Fosi Audio ZD3 Desktop DAC Preamp Home Stereo Amplifier with Bluetooth, USB, Optical, Coax, TV HDMI ARC Input

A great value with good features and sound. Sounds as good as DACs costing three times the price.

I was hesitant about buying the zd3 because I didn't think it would be much of an upgrade from my previous DAC. But out of the box when I put it in my chain I was pleasantly surprised! The sound was warm and I engaging with good detail. When I upgraded my op amp to a 5x52b it really improved the bass and the imaging got better. Next I upgraded the power supply with a super low noise linear power supply and the sound stage just opened up and the music got clearer. I could hear details that I never could hear before. I was surprised how good music sounds and haven't been able to stop listening. The sound is very musical and the bass is powerful, the mids are warm and the highs sparkle. Next I will use a super capacitor switching power supply in the chain and I read that will bring up the performance another 10% . I designed and built my own speakers so I like the fact that I can have the option to hotrod the DAC and believe me it makes a difference. I think this DAC can compete with much more expensive DACs with everything that I did to it . Out of the box it's the best $200 range DAC and with all the connections and options it can't be touched