The Fosi Audio ZH3 is a compact, fully balanced DAC/headphone amp/preamp that delivers exceptional sound quality, versatile connectivity, and customization—all at an accessible price. It’s ideal for audiophiles, gamers, and desktop HiFi enthusiasts who demand flexibility and fidelity.
In the pursuit of perfect sound, some gear demands attention. Others, like the Fosi Audio ZH3, earn admiration by vanishing—leaving behind only the music. This compact desktop DAC/headphone amp/preamp is a rare all-in-one solution that doesn’t just tick boxes—it redefines what’s possible under $200.
Whether you’re driving high-impedance headphones, feeding active monitors, or switching between gaming and critical listening, the ZH3 offers a fully balanced signal path, premium chipsets, and a modular mindset that invites you to sculpt your sound with precision.
Let’s dive into what makes the ZH3 such a compelling addition to any desktop HiFi setup.
Core Architecture: Balanced, Powerful, and Quiet
At the heart of the ZH3 is a trio of components that define its sonic character:
- AKM4493SEQ DAC: Known for its “velvet sound” signature, this chip delivers rich tonality and high-resolution decoding up to PCM 768kHz/32bit and DSD512.
- XMOS XU316 USB Processor: Ensures stable, low-latency USB performance with full UAC mode switching—making it compatible with Windows, macOS, Linux, and even game consoles.
- OPA1612 x4 Amplifiers: These precision op-amps drive the ZH3’s fully balanced output stage, delivering high power with ultra-low distortion.
The result? A signal path that’s not only technically impressive but emotionally resonant. The ZH3’s self-developed dual-power balanced amp circuit uses multiple ultra-low-noise LDOs and capacitors to achieve a noise floor as low as 1.9μV on the single-ended output and 4.9μV on the balanced side.
Output Power and Gain: Driving Everything from IEMs to Planars
One of the ZH3’s standout features is its ability to drive a wide range of headphones:
| Output Type | Power @ 32Ω | THD+N | Noise Floor |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6.35mm SE | 640mW x2 | ≤ 0.00024% | ≤ 1.9μV |
| 4.4mm BAL | 2570mW x2 | ≤ 0.00018% | ≤ 4.9μV |
With a 3-level gain switch, the ZH3 accommodates headphones from 16Ω to 300Ω, making it suitable for everything from sensitive in-ear monitors to demanding planar magnetics.
This flexibility is especially valuable for users who rotate between headphone types or want to experiment with different sonic profiles.
Connectivity: Who Is This For?
The ZH3’s input/output array is a dream for anyone who values versatility:
Inputs:
- USB-C: For high-resolution playback from PC, Mac, or console.
- Optical & Coaxial: Ideal for connecting CD players, streamers, or TVs.
- RCA: For analog sources like turntables (with preamp) or older gear.
- 12V Trigger: Allows integration into smart or automated setups.
Outputs:
- 4.4mm Balanced: For modern balanced headphones.
- 6.35mm Single-Ended: For traditional headphone jacks.
- XLR & RCA Line Out: Feed active speakers or external amps.
This makes the ZH3 perfect for:
- Audiophiles who want a clean, powerful desktop DAC/amp with balanced outputs.
- Gamers who need UAC mode switching and low-latency USB performance.
- Content creators who want to monitor via headphones or speakers with minimal noise.
- HiFi newcomers looking for a future-proof, all-in-one solution that doesn’t overwhelm.
Whether you’re building a minimalist desktop rig or integrating into a larger system, the ZH3 adapts without compromise.
Customization: Sculpt Your Sound
Fosi understands that no two ears—or rooms—are alike. That’s why the ZH3 includes:
- Bass/Treble EQ: Adjust tonal balance to suit your headphones or speakers.
- 6 Filter Types: Including Bypass mode for purists and tailored filters for different genres.
- Swappable Op-Amps: Tweak the sound signature by replacing the OPA1612s with your preferred chips.
All of this is accessible via the ZH3’s clean screen interface, which continues the Z-Series design language: minimalist, intuitive, and premium.
Listening Impressions: Velvet Sound Meets Phantom Center
In testing across genres—from the lush layering of Josephine (2019 Remaster) to the spatial drama of Keep Talking (Live)—the ZH3 consistently delivered:
- Wide soundstage with precise instrument placement.
- Smooth treble that avoids harshness even at high volumes.
- Tight bass with excellent control, especially when paired with EQ tweaks.
- Vocal intimacy that supports the illusion of a phantom center—ideal for stereo imaging enthusiasts.
The ZH3 doesn’t impose its character—it reveals the music’s. And when paired with wired headphones like the OneOdio A70, its current delivery and tonal shaping become even more apparent.
Design and Build: Compact, Elegant, Functional
Despite its power and flexibility, the ZH3 maintains a compact footprint. The build quality is solid, with a metal chassis, responsive volume knob, and a remote control for convenience.
It’s the kind of gear that blends into your setup—until you hear it.
Final Thoughts: A Ritual-Worthy Addition
For those who curate their listening space with intention—who treat each gear choice as an act of editorial stewardship—the ZH3 offers more than specs. It offers clarity, flexibility, and a modular mindset that invites sonic exploration.
Whether you’re crafting a minimalist desktop rig, comparing DAC transparency, or exploring stereo imaging illusions, the ZH3 is a worthy companion. It respects your workflow, adapts to your gear, and disappears when the music begins.
It doesn’t just amplify—it vanishes. And in that vanishing, the music becomes whole.