC: https://geshelli.com/product/jnog2-socketed-j2s/
• S.M.S.L SU-1 AK4493S Hi-Res DAC: https://amzn.to/3XGp5UK
• FiiO K9 Desktop Headphone Amp/DAC – AKM Edition: https://amzn.to/3ZeGTYp
• HIFIMAN EF400 Desktop R2R DAC W/Balanced Headphone Amplifier: https://amzn.to/4giWWdD
• Douk Audio DAC-Q11: https://amzn.to/4gnjzxt
Speakers:
• Wharfedale Diamond 12.4 Speakers: https://amzn.to/3WberDp
• Elac Debut Reference 62 (DBR62) speakers: https://amzn.to/3VyQzcu
• Neil Blanchard Designs MLTL-6 Stand mount speaker: https://www.nbdesigns.work
Streamers:
• My main streaming source is a small format PC: https://amzn.to/3yhCoAI
• Cambridge MXN10: https://amzn.to/3XEWkb1
• WiiM Mini: https://amzn.to/3XqOf8s
Analog:
• Fluance RT-84 turntable: https://amzn.to/4aMuZrt.
• Audio Technica AT540ML MM Cart: https://amzn.to/4diAyzy
• Audio Technica AT-OC9XEN MC Cart: https://amzn.to/3C0PCna
• Cambridge Audio Alva Duo Phono Preamp: https://amzn.to/3XG1nbj
Accessories:
• iFi AC iPurifier: https://amzn.to/3UWb4ko
• All line level cables are from World’s Best Cable. I primarily use Mogami 2964 Wire and Amphenol ACPL connectors: https://amzn.to/3JWCDE9
My desktop gear:
• FiiO K11 R2R DAC/Headphone Amp: https://amzn.to/3YmlMTy
• Ayima A07 amp: https://amzn.to/3V969LQ
• FLEXISPOT E6 Electric Height Adjustable Standing Desk 48″x24″ Bamboo Top: https://amzn.to/3XIlO
• FLEXISPOT OC6 Big and Tall Mesh Ergonomic Office Chair: https://amzn.to/3zFiGzX
Headphones:
• Sennheiser Mass-Drop HD6XX headphones: https://amzn.to/3wVNvz7
• FiiO FT-1 Closed-Back Over-Ear Wired Hi-Fi Headphones: https://amzn.to/3B2gvqC
• FiiO FT-5 Planar Magnetic Over-Ear Wired Hi-Fi Headphones: https://amzn.to/4e6zG09
• HIFIMAN Sundara Planar Magnetic Over-Ear Wired Hi-Fi Headphones: https://amzn.to/4hsaBzx
• HIFIMAN Sundara Closed-Back Over-Ear Planar Magnetic Wired Hi-Fi Headphones: https://amzn.to/4f788ZT
• HIFIMAN Deva-Pro Over-Ear Full-Size Open-Back Planar Magnetic Headphone with Bluetooth Dongle/Receiver, Himalaya R2R Architecture DAC: https://amzn.to/3C2Vtsu
• HIFIMAN HE400SE Over-Ear Open-Back Planar Magnetic Headphones: https://amzn.to/4d9Lazn
Email: oldguyhifi@gmail.com
Tidal Playlists:
• Old Guy Hifi Test Tracks Vol. 1: https://tidal.com/browse/playlist/504b4da9-38d5-4f3b-83ea-6d3e73fb90bf
• Old Guy Hifi Test Tracks Vol. 2: https://tidal.com/browse/playlist/3cf20a05-c649-474d-aa32-72c710212b59
• The Fahrenheit Project by Ultimae Records (ambient electronic music): https://tidal.com/browse/playlist/69c8751a-750a-464c-9424-0fdd112fe56d
• My Classical playlist: https://tidal.com/browse/playlist/8e588a95-7664-4f5a-97c1-70270655e40c
Spotify:
• Classical Weekend: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/648pMGies9cVEsUqEWEiNE?si=64a61b584d9b43c3
Qobuz playlist:
• “Audiophile Electronica”: https://open.qobuz.com/playlist/20718243
• “Vivaldi”: https://open.qobuz.com/playlist/15233981
#DAC #Blew #Mind #Kidding #FOSI #ZD3 #forced #reconsider #thoughts #SABRE #DACs
Originally posted by UCnXGgtaGLaY-xsKYgndyuAQ at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-er1Xk-HOew
This remarkable unit had me second guessing myself. At $180.00 and the ability to swap Op-amps it is an outstanding performer and value. Highly recommended. Please use my code below and save $30.00. FOSI ZD-3: https://www.ebay.com/itm/Fosi-Audio-ZD3-Fully-Balance-Desktop-DAC-Integrated-Amp-Converter-ES9039Q2M-/296757673959?nordt=true. Use Code: OLDGUYHIFICODE for additional discount. Now $149.99. If you wish to join the channel and become a member please click here: https://www.youtube.com/@OldGuyHifi/membership
Great review – only thing I would-be like to know how this Dac performs as preamp…..
Did you prefer this or the Fosi k11 r2r you also reviewed? Thanks for your channel and the music reviews also.
@OldGuyHifi can the Fosi ZD3 act as a DAC and reclocker? Does the SMSL PO100 have to be introduced between the source and DAC for it to have any benefit?
lol into song is mixed really nice. LOL sounds great
You are removing the zd3's chassis wrongly. Please follow https://youtu.be/3_Np3KyGyvg?t=558 . Btw great review but maybe cut down talking too much about the albums. Will try the SX52B once i get this.
I just swapped the op amps with 5x52b and I also used a breeze super low noise 25 watt linear power supply and WOW. It turned a good DAC into something great. I have never heard my speakers sound so good! Just one tip you don't need to mess with the screws at the bottom, you can just unplug it from the board. It's way easier than mess with the switch.
Remove the OPA LME49720, insert OPA 2134pa. ????
Hi Ed, how would you rate this ZD3 with SX52B OpAmps and a linear power supply VS the FiiO K9 AKM DAC? I am trying to decide which one to get.
Ed – Is the DAC chip in this a multibit/delta sigma hybrid or not?
soft amp vs hardware?…please advice
Hi, Thanks for your review. SInce I need a DAC and I've not the opportunity to try them, which one would you choose between Fosi ZD3 and FiiO K11 R2R?
Thanks so much for your review of the ZD3. After watching your video, I ordered the ZD3 and to my surprise, it came the very next day, I was quite surprised. I have only had it for one day right now. My Gear is (Denon 3802, Schiit Magni and Modi, and Fiio BTR7 for late-night movies and road trips, Sandara, Sennheiser 600, and Marshall Cans Closed back). I tried the Topping DX3 Pro+ and compared that I like the ZD3 much better. I had to return the DX3 Pro+ due to overheating and shut issues on the very first day. I tried driver updates, and checking firmware it still would shut down and was very warm to the touch. After seeing 3 other reports online of the same issue, I returned it, and boy I am glad. (Modi has USB short after 5 years, Denon 3802 is too big for my office, and heavy} Now using Denon X4800H in the media room). The office has Bose 601s Sires III Hardwoods and Yamaha Stereo Amp.
AGAIN THANKS SO MUCH
P.S. I am very sorry I did not order from your link (which was $20 cheaper). I am housebound for another 45 days due to surgery and my wife has to do a lot for me right now. She does not want to go anywhere else for returns if there is a problem.
Do you have a link for the SX52B OpAmps from AliExpress? Thanks. ????
Overall, in your opinion, do you prefer to use the SMSL PO 100 or the Douk Audio U2Pro DDC? I need to pick one up for my system.
Hello,
Just curious, does this remotely match a Geshelli J3. I bought a Sparkos 2590 from Andrew for a single ended output only, but have not bought a DAC yet. Does fosi upset the apple cart?
As a kid, I was raised on her 1967 Album (I Never Loved A Man the Way I Love You) as a kid and I absolutely love it. I listen all the time.
Great review on the ZD3. Much appreciated!
I personally support our Small US company. Outlaw Audio, Emotiva, SVS, GR Research, Gesheiil Labs & Sparkos.
Thanks for another great review. When you mentioned David Gilmour and Jade Warrior, Porcupine Tree came to mind. You might enjoy their twelve minute rollercoaster ride, Arriving Somewhere Not Here. ????
Dear Ed, I wanted to say a huge thank you for sharing your experience and thoughts
Last night I was watching this video very much after midnight. It was 3am, and by that time I had been reading and watching HiFi resources for about a week, trying to get my head around the field which a week ago I knew absolutely nothing about. My goal was to figure out a simple set up for a minimal, but quality stereo system.
I think I understood the theoretical concepts and fundamental factors that are playing the major roles – the basic principles behind amplifying the signals, different amp classes and functions, the roles of preamps and power amplifiers, DACs, etc.
While theoretical principles could be understood without engaging with real hardware, it was hard to understand what gear would fit the requirements and budget and still have potential for future granular upgrades. This was the part where I could only rely on other people's personal experience and I'm glad I found your channel. It is very different from others. You are very genuine. I found your channel to be somewhat very personal and authentic and human. I wanted to thank you for sharing particular musical pieces which you love. While everyone's tastes are different, I'm really looking forward to listening to the albums you recommended or mentioned.
So that was my situation last night when I was watching this video. By that time I already felt overwhelmed and too tired by countless video reviews on YT about different equipment that repeated each other.
I looked at Wiim Amp as a starting point, which isn't surprising considering the range of functionality it offers, my budget and all the hype. I almost ordered it, but a few critical reports about channel cross-talking, BT significant delay causing unsync with video, and less than perfect handling of low impedance frequencies in some speakers kept me from placing an order and kept me up at night continuing looking for something else.
When I finished watching your review, the puzzle finally unraveled. I knew what DAC (and very basic preamp, which can be bypassed if needed) I was going to buy, all my doubts were finally gone. I also decided to keep my options open for a more serious power amp in the future and while I was there for ZD3, I ordered ZA3 as a basic power amp to drive KEF Q150.
I also wanted to say I really liked and appreciated your Cambridge AXR-100 review. I wish I could find a decent used item in Australia… maybe I'll get lucky someday, or maybe you'll recommend other approachable power amps in your future reviews – I will continue watching your channel and I'm looking forward to your next videos. Thank you for being a genuine human…
loved your review… both in terms of hardware and music… listening to Jade Warrior now! Thanks for the tip.
I have been going back and forth about buying one all day. I can get it for $146 black Friday. I already have a smsl su1 and I don't know if it's really going to sound much different. I am not sure if it will be worth buying one or wait until I can buy something a lot better.
I got the audio lab Dac solely on your video, which I normally never do. But you sounded so sincere. You were absolutely correct on that so I’m assuming if you like this even better. Your word is gold on this one as well.
Muscle Shoals,
Wow it's cool to hear that you mention this.
I've had a kind soul and friend, Ronnie Eads, Saxophone, that made music there… ????????
Great review as usual. Definitely an interesting little unit. It looks to me like it would be possible to remove the two 2mm screws, knob and nut and then slide out the front panel. Grab the little plug for the bypass switch with a needle nose and unplug it, then slide the board and rear panel out the back, leaving the switch attached to the case. Probably how it’s assembled in the factory. In reverse order of course.
At 8:17… they’re all solid state. I think the word you were looking for is “discrete.” However the OPA1656 is NOT discrete. It is a surface mount monolithic chip on a tiny PC board with DIP8 pins out the bottom. The Sparkos and apparently the Ali Express opamps are indeed discrete in that there are individual components on them, not a monolithic IC.
For the uninitiated, solid state simply means “not a tube.” It’s a very old term dating back to the early introduction of the transistor.
You aren’t the only reviewer that has commented on the disassembly/reassembly process being a PIA due to that switch, but I’m just not sure it’s really the issue it’s being made out to be.
I love you man! You're real and authentic with you gear reviews but I love your tangents into artist history and background. Awesome. Hey, quick questions about ZD3. Would the inputs, HDMI eArc & Coax In, would they be auto switching by chance. I bought the WiiM Ultra specifically for that reason but needed to add an external DAC to make it listenable. If this Fosi would switch between active inputs, I'd go back to the Sonos Port and take it Coax into the Fosi, put the TV into the Fosi and sell off the Ultra and a D30 Pro.
@OldGuyHiFi, Hi, Absolute newbie to the arena of Hi-Fi. I have my fathers old Record Player and Amp. I have purchased some B&W 606 S3 on a sale. I am now trying to pair it to a Streaming and DAC setup. In your opinion which should I go for… WiiM Mini or Pro hooked up to either the S.M.S.L SU-1 or Topping D10s or Fosi Audio ZD3. Or should I just go for the Cambridge Audio MXN10 for both the streamer and DAC in a single package. If you could give me some advice it would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
I clicked on the eBay link. That seller has 17 negatives. Hard to trust especially because I’m overseas and returning anything is nearly impossible. Christmas cards sent from there US take 60 days to get here. The POST OFFICE is absolutely terrible. Workers sleep on their desks during lunch. That never happens in Japan where I used to live.
I'm guessing that you don't need to replace all three op-amps depending on your actual use case. Probably one for the unbalanced outputs and two for the balanced outputs. This is an important factor if you're swapping in expensive op-amps.
How would you compare this vs the Douk Q11?
Thanks for the review of both the DAC and music. Agree with you about the David Gilmour album. He and his daughter together is beautiful. Thanks for the Jade Warrior recommendation. Listening to it on Qobuz. Keep up the great work and rock on!
Thanks!
Nice review of a product that will be a fantastic gift. Thanks as always for album tips. Have you seen an amp of this quality with builtin wifi?
Great review. How would you compare this unit with the Douk audio Q-11, dac performance wise?
Really great review. I love the music histories as much as the hardware reviews. It is so refreshing to see folks who review hifi to get emotional because that is exactly why I spend so much time and money pursuing this hobby. Getting the best music possible in my home. When I first brought Sonus faber into my home a few months ago, I got emotional. The sound was amazing and it keeps amazing me every time I turn on my system. Thank you so much for your honest reviews.
Why isn't there a hinged door or a removable panel to get to the circuit board for quick and easy parts swapping?
Excellent video and thanks for sharing, enjoyed the music suggestion segment also, the problem with the choice of Jade Warrior is after listening you will eventually purchase every single thing release in their catalog
Great review again Ed. I need to check out Luck and Strange – I'm a big fan of Gilmour's self titled LP!
That Gilmore album was something! Thanks for the recommendation.
Just checked the Ali Express app and there are several SX 52B opamps with as many different prices. Which ones did you get?
Thanks
Super !
Holy moly. You mentioned Camel! After all these years I can still listen to their music and my two sons like it as well.