Fosi Audio ZH3
DAC Preamplifier Balanced Headphone Amplifier AK4493SEQ 32bit 768kHz DSD512
The ZH3 from Fosi Audio is a preamp and headphone amplifier that also includes a DAC function. This versatile device is based on four OPA1612 chips to provide 2570mW of amplification under 32Ω per channel and uses an AKM AK4493SEQ DAC chip, allowing it to handle signals up to PCM 32bit 768 kHz and DSD256. Its balanced circuitry, coupled with the control it offers over the final tone, ensures that the ZH3 has a place of honour in many Hi-Fi installations, thanks to both its versatility and the quality of its components.
Fosi Audio ZH3: AKM DAC and XMOS interface
The ZH3 incorporates a series of audiophile-grade components. It includes an XMOS XU316 USB interface coupled with an AKM AK4493SEQ DAC chip, enabling it to support signals up to PCM 32bit 768kHz and DSD512. The power supply circuit features 11 Low Dropout (LDO) regulators to limit fluctuations and ensure a clean power supply for the audio stages.
Fosi Audio ZH3: Balanced amplification circuit
The ZH3's amplification circuit benefits from a fully balanced design, resulting in a noise floor of just 1.9µV and crosstalk of 117dB, contributing to clear reproduction for a detailed final result.
Fosi Audio ZH3: Power output of 2570 mW
For its amplification stage, the ZH3 uses four OPA1612 operational amplifiers to achieve a power output of 2570mW at 32Ω per channel. Furthermore, it offers three gain levels, ensuring compatibility with headphones ranging from 16Ω to 300Ω.
Fosi Audio ZH3: Complete control over rendering
To give you maximum control over the sound output, the ZH3 incorporates several basic digital filters as well as customisable bass and treble settings. In addition, it is possible to bypass the tone control circuit entirely if desired, allowing you to minimise the number of signal processing stages.
Fosi Audio ZH3: In line with the Z range
The ZH3 directly echoes the aesthetics of Fosi's Z range, using a distinctive aluminium housing coupled with a beautiful 1.5-inch circular LCD screen that displays all operating information. The design is completed by an attractive orange clickable button that allows you to change the volume or output mode on the fly.
Aperçu du Fosi Audio ZH3
| 1 | LCD screen |
| 2 | 4.4mm headphone jack output |
| 3 | 6.35mm headphone jack output |
| 4 | Multifunction knob |
| 5 | RCA output |
| 6 | Optical Toslink input |
| 7 | Trigger input/output |
| 8 | XLR output |
| 9 | RCA input |
| 10 | Coaxial input |
| 11 | USB-C input |
| 12 | Power port |
Fosi Audio ZH3 review by Audio Science Review
" The ZH3 is an incredible offering with ultra low distortion yet a ton of power. It is attractive in design and capability. Listening performance was a delight even with my less sensitive headphone, […] It is my pleasure to recommend the FOSI ZH3. Company sure has its eye on the ball as far as feature list and performance. "
Technical characteristics
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Product type | DAC Preamplifier Headphone amplifier |
| Inputs | 1x Stereo RCA 1x Coaxial 1x Optical Toslink 1x USB-C |
| Outputs | 1x Stereo RCA 1x Stereo XLR 1x 4.4mm headphone jack output 1x 6.35mm headphone jack output |
| DAC chip | AK4493SEQ |
| USB interface | XMOS XU316 |
| OPA | 4x OPA1612 |
| Supported sampling rates | USB: PCM up to 32bit 768kHz, Native DSD up to DSD512 Optical: PCM up to 24bit 192kHz Coaxial : PCM up to 24bit 192kHz |
| Recommended headphone impedance | 16-300Ω |
| 4.4mm headphone jack output | |
|---|---|
| Maximum output power | 2x2570mW（32Ω/THD+N＜1%) |
| Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) | ≥ 119 dB |
| Dynamic range | ≥ 119 dB |
| Total harmonic distortion (THD) | ≤ 0.00018% |
| Noise floor | ≤ 4.9μV |
| 6.35mm headphone jack output | |
|---|---|
| Maximum output power | 2x640mW（32Ω/THD+N＜1%) |
| Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) | ≥ 121 dB |
| Dynamic range | ≥ 121 dB |
| Total harmonic distortion (THD) | ≤ 0.00024% |
| Noise floor | ≤ 1.9μV |
| General | |
|---|---|
| Power supply | 12V DC |
| Dimensions | 155 x 162 x 50mm |
| Color | Black |
| Package | 1x Fosi Audio ZH3 1x Remote control 1x Mains adapter 1x USB-C to USB-A/C cable 1x 12V trigger cable |
