Fosi Audio ZD3 Desktop DAC Preamp, Fully Balanced Digital to Analog Audio Converter with ES9039Q2M for Home Stereo Amplifier, Bluetooth/USB/Optical/Coax/TV HDMI ARC Input, XLR/RCA Output with Remote

To begin with, let me get the sound out of the way up front. This ZD3 sounds wonderful! In my system, the addition of the ZD3 (and I have 8 other DAC's by the way) introduced a much more "airy" sound quality to the music. It's as if one more sonic veil had been lifted, allowing me to hear right through to the music. As for the bass response with the stock op-amps, I noticed a bit less heft with regard to the lower bass and dynamic capabilities. It's nice to see that in this case, Fosi steered away from using the typical NE5532 stock op amps used in 95% of ChiFi audio components, and used the LME49720 version. I've had good experiences with that particular IC-based op amp. However, based on other experiences, I've come to prefer the discrete versions from either Burson or Sparkos Labs. In this case, I inserted the Sparkos Labs SS3602's and I found the bass to be tighter and deeper.I believe the ZD3 is in a class of its own. I've read a few articles now (and some videos) where the reviewers stated that hearing differences between DAC's is ridiculous - that they basically all sound very similar. I'm sorry, but that couldn't be further from the truth. The very first thing I noticed with the ZD3, was it's increased openness (meaning much more "air" around and between the instrumentation), its superb midrange and treble capabilities (smooth and textured), and a greatly expanded sound-stage. In addition, the overall body of musical performances had a fuller feel to them. The problem with some reviewers is that they rely purely on measurements alone - that is, the "tangible" areas that can be measured. However, for audiophiles, there is so much more involved with good music reproduction. There are the "intangible" areas, meaning those variables that cannot be measured (i.e. how do you measure "immersive"), yet make a huge difference in how we perceive our involvement with sound reproduction.So yes, this is a wonderful DAC unit, along with a very nice preamp section.SUGGESTION TO FOSI: As an aside, just recently, Douk Audio released their diminutive A5 amplifier that features a revolutionary, simple lift-up glass top case/lid that makes changing op amps very convenient. I was wondering why other manufacturers haven't followed with similar designs? Changing op-amps in that Douk A5 took only seconds - and what a convenience that was. Why do manufacturers advertise having op-amp swap-out capabilities when the user has to jump through hoops unscrewing cases, pulling off knobs - and in the case of the ZD3, having to also disconnect wires also? Fosi - why don't you make access to the op-amps a simple solution?Although the ZD3 costs a bit more than most budget oriented DAC/Head-amp units, it's well worth the cost for such a quality-made, and excellent performing unit.

This dac is my second piece from FOSI and I am liking it. I paired it with their ZA3 amp which is in my desktop system. I have Kef ls50 meta bookshelf speakers and an older 8" sealed, Velodyne sub. I really like that FOSI engineers let the user roll opamps to tweak the sound to taste. I changed the opamps to Burson classics from Sparkos. I am so glad I finally purchased a unit before they are sold out and become unavailable new due to this stupid trade war. Such an unnecessary shame for American consumers to miss out on affordable, and excellent quality in their own right, audiophile offerings from FOSI. Especially for young audiophiles beginning their journey. Shame.

I really liked this dac, it has plenty of inputs and sounded great. I ordered it about a month ago. Unfortunately the first one i received did not have a remote in the box so I asked for a replacement, they shipped me a new one which I enjoyed using for about a few weeks then the volume started to change on its own. It would ramp up to 80 sometimes and other times it would just drop 5 or 10 decibels. They wouldn't let me got another replacement so I had to send it back. I might try it one more time (that's how much I liked it) hopefully third times a charm. (I ended up going with the loxjie d30 DAC/Amp. It works great sounds as good and includes a headphone jack that is plenty powerful enough to run most headphones well past safe listening levels)

If you’re wondering if this DAC will provide any value in upgrading the sound coming from your computer, IT WILL! BUY THIS! I have it between a M4 Mac mini and a Fosi Amp, and it totally transformed the sound coming out of my speakers. I was contemplating sending my speakers back before I tried this DAC. I previously had a connection coming directly from my Mac to my amp via a usb c to rca connection, and the sounds was not good. This DAC is worth every penny. The sound is fuller, the bass is deeper, and the highs are more defined. This is a necessary piece in any desktop sound system

It is a bargain at $170.99. It is a very musical DAC that produces enjoyable music. It is highly recommended as an entry-level DAC. The music clarity is good. The bass quantity is enough. Bass and clarity are balanced. Volume control is intuitively understandable. It has a decent remote. It has Bluetooth connectivity. I used it only as a DAC in the bypass mode.

Fosi ZD3 is an excellent unit, easy to operate & set up. Sound is very clear & neutral, I have it set up with 2 of Fosi Audio's ZA3 amps in a mono block configuration, it has lots of punch to drive most speakers. These are very good value products at these price points!