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Serious newcomer - Fosi Audio ZD3 DAC review and opamp guide!

HiFi Zone 5,582 2 months ago
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I always liked mobile versions of Sabre chipsets, and this is my first time with 9039Q2M. I think this is first serious Fosi DAC and its already better than both SMSLs that I've reviewed recently. It beats them for half the price, and thats what I like: sounds better, costs less :) You can get one here on eBay (probably preferred source for most of us): https://www.ebay.de/itm/Fosi-Audio-ZD3-Fully-Balance-DAC-Integrated-Verstarker-Converter-ES9039Q2M-Chip-/296771636129?nordt=true (and try that one with HIFIZONE code, Fosi was kind and reached me with coupon code) Also, get opamps to replace NE5532 here: OPA828: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DkWQdNR or OPA627: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DClvXYH And for those of you that are using Ali: (remember to go to the store home page for free coupon that lowers the price and watch for sale!): https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DlqcHot Audio setup used in testing (you can find reviews of most of these in my channel): FLAC/DSD files - Foobar2k - Fully passive 11th gen Intel PCwih LPS - AQ Jitterbug - Chord USB - Fosi ZD3 - fk Dragon RCA/fk Dragon XLR - D5Pro (DartZeel clone)/2x CA 851W - fk Dragon/K2 - Dali ikon 1 mk2, Dali Opticon 1, ML 15i ML XT B100 and ML Ascent I electrostat speakers. Power: two Pavalle power strips with additional DIY EMI filters, power cords: fk AQ Dragons Source (Ascents) fk AQ Dragon HC (amplifier) and RCore LPS with Sonic Scientific Hades 12V for DAC power supply.

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