Streamer S3 Streamer Development Log

[Niclas]

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)

 

[Juan Rodriguez]

Hello,
I currently use a Raspberry Pi with Lyrion Music Server and a Topping DAC for streaming.
If I add the new S3 streamer to my setup (removing the Topping DAC), could I use the Raspberry Pi as a NAS via UPnP/DLNA? Would I be able to send DSD files from the Raspberry Pi to the S3 this way?

Thanks

 

[masmith2]

I ordered the S3 today to replace my iPad, will have a full FOSI Audio streaming stack in the home office. My 1 wish for the next streamer have an output for a LCD screen. I have the iPad to fall back to.

 

[parkylives]

Is there a time frame on the og fosi audio colours (black/orange) S3 being released?

 

[fosi PM YuTing]

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)

thank you !
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.
  

Industrial Design Renderings:





Estimated Time to Market: End of August 2026

 

[masmith2]

I should have waited for the S3 lite, the color matches my stack

 

[fosi PM YuTing]

Is there a time frame on the og fosi audio colours (black/orange) S3 being released?

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.

 

[fosi PM YuTing]

Hello,
I currently use a Raspberry Pi with Lyrion Music Server and a Topping DAC for streaming.
If I add the new S3 streamer to my setup (removing the Topping DAC), could I use the Raspberry Pi as a NAS via UPnP/DLNA? Would I be able to send DSD files from the Raspberry Pi to the S3 this way?

Thanks

yes,you can do it ,S3 can support UPNP/NAS,but DSD S3 can not support ,sorry.

 

[fosi PM YuTing]

S3 刚刚发布，所以它肯定是在 S3 Lite 或 Ultra 上测试的，或者不管他们最终会给它们起什么名字。

它真的很便宜，而且我刚才看到买一送一，太疯狂了。

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。

工业设计效果图：

预计上市时间： 2026年8月底

 

[fosi PM YuTing]

请考虑添加USB播放功能（类似WiiM Ultra Streamer），以及一个用于连接外置DAC的USB输出接口。这些如今都是标配功能。

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。

工业设计效果图：

预计上市时间： 2026年8月底

 

[fosi PM YuTing]

是的，那也是我想要的。更偏向数字化运输。
流媒体对我来说只是锦上添花，因为我都是购买/下载自己想听的内容……订阅服务对我没有任何吸引力。

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。

工业设计效果图：

预计上市时间： 2026年8月底

 

[homeduck]

thank you !
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.

Industrial Design Renderings:


View attachment 2616


Estimated Time to Market: End of August 2026

Will it have same input set? What do you mean with dedicated digital turntable functionality? Thanks

 

[Fa5ens]

Will it have same input set? What do you mean with dedicated digital turntable functionality? Thanks

I think it's a translation error

 

[Niclas]

thank you !
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.

Industrial Design Renderings:


View attachment 2616


Estimated Time to Market: End of August 2026

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]

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.

 

[Alsing]

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!

 

[EtilaS]

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

 

[fosi PM YuTing]

Will it have same input set? What do you mean with dedicated digital turntable functionality? Thanks

this is the Connectivity

 

[fosi PM YuTing]

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

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.

 

[fosi PM YuTing]

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!

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.

 

[fosi PM YuTing]

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

good idea，I will consider this suggestion. Thanks.

 

[Alsing]

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.

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?

 

[fosi PM YuTing]

If I had to guess, there's something about the way the wireless radios are physically configured that they needed to have a plastic/resin/composite enclosure that doesn't block radio signals like an aluminum/metal one would. They painted it to look like metal because that's as...un-cheap...as it will get. This might even go back to the need to rely on StreamUnlimited module.

-Ed

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.

 

[fosi PM YuTing]

I'm looking forward to watch and read reviews.
A bit disappointed it's not coming with Qobuz @ all, and even more Qobuz Connect.

Qobuz connect will add next month,APP can OTA next month

 

[fosi PM YuTing]

No coax output?

s3 lite will have, The product is expected to launch in August

 

[EddNog]

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.

Will S5 have USB output and support at least 384KHz/DSD256?

And equally important: will it come in black?

-Ed

 

[homeduck]

View attachment 2617this is the Connectivity

So essentially no hdmi input?

 

[Jormvngandr]

So essentially no hdmi input?

Not if those renders are final.

 

[masmith2]

WoW, FOSI Audio a Streaming Amplifier S5 coming in the Fall 2026