Streamer S3 Streamer Development Log

[Martin Roscos]

Thank you very much. I would also go for a "cleaner" look for a pure Streamer but my proposition is about an integrated system which is a preamplifier on steroid including multiple functions as a Streamer, DAC, Phono preamp...I'm trying to get the message across to Fosi Audio that my power supply collection has become bloated (I have a lot of Fosi Audio gear) and that it might be nice if they considered some integrated solutions for guys like me.

It is an ever present issue with a multitude of power supplies. Any control of plug expansion welcomed

 

[Fleuch]

I just came across this post and I'm happy to learn that Fosi is finally developing a network player. I regret however that there is no screen, for me it is an integral part of what I am looking for for this kind of equipment. I had fun making renderings of what I would like to have on a device integrating a streamer. Here are these desires synthesized in two versions on the attached photos where you will see that it is more of a preamp integrating the functions of DAC Streamer and phono preamp. Anyway congratulation for your work.

Hi,

Believe us, we carefully read and record every piece of feedback from our users.
We’re already working on an all-in-one product with a built-in power supply. Once we have some initial results, I’d love to share and discuss them with everyone.

What is the concept of an all-in-one product? Will this be a match to the Eversolo Play (the version with the integrated CD drive) with balanced outputs? Not at all sure about the need for MM/MC inputs as these are best suited to a phono pre-amp. Too many functions in one box will eventually impact the sound quality if if there is not sufficient separation and shielding between the analogue and digital circuits. Space for a sufficiently large capacity SSD (4Tb perhaps) would be an added bonus. As the name suggests, a player should include a respectable amplifier.

An alternative is a product somewhere between a streamer and a network player, with balanced outputs, space for a SSD, a DAC and, most importantly, a screen. Existing amplifiers then provide the power.

 

[Will Zhang]

I just came across this post and I'm happy to learn that Fosi is finally developing a network player. I regret however that there is no screen, for me it is an integral part of what I am looking for for this kind of equipment. I had fun making renderings of what I would like to have on a device integrating a streamer. Here are these desires synthesized in two versions on the attached photos where you will see that it is more of a preamp integrating the functions of DAC Streamer and phono preamp. Anyway congratulation for your work.

Thanks for your suggestion, haha, but looking at your design, I feel it is a bit complicated, not very simple.

 

[Will Zhang]

What is the concept of an all-in-one product? Will this be a match to the Eversolo Play (the version with the integrated CD drive) with balanced outputs? Not at all sure about the need for MM/MC inputs as these are best suited to a phono pre-amp. Too many functions in one box will eventually impact the sound quality if if there is not sufficient separation and shielding between the analogue and digital circuits. Space for a sufficiently large capacity SSD (4Tb perhaps) would be an added bonus. As the name suggests, a player should include a respectable amplifier.

An alternative is a product somewhere between a streamer and a network player, with balanced outputs, space for a SSD, a DAC and, most importantly, a screen. Existing amplifiers then provide the power.

Although we define it as an all-in-one product, we don’t want to integrate too many functions, as that would make the product feel bloated. Supporting SSD is an interesting feature, and I’ll look into it. Thanks!

 

[Stretoo]

Not so long ago all preamplifiers has a phono(s) input(s), this has never created a problem of sound quality. If you consider a phono input is too much what about a SSD space? I own the Fosi Audio BOX X5 phono preamp which is very silent so I imagine you have the competences to integrate such a preamp in a dedicated device, haven’t you? I'm sure it will be better than a crappy phono preamp integrated in an average turntable. A MM phono input would be fine for me, MC is probably not necessary for a budget preamp.

 

[Stretoo]

Thanks for your suggestion, haha, but looking at your design, I feel it is a bit complicated, not very simple.

I agree with you, I suppose that such equipment would require many weeks of training to use these many buttons. So I will prepare a new project, code name "shoe box" that will integrate a simple "on/off" light controlled by a programmed smartphone, that's not complicated. Hey, I realize that my ZP3 has 4 buttons plus a light, I suddenly realize that it is very complicated. Ahah
More seriously, I'm really fed up with all these power supplies.

 

[Stretoo]

What is the concept of an all-in-one product? Will this be a match to the Eversolo Play (the version with the integrated CD drive) with balanced outputs? Not at all sure about the need for MM/MC inputs as these are best suited to a phono pre-amp. Too many functions in one box will eventually impact the sound quality if if there is not sufficient separation and shielding between the analogue and digital circuits. Space for a sufficiently large capacity SSD (4Tb perhaps) would be an added bonus. As the name suggests, a player should include a respectable amplifier.

An alternative is a product somewhere between a streamer and a network player, with balanced outputs, space for a SSD, a DAC and, most importantly, a screen. Existing amplifiers then provide the power.

Thank you for your comments. I summarize the concept: it is a preamplifier intended to satisfy lovers of analog and digital/dematerialized music (analog inputs, Phono, DAC, Streamer, no CD drive) by limiting the number of devices necessary for this purpose and thereby getting rid of the plethora of power supplies that accompany them. I do not know this "Eversolo" but I would prefer to call my brand "Nerveralone" I find it cooler and more optimistic. PS: in my current digital Fosi configuration I have no less than 6 power supplies to make it work!

 

[Will Zhang]

Not so long ago all preamplifiers has a phono(s) input(s), this has never created a problem of sound quality. If you consider a phono input is too much what about a SSD space? I own the Fosi Audio BOX X5 phono preamp which is very silent so I imagine you have the competences to integrate such a preamp in a dedicated device, haven’t you? I'm sure it will be better than a crappy phono preamp integrated in an average turntable. A MM phono input would be fine for me, MC is probably not necessary for a budget preamp.

Implementing this feature alone isn’t difficult, but when too many functions are integrated into one product, the software must coordinate them to ensure smooth operation and avoid conflicts, while the hardware also needs to be well-designed to prevent signal interference.

 

[Martin Roscos]

Implementing this feature alone isn’t difficult, but when too many functions are integrated into one product, the software must coordinate them to ensure smooth operation and avoid conflicts, while the hardware also needs to be well-designed to prevent signal interference.

You are on the right track. Remember you can’t please everybody all the time.

 

[Tamal Saha]

Please add ssd play via usb which can control from mobile application. And provide coaxial out also cause your ZD3 Dac have Coaxial input.

 

[Will Zhang]

Please add ssd play via usb which can control from mobile application. And provide coaxial out also cause your ZD3 Dac have Coaxial input.

Just to clarify—when you say “SSD play via USB,” do you mean only external SSD drives, or also USB flash drives?

One more question — since streamers are mainly designed for network streaming, if we also add a USB port for connecting an external SSD, which method would you use more often to play music: network streaming or USB storage playback?

 

[Magnum]

I would like it simple and think for me it only needs
- Network Interface for streaming music and radio from the internet
- DLNA-Server for streaming music from personal NAS
- USB for playing music from any USB device (stick, hdd, ssd, handy, tablet)
- display for config and songtitle (additional app as a bigger display espacially for config)

Always keep in mind, its a streamer, no DAC, no preamp.

 

[Will Zhang]

I would like it simple and think for me it only needs
- Network Interface for streaming music and radio from the internet
- DLNA-Server for streaming music from personal NAS
- USB for playing music from any USB device (stick, hdd, ssd, handy, tablet)
- display for config and songtitle (additional app as a bigger display espacially for config)

Always keep in mind, its a streamer, no DAC, no preamp.

Hah, that’s a very precise requirement, thanks.

I have one more question:
“streaming music and radio”
-What method do you usually use to stream music or radio — AirPlay, Google Cast, Bluetooth, or something else?

“personal NAS”
-How do you usually set up and use your NAS for music playback — via MinimServer, BubbleUPnP, or another solution?

 

[Tamal Saha]

Just to clarify—when you say “SSD play via USB,” do you mean only external SSD drives, or also USB flash drives?

One more question — since streamers are mainly designed for network streaming, if we also add a USB port for connecting an external SSD, which method would you use more often to play music: network streaming or USB storage playback?

I mean external ssd drive and USB flash drive also. I use both network streaming & USB storage playback also. in a single device both options very suitable for every user. I send you some pictures for reference purposes.

 

[motleypixel]

Hah, that’s a very precise requirement, thanks.

I have one more question:
“streaming music and radio”
-What method do you usually use to stream music or radio — AirPlay, Google Cast, Bluetooth, or something else?

“personal NAS”
-How do you usually set up and use your NAS for music playback — via MinimServer, BubbleUPnP, or another solution?

Hi Will, I know this question was for another user. I'm very much looking forward to seeing what the S3 offers. Many say keep it simple to streaming only but that's hard pass if I were a product engineer. I would first look at two of the competition and try to meet or exceed their offerings (WiiM Ultra and Eversolo DMPA6 as the top 2 of a number of others).

One of the major complaints of the WiiM Ultra is lack of AirPlay.

Personally I would prefer a better DAC that's inside the WiiM, another common complaint. If you do include a DAC then please include the option of high quality digital output to offboard DAC.

Personally I feel the MM phono pre-amp of the WiiM Ultra is fine for my needs but I hear the MC is not that great.

Meet or exceed the WiiM Ultra and you guys would be in great competitive position.

Finally to answer your questions:

All current available music streaming services need to be included (list shown below are the most common):



For local media music library please integrate with common media servers: Plex Media Server, Plex Amp, Jellyfin, Emby, etc.

What is the estimated FY quarter release of the S3?

Thank you!

 

[Will Zhang]

I mean external ssd drive and USB flash drive also. I use both network streaming & USB storage playback also. in a single device both options very suitable for every user. I send you some pictures for reference purposes.

Thanks for the clarification and pictures. Both network streaming and USB storage playback sound very practical for users.

 

[Will Zhang]

Hi Will, I know this question was for another user. I'm very much looking forward to seeing what the S3 offers. Many say keep it simple to streaming only but that's hard pass if I were a product engineer. I would first look at two of the competition and try to meet or exceed their offerings (WiiM Ultra and Eversolo DMPA6 as the top 2 of a number of others).

One of the major complaints of the WiiM Ultra is lack of AirPlay.

Personally I would prefer a better DAC that's inside the WiiM, another common complaint. If you do include a DAC then please include the option of high quality digital output to offboard DAC.

Personally I feel the MM phono pre-amp of the WiiM Ultra is fine for my needs but I hear the MC is not that great.

Meet or exceed the WiiM Ultra and you guys would be in great competitive position.

Finally to answer your questions:

All current available music streaming services need to be included (list shown below are the most common):

View attachment 2183

For local media music library please integrate with common media servers: Plex Media Server, Plex Amp, Jellyfin, Emby, etc.

What is the estimated FY quarter release of the S3?

Thank you!

Hi,
Yes, everyone has different needs. Since many say “keep it simple for streaming only,” we developed the S3 Lite.
You clearly know this market well—WiiM and Eversolo are indeed excellent brands with strong products.

Regarding your point on high-quality digital output to an external DAC:
Do you feel there are specific shortcomings in current products that we could improve on?

As for phono stages, you mentioned the WiiM Ultra’s MM is fine but MC is weaker.
Would you like to see both MM and MC support in a product, even though this would increase complexity?

You also listed many streaming services and local media options—apologies that we don’t yet support all of them.
However, we do have a clear OTA upgrade plan and will roll out more services step by step. We have a clear timeline for this.

I think it will be released online at the end of this year.

 

[motleypixel]

Hi,
Yes, everyone has different needs. Since many say “keep it simple for streaming only,” we developed the S3 Lite.
You clearly know this market well—WiiM and Eversolo are indeed excellent brands with strong products.

Regarding your point on high-quality digital output to an external DAC:
Do you feel there are specific shortcomings in current products that we could improve on?

As for phono stages, you mentioned the WiiM Ultra’s MM is fine but MC is weaker.
Would you like to see both MM and MC support in a product, even though this would increase complexity?

You also listed many streaming services and local media options—apologies that we don’t yet support all of them.
However, we do have a clear OTA upgrade plan and will roll out more services step by step. We have a clear timeline for this.

I think it will be released online at the end of this year.

So there will be an S3 and S3 Lite?

I feel digital out both Optical and Coax are very desirable at user set sample rate and bit depth. The WiiM for instance allows the following sample rates: 44.1/48/96/192/kHz and the following Bit depths: 16/24bit to be sent to an offboard DAC. I would still integrate a quality DAC in the S3 for user convenience also.

Vinyl is still a strong media choice among most audio enthusiast and having a phono stage built in is very convenient. From what I see MC is maybe used 10% of the time, so I would think adding a MM quality phono stage would not be very complex, it's just a drop in solution right?

It's good to hear about OTA updates, I'm assuming you'll have both android and IOS app to control/manage the S3?

If you don't support all the streaming services I mentioned above then that could be a sales issue if you all don't at least support Spotify, Pandora, Amazon and Tidal out of the box. Qobuz is becoming widely accepted for its quality so that should be consider a first update roll out. Key here is to support LAN casting so that those with extensive music libraries can stream to the S3 w/o the need to use BT.

Finally, I forgot one more critical thing that should not be excluded and that's a front headphone jack. I prefer 1/4" but at min provide a quality headphone amp with at least 3.5mm jack and ability to drive up to 200ohm headphones.

Thank you.

 

[Magnum]

Hah, that’s a very precise requirement, thanks.

I have one more question:
“streaming music and radio”
-What method do you usually use to stream music or radio — AirPlay, Google Cast, Bluetooth, or something else?

“personal NAS”
-How do you usually set up and use your NAS for music playback — via MinimServer, BubbleUPnP, or another solution?

Hi Will,
actually I use moode player installed on a raspberry pi 3b with DAC-Head and touchscreen, all powered over ethernet (PoE).
The moode player allows mounting folders over the smb-protocol, so can can play music with the same device. It is the setup for the living room.

For hearing music I use a PC or laptop, a tablet or a smartphone. With this devices I can connect to the NAS over http(s)-protocol and use the music player of the NAS. If I want to listen to radio outside the living room I also can use this devices to connect to my moode player over http(s)-protocol.

Another possible way to listen music is to use the DLNA-Server of my NAS with a SmartTV.

I personally don't use streaming services but I could configure it on the moode player like I do with radiostreams.

 

[chitolimson]

1. Gapless
2. DSD capable natively
3. Apple Music included
4. Airplay 2
5. Android OS
6. Input Ports: HDMI, Toslink, CoAx, USB
7. Output: same as above
8. Dual AK DAC chips
9. Op Amp rolling
10. ZA3 form factor
11. Add Qobuz Connect

 

[Will Zhang]

Hi Will,
actually I use moode player installed on a raspberry pi 3b with DAC-Head and touchscreen, all powered over ethernet (PoE).
The moode player allows mounting folders over the smb-protocol, so can can play music with the same device. It is the setup for the living room.

For hearing music I use a PC or laptop, a tablet or a smartphone. With this devices I can connect to the NAS over http(s)-protocol and use the music player of the NAS. If I want to listen to radio outside the living room I also can use this devices to connect to my moode player over http(s)-protocol.

Another possible way to listen music is to use the DLNA-Server of my NAS with a SmartTV.

I personally don't use streaming services but I could configure it on the moode player like I do with radiostreams.

Thank you for your patient and detailed reply.

Another possible way to listen music is to use the DLNA-Server of my NAS with a SmartTV.
-- How is this use case implemented? Does the TV transmit the music signal to the player via the DLNA protocol?”

 

[Will Zhang]

1. Gapless
2. DSD capable natively
3. Apple Music included
4. Airplay 2
5. Android OS
6. Input Ports: HDMI, Toslink, CoAx, USB
7. Output: same as above
8. Dual AK DAC chips
9. Op Amp rolling
10. ZA3 form factor
11. Add Qobuz Connect

Haha, that’s really a lot of features.
Sorry, the S3 doesn’t support all of them yet.
But through continuous iteration, we aim to eventually have a product that can integrate all these functions.

 

[Magnum]

Thank you for your patient and detailed reply.

Another possible way to listen music is to use the DLNA-Server of my NAS with a SmartTV.
-- How is this use case implemented? Does the TV transmit the music signal to the player via the DLNA protocol?”

No, the NAS is the DLNA-Server and the TV has a player as an app. It's a Panasonic from 2014.

 

[Lorenz]

It's what I believe Fosi should aim for in the development of its S3 streamer

The FiiO SR11: A Blueprint for Bit-Perfect Digital Transport​

The recently released FiiO SR11 offers an excellent set of design principles that Fosi Audio should look to replicate and exceed with the S3 streamer, particularly for users prioritizing ultimate digital signal quality for a standalone DAC.

The goal is a pure digital transport, not a feature-bloated all-in-one. The SR11 sets a high bar in critical areas:

1.​

Fosi must ensure the S3's digital outputs are engineered for maximum fidelity.

• Dedicated USB-Host Output: This is essential. The S3 must include a high-quality USB-Host port designed specifically to output clean, bit-perfect data to an external DAC. This connection is far superior to simply using USB-C for power and data simultaneously.
• Superior Shielding: Like the SR11, the S3 must have a focus on blindagem dos conectores (connector shielding) and internal component isolation to ensure the digital signal is completely free of electromagnetic interference (EMI) and noise from the power supply.

2.​

Fosi should provide options for external power isolation, a feature many FiiO users appreciate.

• Bypassable Internal Power: If the S3 includes an internal power supply, Fosi should add a way to bypass it and feed the digital section with an external linear power supply (LPS). This caters to high-end users who will inevitably want to upgrade to a Topping P50, a Keces, or another low-noise source.
• Isolated Power Rails: The power circuitry for the digital and control components should be heavily isolated to prevent noise from polluting the digital output stage.

3.​

The main functional criticism of the SR11 is its lack of support for proprietary streaming protocols. This is the low-hanging fruit where the Fosi S3 can truly differentiate itself and become an instant competitor.

• Native "Connect" Protocols: The S3 needs full, stable, and certified native support for all major protocols: Tidal Connect, Spotify Connect, and Qobuz Connect. This is the key to modern streaming convenience, allowing users to control music directly from their preferred music app, instead of relying on generic casting like AirPlay or DLNA/UPnP.

In summary: If Fosi can deliver the SR11's focused design (dedicated USB-Host, excellent shielding) and add the necessary Tidal/Spotify/Qobuz Connect functionality, the S3 will be a standout product in the affordable high-fidelity streamer market.

Streaming Music Receiver SR11

The SR11 is a high-performance lossless streaming music receiver, also known as a music streamer, supporting various network streaming protocols. When paired with an external decoder, it allows you to easily set up a streaming HiFi system, enabling you to enjoy high-bitrate lossless streaming audio.

www.fiio.com

 

[supersix]

I have only one feature request: Navidrome (OpenSubsonic) API integration for local music library.
DLNA is cumbersome and slow when it comes to managing very large playlists. Right now, I'm using a Wiim with DLNA, and it's barely usable.
I would like a streamer with full support for Navidrome smart playlists, favorite/rating management, search functions, etc.

 

[Will Zhang]

It's what I believe Fosi should aim for in the development of its S3 streamer

The FiiO SR11: A Blueprint for Bit-Perfect Digital Transport​

The recently released FiiO SR11 offers an excellent set of design principles that Fosi Audio should look to replicate and exceed with the S3 streamer, particularly for users prioritizing ultimate digital signal quality for a standalone DAC.

The goal is a pure digital transport, not a feature-bloated all-in-one. The SR11 sets a high bar in critical areas:

1.​

Fosi must ensure the S3's digital outputs are engineered for maximum fidelity.

• Dedicated USB-Host Output: This is essential. The S3 must include a high-quality USB-Host port designed specifically to output clean, bit-perfect data to an external DAC. This connection is far superior to simply using USB-C for power and data simultaneously.
• Superior Shielding: Like the SR11, the S3 must have a focus on blindagem dos conectores (connector shielding) and internal component isolation to ensure the digital signal is completely free of electromagnetic interference (EMI) and noise from the power supply.

2.​

Fosi should provide options for external power isolation, a feature many FiiO users appreciate.

• Bypassable Internal Power: If the S3 includes an internal power supply, Fosi should add a way to bypass itexternal linear power supply (LPS). This caters to high-end users who will inevitably want to upgrade to a Topping P50, a Keces, or another low-noise source.
• Isolated Power Rails: The power circuitry for the digital and control components should be heavily isolated to prevent noise from polluting the digital output stage.

3.​

The main functional criticism of the SR11 is its lack of support for proprietary streaming protocols. This is the low-hanging fruit where the Fosi S3 can truly differentiate itself and become an instant competitor.

• Native "Connect" Protocols: The S3 needs full, stable, and certified native support for all major protocols: Tidal Connect, Spotify Connect, and Qobuz Connect. This is the key to modern streaming convenience, allowing users to control music directly from their preferred music app, instead of relying on generic casting like AirPlay or DLNA/UPnP.

In summary: If Fosi can deliver the SR11's focused design (dedicated USB-Host, excellent shielding) and add the necessary Tidal/Spotify/Qobuz Connect functionality, the S3 will be a standout product in the affordable high-fidelity streamer market.

Streaming Music Receiver SR11

The SR11 is a high-performance lossless streaming music receiver, also known as a music streamer, supporting various network streaming protocols. When paired with an external decoder, it allows you to easily set up a streaming HiFi system, enabling you to enjoy high-bitrate lossless streaming audio.

www.fiio.com

Thank you very much for your suggestion.

1、 I believe our S3 Lite, which is currently under development, will better meet your needs and also support USB OUT.

2、You prefer to use a 12V external power adapter instead of the built-in power supply, and 5V Type-C power is acceptable, correct?

3、Yes, the S3 supports all these mainstream streaming protocols, including AirPlay 2 and Google Cast.

 

[Synergy_dude]

Oh and make sure it works with Spotify Lossless.

Wiim already works for nicely me.
Not so my main streamer Sonore Ultrarendu (yet).

 

[Martin Roscos]

It’s amusing to see some come in a long way down the line making suggestions that should have been made at the start. I love that Fosi want to collect opinions and throughly approve. How do you manage these late additions with such good grace.
@Will, you are doing a great job.

 

[Swayndo]

New member of the community here. Very interested in the S3. Only very recently started back down the rabbit hole of modern HiFi having been a bit of a geek in the 90s. I have recently bought a WiiM Ultra which is plugged into a ZA3 which feeds an old pair of Mission 750 Limited Editions. I can still return the Ultra and I’m tempted to do so pending the S3. Are we near to confirming a release date and price yet? I guess I could use some kind of Bluetooth adapter meantime to stream to the amp, albeit I’d lose quality. Any advice or suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[LSPowers]

Mr. Fosi Audio / Will,
You're a very patient and helpful person. Some of these responses are humorous
- like a term paper. I'm 72 years old/young - my ears work well.
I use a Wiim music streaming device and I only use Qobuz. Not too complicated.
I would really like the S3 lite to be a high quality music streamer, I don't need the DAC. I trust you will make the best decision about the power supply. I think a phono preamp would be a waste of time and needless electronics.
My personal opinion is if you can get a nice affordable device out that has a good app, that you can debug the app with users experience. No software starts perfect. Then develop a system of products both fancier and more complete (with DAC , USB and features some of the experts have advised on this forum, etc). The success of this device will be linked to the Fosi music app. IMO.

 

[jayyango]

Please consider adding a sub-out port and bass management to the app.

 

[parkylives]

Hi fosi
I am currently moving to squeezebox and using a squeezebox touch as a desk streamer to my zh3 to my amplifier.

Now the questions I have for this streamer will it be squeezlite compatible?
Will this have a multiroom function whivmch you could do through squeezelite compatibility.

Will you be able to use the dial to control the streamer basic functions.
Push in the dial to pause, start music, double tap to go to the next song. As yhis would be amazing for a basic desktop streaner like the wiim does a pause play using the dial.
Will you be able to use a vol 20 with it has I stated on the q8 dac page the fact none of your devices is compatible with such a great controller is missed opertunity. It is unfathomable to me why its not been incorporated with all your bluetooth devices. You could have sold one as a special with all your bluetooth devices that's a missed upselling opertunitity.

would the merak cd player be matching it size so it can sit on top?

Will you have any volume limit functions so that any music played it will come out at the same volume?
A volume scheduler would be nice example
From Monday to Friday from the volume will be 30 from 8pm to 6am as an example?
Will their be an alarm built in?
Will there be an option to equalize individual songs or albums.

Will you be able to use the streamer as a mono streamer to pair it up with another s3 to use as wireless left and right stereo streamers.
A use case is for people with large rooms, I have friend who has a massive 6 metre by 10 metre living and hates the cable run between speakers and amplifier.

If this could be paired with another s3 in mono mode and one s3 is left and the other is right then could be paired up with v3 mono for decoupled wireless speakers similar to what The edifier ms50a can do?

Now for one of most important features sny stream can have a minute of stream buffering there is no fun when you network issues where the audio cuts in and out as it tries to get audio from a tempromental network and can offer smooth audio.
That's it for now.

 

[Miloš83]

Hah, that’s a very precise requirement, thanks.

I have one more question:
“streaming music and radio”
-What method do you usually use to stream music or radio — AirPlay, Google Cast, Bluetooth, or something else?

“personal NAS”
-How do you usually set up and use your NAS for music playback — via MinimServer, BubbleUPnP, or another solution?

Hi Will, me again.
Love Fosi ability to communicate with clients, or better to say fosi fans
I have NAS but i never play music from it (or extremely rare) because now i have all music i need on streaming services.
Sometimes i play radio from wiim app. Wiim app have bunch of options for playing radio. And that is convenient.
I almost newer use Bluetooth for streaming, and if i stream ovet bt i will stream to DAC, not to streamer (thats a rare times when i need to olay some children music from youtube). AirPlay is nice to have, lot of people have problem because wiim ultra dont have it.
For screen, i dont like it, some people love it. Make more products after with more options. S3 light (ure streamer, no DAC or just basic DAC like from dongles, i would say better without DAC so reviwers wont complain on bad quality of it), S3 with good quality dac and S3 ultra later with all possible functionalities and option for SSD storage...

 

[Lorenz]

Dear Fosi Audio Team,

As a prospective S3 Streamer customer, I'm extremely excited about the announced specs (DAC, XLR, Roon Ready, TIDAL Connect). I believe the S3 has the potential to be the best value streamer on the market.

I would like to formally request the inclusion of a critical Digital Signal Processing (DSP) feature that has become a major competitive differentiator: Digital Bass Management with Crossover functionality.

This feature is successfully implemented in competitors like the WiiM Ultra and is vital for any proper 2.1 Hi-Fi system setup:

1. Dedicated Subwoofer Output (Sub Out): The S3 already features an RCA Sub-Out, but its output needs to be digitally controlled.
2. Active Crossover (DSP): The implementation should allow the user to set a single Crossover Frequency(e.g., 80 Hz) so the S3's DSP simultaneously applies:
   • Low Pass Filter (LPF): Applied to the Sub Out (sending only bass frequencies, e.g., below 80 Hz, to the subwoofer).
   • High Pass Filter (HPF): Applied to the main RCA/XLR outputs (cutting bass frequencies, e.g., below 80 Hz, from the main speakers).

Splitting the signal digitally in this manner is essential. It relieves the main speakers and amplifier of handling the deep bass, resulting in much cleaner mids and highs, and achieving a significantly better acoustic integration between the main speakers and the subwoofer.

If the S3 can offer this robust Crossover feature (in addition to the expected Parametric EQ), it will become the most complete and competitive 2.1 streaming solution available.

Thank you for your consideration.

Supplementary Note on Digital DSP Advantage​

To the Fosi Team:

"To emphasize the value of this feature, it is critical that this crossover be implemented in the digital domain (DSP), not analog circuits.

The digital approach (like the WiiM Ultra's) offers three huge benefits over traditional analog crossovers:

1. Perfect Accuracy: Digital filters are mathematically exact, ensuring the main speakers' HPF and the subwoofer's LPF match perfectly, which is impossible with variable analog components.
2. Flexibility: It allows the team to offer advanced features like adjustable phase, latency/delay alignment, and better integration with future Parametric EQ and Room Correction features.
3. Signal Integrity: Applying the crossover in the digital domain, before the AKM DAC, maintains the cleanest possible signal path, preventing the introduction of noise, phase distortion, and signal degradation commonly associated with analog filtering.

Implementing this DSP-based Bass Management will transform the S3 from a good streamer into an essential 2.1 Hi-Fi component, offering performance and control usually found only in much more expensive pre-amplifiers.

 

[Martin Roscos]

Mr. Fosi Audio / Will,
You're a very patient and helpful person. Some of these responses are humorous
- like a term paper. I'm 72 years old/young - my ears work well.
I use a Wiim music streaming device and I only use Qobuz. Not too complicated.
I would really like the S3 lite to be a high quality music streamer, I don't need the DAC. I trust you will make the best decision about the power supply. I think a phono preamp would be a waste of time and needless electronics.
My personal opinion is if you can get a nice affordable device out that has a good app, that you can debug the app with users experience. No software starts perfect. Then develop a system of products both fancier and more complete (with DAC , USB and features some of the experts have advised on this forum, etc). The success of this device will be linked to the Fosi music app. IMO.

Great post. Wise words.

 

[Lorenz]

The comments and suggestions range from extremes.
From a pure streamer, used as a digital transport via optical, coaxial, or USB, without a DAC, and with Tidal, Spotify, and Qobuz natively integrated (connect), to an all-in-one product with a good DAC, subwoofer output, and a DSP acting as a digital crossover.
This leaves room for two products.
I would be satisfied with the simplest.
A linear source (it appears to be in development) is also desirable.

 

[Dave Thor]

I am looking forward to buying your upcoming S3 Lite. I already have your ZD3 DAC that I bought primarily for its ARC input from my TV and balanced cable outputs to four powered JBL cabinets. Your ZC3 works great for this. When I'm pulling in Spotify or Sirius via the Sony TV I feel I'm just not getting the sound quality I may have using the S3 Lite. If I get your new S3 Lite I can piggyback that into the ZD3 and get better sound albeit with no TV that makes it so easy to select the source and genre of the music. The only thing I'd be missing with the S3 Lite would be the TV's visual of the artist or the source (e.g. Sirius vs. Spotify). It would be nice if the S3 will make it easy to select which music I'm after. Perhaps Bluetooth connection from my iPhone will enable that.

 

[Lorenz]

Thank you very much for your suggestion.

1、 I believe our S3 Lite, which is currently under development, will better meet your needs and also support USB OUT.

2、You prefer to use a 12V external power adapter instead of the built-in power supply, and 5V Type-C power is acceptable, correct?

3、Yes, the S3 supports all these mainstream streaming protocols, including AirPlay 2 and Google Cast.

1) USB Output (Essential): Implement a high-level USB Asynchronous Audio protocol (USB Audio Class 2.0). This allows the external DAC to control the clock, ensuring the lowest possible jitter—essential for Delta-Sigma DACs and maximizing the performance of your preamp line.

Also, an optimized coaxial output (S/PDIF): This should be prioritized over the optical output (Toslink) to ensure higher bandwidth (support for 192 kHz/24-bit or higher) and lower jitter than standard optical solutions.

2) I think an internally integrated power supply for any digital stage (streamer or DAC) is preferable if it is linear. Or an external 5V power supply, which allows the possibility of replacing the standard SMPS power supply or another low-noise one.

3) From my perspective, the essentials are Tidal Connect and Qobuz Connect.

 

[Lorenz]

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.