Preface: The Fosi ZP3 And How It Landed On My Audio Shelf!
I was intrigued with Fosi’s introduction of the P4 preamp, a perfect companion to my Fosi ZA3 Mono blocks, with adequate features for my personal needs - three single ended RCA inputs, one out, tone controls with bypass, a 3.5mm pre out, and an analog motorized potentiometer! How cool is that?
So I purchased one, and am a happy camper. Then…
Shortly after:
Apparently my name was pulled out of Fosi’s well of past reviewers, and I was approached with a request that I wear the hat of Beta Tester for a new preamplifier yet introduced. I was one of a group from around the globe to participate with honest feedback - likes and dislikes, with whatever recommendations that would possibly enhance the musical experience for future owners.
“Me? Sure, OK… why not, I would love to”.
A couple weeks later, a package was delivered to my front porch stoop.
Upon the removal of the protective mailer, I found myself holding the now familiar blue Fosi Audio corrugated box with a label on the side announcing its contents as a ZP3 preamplifier.
Fosi followed through, so Game On… Onward Christian Soldier!
Upon first look, one will notice that the footprint of the ZP3 is a quite a bit larger than any of Fosi’s recent offerings. Compared to its predecessor, the P4, that measures out at 4.5” x 5.5”, the ZP3 is twice as wide, just shy of 9.5”, and is an inch deeper… as it should be considering the enclosure has more circuitry to contain.
Be it known that I am no electronic maverick, therefore I’ll just make a guess that the ZP3 benefits from some of the P4’s architecture, with Fosi engineers taking things up a notch or two (or three!) with the addition of new features that will benefit those who desire a more “sophisticated” control center. A design that allows the option to use single ended RCA and/or balanced XLR, input to output. Included is a dedicated Sub Out via RCA, a 12V trigger OUTand IN (enabling control over two additional Fosi components, and possibly non-Fosi compatible gear?), internal power supply, and a heavy duty back panel on/off rocker switch. A selectable (3) high pass frequency switch for those who wish to incorporate a subwoofer into the system, and a tone control bypass switch for all you purist are located on the bottom panel - switch and forget.
Fosi has kept the no-nonsense aesthetics with their low profile, round edged aluminum enclosure and signature Gold volume knob. It wasn’t enough to keep the tone controls of the P4, the ZP3 also sports a balance control - Nice! In lieu of the analog potentiometer of its predecessor, the P4, Fosi chose a digital volume control for the ZP3. Advocates of an analog volume control will poo-poo its digital counterpart, claiming noticeable digital artifacts (distortions). To counter any of these perceived distortions, Fosi implemented a NJR NJU72315 volume IC into their design and I personally could not detect anything but a clean signal transfer.
I must admit though, that observing the motorized volume knob on the P4 magically spin, hands free, is kinda cool… just sayin’.
The remote control is the typical plastic shelled remote, nothing to get excited about visually. Don’t expect a chassis carved out of solid Titanium! Plastic, no doubt, to keep within a certain price point. However, it is multi-component capable with buttons that correspond to Fosi’s ZD3, P4, BT20A Max, and, of course, its companion ZP3.
Now, I must admit that the included remote control is a gift from the gods.
I’ve owned my Adcom 565 preamp for many moons, purchased it used off of the Bay, and had it recapped about two years back. I love this machine due to its flexibility, connectivity, and neutrality. My total cost of the Adcom and recap set me back about seven bills, and I consider it worth every penny due to its plethora of inputs and outputs, including a processor loop, MM and MC phono capability, and three pre outs! However, it is single ended only, and lacks remote control, and for me, basically a lazy soul - when I chill, I like to chill, so lack of a remote has always been the fly in the ointment!
My wife and I are both retired. I am a night owl, while my wife is an early to bed, early to rise kinda gal. The music room shares a wall with our bedroom, so I must be extremely diligent as to volume levels during the darkened hours, and that can be very frustrating at times - many times! I’ve jumped out of my listening seat and B-lined it to the volume knob so many times now, that I swear I’m beginning to see a path that I’ve burned into our new carpet!
The P4 and this ZP3 now allows me the convenience and peace of mind to settle in and let ‘er rip… Heaven sent.
PreAmp Design Layout
Personally, I find the aesthetics to be very attractive with the wrap around outer shell, non-clutter front panel, high gloss (plastic) side panels and the intuitive, spacious rear panel. Regardless of the many inputs and outputs for a relatively small package, I never had a problem connecting any of the cables. All jacks were tightly secured to the chassis, giving me the assurance that I would have no problem dealing with a stubborn RCA cable that needed that extra twist and push for a secure connection. XLR input and outputs - easy-peezy with a push and a click.
The front layout was simple and uncluttered with only the relevant controls that the user (this user) would desire. The Tone and Balance controls had smooth rotation and a solid feel. I have always preferred a stepped volume control, so this was a plus.
I did not have a subwoofer to enhance or distract from any of the speakers that I used for the beta test, so I cannot comment on the pre’s high pass abilities.
And to what now seems the norm, this pre offers the option to interchange op-amps. I chose not to pop the hood, for I did not have extra op-amps to play with, so I cannot comment on any audible variations.
My only caveat is the LED input indicator array. The pin hole red input LEDs are difficult to see In a well lit room of either natural or artificial light, causing this user to eject his lazy butt from the listening position, and move up close ’n’ personal to “see” the input chosen. For the desktop enthusiast - no problum-a!
This is just a quibble, since there are only three inputs - obviously the remote would get you to your destination regardless, but I being a bit OCD. must visualize the input function!.
The System
Electronics:
1) Fosi ZP3 preamp
2) Two Fosi ZA3 power amps, configured in Mono
3) S.M.S.L. SU-9n DAC
4) Magnavox DVD player ($4 Thrift Store find) as CD transport
5) Sherwood Newcastle SD-871 as CD transport (not pictured)
6) Douk Audio VU3 Pro and Fosi Visualizer - just for fun!
Speakers:
1) Neil Blanchard Designs 4T4 DIY Towers
2) Piega Classic 3s
3) Von Schweikerts VR4s, Gen 2
Cables:
1) Audioquest Diamond and Morrow Audio MA-1 RCAs
2) World’s Best and Emotiva XLRs
3) Generic USB
Sources:
1) The above CD transports
2) Streaming .TIDAL via Lenova Desktop connected by Jitterbug enhanced USB
Music Choices
I think everything! Classical, Electronic, Jazz, Alt Country, Bluegrass, Rock, Rockabilly, Big Band, Punk - you name it!
I won’t wax poetic, and use misunderstood nomeclature (eg: organic, delicious, etc.) as to it’s sound signature, other than to say clean and neutral, and quiet… garbage in, garbage out!
Soundstaging, center imaging, depth, etc. are all subject to ALL connected cables and components. Let us not forget power sources and power cords! and, what about room treatment… Yikes!
System (including room) synergy is pretty much the key.
There are many folks who carry a disdain for Class D architecture in the lower to moderately priced Chinese components, but I feel these manufacturers, out of sheer tenacity, and (hopefully) love of music, have improved their designs exponentially and will relatively soon be a serious contender to Class A and Class A/B designs, and as we are beginning to notice with some, will dip their electronic toes into the higher end of the market. It would come as no surprise that the major audio manufacturers will be offering several categories of their own brand Class D components in the very near future, if nothing more than to keep their brands viable and to compete with the ever growing Chinese offerings. US and European companies choosing to rest on their laurels bring back sad memories of the Kodak and Xerox debacles! Snooze, ya lose!
Conclusion
All in all, the ZP3 I had the privilege to test is a well thought out, flexible piece of gear designed to do what it’s supposed to do - a control center that should satisfy the wants and needs for just about any potential user. I tested the ZP3 with a fully involved “room” system, and it excelled in every aspect with my three digital (Transports and Streaming) sources. I would be hard pressed to fault the sound played through this preamp, and its connected components. As a desktop system, I have no doubt that it will present a thrilling near field adventure.
This was my debut using balanced cables. I was thrilled after placing my ear against the speakers grill cover when it was at idle to hear absolutely nada! No hum, no grunge, no dirt… I’m sold!
For those who are curious, the electronics gelled best with the Piega Classic 3 speakers, delivering the most balanced sound of the three listed previously. Not that the NBDs or VonSs didn’t present respectively, they did. However, the Piegas just nailed it!
Speaking of “nailing it”, Fosi certainly has (again). They will officially introduce the ZP3 today, July 8th, 2025. I do believe I hear trumpets blaring, and I have no doubt they will sell truckloads of these babies - a full featured “neutral” preamp, designed to be the hub of your system, for very reasonable coin.
I was intrigued with Fosi’s introduction of the P4 preamp, a perfect companion to my Fosi ZA3 Mono blocks, with adequate features for my personal needs - three single ended RCA inputs, one out, tone controls with bypass, a 3.5mm pre out, and an analog motorized potentiometer! How cool is that?
So I purchased one, and am a happy camper. Then…
Shortly after:
Apparently my name was pulled out of Fosi’s well of past reviewers, and I was approached with a request that I wear the hat of Beta Tester for a new preamplifier yet introduced. I was one of a group from around the globe to participate with honest feedback - likes and dislikes, with whatever recommendations that would possibly enhance the musical experience for future owners.
“Me? Sure, OK… why not, I would love to”.
A couple weeks later, a package was delivered to my front porch stoop.
Upon the removal of the protective mailer, I found myself holding the now familiar blue Fosi Audio corrugated box with a label on the side announcing its contents as a ZP3 preamplifier.
Fosi followed through, so Game On… Onward Christian Soldier!
Upon first look, one will notice that the footprint of the ZP3 is a quite a bit larger than any of Fosi’s recent offerings. Compared to its predecessor, the P4, that measures out at 4.5” x 5.5”, the ZP3 is twice as wide, just shy of 9.5”, and is an inch deeper… as it should be considering the enclosure has more circuitry to contain.
Be it known that I am no electronic maverick, therefore I’ll just make a guess that the ZP3 benefits from some of the P4’s architecture, with Fosi engineers taking things up a notch or two (or three!) with the addition of new features that will benefit those who desire a more “sophisticated” control center. A design that allows the option to use single ended RCA and/or balanced XLR, input to output. Included is a dedicated Sub Out via RCA, a 12V trigger OUTand IN (enabling control over two additional Fosi components, and possibly non-Fosi compatible gear?), internal power supply, and a heavy duty back panel on/off rocker switch. A selectable (3) high pass frequency switch for those who wish to incorporate a subwoofer into the system, and a tone control bypass switch for all you purist are located on the bottom panel - switch and forget.
Fosi has kept the no-nonsense aesthetics with their low profile, round edged aluminum enclosure and signature Gold volume knob. It wasn’t enough to keep the tone controls of the P4, the ZP3 also sports a balance control - Nice! In lieu of the analog potentiometer of its predecessor, the P4, Fosi chose a digital volume control for the ZP3. Advocates of an analog volume control will poo-poo its digital counterpart, claiming noticeable digital artifacts (distortions). To counter any of these perceived distortions, Fosi implemented a NJR NJU72315 volume IC into their design and I personally could not detect anything but a clean signal transfer.
I must admit though, that observing the motorized volume knob on the P4 magically spin, hands free, is kinda cool… just sayin’.
The remote control is the typical plastic shelled remote, nothing to get excited about visually. Don’t expect a chassis carved out of solid Titanium! Plastic, no doubt, to keep within a certain price point. However, it is multi-component capable with buttons that correspond to Fosi’s ZD3, P4, BT20A Max, and, of course, its companion ZP3.
Now, I must admit that the included remote control is a gift from the gods.
I’ve owned my Adcom 565 preamp for many moons, purchased it used off of the Bay, and had it recapped about two years back. I love this machine due to its flexibility, connectivity, and neutrality. My total cost of the Adcom and recap set me back about seven bills, and I consider it worth every penny due to its plethora of inputs and outputs, including a processor loop, MM and MC phono capability, and three pre outs! However, it is single ended only, and lacks remote control, and for me, basically a lazy soul - when I chill, I like to chill, so lack of a remote has always been the fly in the ointment!
My wife and I are both retired. I am a night owl, while my wife is an early to bed, early to rise kinda gal. The music room shares a wall with our bedroom, so I must be extremely diligent as to volume levels during the darkened hours, and that can be very frustrating at times - many times! I’ve jumped out of my listening seat and B-lined it to the volume knob so many times now, that I swear I’m beginning to see a path that I’ve burned into our new carpet!
The P4 and this ZP3 now allows me the convenience and peace of mind to settle in and let ‘er rip… Heaven sent.
PreAmp Design Layout
Personally, I find the aesthetics to be very attractive with the wrap around outer shell, non-clutter front panel, high gloss (plastic) side panels and the intuitive, spacious rear panel. Regardless of the many inputs and outputs for a relatively small package, I never had a problem connecting any of the cables. All jacks were tightly secured to the chassis, giving me the assurance that I would have no problem dealing with a stubborn RCA cable that needed that extra twist and push for a secure connection. XLR input and outputs - easy-peezy with a push and a click.
The front layout was simple and uncluttered with only the relevant controls that the user (this user) would desire. The Tone and Balance controls had smooth rotation and a solid feel. I have always preferred a stepped volume control, so this was a plus.
I did not have a subwoofer to enhance or distract from any of the speakers that I used for the beta test, so I cannot comment on the pre’s high pass abilities.
And to what now seems the norm, this pre offers the option to interchange op-amps. I chose not to pop the hood, for I did not have extra op-amps to play with, so I cannot comment on any audible variations.
My only caveat is the LED input indicator array. The pin hole red input LEDs are difficult to see In a well lit room of either natural or artificial light, causing this user to eject his lazy butt from the listening position, and move up close ’n’ personal to “see” the input chosen. For the desktop enthusiast - no problum-a!
This is just a quibble, since there are only three inputs - obviously the remote would get you to your destination regardless, but I being a bit OCD. must visualize the input function!.
The System
Electronics:
1) Fosi ZP3 preamp
2) Two Fosi ZA3 power amps, configured in Mono
3) S.M.S.L. SU-9n DAC
4) Magnavox DVD player ($4 Thrift Store find) as CD transport
5) Sherwood Newcastle SD-871 as CD transport (not pictured)
6) Douk Audio VU3 Pro and Fosi Visualizer - just for fun!
Speakers:
1) Neil Blanchard Designs 4T4 DIY Towers
2) Piega Classic 3s
3) Von Schweikerts VR4s, Gen 2
Cables:
1) Audioquest Diamond and Morrow Audio MA-1 RCAs
2) World’s Best and Emotiva XLRs
3) Generic USB
Sources:
1) The above CD transports
2) Streaming .TIDAL via Lenova Desktop connected by Jitterbug enhanced USB
Music Choices
I think everything! Classical, Electronic, Jazz, Alt Country, Bluegrass, Rock, Rockabilly, Big Band, Punk - you name it!
I won’t wax poetic, and use misunderstood nomeclature (eg: organic, delicious, etc.) as to it’s sound signature, other than to say clean and neutral, and quiet… garbage in, garbage out!
Soundstaging, center imaging, depth, etc. are all subject to ALL connected cables and components. Let us not forget power sources and power cords! and, what about room treatment… Yikes!
System (including room) synergy is pretty much the key.
There are many folks who carry a disdain for Class D architecture in the lower to moderately priced Chinese components, but I feel these manufacturers, out of sheer tenacity, and (hopefully) love of music, have improved their designs exponentially and will relatively soon be a serious contender to Class A and Class A/B designs, and as we are beginning to notice with some, will dip their electronic toes into the higher end of the market. It would come as no surprise that the major audio manufacturers will be offering several categories of their own brand Class D components in the very near future, if nothing more than to keep their brands viable and to compete with the ever growing Chinese offerings. US and European companies choosing to rest on their laurels bring back sad memories of the Kodak and Xerox debacles! Snooze, ya lose!
Conclusion
All in all, the ZP3 I had the privilege to test is a well thought out, flexible piece of gear designed to do what it’s supposed to do - a control center that should satisfy the wants and needs for just about any potential user. I tested the ZP3 with a fully involved “room” system, and it excelled in every aspect with my three digital (Transports and Streaming) sources. I would be hard pressed to fault the sound played through this preamp, and its connected components. As a desktop system, I have no doubt that it will present a thrilling near field adventure.
This was my debut using balanced cables. I was thrilled after placing my ear against the speakers grill cover when it was at idle to hear absolutely nada! No hum, no grunge, no dirt… I’m sold!
For those who are curious, the electronics gelled best with the Piega Classic 3 speakers, delivering the most balanced sound of the three listed previously. Not that the NBDs or VonSs didn’t present respectively, they did. However, the Piegas just nailed it!
Speaking of “nailing it”, Fosi certainly has (again). They will officially introduce the ZP3 today, July 8th, 2025. I do believe I hear trumpets blaring, and I have no doubt they will sell truckloads of these babies - a full featured “neutral” preamp, designed to be the hub of your system, for very reasonable coin.
