Introduction
Thank you for purchasing the Fosi Audio ZP3 preamplifier. The ZP3 is a balanced HiFi preamplifier developed from a deep understanding of user needs, featuring a proprietary balanced amplification architecture. This design offers enhanced audio quality, interference resistance, and dynamic range while effectively minimizing ground loop noise, making it ideal for both audiophiles and professional settings. Equipped with XLR balanced inputs and outputs, it also includes tone and balance controls, along with remote control functionality. Fosi Audio believes the ZP3 will greatly enrich your HiFi music experience.
Remote Control
The remote control for the ZP3 includes the following functions:
- 1. Power Switch: Turns the device on or off.
- 2. Mute/Unmute: Mutes or unmutes the audio output.
- 3. Volume +: Increases the volume.
- 4. Volume -: Decreases the volume.
- 5. Input Switch: Selects the input source.
- 6. Product Selection: Press the button to control the corresponding product. Note: This remote control is compatible with selected Fosi Audio products. Functions not labeled cannot be used to control the ZP3.
Front Panel Controls and Connections
The front panel of the Fosi Audio ZP3 features the following:
- 1. Power Switch/Input Selector: Controls power and input selection.
- 2. Input Indicators: Show the currently selected input.
- 3. IR Receiver: Receives signals from the remote control.
- 4. Balance Control: Adjusts the volume balance between the left and right channels. Turning the knob counterclockwise decreases the right channel volume without affecting the left channel; turning it clockwise decreases the left channel volume while the right remains unchanged.
- 5. Bass Control: Adjusts the bass level.
- 6. Treble Control: Adjusts the treble level.
- 7. Volume Control: Adjusts the overall volume.
Rear Panel Connections
The rear panel of the Fosi Audio ZP3 includes:
- 8. RCA/XLR Input: Connect audio sources via RCA or XLR cables.
- 9. RCA/SUB/XLR Output: Connect to speakers, subwoofer, or other audio devices via RCA or XLR cables.
- 10. 12V Trigger Input: For power synchronization with compatible devices.
- 11. 12V Trigger Output: Provides power synchronization signal to other devices.
- 12. AC110-240V Power Connection: Connect the provided AC power cable here.
Internal Switches
The ZP3 features two internal switches accessible from the bottom panel:
- 13. HPF Switch: High-Pass Filter adjustment. Options are 20Hz-20KHz, 80Hz-20KHz, and 120Hz-20KHz. This filters out low-frequency signals, allowing only high-frequency signals to pass through, which is useful when pairing with a subwoofer.
- 14. Bypass Switch: When enabled (BYPASS), the signal bypasses the bass and treble adjustment controls. When set to OFF, the bass and treble controls are active.
Specifications
General Specs
| Channel | 2.0 |
| Input | RCA 1, RCA 2, XLR |
| Output | RCA, XLR, SUB |
| Bass and Treble Control Range | Treble: ±6dB, Bass: ±12dB |
| Frequency Response | XLR/RCA: 20Hz-20kHz (±0.2dB), 80Hz-20kHz (±0.2dB), 120Hz-20kHz (±0.2dB) |
| SUB: 20Hz-200Hz (±0.2dB) | |
| Input Voltage Range | AC 110-240V |
Balanced Output (XLR)
| SNR | ≥ 112dB |
| Dynamic Range | ≥ 112dB |
| THD+N | ≤ 0.0007% |
| Noise Floor | ≤ 6μV |
Single-ended Output (RCA)
| SNR | ≥ 115dB |
| Dynamic Range | ≥ 115dB |
| THD+N | ≤ 0.0008% |
| Noise Floor | ≤ 4μV |
Package Contents
The package includes:
- ZP3 Preamplifier
- Remote Control (batteries not included)
- AC Power Cable
- 12V Trigger Cable
- User Manual
Operation Guide
- Connect the ZP3 to your audio source using an RCA cable.
- For active speakers, connect them to the ZP3 with an RCA cable. For passive speakers, connect the ZP3 to an amplifier with an RCA cable, then connect the amplifier to the speakers.
- Attach the power cord provided in the package to the power input on the ZP3.
- Toggle the power switch located on the back panel [power-symbol].
- Press the power button briefly (or use the remote control) to turn on the device. Select the desired input channel by clicking the input switch button (or using the mode button on the remote).
- Start with the volume at its lowest setting before playing music, then gradually adjust to the desired level. You can also adjust the bass and treble to your preference.
Important Notes:
- Ensure all cables are connected before powering on.
- Always turn the volume down to the lowest level before playing music to avoid damaging your speakers or your hearing.
- Press the power button briefly to turn on the unit; hold it down for two seconds to turn it off.
Function Usage
Volume Memory
The ZP3 supports multiple input modes and offers a volume memory feature to enhance user experience. When switching between inputs with varying signal strengths, users often need to manually adjust the volume each time. The ZP3 automatically remembers the volume setting for each input mode, adjusting to the previous volume level when switched to the corresponding input.
HPF Adjustment
For the RCA/XLR output frequency range, the ZP3 supports high-pass filter (HPF) adjustment to filter out low-frequency signals, allowing only high-frequency signals to pass through. This ensures that high frequencies are delivered to the main speakers, while low frequencies are handled by the subwoofer. The HPF switch at the bottom of the ZP3 offers three adjustable cutoff frequencies, allowing users to fine-tune it based on their needs.
Bypass
When this feature is enabled, the signal bypasses the bass and treble adjustment.
12V Trigger
It allows seamless power on/off synchronization with Fosi Audio ZD3 DAC and ZA3 amp, eliminating the need for separate device power management. This feature enables synchronized power control between connected Fosi Audio devices.
Op-Amp Replacement
The ZP3 supports rolling the op-amps to tailor sound signatures to your preference.
Replacement Steps:
- Identify the op-amp locations for the left and right channels on the PCBA, marked as L-OPAMP and R-OPAMP respectively. Determine which channel's op-amp needs replacement.
- Use tweezers to carefully remove the op-amp from the side. Op-amps are directional; locate the number '1' mark or the circular/semicircular notch on the op-amp. Align this with the '01' mark on the PCB, and carefully insert the op-amp into its socket.
- Ensure the op-amp is correctly oriented before installation to prevent damage.
Diagrams:
- Markings of channels and op-amp's 01 pin: Illustrates the location of L-OPAMP and R-OPAMP on the PCBA and the orientation mark on the op-amp.
- Round/semi-circular notch: Shows the directional notch on the op-amp for correct alignment.
- No 1 marking: Indicates the pin 1 marking on the op-amp.
Frequently Asked Questions
- No sound after powering on and playing?
A. Please check if the cables are properly connected.
B. Ensure the correct input mode is selected.
C. Verify if the volume on both the source device and ZP3 is adjusted properly. - One channel is louder than the other?
A. The ZP3 has balance adjustment; ensure the balance knob is set to the center position.
B. Check if the input signal is unbalanced between the two channels.
If you have any further questions, please contact the Fosi Audio support team at support@fosiaudio.com.
Warranty and Maintenance
Fosi Audio pledges to give a 24-month limited warranty and support from the date of purchase. If you encounter any problem when using our product, please contact the Fosi Audio support team at support@fosiaudio.com.
About Us
Fosi Audio designs and builds innovative audio products with all your music in mind. Great sound, simple but elegant designs, high-quality components, and truly useful features are what Fosi Audio pursues. Fosi Audio sincerely hopes you can get as much enjoyment from their products as they've had to create them!
- Official Website: www.fosiaudio.com
- Amazon Store: www.amazon.com/fosiaudio
- Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/fosiaudioglobal
- Youtube Channel: www.youtube.com/@fosiaudio
- Official Forum: community.fosiaudio.com
- Whatsapp: +86 13716612254
- After-Sales Service and Technical Support Email: support@fosiaudio.com
