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Preamp Q8 Desktop DAC Preamp Development Log

Charles said:
The product progress is currently going smoothly, and it will be equipped with:
An input interface for a vinyl record player;
Two regular RCA input interfaces;
An HDMI ARC input interface;
One USB input interface, one OPT input interface, and one COA input interface; And a Bluetooth input interface;
One RCA output interface;
An XLR output interface;
A RCA SUB output interface;
And it has HPF and HT BYPASS functions;
The specification parameters will be very good, and distortion will definitely exceed the limit that the human ear can hear;
The overall size will be relatively large, expected to be 320 * 200 * 52mm, and the overall design will be very simple, with a large knob and a remote control;
The product images will be displayed to everyone after our prototype is made, expected by the end of December;
Click to expand...
Hi again,
Will the USB input interface be for data (eg audio files) or only for power?
Thanks
 
Fosi Audio Team said:
Hi Fosiphiles,

We’re thrilled to officially kick off this thread with exciting news: Q8, one of our most anticipated upcoming products, is finally in development!

Born out of last year’s anniversary co-creation campaign with our community, Q8 is a product that truly embodies your ideas, feedback, and passion. In this thread, we’ll be sharing the latest updates on its progress — from early design concepts to engineering breakthroughs.

As always, your voice matters. The Fosi product team will be here to listen, discuss, and explore your suggestions. Whether it’s a technical detail or a user experience insight, your feedback will help us refine Q8 into something extraordinary.

Brief Introduction:
The Q8 is a multi-input, multi-output DAC preamplifier equipped with both LPF and HPF functions. Designed for users with multiple audio sources or AVR systems, it serves as a powerful system control hub that brings all your devices together seamlessly. It also helps AVR users build a dedicated 2.1 HiFi system with ease and flexibility.

Here is the rendering sketch of the Q8
View attachment 1822

Basic Specs
Input:USB-C, Optical, Coaxial, Phono RCA, RCA*2, Sub-In, HDMI Arc with CEC, Bluetooth
OutputRCA, XLR, Sub-Out
TriggerIn and Out
FunctionsLPF, HPF, Tone Control with Bypass, EQ
In-Built DACAKM AK4493S
Sampling Rates32bit/768kHz+DSD512(USB), 24bit/192kHz(OPT, COA, HDMI), 24bit/96kHz(BT)
Bluetooth ChipQCC3095
Bluetooth CodecsAAC, SBC, aptX, aptX-HD, aptX-LL, aptX-Adaptive, LDAC，aptX Lossless
Remote Control✅

Product Manager in Charge: @Charles

Let’s continue building it together!
Click to expand...
HELLO
i have allready BT20APRO, fantastic amp . I orderd ZA3 amp. i am waitting to buy Q8 dac. cose i want LDAC codec. i listen music from my phone.
bass and treble knobs included on Q8 dac? cose the ZA3 amp doesn t.
 
This product looks amazing, but I do have a request.

If at all possible, can we get DSD support via HDMI or any other input other than USB? I have a SACD player that I would love to output DSD instead of PCM to a DAC/Preamp. The market is lacking affordable SACD/DSD gear and this would be a killer addon!
 
miketxo said:
If I have to improve it I will ask for 5.1 output in order to use SACD / DVD AUDIO discs and DSD.files in multichannel format.
Click to expand...
5.1 would be nice, but I'm ok with 2.1, but SACD support is a must imo. The units they make now and this one support DSD, but only over USB. I'd like to see it over HDMI or whatever else they can make work. I don't want my player sending in PCM.
 
Gryman said:
5.1 would be nice, but I'm ok with 2.1, but SACD support is a must imo. The units they make now and this one support DSD, but only over USB. I'd like to see it over HDMI or whatever else they can make work. I don't want my player sending in PCM.
Click to expand...
Okay, let's consider it;
 
LPF and HPF are useless if you can not adjust them, so sure keep the adjustment!.
Make the size and the finish equal to ZA3 (or2 ;-)
Add tone controls on front.
 
Charles said:
The product progress is currently going smoothly, and it will be equipped with:
An input interface for a vinyl record player;
Two regular RCA input interfaces;
An HDMI ARC input interface;
One USB input interface, one OPT input interface, and one COA input interface; And a Bluetooth input interface;
One RCA output interface;
An XLR output interface;
A RCA SUB output interface;
And it has HPF and HT BYPASS functions;
The specification parameters will be very good, and distortion will definitely exceed the limit that the human ear can hear;
The overall size will be relatively large, expected to be 320 * 200 * 52mm, and the overall design will be very simple, with a large knob and a remote control;
The product images will be displayed to everyone after our prototype is made, expected by the end of December;
Click to expand...
Including a (very) good headphone out on this, as others have already mentioned, will probably make the future model the wizard in your line-up, IMO. We'll have to wait for the next gen, then...
The design is smashing, by the way.
 
Charles said:
The product progress is currently going smoothly, and it will be equipped with:
An input interface for a vinyl record player;
Two regular RCA input interfaces;
An HDMI ARC input interface;
One USB input interface, one OPT input interface, and one COA input interface; And a Bluetooth input interface;
One RCA output interface;
An XLR output interface;
A RCA SUB output interface;
And it has HPF and HT BYPASS functions;
The specification parameters will be very good, and distortion will definitely exceed the limit that the human ear can hear;
The overall size will be relatively large, expected to be 320 * 200 * 52mm, and the overall design will be very simple, with a large knob and a remote control;
The product images will be displayed to everyone after our prototype is made, expected by the end of December;
Click to expand...
You didn't mention it, but will there be a trigger out?
 
@Will Zhang Sorry for bothering you as this is not your thing, but is there a chance to somehow contact Charles for an update? I need to buy soon a preamp and I' not sure what is ETA of Q8. Is it something around a month, quarter or half of a year?
 
RudydG said:
LPF and HPF are useless if you can not adjust them, so sure keep the adjustment!.
Make the size and the finish equal to ZA3 (or2 ;-)
Add tone controls on front.
Click to expand...
We only have HPF, and we believe that low-frequency signals can be output to the subwoofer for processing, so there is no LPF function. We have an HPF knob on the back to adjust it;
 
Anatols_Dad said:
Including a (very) good headphone out on this, as others have already mentioned, will probably make the future model the wizard in your line-up, IMO. We'll have to wait for the next gen, then...
The design is smashing, by the way.
Click to expand...
Sorry, we currently do not have headphone output. May I ask why you need headphone output? If you need headphone output, can ZH3 meet your needs?
 
Ccw71+ said:
A decent (3 amp?) usb power out would be very handy to cut down on clutter and mains outlets required for powering audio/video streamers.
Click to expand...
Do you mean to have a USB output interface on Q8 to power streaming media and other devices? Could you please tell me which devices you are currently using? Why do you want Q8 with this USB output interface?
 
dojade said:
@Will Zhang Sorry for bothering you as this is not your thing, but is there a chance to somehow contact Charles for an update? I need to buy soon a preamp and I' not sure what is ETA of Q8. Is it something around a month, quarter or half of a year?
Click to expand...
I'm very sorry, there have been other things that have delayed me recently. I only saw your message so late. Compared to previous products, we have used a brand new UI and screen design, which is more complicated. Q8 is expected to be launched in May/June next year, and we expect the first prototype to be released by the end of this month. After the first prototype is released, we will release product photos. We have high hopes for this product, haha, and hope it will be liked by everyone!
 
Hey @Charles, a question about the bluetooth chip: is the model QCC3095? I asked because that chip is top of the line, including bluetooth 6.0 and aptX Lossless. I think it's a great opportunity to make a product with cutting-edge technology inside.
 
Charles said:
Do you mean to have a USB output interface on Q8 to power streaming media and other devices? Could you please tell me which devices you are currently using? Why do you want Q8 with this USB output interface?
Click to expand...
Hi Charles, yes just a USB output to power streaming devices would be a nice feature, but certainly not a deal breaker. Quite a few streamers are USB powered. I use a Wiim, but Bluesound, Fiio, Arylic etc are USB powered. Will the new S3 be USB powered?

Will this be releasing May/June 2026? I'm holding out for this one👍
 
Last edited:
I don't think so. I assume that @Charles just forgot that we already have 2026

Would be nice to get the answers faster than once a month, especially when there are some potential irregularities in the response
 
alaperse said:
Hey @Charles, a question about the bluetooth chip: is the model QCC3095? I asked because that chip is top of the line, including bluetooth 6.0 and aptX Lossless. I think it's a great opportunity to make a product with cutting-edge technology inside.
Click to expand...
Yes, we use the QCC3095 Bluetooth chip;
 
dojade said:
It starts 17.02.

They have plenty of time to answer all the questions before their new year off starts
Click to expand...
Alright, vacation mode is officially over—we’re back and will be hanging out here regularly to answer your questions. Thanks for sticking with us! 🏖️➡️🧑‍💻
 
Charles said:
Alright, vacation mode is officially over—we’re back and will be hanging out here regularly to answer your questions. Thanks for sticking with us! 🏖️➡️🧑‍💻
Click to expand...
How will the volume control work? Is it going to be digital, or will it be analog? We can assume there will be a remote control, right? Will the unit be able to power on automatically via ARC input/CEC signal?

-Ed
 
The S3 releasing Monday is a fantastic product. I will be waiting for the Q8. FINALLY xlr out, usb in, double sub out for active subwoofer, DAC, Bluetooth although it's just a convenience for me, hardwire USB is the ticket, and of course optical and HDMI. The suggestions for a nice smooth minimum maximum volume control sounds fantastic. You will be making a bunch of new customers with the Q8. If the S3 had USB in I would already be in line. Any updates you give us on the release of the Q8 would be greatly appreciated. Refreshing to actually have the company listen to the customers.
 
How will the volume control work? Is it going to be digital, or will it be analog? We can assume there will be a remote control, right? Will the unit be able to power on automatically via ARC input/CEC signal?
 
Hello guys! I am waiting for Q8 so much because of some reasons. Look at my setup: I have vintage NAD C320bee, a couple of floorstanding DALI Piano Noble and flat sub DALI Piano Forte. This configuration 2.1 looks like compromise between home theater and audiophile. The only pure DAC-preamp with HDMI ARC support which I've found was Fosi Audio ZD3. So, I use active build-in crossover in my sub to separate frequencis. I have tried to found some device which can do it. I looked on Marantz model M1, Marantz Stereo 70s, NAD C700, Wiim Ultra, but I dont need D-class amplifier! Looks like Fosi Audi Q8 can help me to upgrade my system as I want.

So I am waiting for release of this device and I hope for flexible tune of its crossover!
 
Dali_Fun said:
Hello guys! I am waiting for Q8 so much because of some reasons. Look at my setup: I have vintage NAD C320bee, a couple of floorstanding DALI Piano Noble and flat sub DALI Piano Forte. This configuration 2.1 looks like compromise between home theater and audiophile. The only pure DAC-preamp with HDMI ARC support which I've found was Fosi Audio ZD3. So, I use active build-in crossover in my sub to separate frequencis. I have tried to found some device which can do it. I looked on Marantz model M1, Marantz Stereo 70s, NAD C700, Wiim Ultra, but I dont need D-class amplifier! Looks like Fosi Audi Q8 can help me to upgrade my system as I want.

So I am waiting for release of this device and I hope for flexible tune of its crossover!
Click to expand...
ARC will be far more useful if Q8 is able to power on automatically via ARC input/CEC signal. Could Fosi please confirm if it will be able to do this?

-Ed
 
I want to explain my setup because I am not alone. Four large speakers. Stereo right for two of them and stereo left for two of them. Canton 690dc & emotiva xt2. Two SVS SB PRO 1000 active subwoofers. Five channel anthem MCA 50 amplifier. Then I'm either running from my iMac or my iPhone or an iPad through usb c. My CD player hooked in somehow and then hooked to my TV/PlayStation. I will run an XLR splitter to run the four speakers with the Q8. I am currently running a rotel rsp1572 surround processor for my pre-amplifier. The DAC is outdated and I literally have to bypass everything to play stereo. My group wants nothing to do with surround processing. Just a preamplifier that will do the above well. Our major worries seems to be some sort of Buzz or hum using the Q8 into a big class A/B amplifier. For sure we play a lot of soft music and I am just running all my TV stuff through stereo. I love it. But we all go loud loud loud. :) so we are very excited about this product coming. To get something new right now that does all of this is $3500. No bass management needed or wanted. Active subwoofers! As far as my group we just want full channel stereo coming out. Bluetooth is a convenience that I use once in a while. But just as convenience. When I'm seriously listening I'm hardwired. Just my groups two cents worth. If you do make it as it seems to be intended right now as I have said before you are going to make a whole bunch of new customers.
 
I'm gonna go ahead and join the other opinions that you're not on checking these on a regular basis. We're coming on 30 days without the rep being in here. Well I had high hopes for collaborating for something that the people want. But this isn't collaborating this is me posting to a dead chat… 100% for real
 
Boomboom said:
I'm gonna go ahead and join the other opinions that you're not on checking these on a regular basis. We're coming on 30 days without the rep being in here. Well I had high hopes for collaborating for something that the people want. But this isn't collaborating this is me posting to a dead chat… 100% for real
Click to expand...
I am going to course correct myself and say I should shut my pie hole :) possible emergency I know nothing about…
 
If you can please keep HPF continuous from 30hz to 200hz if possible. Dac and preamp would be perfect solution for me. I have analog and digital sources (turntable, cd transport, streamer and tv) and that device would allow me to control all sources from single remote. Also planning to add cassette deck so multiple analog inputs would be appreciated. Currently have ampapa D1and Q1, WiiM pro plus, fosi x5 phono. But phono have to go to amp D1 rca input and have to change source on D1 and for everything else on Q1. That makes a lot of remotes (d1, q1, WiiM, cd player, tv) and a bit complicated. Before I had all in one system and used single remote for everything and my kid knew to use it. Now I have to turn on the system for her :D. Additionally, HPF on preamp would make more flexibility for using better amp/s like v3s monos or 3eA5. So keeping fingers crossed that this one will solve all minor issues of previous preamps and provide fav performance similar to zd3/zh3
 
Can the op-amps rolling in this DAC ? If so, is there a cover for quick removal of the op-amp replacement area?
 
Can someone explain how auto source switching works, if that is something like auto sensing on wiim that would be perfect!

Also is there any news on hpf? Will it be continuous and in which range? I really can’t wait to see final product.
 
Wondering why the Q8 is so big. Is it just the case and is there a lot of free space inside, or am I missing something?
 
Got it, I roughly understand. We currently have two pairs of RCA outputs, and we can only set both pairs to bypass mode at the same time (in which case they bypass any volume control, EQ, and amplification circuits). However, we are currently unable to have one channel volume-controlled while the other channel completely bypasses these controls.
Massimo said:
I'm referring to a direct line output, optionally equipped with a sensitivity control separate from main output, to allow connection to a second amplifier, with in turn makes it possible to connect two additional speakers to be strategically placed in a room. Basically, for someone who has, for example two V3 mono units and a p4 o p3, this could allow them to have two separate systems or alternatively, a four speaker setup. I hope I've made myself clear.
Click to expand...
 
alaperse said:
alaperse said:
What's the logic behind XLR output but no XLR input? All chain needs to be balanced in order to avoid interference, that is the essence of balanced audio. Without XLR input, XLR output becomes decorative. Considering that, you could then take out XLR entirely and use just RCA. That would be better than using half one half the other.
Click to expand...
The signal decoded by our DAC chip is balanced, and it supports XLR output.
alaperse said:
1. Well, I think it's weird to have to prefer between a second RCA output and to have a subwoofer out, but for me, it does work. I don't have nor pretend to have a subwoofer. Is the SUB RCA output single ended (mono) or stereo? If it's stereo and the LPF can be turned off, then it works as a second output.

4. It shouldn't have noticeable delay. I haven't tried that config yet, as I don't have a DAC with HDMI ARC function.

5. As far as I can add a headphone amplifier with SUB OUT, it's fine.
Click to expand...
1.It is OK.
Click to expand...
 
alaperse said:
What's the logic behind XLR output but no XLR input? All chain needs to be balanced in order to avoid interference, that is the essence of balanced audio. Without XLR input, XLR output becomes decorative. Considering that, you could then take out XLR entirely and use just RCA. That would be better than using half one half the other.
Click to expand...
The signal decoded by our DAC chip is balanced, and it supports XLR output.
alaperse said:
1. Well, I think it's weird to have to prefer between a second RCA output and to have a subwoofer out, but for me, it does work. I don't have nor pretend to have a subwoofer. Is the SUB RCA output single ended (mono) or stereo? If it's stereo and the LPF can be turned off, then it works as a second output.

4. It shouldn't have noticeable delay. I haven't tried that config yet, as I don't have a DAC with HDMI ARC function.

5. As far as I can add a headphone amplifier with SUB OUT, it's fine.
Click to expand...
1.It is OK;
 
nickhews said:
In what ways are the various inputs/outputs and other potential settings to be made/controlled? I guess some may be through use of a touchscreen, or do you intend to include a remote control that can do or mirror these things? I assume that volume control at the least will be by remote?
Click to expand...
Yes
 
Peter_P said:
Might be a bit late to the party here but I really like your design approach that takes direct feedback from your customers on board. Former Naim user here and I have to say it's great to see the VFM that's coming from the affordable end of the hifi world these days. I used to be quite dismissive of the cheaper stuff but what changed it for me was the Allo products based on the Raspberry Pi. Affordable and they sound awesome. Such a shame that Allo seems to be dead (maybe Fosi could revive the concept! I use Moode on my Allo devices and it's been excellent. No need to reinvent the wheel)

The DAC / Pre-amp idea is great IMO. Absolutely makes sense to have all the switching in one place. This is exactly the kind of product I would go for in a hifi system. A few things I would be looking for:


• DAC in the pre-amp but keep the streamer as a seperate product (nice to have options here, update as technology progresses without having to mess with the major components of the system)

• Maybe a few options of different DAC modules at different performance / price points. Would be nice to be able to upgrade performance without changing product. Start with something cheap / accessible but be able to swap for something premium at a later date. Same goes for power supply options as mentioned below. This could then be Fosi's main pre-amp and the heart of your product line, customisable as the user wishes / can afford.

• Volume knob with fixed ends not an endlessly spinning type (the only volume knob in the entire system. Bit confused as to why the ZD3 / ZA3 combo gives you two. Who needs two!? A bit of a turn off for me)

• 2 x analogue RCA inputs. Could go one of two ways here. 1. no digitisation meaning no mucking with the source signal. 2. gets put into the digital chain allowing DSP ie. a parametric EQ for speaker tuning / room correction. Would be nice to have the option (switchable) but that's probably getting too complex / expensive.

• Minimum 3 digital inputs (USB, coax, optical)

• Bluetooth

• Make the screen simple, clear and modern. No faff. Make sure it can be set to turn off automatically or be in an always on mode.

• Switchable HP filter for setups using smaller speaker and a sub (ideally with a few different frequency settings)

• Different power-supply options at different performance / price points (I guess Naim brainwashed me in this way but Fosi already does this anyway). And why not put them in a proper case so they can be displayed in a rack with the other components rather than just stuffed away messily in the back somewhere!? I have the 48V/5A supply here and it's already fairly well built from what I can tell so I can't imagine it would be a huge leap to put it in a proper case.


But most importantly an emphasis on the SQ performance of the DAC (so that it is intended as the main DAC in the system and the only one you need, not just an add on for convenience). Also great SQ performance from the pre-amp. Would be nice to see a 2 channel Fosi amp much like the mono blocks (no volume control) to pair with the Q8. Keep up the good work 👍
Click to expand...
Thank you for your suggestions:

1. We are currently looking into the idea of swappable modules and are actively collecting feedback from users like you.

2. Regarding the volume knob, ours is a non-stop rotary type, but the screen shows the volume level. We're curious about your preference for a knob with fixed endpoints—would having the volume displayed on the screen solve the concern you have in mind?

3. For the RCA inputs, we're currently using analog op-amps for bass and treble adjustment, so the signal does not go through the digital DSP circuit.

4. The HPF function we support is adjustable from 20Hz to 260Hz.

5. Yes, it can be paired with our V3 MONO, which is a pure power amplifier with PFFB technology. In fact, the Q8 is just the right size to have two V3 MONOs placed right on top of it.

Feel free to reach out anytime if you have more thoughts or ideas. Thanks again for your feedback!
 
leftyrev said:
I'll make it simple for you, just Put all the features of the ZD3 and ZP3 together in one unit. and add the variable high pass filter and all the inputs/ outputs you have planned in your render . then you would have one of the better DAC and Preamp on the market . the screen should have input selected and volume displayed at all times with each input having its own volume level memory . I own the ZD3 and the ZP3 . the volume control is a pain having to use two remotes is also not very good . please make this soon........ can we get an ETA
Click to expand...
Expected to arrive in August;
 
Lorenz said:
With this PSU20 power supply under development, it powers the main stages, streamer, DAC, and preamplifier.
None of them would need to worry about developing an internal linear power supply.
This power supply would supply power to these three stages.
The outputs must be well isolated from each other.
Click to expand...
Yes, the output of PSU20 linear power supply is isolated from each other;
 
parkylives said:
I do not know if its to late to comment on this but can you tell me will this be compatible with a Vol20 as it very weird for me you make a great Bluetooth volume controller but none of your devices can be used with it. I think this is a missed opertunity. Do you think its possible to add this functionality to the device?
Click to expand...
Thank you very much for your suggestion. It is very good and we will consider it carefully;
 
I’m very sorry for not replying to your messages in a timely manner. Let me give a unified update here: the Q8 is expected to be launched around mid-to-late August 2026. We are currently optimizing it, and the Q8 is quite powerful feature-wise — we’ve added PEQ functionality as well as web-based control.
 
Charles said:
I’m very sorry for not replying to your messages in a timely manner. Let me give a unified update here: the Q8 is expected to be launched around mid-to-late August 2026. We are currently optimizing it, and the Q8 is quite powerful feature-wise — we’ve added PEQ functionality as well as web-based control.
Click to expand...
Thank you so much for the information update.
The Q8 truly fulfills many of our wishes, and it looks fantastic in that video.
Product and functionality are constantly evolving. Congratulations!
 
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