Streamer S3 Streamer Development Log
- Thread starter Will Zhang
- Start date
parkylives
New member
Is there a time frame on the og fosi audio colours (black/orange) S3 being released?
thank you !Huge fan!
Really enjoy this community development idea!
Almost ordered the S3 out of pure excitement when I realised it only had optical out... bummer.
Then I learned that there might be a "lite" version coming, excited again. Current set-up is pretty hi-end, and with a WiiM pro+ as streamer (to be re-purposed)
My version of "lite" (wouldn't be called lite at all, "transport" would be better) would focus on SQ and connections. Price could be the same as S3, it is fine if this became the SQ focused product for us with external DAC. (Denafrips Ares II in my case). Also an opportunity to create yet another version with HDD, screen etc.
A prefect line-up (IMHO):
- S3 B Balanced, (current model)
- S3 T Transport, pure streamer with all the most SQ focused features and connections. (as would be my choice)
- S3 X Xperience, a model with screen, DAC, HDD and all the features for a full digital preamp experience
Assuming same streaming platform and support (Tidal connect, and occational UpNP NAS in my case)
- Ethernet & WiFi
- USB out (with good noise control)
- S/PDIF
- HDMI ARC would not be something I use, still I think it is a good function to have on such a product.
- AES/EBU & I2S would be bonus features, as would remote on/off triggers
- Simple, (metal) remote with play/pause/skip (could be your VOL20)
- Could very well live without room correction and other sound altering features.
- Internal, well built, PSU would stop me from fiddling with too many cables and adapters and upgraditis would stay low. (A PSU add-on in in a separate chassie would be another great product, dual output with selectable voltage?)
Bonus features (as long as SQ not affected):
- HDMI ARC would not be something I use, still I think it is a good function to have on such a product.
- AES/EBU & I2S
- Chromecast
- Remote on/off triggers
- USB in for e.g. a CD drive
Least wanted features and things I could live without:
- Display, would not buy it, deal-breaker! Would be to small to see anyway, and if on desktop I have monitors!
- Large plastic generic remote.
- Bluetooth, air-play and similar if it compromises the circuitry for SQ by introducing noise. (Very convenient, but not SQ focus)
Simplify where possible, focus where it matters!
I like a quote I learned a long tome ago....
You're not done when you can't add more, you're done when you can't take away more!
Cheers!
(and let me know when I can put my order in, I want serial number 1)
we have S3 Lite Release Plan
Core Features:
- Pure Digital Transport (No DAC): Dedicated digital turntable functionality without built-in DAC.
- Connectivity: USB output + Coaxial output + Optical output.
- Target Price: $150–$200 USD.
- Design: Black finish, unified design language consistent with the ZA3 and ZD3 models.
Estimated Time to Market: End of August 2026
thank you ! about S3 We are launching a black version, scheduled for release in Q2. The renderings will be ready next week, and I'll share them with you then.
yes,you can do it ,S3 can support UPNP/NAS,but DSD S3 can not support ,sorry.
谢谢！
我们的S3 Lite版本发布计划
核心功能如下：
- 纯数字转盘（无DAC）：专用数字转盘功能，不带内置DAC。
- 连接方式： USB输出 + 同轴输出 + 光纤输出。
- 目标价格： 150-200美元。
- 设计：黑色外观，与ZA3和ZD3型号一致的统一设计语言。
预计上市时间： 2026年8月底
谢谢！
我们的S3 Lite版本发布计划
核心功能如下：
- 纯数字转盘（无DAC）：专用数字转盘功能，不带内置DAC。
- 连接方式： USB输出 + 同轴输出 + 光纤输出。
- 目标价格： 150-200美元。
- 设计：黑色外观，与ZA3和ZD3型号一致的统一设计语言。
预计上市时间： 2026年8月底
谢谢！
我们的S3 Lite版本发布计划
核心功能如下：
- 纯数字转盘（无DAC）：专用数字转盘功能，不带内置DAC。
- 连接方式： USB输出 + 同轴输出 + 光纤输出。
- 目标价格： 150-200美元。
- 设计：黑色外观，与ZA3和ZD3型号一致的统一设计语言。
预计上市时间： 2026年8月底
Will it have same input set? What do you mean with dedicated digital turntable functionality? Thanks
Sounds excellent (i hope) ;-)
Like that you are keeping it simple!
I think the ”lite” name is selling it short, makes it sounds like a lesser version. ”Transport” would be a better name for it IMHO.
Keep up the good work!
/Niclas
blueseamonkey
New member
I will be closely watching for S3 Youtube Music implementation dates. I had basically decided on the Wiim Ultra to pair with my V3 amp, but would prefer the S3 if Youtube is likely to arrive in the next 2-3 months.
Hi Fosi team,
I really love the hardware and sound quality of my new Fosi S3, but I'm having a frustrating issue with the HDMI eARC auto-switching.
If I listen to music via Spotify Connect, stop the music, and then 5 minutes later my partner turns on our TV (Sony X93J), the S3 does not automatically switch to the HDMI input. To get the TV sound working, we have to manually open the app on the phone and change the input.
My previous streamer (WiiM Ultra) handled this handover seamlessly and completely automatically.
Is an auto-detect/auto-switch feature for HDMI ARC planned for an upcoming firmware update?
Thanks!
I really love the hardware and sound quality of my new Fosi S3, but I'm having a frustrating issue with the HDMI eARC auto-switching.
If I listen to music via Spotify Connect, stop the music, and then 5 minutes later my partner turns on our TV (Sony X93J), the S3 does not automatically switch to the HDMI input. To get the TV sound working, we have to manually open the app on the phone and change the input.
My previous streamer (WiiM Ultra) handled this handover seamlessly and completely automatically.
Is an auto-detect/auto-switch feature for HDMI ARC planned for an upcoming firmware update?
Thanks!
Hi all,
I've recently bought a S3, but even if it everywhere say "roon ready", it's impossible to configure the S3 in roon, not certified.........
I am a Roon user, and I bought the S3 BECAUSE it's Roon Ready.........
Question: when Roon will be possible with the S3????
Thanks
I've recently bought a S3, but even if it everywhere say "roon ready", it's impossible to configure the S3 in roon, not certified.........
I am a Roon user, and I bought the S3 BECAUSE it's Roon Ready.........
Question: when Roon will be possible with the S3????
Thanks
Last edited:
this is the Connectivity
thank you! The product is currently still in the Roon Labs testing phase, and no exact timeline has been confirmed yet. We submitted the unit approximately 6 months ago. According to Roon's feedback, their certification and testing process typically takes 6 to 12 months. Rest assured, once this testing phase concludes, we will roll out the update as soon as possible.
thank you !Currently, Wi-Fi input has the highest priority. When Spotify starts playing music, it automatically switches to Wi-Fi playback. However, once it switches to Wi-Fi, we are temporarily unable to switch to HDMI.
I would like to discuss with R&D whether this behavior can be modified. Thanks.
good idea，I will consider this suggestion. Thanks.
Thanks!
I have no problem with wifi having priority, the problem is as you say that when using wifi it cannot switch to hdmi even though spotify is not playing but has done so,
it should be possible to get a solution for this so that the switch is seamless?
maybe an option in the app to set which one you think has priority?
thank you,The current plastic housing is indeed necessary due to Wi-Fi considerations. However, for our upcoming Streaming Amplifier S5, we plan to use a metal enclosure. It will be worth the wait,The product is expected to launch in October.
Qobuz connect will add next month,APP can OTA next month
s3 lite will have, The product is expected to launch in AugustNo coax output?
So essentially no hdmi input?
Jormvngandr
Member
Not if those renders are final.
end13ss
New member
请问能增加AES输出的版本吗？ 我觉得有很多数字音箱的用户都会去买的。谢谢！
我们的S3 Lite版本发布计划
核心功能如下：
工业设计效果图：
- 纯数字转盘（无DAC）：专用数字转盘功能，不带内置DAC。
- 连接方式： USB输出 + 同轴输出 + 光纤输出。
- 目标价格： 150-200美元。
- 设计：黑色外观，与ZA3和ZD3型号一致的统一设计语言。
预计上市时间： 2026年8月底
70sAdolescence
New member
I think Fosi is on the right track for the S3-Lite capabilities you list. However, the following specs should take priority, eliminate DAC, XLR outputs and display screen. Consider adding One, preferably Two USB (low noise) input ports. With those additional input ports I'll be able to connect my dedicated audio PC, a Dell Optiplex 7050 micro i5-7500u Linux Mint 22.04 OS, running Roon Server, Plex Server, Spotify and Get Channels apps linked to my NAS, a WD Mycloud PR4100. The additional USB input(s) will make the S-3 a formidable streamer at any price. My preferred display is a laptop, 4K TV or dedicated PC monitor. In reply, to Fosi's development of a CD digital transport, think of the Schanling CR60 CD ripper switchable to player transport. Oh yes, all in ZA and ZD black but make power/control buttons Fosi orange.
yes， It is a streaming transport designed solely for receiving audio streams; it does not include a built-in DAC
We testede usb out up to 768kHz and it worked.DSD now can not support,mabe later can support
Thank you, YuTing; would that simply be a matter of software/firmware update down the line, then? It seems the hardware is there, just not software readiness.
-Ed
70sAdolescence
New member
YuTing, thanks for your reply. The S3 Lite really needs one or two USB inputs for computer PC app processing.
Juan Rodriguez
New member
Otra consulta: En la página del fabricante de AK4493SEQ, dice que puede procesar archivos DSD. Entonces, ¿de qué depende el procesamiento de estos archivos en el transmisor S3? ¿Una actualización de software posterior? ¿Podrás entonces procesar archivos DSD o definitivamente no será posible?
Juan Rodriguez
New member
Another query: On the AK4493SEQ manufacturer's web, it says that it can process DSD files. So, the processing of these files in the S3 streamer depends on what? A later software update? Can you then process DSD files or will it definitely not be possible?
Rafael Mosquim
New member
Hi, first post here. I am very interested in the S3, but wanted to confirm something: can I use digital volume control? My main use, along with streamer, would be TV HDMI arc input to S3, and toslink digital output to Genelec (it uses AES, will convert). Thus would want to control volume with TV remote and have one less remote on the couch. If not doable, does the upcoming S '3 with extra features' better suit my needs?
Thanks!
Thanks!
The volume control over ARC via CEC (via source remote control) already works when using HDMI input mode from TV ARC.
-Ed
thank you!You can look forward to the Black Edition of the S3! We are currently gauging user demand and evaluating the development timeline. If there is sufficient interest, we aim to make the wait as short as possible.@Will Zhang
Regarding the Analog to Digital Conversion capabilities of the S3. Is it possible to convert analog from the RCA inputs to digital toslink output? My use case is to allow a turntable with a phono preamp to be connected to my KEF LS60 Wireless speakers at 24/196, and so be able to utilise the speakers digital room correction feature.
Regarding the Analog to Digital Conversion capabilities of the S3. Is it possible to convert analog from the RCA inputs to digital toslink output? My use case is to allow a turntable with a phono preamp to be connected to my KEF LS60 Wireless speakers at 24/196, and so be able to utilise the speakers digital room correction feature.
Qobuz connect Development is complete and we are awaiting certification approval. We will roll out the OTA update as soon as certification is grantedI would love to add the S3 to my Fosi Audio setup but I need for Fosi Audio to bring out the black edition to go with my ZP3,ZH3,ZA3 and Box5
