The following product descriptions, specifications and images are provided by the manufacturer.
Fosi Audio ZH3 is an all-in-one desktop DAC, balanced headphone amplifier and preamplifier for headphones, active speakers and external amplifiers.
Its AK4493SEQ DAC, powerful 4.4mm balanced output, multiple digital/analog inputs and XLR/RCA pre-outs create a complete desktop HiFi control center.
Why it stands out
Four reasons this product deserves a place in a well-planned audio system.
All-in-One Desktop Hub
DAC, headphone amplification and preamp functions reduce the need for several separate components.
2570mW Balanced Headphone Output
The 4.4mm output provides substantial power at 32Ω, while three gain levels support a broad range of headphones.
High-Resolution AKM Platform
XMOS XU316 and AK4493SEQ support PCM 32-bit/768kHz and DSD512 playback.
Flexible System Control
RCA/XLR line outputs, remote control, tone adjustment, six filters and swappable op-amps support system customization.
Best for
- Desktop headphone systems
- Balanced 4.4mm headphone listening
- Active studio monitors and powered speakers
- External power amplifiers requiring preamp control
- Computer and game-console USB audio
Not ideal for
- Users needing built-in passive-speaker amplification
- Wireless Bluetooth-only systems
- TV systems requiring HDMI ARC
- Portable or battery-powered listening
EMiUZEK Buying Notes
- ZH3 can drive headphones and control active speakers or a power amplifier, but it cannot directly drive passive speakers.
- Its USB input supports UAC 1.0 and 2.0 modes; choose the compatible mode for computers or game consoles.
- RCA is an analog input, while RCA and XLR line outputs are intended for downstream active speakers or amplifiers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the ZH3 drive passive speakers?
No. Use its line outputs with a separate power amplifier, or connect active speakers.
Which headphone outputs are included?
It provides 4.4mm balanced and 6.35mm single-ended headphone outputs.
Does it support Bluetooth?
No Bluetooth input is specified. Use USB, optical, coaxial or analog RCA input.
Can I connect a game console?
Yes. UAC 1.0/2.0 switching supports compatible game-console USB audio configurations.
Can it connect to active speakers?
Yes. Use RCA or balanced XLR line output and control volume through the ZH3 preamp.
Can it accept an analog source?
Yes, through RCA analog input.
What headphones can it support?
The three-level gain system is specified for approximately 16–300Ω headphones; start with low gain and low volume.
HOW TO CONNECT
Computer headphone system
Source: PC / Mac
Connection: USB
Output: 4.4mm or 6.35mm
Target: Wired headphones
Note: Choose UAC mode and gain appropriate for the source and headphones.
Active speaker system
Source: Computer / digital transport / analog source
Connection: USB, optical, coaxial or RCA
Output: XLR or RCA line output
Target: Active speakers
Note: Use preamp volume control and begin at a low level.
External amplifier system
Source: Digital or analog source
Connection: USB, optical, coaxial or RCA
Output: XLR or RCA line output
Target: Power amplifier → passive speakers
Note: ZH3 supplies the DAC and preamp stages only.
Technical Specifications
Core Architecture
| Feature |
Specification |
| Product Type |
DAC / balanced headphone amplifier / preamplifier |
| DAC |
AKM AK4493SEQ |
| USB Interface |
XMOS XU316 |
| Headphone Amplifiers |
OPA1612 x4 |
| Maximum Resolution |
PCM 32-bit/768kHz; DSD512 |
Inputs and Outputs
| Feature |
Specification |
| Inputs |
USB, optical, coaxial, RCA analog |
| Headphone Outputs |
4.4mm balanced; 6.35mm single-ended |
| Line Outputs |
Balanced XLR; RCA |
| USB Modes |
UAC 1.0 / UAC 2.0 |
| Trigger |
12V trigger connection |
Headphone Performance
| Feature |
Specification |
| 4.4mm Output at 32Ω |
2570mW x2 |
| 6.35mm Output at 32Ω |
640mW x2 |
| Gain |
Three levels |
| Headphone Impedance Range |
16–300Ω |
Audio Performance
| Feature |
Specification |
| SINAD |
≥115dB |
| SNR |
≥121dB |
| THD+N |
≤0.00018% |
| Noise Floor |
≤1.9μV |
| Sound Adjustment |
Bass/treble EQ; six filters; bypass |
| Power Supply |
DC 12V |
Recommended System Setup
| Setup |
Connection |
| Headphones |
Computer → USB → ZH3 → 4.4mm/6.35mm headphones |
| Active speakers |
Source → ZH3 → XLR/RCA active speakers |
| Passive speakers |
Source → ZH3 → power amplifier → passive speakers |
Additional Product Content
| Feature |
ZH3 |
ZD3 |
GR40 |
| Product Position |
DAC / headphone amp / preamp |
Balanced DAC / preamp |
Tube DAC / headphone amp |
| DAC Chip |
AK4493SEQ |
ES9039Q2M |
Not specified |
| USB Maximum |
PCM 768kHz / DSD512 |
PCM 768kHz / DSD512 |
Lower-tier desktop decoding |
| HDMI ARC |
No |
Yes |
No |
| Bluetooth |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
| Analog RCA Input |
Yes |
No |
No |
| Headphone Outputs |
4.4mm, 6.35mm |
None |
3.5mm |
| Balanced XLR Output |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
| Headphone Power at 32Ω |
2570mW x2 balanced |
Not applicable |
250mW |
| Best Use |
Complete headphone/desktop hub |
TV and amplifier DAC hub |
Compact tube headphone system |