XLR, Multi inputs, HFP, Bypass, on a small compact device! No color added to tube preamp signal!
Super preamp with tons of inputs, but the main attractions for me are the two modes, HFP, and XLR! Besides the clean sounds, two options of tone character, I use the HPF to filter out the bass so I can use my subwoofer at the right frequency to fill it with a richer, clean, not muddy nor overwhelming low sounds while still delivering some punch a normal bookshelf speaker cannot.
It makes such a big difference in managing inputs while not changing the warm sounds of the tube preamp I use.
Ultra quiet, flexible, and compact. Easy to install and use.
The only improvement I would suggest is to change the volume functionality as there is no clear indication of the volume level as the knob is rotates freely and there are no markings. Since I regulated all levels accross the chain and only adjust the volume on the tube preamp, it doesn't bother me that much.
J
James A. Collins
★★★★★
Fosi ZP3 - A great little Preamp
Outstanding sound quality for the money spent when using the RCA inputs and XLR output. It would get a five star review if not for what I believe is a problem with the XLR input interacting with the internal circuitry. When using the XLR input, connected to my DAC, there are three popping sound made through the speakers when opening an app, like Spotify or YouTube, on my computer. There is one popping sound when closing an app. Volume control can also be an issue, as the indentation on the knob is not a clear indicator of the volume setting. But again, this little preamp is amazingly clean sounding for its very low price. I like it and will keep it.
Steven Loscheider
★★★★★
This was the most noticeable improvement I've ever heard with my current system
O M F G ! ! ! ! What an incredible upgrade (for me)!
What was the problem? I could barely hear my subwoofer - if I shut off my main speaker amplifier I could certainly hear it working but there just wasn't much oomph. My main speakers, Klipsch RP600M, seem muddy to me, cymbols weren't crisp. The other "problem" is I'm just a school janitor and don't have a ton of cash to drop on things.... but I still want a good sounding system.
What I had: I had a Topping E70 DAC plugged into an Amber Preamplifier (1980's vintage) which was plugged into a 35 watt stereo Nelson Pass design class A amplifier. I also used a Y cable to pass the preamp output to a subwoofer. Speakers are Klipsch RP600M and a 12" Dayton Audio sub.
What I changed: I pulled the Amber preamp and installed the ZP3 in its place. I connected the sub to the sub output and set the high pass filter to the 80-20k setting.
My sub has come alive and I now have crisp cymbols! This system ROCKS now - seriously!
The folks complaining about the volume knob??? Forget about em! So there's a dimple... I have not ONCE had a problem with the volume knob.
L
Luis Diaz
★★★★★
Almost perfect but still good for 5 stars
The Fosi Audio ZP3 has become the centerpiece of my system, and I’m really enjoying its capabilities and features. The balanced XLR connections are a fantastic addition, ensuring clean signal transfer and making integration with my other gear seamless. The dedicated sub-out is essential for me, allowing perfect pairing with my SVS SB-2000 Pro.
My current chain is WiiM Pro Plus → Fosi ZD3 → ZP3 → dual ZA3 amps powering Polk Signature Elite ES20 speakers, with the SVS sub handling the low end. In this configuration, the ZP3 delivers precise control and flexibility, whether I’m listening at low levels or pushing the volume.
One small drawback is the lack of a visible volume status—it’s a little annoying when making fine adjustments. Still, the overall performance and feature set make the ZP3 an excellent choice for anyone building a high-quality stereo or 2.1 system.
Z
Zane Barnett
★★★★★
If you’re on the fence, just look at this beautiful stack…
And just do your homework before using the ZP3 for the first time and everything will be just wonderful.
The ZP3 is my little sonic traffic cop. It’s taking all the frequencies and directing them to all the right places. The high pass filters to integrate with a subwoofer is like 80% why I purchased this. Also I just love when things are matchy matchy and Fosi did a great job with designing the Z line to be modular and work super well with one another. I even noticed that the control knobs on the ZP3 line up perfectly with the outer edges of the ZD3/ZA3. I love these little aesthetic details! I believe I’m on a future proof track with this set up and it feels great! Also, the ZD3 does not provide an analog input so I needed something other than just the ZA3 to run my turntable. This does everything I need and looks great at the same time.
I gotta thank all the reviewers for saving me the headache of the volume issues but I think it’s blown way out of proportion. Don’t get me wrong, I think they need to release a new one with a volume display but it’s not make or break imo. For my system, I’m just using the xlr for the zd3 and rca1 for my turntable. Pretty much every other source is digital. I keep the volume maxed on the xlr channel because my zd3 does fine with volume control. And I just know to be diligent and turn the volume slightly down before I switch off the rca input for my turntable. Most of the time, my source is digital from my laptop or tv but I do love to spin some records and I’ve had no speaker explosions when changing inputs so far. I mean, you’re already going through the trouble of listening to physical media with the analog source. I don’t mind paying a little attention to what my equipment is doing.
If you’re on the fence and only use digital sources and don’t have interest in using a subwoofer, you could probably skip this and go for a passive preamp or volume attenuator but really, the ZD3 can handle all digital preamp duties on its own. If you want smooth analog integration and sub integration, get it. Now. You won’t regret it!
K
K-Brown
★★★★★
Great connectivity options!
The Fosi Audio ZP3 is a well-thought preamplifier in terms of connectivity. I don't think you can find a desktop preamp w/ all the input and output options as the ZP3 and analog tone controls. Sound quality is really good too, no background noise, whatsoever. The only disappointment with this preamp is the side plastic panels, all my the other Fosi Audio products have aluminum alloy full cases. On Fosi's website there's a rendering showing the side panels to be aluminum, maybe initially they were meant to be aluminum but in reality they're not. This unit suppose to allow for swappable OpAmps but you'll have to detach all the screws on the unit, including the nuts on the knobs, and detach ribbon cables to free up the PCB. Good luck with that! Overall it is a great unit, hopefully Fosi will come up with an upgraded version in the near future. Cheers!
SaNdMaN
★★★★★
Nice paper weight
The volume control on this unit is a complete bummer but manageable. I’m keeping it but not going to use it for that reason. I’ll give it another shot sometime down the road when I feel bored.
J
Jose I.
★★★★★
Great little Preamp if you can overlook the volume knob issues .
love, love , love this thing , it could use some more refinement. like a volume indicator, a volume knob that that doesn't spin till infinity. you might come across an issue if you move the volume knob and turn on the system it can potentially scare the crap out of you because you cant tell where the volume is at . its like getting in your car and the stereo is blasted from the night before but forgot to turn it down next day you turn your car on and its full blast. I would have loved for it to be more of a DAC / Preamp but I'm satisfied as it is . I also purchased the XD3 Dac to go with it , and it powers my speakers with a Fosi ZA3 amp . I'm satisfied with the unit and FosI products so far .
C
Cleatus
★★★★★
Nice and clean, but there’s always a but…
As another said, be careful as it is turned up upon delivery. Not knowing where the volume is at as knob doesn’t use a potentiometer is only flaw I’ve seen but not a deal breaker. No color added to sound which I was hoping for.
Bluesound node, to Hifiman ef600, using that dac via coaxial, to Zp3 via xlr, to two ZA3 amps via xlr. Was using node as a pre amp but the zp3 is better as it more linear on volume control.
Not sure why of negative reviews, one just a rating, no explanation and the other complaining of plastic which I’m assuming maybe would be the tone and balance knob. But I like it , works well and no noise at all.
Again, probably better to power up not connected to amp, turn down volume then continue.
At first I was like I have no bass! And my REL sub is wired to speaker lugs not lfe, so I had no bass at all even my sub. Then I remembered about bass crossover switch and it needed to be switched to where I wanted it.
Now it’s fine.
S. Lindsay
★★★★★
Volume, where did you go?...Be extremely careful. Mine was full tilt when I powered it on!
Z reviews was right. Be extremely careful!!!!!
It's a great little Pre-amp for $200. They should have put a motorized potentiometer in it like the p4. I had everything hooked up with nothing playing. Turned the zp3 on ....
It was buzzing through my speakers. It was turned all the way up!
I instantly turned it down on every input. This thing can be very dangerous. I love Fosi but they shot themselves in the foot with this mistake.
Other than that it's awesome. It needs an indicator light like Z said. 🤦🤦🤦
It's annoying playing with the volume and the indent is all over the place. I'm used to visually seeing where the volume notch is at. When it's underneath or to the left or to the right is just annoying. I'm OCD. I'll give it a few days. Other than that it's a perfect little preamp.
Almost a Homerun...
Fosi? Fix this ASAP! 🤔
This would have been five stars all the way.
Update :
Even though the volume control is annoying I've decided to keep it in the rotation. It's a great pre-amp for the money with one major flaw. I'm sure Fosi will address this in further releases
