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DAC New ZD3 issues

newfosi

New member
Just got a ZD3 and two ZA3s. Have only set up one ZA3 in stereo mode, connected via XLR cables. Inputs are BT & HDMI ARC. Apple TV is connected via HDMI to Samsung TV, which connects to the ZD3 via HDMI ARC.

Issues are:

1. Occasional split second echo. I've seen others on the message board report the same. Happens infrequently and only when I watch YT videos.
2. Audio replaced by rapid staccato noise. This turned out to be an Apple TV setting: Audio Format > Auto. I changed it to PCM and the issue was resolved. Just pointing it out for the benefit of others.
3. The manual shows that a bit rate should be displayed when input is HDMI, but it shows NONE instead. I've seen videos of others, going back to the early release, also showing NONE. Maybe a future firmware fix will add this feature.
4. HDMI ARC permits the Apple TV remote to turn on the ATV, the TV, the ZD3 (which turns on the ZA3 via the trigger cable). That works. But when I do the same to turn it all off, the ZD3 turns itself back on 30 seconds later. That turns on the TV again. This doesn't happen when the HDMI cable is detached from the ZD3. So the issue is the ZD3. The only solution I've found is to select a non-HDMI input on the ZD3 and shut it off using the Fosi remote instead of the ATV remote.
5. I haven't used it in Mono mode yet, but Stereo sounds nice - clear, "crisp", the separation is good. But the treble needs to be toned down.

My prior setup was a Sonos Amp, which is functionally very similar to the Fosi ZD3 and ZA3 combination. The Sonos doesn't sound as good, but it had none of the above issues. It ran fine with the ATV using Auto as the Audio Format, it had no echo, no issues using HDMI ARC CEC to turn on/off everything, and treble was OK because it had tone controls in the app.

If anyone can suggest solutions for the above, or can suggest a tone control device that would help cut the treble, it would be very appreciated.
 
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I have the same cec HDMI problem with my Samsung tv and zd3
Everywhere recommends turning anynet+ off
But this disables the arc output of the tv and no audio passes
 
Yeah, turning off Anynet+ is a no go for me too. I emailed Fosi regarding my issues. Here's their responses. They answered within 24 hours, just as promised.

HDMI issue per Fosi:
For the turn-on auto problem, please try to solve it as follows:

【1】When not using the HDMI ARC function or turning off the TV, please switch the ZD3 to a non-HDMI mode to prevent it from repeatedly requesting the TV to turn on the HDMI ARC.

【2】Please switch the ZD3 to another input mode, use the TV remote to turn off the TV, and then use the ZD3 remote to turn off the ZD3, or you can use the power button on the front of the DAC to turn off the DAC and all connected devices.

【3】Disable the HDMI-CEC function.


I figured out the same thing on my own. I switch to USB or whatever and turn off the zd3, that turns off the za3. Then I use the Apple TV remote to turn off the ATV and TV via CEC.

Echo issue per Fosi:
Regarding this echo issue, please check the attached upgrade file (1.0.7) and perform the firmware update to see if it resolves the problem. https://drive.google.com/file/d/119HuM0nvuIR_UTXuFzlVQSZoHY8R_vY3/view?usp=drive_link
Please ensure that the TV's network signal is stable.


I haven't tried this yet.
 
The treble issue fixed itself. I did a few things, so I am not sure which is responsible.
1. I used the dac for a few hours and then let it sit for about 18 hours before using it again.
2. I unplugged all the cables from the amp and the dac and then plugged them back in again.
3. I replaced the speaker cables

I am guessing that it was the speaker cables that solved it. With the new cables treble is fine. The za3 in stereo mode and the dac sound terrific.

I added a second za3 last nite and listened in mono mode. I am not sure which I like better.

So for now I don't need an eq.
 
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