Fosi Audio ZH3 DAC Headphone Amp, Fully Balanced Preamp with AKM4493SEQ XMOS XU316 PCM 768kHz for Amplifiers…
Fosi Audio · 1 more pick →
Best for
Best balanced output
Amazon rating
Amazon aggregate, one input among many in the Verdict Score
Based on 1 trusted source
Updated Jun 23, 2026 · 1 min read
Sources behind this verdict
10 reviewers weighted by source trust
The consensus
What reviewers found
Synthesized across the trust-weighted source mix below.
Across the reviewers we read, the Fosi Audio ZH3 earns its niche as a fully balanced, three-in-one DAC, headphone amp and preamp with true XLR output, an unusual feature at its price. audiosciencereview.com published detailed measurements and a listening test, and mobileaudiophile.com calls it 'a simple and reliable desk hub that does the job.' A high-trust r/headphones thread that dug deep into its specifications and a follow-up r/BudgetAudiophile review both treat it as a legitimately well-built balanced option, with the latter highlighting a 'very good Alps potentiometer' and a clean aluminium chassis with balanced I/O. The community consensus is more measured than effusive: r/iems describes a warm, upper-mids-and-treble-forward tuning, and r/BudgetAudiophile frames it as 'a good option on a budget' rather than a giant-killer.
What reviewers liked
- True fully balanced architecture with XLR, RCA, 4.4mm and 6.35mm outputs
- audiosciencereview.com provides detailed measurements and a listening test
- Well-built aluminium chassis with a praised Alps volume potentiometer and remote
- 4.6 average across 283 verified-purchase reviews
Where it falls short
- Community tone is 'good for the budget' rather than class-leading
- r/iems notes a warm, upper-mids/treble-forward tuning that won't suit everyone
- Smaller review base than the FiiO desktop units
- Reviewers emphasize versatility over standout raw power
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Across the reviewers we read, the Fosi Audio ZH3 earns its niche as a fully balanced, three-in-one DAC, headphone amp and preamp with true XLR output, an unusual feature at its price. audiosciencereview.com published detailed measurements and a listening test, and mobileaudiophile.com calls it 'a simple and reliable desk hub that does the job.' A high-trust r/headphones thread that dug deep into its specifications and a follow-up r/BudgetAudiophile review both treat it as a legitimately well-built balanced option, with the latter highlighting a 'very good Alps potentiometer' and a clean aluminium chassis with balanced I/O.
The community consensus is more measured than effusive: r/iems describes a warm, upper-mids-and-treble-forward tuning, and r/BudgetAudiophile frames it as 'a good option on a budget' rather than a giant-killer. Its strength is connectivity and balanced architecture (XLR, RCA, 4.4mm and 6.35mm outputs, multiple inputs, plus a remote) rather than any single standout spec.
With a 4.6 average across 283 verified-purchase reviews, the ZH3 is the pick for listeners who specifically want balanced XLR output and preamp duties from one tidy desktop unit. Buyers chasing maximum raw power or a larger proven track record may prefer the FiiO desktop options, but for balanced versatility the ZH3 is the consensus choice here.
- An all-in-one desktop HiFi DAC/headphone amp/preamp
- With premium chipsets and self-developed fully balanced circuitry, low noise and low distortion. Perfect for HiFi headphones or active speakers, it's the ultimate desktop audio solution
- Exceptional Sound Quality
- Premium chipset with AKM4493SEQ DAC, XMOS XU316 processor, and four OPA1612 amps supports up to PCM 768kHz/32bit & DSD512. A self-developed dual-power balanced amp circuit with multiple ultra-low-noise LDOs and capacitors keeps noise as low as 1.9μV
- High Output Power
- Equipped with both 6.35mm single-ended (640mW@32Ω x2) and 4.4mm balanced (2570mW@32Ω x2) outputs. The 3-level gain switch supports headphones ranging from 16Ω to 300Ω, making it perfect for almost in-ears and over-ear headphones
- Versatile & Flexible
- With coaxial, optical, USB, and RCA inputs, plus 4.4mm, 6.35mm, RCA, and XLR outputs, it connects to diverse audio sources and devices. Functions as a DAC/amp/preamp for desktop HiFi. UAC mode switching ensures full compatibility with game consoles for both music and gaming
- Rich Customization
- Features bass/treble EQ adjustments and 6 filter types, including Bypass mode and two swappable op-amps, allowing you to customize the sound to match your preference. All functions are integrated into the screen for a clean, premium look that continues the Z-Series design language
- Notes
- 1. "RCA and XLR output levels differ significantly; please select according to your backend equipment" – this is to manage user expectations. 2. "EQ only supports headphone output" – this is to prevent users from mistakenly believing that the preamp output can also be used.
ok - but this can be used as a DAC preamp and I do think it is a good option on a budget.
The ZH3 features a wide emphasis on its upper mids and high frequencies, reflecting warmth on audio experience within most of the music I tried ...
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“Fosi Audio ZH3 Review – Balanced Power for Your Desktop Setup” · YouTube
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