Fosi Audio ZD3 Desktop DAC Preamp, Fully Balanced Digital to Analog Audio Converter with ES9039Q2M for Home Stereo Amplifier, Bluetooth/USB/Optical/COAX/TV HDMI ARC Input, XLR/RCA Output with Remote

What a machine!I wanted to bring the Digital to Analogue conversion as close to the amplifier as possible rather than rely on long RCA leads perhaps unreliably feeding the source's conversion to the Amp.I am using a smart TV as my source which is feeding a digital signal via eArc HDMI to the DAC. The purist will doubtless question the use of a Smart TV as a mainly music (stereo) source, but it does seem to work really well especially with BBC Sounds, YouTube Music, Tidal, and Tune In etc.The DAC produces a very rounded sound stage, with good stereo separation, and seems to deliver good quality across the Bass to High range. I have used the DAC with a very old Denon Amp which worked really well for several weeks. The DAC was hooked up to the Denon via very short run, high quality, RCA cables.I wanted to further explore the DAC's potential and have since purchased two Fosi ZA3 Amps to run, for the first time, anamp powering each speaker. This is a Mono (stereo) set up with the DAC separating the channels. This has worked exceptionally well, and I now have a system that is as good as any, and if not better than any Hi-Fi system I have put together in the last 40 years. Of course Hi-Fi sound is a very personal thing, but this just seems to deliver a great sound stage with good dynamic stereo separation across the whole frequency range. If anything the system is now exposing weaknesses in the speakers (Time for a new pair?)The only issue I had was using the trigger to power on the two amps, but that was easily overcome by purchasing a 3.5mm male - double 3.5mm female headphone jack. I then added two 3.5mm male - 3.5mm male short trigger leads (the stereo leads - two black bands on the ends work) to the double lead and the DAC now turns on both amps by the trigger.CEC works really well, and the Smart TV will turn on the DAC. So now, with one remote control push, I can turn on the whole system. Lush!And it does not stop there - I can also play around with the OP Amps should I so wish and change the sound of the whole system. I am working up to that, as you cannot have too much of a good thing, but I love the fact that these options are available and it provides another dynamic to my Hi-Fi hobby.

This is an excellent little DAC. I paired it with my ageing Audiolab 8000A and it works a treat. Saved me having to up-grade to a newer Amplifier ( at least for awhile ). If you are looking for an off-board DAC this is worth a try.

Incredibly versatile DAC/ Preamp which quite comfortably outperforms my previous equipment by some margin.Sound quality is superb, and full remote control is a luxurious touch.The industrial design results in a good looking and very sturdy feeling unit.On the negative side, the supplied remote is really on the cheap feeling side and there are no batteries supplied in the box for it. The 12v trigger cable is good enough but the USB A to B cable is on the short side and again feels cheap.These are relatively minor niggles, and overall it's an astonishing piece of equipment.

Would have given five stars if there was a black control knob (personal taste, or lack of.) Unit performs best when using XLR outputs with amplifier bypassed rather than the RCA outputs. No colouration or distortion in this mode, very "clean" output signal to main amplifier. Very good range of connection options for such a small and tidy unit. Good remote control unit, overall good value for money. Only negative is that HDMI signal from a TV input can trigger unit to switch on if not left in a non HDMI input setting.

The improvement in sound quality is staggering, especially imaging. well worth the price.

Absolutely stunning little DAC. It is tiny but has transformed my music. I have powered speakers and a Chromecast audio. This connects the 2 and delivers excellent sound. Not expensive either.

This was one of the best investments I made for music. I am grossly impressed the way this handles music. Has a very high quality, lossless bluetooth reception and the best part is that it has a USB input, that I am using to connect my Mac Mini. I have used a pair of M-Audio powered bookshelf speakers for the output and the result was MAGIC!! I would definitley buy Fosi Audio products for my future requirements.P.S: Please use high quality cables to interconnect audio components (DAC, Amplifier, Speakers etc.), it makes a big difference!!

Multiple sources. Smart tv hdmi or blue tooth. Simple. Turns off when tv turned off (hdmi). Needs powered spkrs. Balanced 1/4 jack socket. Or feed to audio amplifier speaker system. Tv volume operates amp volume. Great sound. Choice of op amp chips are available to suit listening.