Watch my full review here:
Purchase Links
AliExpress – https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_c4PyA5n9
Direct from Fosi Audio – https://fosiaudio.com/products/s3-balanced-hifi-streamer?rfsn=9138526.e168ca
Amazon – https://amzn.to/4xUZOW7
Key Specifications
- MSRP: $259.99 USD
- Device Type: Network Streamer/DAC/Preamp
- Chipset: Amlogic A113X
- DAC: AKM AK4493SEQ
- Output stage:
- OPA1612-based balanced stage
- Separate buffer for the RCA outputs
- Network Connectivity:
- Wi-Fi 6
- 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax dual-band (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz)
- 10/100Mbps Ethernet
- Wi-Fi 6
- Bluetooth:
- Bluetooth 5.3
- A2DP, AVRCP, and BLE
- SBC and AAC
- Inputs:
- Wi-Fi/Ethernet
- Bluetooth
- HDMI eARC
- Optical
- Stereo RCA analogue
- Outputs:
- Balanced XLR
- Stereo RCA
- Optical
- Mono RCA subwoofer output
- 12V trigger
- Sampling Rate Support:
- Optical: 24-bit/192kHz
- HDMI eARC: 24-bit/192kHz
- Bluetooth: 24-bit/48kHz
- Google Cast: 24-bit/96kHz
- AirPlay 2: 16-bit/48kHz
- Wi-Fi : 24-bit/192kHz
- Roon: up to 32-bit/384kHz (once certified)
- Streaming protocols:
- AirPlay 1 and AirPlay 2
- Google Cast
- Spotify Connect
- TIDAL Connect
- DLNA/UPnP
- Qobuz Connect
- Roon (certification still pending as of this video)
- App: Fosi Audio app for iOS/iPadOS and Android
- Remote: Yes, Bluetooth
- Power: 12V/1.5A external adapter
- Dimensions: 173 × 173 × 47mm
- Weight: 870 grams
HiFi-Dawson Verdict
HiFi-Dawson Verdict
8
10
0
1
-
Design & Build Quality9/10 Amazing
-
Sound Quality8/10 Very good
-
Software Experience8/10 Very good
-
Features/Accessories8/10 Very good
-
Value8/10 Very good
8/10
Total Score
Pros
- Clean, neutral and natural sound with a quiet background
- Capable AK4493SEQ DAC
- RCA and Balanced XLR outputs
- Excellent connectivity options
- Broad streaming support (AirPlay 2, Google Cast, Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz Connect, DLNA, Roon)
- Redesigned companion app is considerably more usable
- Compact design pairs naturally with the Fosi ZA3 or V3 Mono
- Strong value as a combined streamer, DAC and preamplifier
Cons
- No USB audio input or direct USB-storage playback
- Bluetooth is limited to SBC and AAC
- No parametric EQ
- No room correction feature
