If you want to turn your iPhone and Android smartphones into Hi-Res Audio music playing platforms, one way is to choose a portable DAC device. For example, Fosi Audio launched the MD3 in Hong Kong earlier. It has a compact body and supports MagSafe magnetic suction, making it easier to carry around.
Unboxing the Hong Kong version of the Fosi Audio MD3 portable DAC, the package comes with two sets of USB-C cables (including L bend heads), A to C adapters and magnetic accessories for easy use with different sources.
▲ The package contains two sets of USB-C cables (including L bend head), A to C adapter and magnetic accessories.
In terms of operation, the Fosi Audio MD3 portable DAC is mainly operated through the side interface, volume keys, and orange switch keys on the body. In terms of expansion, it is equipped with 4.4/3.5mm terminals, and USB-C on the top and bottom of the machine is convenient for charging and playing.
▲ Equipped with 4.4mm / 3.5mm headphone terminal, and another USB-C port on the top of the set for charging and streaming at the same time
▲ The interface keys and volume adjustment/direction keys on the side of the machine (from left)
Fosi Audio MD3 portable DAC is compatible with MagSafe, and can be firmly attached to the magnetic case in actual tests with iPhone 17 Pro. The overall thickness is not obvious after mating. It is convenient for outdoor use and is not too big to fit in a trouser pocket.
▲ Compatible with MagSafe and magnetically fixed on the back of iPhone
▲ After connecting MD3, the thickness of iPhone is not obvious.
Since the Fosi Audio MD3 portable DAC does not have a built-in power supply, it can only be turned on when connected to a corresponding device such as an iPhone, and the volume adjustment, Output Gain intensity, and UAC version can be selected through the interface.
▲ Use the side buttons to adjust the volume
▲ Two Output Gain intensity options
When playing songs, in addition to the preset record animation, Fosi Audio MD3 can also double-click the orange button to switch to animation animation, upload a custom 240×240 image via USB Mode, and perform party games such as dice rolling and guessing to add to the fun.
▲ When playing songs, you can switch to animations such as small animals, or you can upload pictures by yourself
▲ Built-in party games such as dice rolling, bottle spinning and guessing games
In order to adapt to the Fosi Audio MD3 brand, the IM4 in-ear headphones were launched at the same time. The packaging provides a headphone box, wearing instructions, three sizes of bass/bass/balanced earplugs and another material sound tube, and the content is rich.
▲The packaging provides a headphone box and a headphone wearing instructions
▲ The package comes with Deep Bass/Bass/Balanced type three earplugs and aluminum sound tubes
The single-sided frame of Fosi Audio IM4 weighs about 7g, which is light on both ears. The N5 oxygen-free copper silver-plated hinge wire is easy to replace. In addition to the optional earplugs, the highly elastic design also has replaceable brass and aluminum sound tubes.
▲ The weight of the single-sided frame is about 7g, which puts little burden on both ears.
▲ N5 oxygen-free copper silver-plated hinge wire is easy to replace
▲You can replace the brass (picture) and aluminum sound tubes by yourself
After actually testing Fosi Audio IM4, it can be recognized by itself when connected directly to iPhone 17 Pro. The built-in ES9039Q2M chip supports 384KHz/32bit audio, and the output is sufficient to perfectly drive IM4 and similar headphones.
▲ Nishikawa Takashi’s “HOT LIMIT” has strong rhythmic and dynamic instruments, and Halie Loren’s “Cuando bailamos” has a clear high-pitched female voice.
The MD3/IM4 combination (brass tube) emphasizes mid-to-high frequencies, and the trial broadcast of Halie Loren’s “Cuando bailamos” restored the transparent female voice. If you are used to watching movies, you can switch to an aluminum sound tube with better low frequency.
When this article was published, the Fosi Audio MD3 / IM4 combination was already on sale in Hong Kong. The MD3 with black and silver colors was priced at $1,099; the IM4 headphones with open sound cavity design were priced at HK$899, which is quite good value for money.
Mobile Magazine’s short review: Fosi Audio MD3 removes the built-in battery in exchange for a more compact body. The size and connection method are highly suitable for iPhone mobile phones. With the full thrust of its own IM4, it brings better sound quality.
