ZD3 up and running. Surprised...

[Peter_P]

ZD3 has been in the system for a couple of days and has had plenty of running but sadly I'm having a hard time getting along with it. Compared to the Allo DAC it replaced, it's tight, bright and shut in. Bit of head scratcher as the general consensus seems to be the ZD3 is slightly smooth / warm. I've had some experience with new products taking time to run in but having said that it's quite a long way off where I'd like it to be so I'm doubtful it is likely to sort itself out. I will say though, that it is certainly very resolving and highly detailed.

The ZD3 is currently feeding a single ZA3 (I've been so impressed with the ZA3 I have another one coming to use in dual mono) via XLR. Source is an Allo USBridge Signature, and they're connected with a good quality Fiio USB cable so it's certainly not being fed garbage. I have a couple of MUSES02 coming with the second ZA3 which I was planning to use in the amps but I may have to give them a go in the ZD3. Then again, maybe this one just isn't for me.

Has anyone had a similar experience with the ZD3? And how about non-stock op-amps?

 

[Peter_P]

Well it seems I spoke too soon! The ZD3 has really opened up. Much improved!

I realise now this actually mirrors my experience with the ZA3. These Fosi products need a bit of running. Something like 50 hours and they seem to come on song…

 

[SeVen-SeVen]

Hello Peter,

I'm using the ZD3 with Sparkos SS3602 on my V3 monos with SS3602 via XLR. So I have 6 op amps. Similar to the V7V/C, they sound even more powerful because they have a Class A structure. However, they also cost a bit more. If you want to fine-tune your ZD3/ZA3 setup, I can give you the following tips:

1. Order the FOSI power filter for the ZA3, as Class D amplifiers sound better with it and also emit less noise back into the power lines. So it helps twice

Cable between filter and ZA3:

de.aliexpress.com
2x14AWG OCC silver-plated DC cable for Keces Linear Power Supply DC 2.1 2.5 Power Cable - AliExpress 44
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de.aliexpress.com de.aliexpress.com

2. Connect a linear power supply to the ZD3:

The Studer900 with R-Core is inexpensive and provides a significant sound boost.

de.aliexpress.com
STUDER 900 R-Core Linear Power Supply for Preamp/DAC DC 5-24 V (optional) - AliExpress 44
Smarter Shopping, Better Living! Aliexpress.com
de.aliexpress.com de.aliexpress.com

Matching cable from the Studer900 to the ZD3:

de.aliexpress.com
HIFI Occ Copper GX16-2P to 5.5 mm 2.1 mm / 2.5 mm OCC DC Cable for TeraDak - AliExpress 44
Smarter Shopping, Better Living! Aliexpress.com
de.aliexpress.com de.aliexpress.com

3. Power cable

The Tertullus P029 also provides even more clarity and power. I connected it to my Studer900 linear power supply and both V3 Monos.

https://www.amazon.de/dp/B0B417V7PC?ref=nb_sb_ss_w_as-reorder_k0_1_14&=&crid=1O26HIIFV657L&sprefix=tertullus%2Bp029&th=1

4. Power supply for the ZA3

Uses GAN power supplies. These are available from both FOSI and Nobsound, for example. They also produce a more powerful sound than the included standard power supplies. For example, I use two 48V 10A power supplies. This allows me to reach the maximum power limit of the V3 Monos. A side effect: The V3 Monos distort less under full load. I also had two ZA3s connected in mono mode. The distortion with the weaker power supply is clearly audible. I finally swapped the ZA3s for the V3 Monos because they sound significantly more powerful.

5. Vibration Dampers

Dynavox Vibration Dampers for Speaker Cabinets and Devices, Decouples Low-Frequency Vibrations, Set of 4, Black: Amazon.de: Electronics & Photo
Dynavox Vibration Dampers for Speaker Cabinets and Devices, Decouples Low-Frequency Vibrations, Set of 4, Black: Amazon.de: Electronics & Photo
www.amazon.de

They also provide a bit more quiet.

All of these measures aren't really expensive overall. But they gradually take your setup to a new level. And that's fun

Greetings from Germany, where it's currently 40 degrees Celsius

 

[SeVen-SeVen]

Nun, es scheint, ich habe zu früh geredet! Der ZD3 hat sich wirklich geöffnet. Viel besser!

Mir ist jetzt klar, dass dies tatsächlich meine Erfahrung mit dem ZA3 widerspiegelt. Diese Fosi-Produkte müssen ein wenig eingespielt werden. Etwa 50 Stunden, und sie scheinen in Schwung zu kommen …

Good OP amps such as the SS3602 need up to 300 hours of break-in time

 

[Peter_P]

Thanks very much for all of that, good to know The Fosi gear is actually in my second system and all I was initially looking for was a moderately good sound and basic functionality, but it has well exceeded my expectations so yes very tempting to take it further. I have owned some very expensive hifi in the past and I'm quite blown away by the value for money that Fosi, and other similar brands it would seem, represent.

I'm aware that op-amp swapping is a bit of contentious topic in certain corners of the internet so I figured I would dip my toes in with a few of the less expensive chip types before thinking about Sparkos etc. I have 2 x MUSES02 and 4 x OPA1656 on the way so I'll see how I get on. I'm using the 48V 5A GaN supplies and I hadn't realised an 10A equivalent was an option but I'm generally not asking a lot of the amp anyway so probably fine for now. I have steered clear of the V3 Monos because of the heat issue. Bound to compromise longevity and besides, I actually like having the gain flexibility from the volume dials. But each to their own!

Once I have everything humming I will drop the Fosi chain into the main rig and that will be an interesting moment. The amp in that system is a Heed Obelisk so it's going to be an interesting comparison.

So good to see what the bottom end of the market offers these days, nice simple high performing gear with minimal nonsense / frills. Genuinely great sound with relatively modest outlay

Oh and on the topic of power supplies... looks like Fosi will release their own dual LPS at some stage so that might be the ticket as I could use a 5V feed as well as a 12V. I've been a bit wary of the Ali Express options as I have no real way of knowing which ones are good and which ones aren't!