Bittybo Tootkins
New member
The Fosi Audio ZD3 has been in my setup for a while, and I always enjoy listening to it. Its presentation is relaxed and reasonably warm. Detail is there, but never in your face, with a pleasantly smooth treble. The sound is strong, clean, and with a completely silent background. I can listen for hours without fatigue.
Curious if another DAC/preamp could present music differently or maybe even better, I tried the Cambridge Audio 200M. I switched cables to swap between the two and listened to several CD tracks via coax. Also, I listened for several hours to the 200M only.
The Cambridge Audio 200M generally costs more than twice as much as the Fosi Audio ZD3. So, this isn't a completely fair comparison, but certainly an interesting one. After comparing the ZD3 and the Topping D50 III recently, I came to appreciate the ZD3's presentation more. It gave me a good idea of what I personally like.
Detail, but not in any way emphasized. I prefer a cohesive musical presentation. Slightly warm perhaps. Tight, but not clinical, and not too wooly or sloppy either. A sound that draws me into the music and makes me forget about my audio setup. Something that makes me want to listen for hours.
The 200M has no remote control, and there's no option to add one later. You have to get up and use the controls on the front of the unit. I think that's a bit strange and an annoyance. Something I would only accept, if the sound quality was really worth it.
After hooking up the 200M and checking the settings (I need to use the preamp stage), it was time for some listening. My CD player and streamer connected via digital coax. The 200M connected to the Fosi V3 Mono power amplifiers via balanced connections. I used the first filter setting (Fast filter) on the 200M.
I immediately noticed that the presentation was more three-dimensional. Pretty soon, I was 'inside the music'. I could hear more depth. Small details like percussion, crackles and other sounds came to life and occupied their own space. But never too much. Not in a gimmicky or annoying way. This kind of presentation makes listening to music a more immersive and satisfying experience to me.
I switched back and forth between both devices a couple of times and eventually found myself listening to the Cambridge Audio 200M exclusively for an extended period. Now, this only happens if I like what I hear. It's a simple but reliable benchmark.
Overall, both DACs have their strengths. The ZD3 offers warmth, cohesion, and hours-of-listening comfort at a great value, while the 200M adds a heightened sense of depth and immersion, but at a higher price and with less convenience. For me, the choice comes down to personal listening priorities.
Curious if another DAC/preamp could present music differently or maybe even better, I tried the Cambridge Audio 200M. I switched cables to swap between the two and listened to several CD tracks via coax. Also, I listened for several hours to the 200M only.
The Cambridge Audio 200M generally costs more than twice as much as the Fosi Audio ZD3. So, this isn't a completely fair comparison, but certainly an interesting one. After comparing the ZD3 and the Topping D50 III recently, I came to appreciate the ZD3's presentation more. It gave me a good idea of what I personally like.
Detail, but not in any way emphasized. I prefer a cohesive musical presentation. Slightly warm perhaps. Tight, but not clinical, and not too wooly or sloppy either. A sound that draws me into the music and makes me forget about my audio setup. Something that makes me want to listen for hours.
The 200M has no remote control, and there's no option to add one later. You have to get up and use the controls on the front of the unit. I think that's a bit strange and an annoyance. Something I would only accept, if the sound quality was really worth it.
After hooking up the 200M and checking the settings (I need to use the preamp stage), it was time for some listening. My CD player and streamer connected via digital coax. The 200M connected to the Fosi V3 Mono power amplifiers via balanced connections. I used the first filter setting (Fast filter) on the 200M.
I immediately noticed that the presentation was more three-dimensional. Pretty soon, I was 'inside the music'. I could hear more depth. Small details like percussion, crackles and other sounds came to life and occupied their own space. But never too much. Not in a gimmicky or annoying way. This kind of presentation makes listening to music a more immersive and satisfying experience to me.
I switched back and forth between both devices a couple of times and eventually found myself listening to the Cambridge Audio 200M exclusively for an extended period. Now, this only happens if I like what I hear. It's a simple but reliable benchmark.
Overall, both DACs have their strengths. The ZD3 offers warmth, cohesion, and hours-of-listening comfort at a great value, while the 200M adds a heightened sense of depth and immersion, but at a higher price and with less convenience. For me, the choice comes down to personal listening priorities.
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