FOSI AUDIO S3 Network Player DAC Balanced Preamplifier
The Fosi Audio S3 is an extremely complete device combining the functions of streamer, DAC and balanced preamplifier. Indeed, it relies on high-end components as well as a comprehensive chipset including a Burr-Brown PCM1894 ADC chip, an Amlogic A113X processor, an AK4493SEQ DAC chip and two OPA1612 operational amplifiers for signal preamplification.
Fosi Audio S3Network Player DAC Balanced Preamplifier AK4493SEQ WiFi 6 Bluetooth 5.3 Roon Ready Google Cast Airplay 2 UPnP 32bit 384kHz
The Fosi Audio S3 is an extremely complete device combining the functions ofstreamer,DAC and balanced preamplifier. Indeed, it relies on high-end components as well as a comprehensive chipset including a Burr-Brown PCM1894 ADC chip, an Amlogic A113X processor, an AK4493SEQ DAC chip and two OPA1612 operational amplifiers for signal preamplification. Packed with technology, the S3 integrates WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3 with support for AAC and SBC codecs, and fsupports numerous streaming protocols: Roon Ready, Google Cast, Airplay 2, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect and UPnP. In addition, it is capable of converting signals up to PCM 32bit 384kHz, allowing you to enjoy high-resolution audio streams. The Fosi Audio control application available on Google Play and the App Store offers a 5-band equalizer and full control of the device with multiroom streaming capability. In terms of connectivity it is also well equipped: LAN RJ45 port, Toslink input, HDMI ARC input, RCA input, Toslink output, RCA output, balanced XLR output and even an output for an active subwoofer. In short, the S3 will easily integrate into any existing HiFi system and quickly become one of its most essential components.
Fosi Audio S3 : A high-end chipset
As mentioned above, the S3 benefits from a highly performant chipset composed of a Burr-Brown PCM1894 ADC chip, an Amlogic A113X processor, an AK4493SEQ DAC chip and two OPA1612 operational amplifiers. This combination allows it to support sampling rates up to PCM 32bit 384kHz while ensuring high-quality signal processing.
Fosi Audio S3 : WiFi 6 streamer
First and foremost a streamer, the Fosi Audio S3 offers numerous possibilities thanks to its RJ45 Ethernet LAN port and WiFi 6 functionality. It notably supports various streaming protocols (Roon Ready, Google Cast, Airplay 2, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect and UPnP), allowing access to a wide range of audio sources.
Fosi Audio S3 : A balanced circuit
The S3 features an architecture isolating analog and digital processing as well as a differential amplification circuit based on dual OPA1612 op-amps with a balanced XLR output. It is for example recommended to pair it with the ZD3 and/or the ZA3 for a fully balanced system.
Fosi Audio S3 : Bluetooth 5.3
As an added convenience, the S3 features Bluetooth functionality with support for AAC and SBC codecs for quick and easy wireless audio reception.
Fosi Audio S3 : 2.1 home cinema
Among the S3 connectivity options, there is notably an HDMI eARC input as well as an output for an active subwoofer, allowing the creation of a 2.1 channel system and easy audio signal retrieval from a television.
Fosi Audio S3 : A dedicated control application
The Fosi Audio control application provides access to a 5-band equalizer as well as a multiroom function if you own multiple S3 units. The equalizer allows you to tailor the sound according to your preferences or the music genre you are listening to.
Overview of the Fosi Audio S3
1
Power on-off / Source selection
2
Bluetooth pairing / Output selection
3
Status indicator
4
Volume control
5
Balanced XLR output
6
Single-ended RCA output
7
Optical Toslink output
8
Subwoofer output
9
RCA input
10
Optical Toslink input
11
LAN Ethernet RJ45 port
12
HDMI eARC port
13
12V trigger output
14
12V DC power supply via DC jack
FOSI S3 test by Audio Science Review (Amir)
"I must say, I did not expect Fosi to jump into streaming domain given the heavy software burden that brings with it. They have licensed the core technology which eases entry but also causes delays in bug fixes and feature enhancements. We see some of that effect here but what is there is quite solid. Measured performance is excellent as is support for my favorite, balanced output. Value is quite high given the price point.
I am going to give my recommendation to Fosi S3 streamer."
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Note :
5/5
Date :
2026-05-12
Axel J. Z.
Review Fosi S3 HiRes Streamer Conclusion The Fosi Audio S3 is a compact streamer/DAC with a fully balanced preamp stage, modern connectivity (Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, HDMI-eARC, Sub-Out), and broad platform support (Roon Ready, Cast, AirPlay 2, Spotify, Tidal). In listening, it comes across as neutral, finely resolved, and strikingly quiet—letting images snap into focus and lowlevel detail surface with ease. The omissions are straightforward (no DSD, no headphone output, no HDMI video out), but at EUR 399 the S3 still stands out as one of the most persuasive compact streaming hubs in its class—especially if balanced outputs are on your shortlist. Recommendation: Ideal for compact, modern systems that benefit from balanced XLR outputs and HDMI-eARC integration; less compelling if DSD playback or headphone listening is central to your setup.
In short, for listeners seeking genuinely refined streaming in a compact, fully balanced component, the S3 is well worth a careful audition.
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This review has been posted for FOSI AUDIO S3 Streamer DAC Balanced Preamplifier AK4493SEQ WiFi 6 Bluetooth 5.3 Roon Ready 32bit 384kHz
Note :
5/5
Date :
2026-04-22
Baptiste B.
Le mouton à 5 pates :) A la recherche d'un DAC et d'un préamplificateur, j'avais acquis un ZP3, qui associé à un amplificateur Audiophonics MPA 125, me semblait plutôt convenable, mais je restais sur ma faim concernant l'ergonomie et le rendu semblait manger quelques choses, le ZP3 retourné, je me met en quête d'un produit m'apportant ce qui m'avait manqué : Fosi annonce le S3... Je le précommande, Dès la réception ça sonne, mais c'est plutot gras sur le bas médium, curieusement il aura été nécessaire d’atténuer avec l'eq la zone des 250hz, il a pour le moment tourné 8h, depuis j'ai remonté les 250hz de -6db à -4.5db, le medium semble être moins dure que ce qu'il était... à écouter de nouveau ce soir pour confirmer. Le rendu sonore, est impactant et vif mais sans agressivité ! Niveau détail et spatialisation, c'est excellent ! Je n'espérais pas autant, si l'on ajoute l'ergonomie et la facilité de passage entre les différentes options de connexion par application et protocole airplay... ce produit est la perfection dans sa catégorie de prix et vous permettra d'avoir une chaine hifi simple d'utilisation, compacte et avec un rendu sonore généreux et musicale !
Je ferais un avis plus posé et détaillé notamment concernant l'application, avec plus de recul. Mais pour l'instant à ce prix, il n'y a pour moi pas d'équivalent.
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This review has been posted for FOSI AUDIO S3 Streamer DAC Balanced Preamplifier AK4493SEQ WiFi 6 Bluetooth 5.3 Roon Ready 32bit 384kHz