Fosi Audio has officially unveiled the ZH3, an all-in-one desktop DAC, headphone amplifier, and preamp that we hinted was coming prior to CanJam SoCal 2025 as part of its broader push into headphones. Compact yet audiophile-focused, the ZH3 features an audiophile-grade chipset, Fosi’s custom dual-power fully balanced amplifier circuit, and an ultra-low noise floor — designed to deliver high-resolution sound across headphones, active speakers, and even gaming setups.
“Our goal with the ZH3 was to take the kind of sound quality usually reserved for high-end systems and make it available in a product anyone can enjoy,” said Ryan Huang, Founder and CEO of Fosi Audio. “Compact and powerful, it is perfect for driving high-impedance headphones, pairing with active desktop speakers, or serving as the centerpiece of a complete HiFi setup.”
Fosi Audio, long regarded as the undisputed lords of “affordable Hi-Fi,” made a splash at the premier Southern California audio show on September 13–14 at the Irvine Marriott. The company showcased its i5 Open-Back Planar Magnetic Headphones and gave visitors a first look at two highly anticipated launches: the ZH3 Balanced DAC/Headphone Amp/Preamp and Fosi’s very first in-ear monitors.
The i5 Open-Back Planar Magnetic Headphones marked Fosi Audio’s bold entry into the headphone category, delivering the same high-value performance the brand is known for in desktop audio.
Fosi Audio ZH3: All-in-One DAC, Headphone Amp, and Preamp for High-Resolution Desktop Listening
Under the hood, the ZH3 combines an audiophile-grade AKM 4493SEQ DAC with an XMOS XU316 audio processor and four OPA1612 op-amps, supporting high-resolution audio up to PCM 768kHz/32-bit and DSD512. Its custom dual-power push-pull fully balanced amplifier circuit, along with 11 ultra-low-noise LDO regulators and precision fixed capacitors, keeps the noise floor down to 1.9μV, preserving subtle musical details.
Output power is substantial: 650mW at 32Ω through the 6.35mm single-ended output, and up to 2,570mW at 32Ω via the 4.4mm balanced connection. Three selectable gain settings cover headphones from 16–300Ω, making the ZH3 capable of driving everything from sensitive IEMs to demanding high-impedance over-ear headphones.
Connectivity includes USB, optical, coaxial, RCA, 4.4mm, 6.35mm, and XLR outputs, plus RCA pre-outs, allowing the ZH3 to integrate seamlessly with headphones, active speakers, or a full amplifier system.
Users can adjust playback with bass and treble controls, experiment with six digital filters, or bypass EQ entirely for a purist signal path. UAC 1.0 and 2.0 support ensures compatibility with both gaming consoles and high-resolution PC audio setups, making the ZH3 a flexible and technically capable hub for modern listening.
Fosi Audio ZH3 – Key Specifications
- Chipset: XMOS XU316 + AKM4493SEQ DAC + 4× OPA1612 op-amps
- Inputs: Coaxial, Optical, USB, RCA
- Outputs: 4.4mm balanced, 6.35mm single-ended, RCA, XLR
- Headphone Compatibility: 16–300Ω impedance
- Max Sampling Rates:
- USB: PCM 32-bit / 768kHz, DSD512
- Optical: PCM 24-bit / 192kHz
- Coaxial: PCM 24-bit / 192kHz
- Power Supply: DC 12V / 2A
- 4.4mm Balanced Output:
- Max Output Power: 2570mW ×2 (32Ω / THD+N <1%)
- Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR): ≥119 dB
- Dynamic Range: ≥119 dB
- THD+N: ≤0.00018%
- Noise Floor: ≤4.9μV
- 6.35mm Single-Ended Output:
- Max Output Power: 640mW ×2 (32Ω / THD+N <1%)
- Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR): ≥121 dB
- Dynamic Range: ≥121 dB
- THD+N: ≤0.00024%
- Noise Floor: ≤1.9μV
The Bottom Line
The Fosi Audio ZH3 delivers a compelling package for $199.99 USD, blending an audiophile-grade AKM 4493SEQ DAC, XMOS XU316 processor, and four OPA1612 op-amps with a custom dual-power fully balanced amplifier, 11 ultra-low-noise LDOs, and precision fixed capacitors.
Its outputs—650mW at 32Ω single-ended and 2,570mW at 32Ω balanced—along with three gain settings, make it flexible enough for everything from sensitive IEMs to high-impedance over-ear headphones.
Connectivity is comprehensive, covering USB, optical, coaxial, RCA, 4.4mm, 6.35mm, XLR outputs, and RCA pre-outs, while playback can be shaped via six digital filters, bass/treble controls, or bypassed entirely for a purist signal path.
Fosi hasn’t ignored customization: two DIP8 dual-channel op-amps are user-replaceable, compatible with chips like LME49720, NE5532, MUSES02, and SS3602, letting users tailor the sound to taste.
The package includes the ZH3 unit, 6.35mm adapter, 12V trigger cable, IR remote, user manual, USB-A/C to USB-C cable, and DC 12V power adapter.
At $199.99, the ZH3 faces stiff competition from established rivals like Schiit Audio and FiiO, but its combination of high-resolution support, balanced outputs, flexible gain, and replaceable op-amps positions it as a versatile desktop DAC/amp/preamp for anyone seeking both performance and customization in a compact form factor.
Where to buy: $199 at Amazon | Fosi Audio
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