How does it compare to Zishan Z2? Is it the same in terms of sound? Is the Z1 feels more detailed because of more forward mids according to reviews?

from what ive read z3 is just a z2 with an oled screen and a better playback for most types of audio files. and a lot of headfiers says that z2 is an upgrade to z1 in sound quality, thats why i bought it. but personally i didnt have a personal listening to all 3 of them so im not really the one to answer your question. i suggest you find some headfiers here who owns 2 or 3 of them.

If it is the same sound than the Z2, this is spectacular. Far beyond any smartphones evern V series; you should try it with K10 or HE-6 with line out and an amp like the intruder, you'll be amazed even more with another opamp !

same with you at the first time i heard zishan z3, after i burn 5 days when battery full used as amp or dap, when battery low used as dac till full.... sound was changes... more details, more wide soundstage, great resolution but i dont know what wrong to my ears..... i still like zishan z1, for me sound more natural....

When you can play 8 hours with the normal battery of 1500 mAh I presume you listen to 320 kbps files. With FLAC- and DSD-files it will only play about 4-5 hours. Changing the 1500 mAh-battery for a bigger one of 2600 mAh gives me at least 9 hours of music with mostly FLAC- en DSD-files. It is worth the bother for € 12. I am happy with the possibilty to change the opamp because I could change it for a more lively sounding one. It is nice to have that possibility. And that
for a total of € 50!