Fosi Audio ZH3 Review

The Fosi Audio ZH3 is the company’s latest entry in the world of compact desktop DAC/Amps, designed to deliver powerful performance at an accessible price point. Combining a high-resolution AKM 4493SEQ DAC, XMOS XU316 processor, and a fully balanced headphone amplifier, the ZH3 aims to be an all-in-one HiFi solution for both newcomers and seasoned audiophiles. Let’s dive into the ZH3’s design, features, and most importantly, its sound performance across different headphones to see if it lives up to its promise.

What You Get

• Fosi Audio ZH3
• Quarter-Inch Adapter
• 12v Trigger Cable
• USB-A/C to USB-C Cable
• IR Remote
• DC 12v Power Adapter
• User Manual

Build

This is the third DAC/Amp I’ve used from Fosi, which have all been smaller, budget-friendly devices. The ZH3 is built with even more rigidity and solidness, with a simple but classy design that looks good on any tabletop surface. The black chassis is fairly standard, but the orange volume dial really makes the appearance pop. There’s also a small circular screen that you control with the volume knob, where all the controls are easy to access. With its selection of inputs and outputs, allowing you to connect the ZH3 to multiple sources, amps, and even a pair of speakers.

Design 

The Fosi Audio ZH3 is a compact, all-in-one desktop HiFi solution combining a DAC, headphone amplifier, and preamp. At its heart lies an AKM 4493SEQ DAC paired with an XMOS XU316 USB processor, ensuring high-resolution decoding up to PCM 768 kHz/32-bit and DSD512. It uses four OPA1612 operational amplifiers in a fully balanced complementary push–pull headphone amp design, which delivers around 2.5 W per channel into 32 Ohms, along with ultra-low noise (< 1.9 µV) and excellent channel separation (~117 dB). The signal path features precision 0.1% resistors, low-drift capacitors, and eleven ultra-low-noise LDO regulators for clean, whisper-quiet performance. For connections, the ZH3 offers USB, optical, coaxial, and RCA inputs, plus 4.4 mm balanced and 6.35 mm single-ended headphone outputs, and XLR/RCA preamp outputs, as well as 12 V trigger in/out for system integration with other Z-series gear.

Sound Impressions

After spending some time trying out a few different headphones with the ZH3, I think this is a great value. Its closest rival is probably the Fiio K11 R2R, and I think the ZH3 is capable of more power. Switching between the Fosi i5 and the Fiio FT1, I was able to drive both headphones at almost the same volume. The ZH3 pushed both headphones evenly, despite their wildly different impedances. If you’re planning to drive something like the Sennheiser HD 600 or 650 with the ZH3, you should be able to do so with efficiency.

In terms of sound profile, the headphones I selected each acted a bit differently aside from just gain. Starting with the Fosi i5, the ZH3 helped with a few characteristics. The soundstage still felt narrow, but the stacking of layers was more pronounced. This opened up the headspace to a point where you could properly identify everything from its sub-bass foundation to its upper treble height. Instruments felt roomier, giving notes a bit more clarity, but not in a fully transparent way.

Switching to the Fiio FT1 also improved some of its soundstage elements. Here, I was able to notice increased separation from the instruments. It made the space feel so much bigger, especially for a closed-back headphone. The midrange also had a bit more snap to it, with notes appearing more significant and individualized in the mix. There was also more of an airy treble presence as well, allowing for tighter sizzle and crispness in cymbals.

If you want to really elevate the sound, the Fosi ZH3 gives you a few personalization options. You can increase the bass and treble individually, which, depending on the headphones, can really turn into a gripping tone. Then there are a few different filters you can switch between. PWR.DYN sacrifices some treble clarity, but in return, you get a more immersive soundstage with better control of dynamics. NEUT.BAL displays everything evenly without compromise. Everything is balanced but also more relaxed. WELL DEF. increases the clarity of the midrange, making instruments and vocals livelier with a bit more transparency. NAT. SMOOT, didn’t appear to be much different compared to WELL DEF. mode, aside from the treble being slightly reduced and a bit calmer. Lastly, there’s PRECIS. ANALY, which is unfortunately named but works to increase the precision of sound placement, nailing everything down to a more exact surface area.

Summary

The Fosi Audio ZH3 proves that a budget-friendly DAC/Amp doesn’t have to compromise on quality or versatility. From its solid build and striking design to its detailed sound reproduction and impressive driving power, the ZH3 stands out as one of the most capable all-in-one desktop HiFi units in its price range. Whether you’re powering classics like the Sennheiser HD 600/650 or exploring newer headphones, the ZH3 offers plenty of headroom and tuning flexibility to enhance your listening experience. If you’re searching for a reliable, feature-rich DAC/Amp that balances affordability with performance, the Fosi ZH3 is an easy recommendation.

The Fosi Audio ZH3 is available from their website here.