Fosi Audio ZP3 (my perspective)

Brad’s Audio Review (4/2/2025 through 7/7/2025)

Fosi Audio ZP3

I am finally able to post my long term review of the Fosi Audio ZP3 Pre-Amplifier. Fosi had

asked me to holdout until they have officially launched the new unit, which just occurred. Fosi

had sent me a beta version of the ZP3, which as you can see in many of the pictures looks

exactly the same. The only difference that I noticed so far is the 12v trigger inserts. Mine are

medal sockets that protrude slightly off the back, very similar to my ZA3 amp. The final version

of the ZP3 looks to have a cleaner and more professional look of the 12v triggers, similar to the

ZD3 DAC.

This review is an unbiased and no influence overview of my experience, while connecting

various Fosi amps, ZD3 DAC and Wiim Pro Plus to the ZP3.

What is the Fosi Audio ZP3 Pre-

Amplifier?

The ZP3 from Fosi Audio is a new Pre-

Amplifier. The ZP3 is a high performing unit

aimed at the budget or price conscience

consumer. Starting with the back of the ZP3

it boasts 3 inputs, 2x - RCA, and 1x -

Balanced XLR. The outputs are 1x - RCA,

an RCA Sub-out (adjusts with ZP3 volume),

and 1x - Balanced XLR. There are also 12v triggers for input and output. Lastly, a sturdy main

power switch followed by a male power plug insert for the included power cable. Yes, this unit

actually has an integrated power supply.

On the front, there is the main power button for normal on/off functions, that doubles as the

input selector for the 3 inputs previously stated. A remote pickup for the included remote

control. The ZP3 then provides us with 3 black knobs to further enhance our listening

experience. The first is a Left/Right Balance knob, followed by separate tone controls, one forBass and the other for Treble. Both of the tone controls affect the Bass and Treble with

noticeable differences. To close out the front of the unit is the Orange Volume knob, more on

that in a bit.

Moving to the bottom of the unit, there are 2 separate switches. The first is a high-pass filter

for your main left and right speakers. The settings are 20 to 20k, 80 to 20k, and 120 to 20k.

This is a welcome addition and helps take the load off of most speakers, especially ones that

don’t play down to the lower frequencies. The other switch can be used to “bypass” the tone

controls to give a more pure/direct sound path.

I have heard that you can roll some OP-AMPS within the ZP3, which I didn’t do. I also heard

that it isn’t as easy as other Fosi products to open the case and swap the OP-AMPS.

Review preparations

I used the ZP3 in various locations within my house during the past 3 months that I have been

using the unit. Places included my media room, bar area, family room, and bedroom. Initial

setup and testing was in my bar area and

measured speakers distances and seat

location. Nothing was moved until after the

review was completed. All of the same

cables were used and output via RCA. No

room correction or EQ was used on any of

the products.

As I mentioned in other Fosi Audio reviews

that I have done. Is that prior to starting the

review I used the ZP3 with various

connections and listened to all kinds of

music. I can say that I prefer the XLR to the

RCA on the ZP3 when listening. It just had a

wider soundstage and openness to it.

Nothing was wrong with the RCA, I just took

a liking to the XLR more so. For the review I

had to use RCA the whole time as the other DACs and some other Amps do NOT have XLR

options.

Listening to the ZD3

As I did before with my other Fosi reviews. I listened to numerous songs and various genres,

both great recordings and some that were not. Along with known recordings that envelope youin sound and even Quadraphonic recordings, the ZP3 was able to handle and reproduce all of

it with no issue. It was a very pleasant experience.

The musical experience I have been having

with the ZP3 is that of a pre-amplifier that

doesn’t get in the way. It doesn’t add or take

away anything from the sound, it is just there

to allow the music to pass through

unhindered. It simply serves as a true pre-

amplifier that doesn’t get in the way. It just

supplies some additional analog inputs/

outputs and functionality to allow multiple

sources to be connected to it.

Summary

It was a pleasure to use the Fosi Audio ZP3. This is a standout product at any price and can

easily fit into any audio setup, regardless of price. The offerings that the ZP3 has and the

detailed presentation that it provides is just amazing. The ZP3 seemed to have just gotten out

of the way of the music and produced a well detailed presentation through the full listening

spectrum.

I might have used more of the lesser priced Amps in my review. But, I am happy with all of

them. They all have a place in my house. These areas that I speak of are all 2 channel,

Outdoor on the patio, Personal computer desk, Work computer desk, garage setup, bar setup,

and workout room.

PROS:

• Sound quality, what is on the recording, the ZP3 allows it to pass through without any

adjustment. It doesn’t add or take away from the source material.

• Build quality and presentation are well done.

• Price

CONS:

• The only true negative that I can share on the current offering is that the volume knob should

at least be motorized or have limits, so that we know where the volume is. We have no wayto know where the volume is with the current infinite rotating volume knob and remote

volume buttons.

• I think it should be in the same form factor as the ZA3 and ZD3, especially since it is called

the ZP3.

• The power cable is to short that came with my beta unit.

Final thoughts, the ZP3 is a well designed, attractive Pre-Amplifier. If you currently don’t have

an analog pre-amp, the ZP3 is worth a look. Easily recommended, this is an ace in the hole for

sure!

TEST EQUIPMENT

Source:

Wiim Pro Plus, Wiim App

• Self contained when testing Wiim DAC, RCA out to the AMPs.

Amplifiers (used various power supplies, Fosi 32v/5a, 48v/5a, and 48v/10a:

• Fosi Audio Stereo V3

• Fosi Audio V3 Monos

• Fosi Audio ZA3 Stereo

Speakers:

PSB Synchrony Two B

on Pangea LS300 28” stands

Cables:

Speaker - Micca 14g 12ft, banana clips on both ends.

Optical - none branded

RCAs - none branded

Power Conditioner - cheap GE 6 outlet power strip