Just dropped my 90-day real-world review of the Fosi Audio S3 streamer! At $260, it's currently the cheapest balanced network streamer on the market, but is the software actually ready yet? I’ve been using it to feed my Genelec active speakers directly.
Check out my honest thoughts on the hardware, the latest OTA updates, and what's still missing in the S3!
I’ve been spending a lot of time with the SMSL D200 lately, and it’s a massive step up from the older D1. They both use the same ROHM chip, which I really like for that musical, analog-like warmth, but the D200 just brings so much more to the table in terms of detail and "air" in the treble. It doesn't have that clinical, digital edge you sometimes get with other chips.
The build is also surprisingly premium for around $319. Instead of the usual cheap aluminum plates, the whole chassis is milled from a solid block. Plus, it has an integrated power supply, so you don't have to deal with a messy external power brick. It’s got all the right connections, including XLR and even a dedicated Clock In port if you want to get really nerdy with an external master clock.
When it comes to the sound, the soundstage is holographic and way deeper than what I've heard on more budget-friendly units. I found that running with "OSR High" and "HPC On" really dialed in the accuracy and depth of the instrument placement. One weird thing to watch out for, though, is the "Filter Off" setting, it caused a huge volume drop and some nasty distortion for me, so I’d definitely just stick to the "Slow" or "Sharp" filters.
Overall, if you’re after that full, natural analog character rather than something purely analytical, this thing is hard to beat for the price. It’s a great choice if you want a DAC that punches way above its weight class.