A GENUINE BARGAIN? Fosi Audio V3 Amplifier Review
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 26 มิ.ย. 2024
- If you want a simple, good quality amplifier, how little can you get away with spending? I find out...
Link to manufacturer's webpage:
www.fosiaudio.com/product/2-c...
bit.ly/fosiaudiov3
Link to my Patreon:
/ abritishaudiophile
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Time stamps:
0:00 Intro
1:31Design & features
3:12 Technical insights
5:45 Sound quality
8:31 Setup & partnering equipment
12:04 Conclusion
As an electrical engineer, I salute this channel for a tasteful blend of informative reviews with a classy production and a mature, knowledgeable, balanced perspective. Keep up the great work, Tarun.
Thank you kindly Clarence 😊👍
T, pre-amping with my Jotunheim, "0" tweeter hiss. Ordering the SA LS35A this week. So happy, D.( Typed on a comment page, sorry)
@@abritishaudiophile7314Can you tell me, what is the difference between the Fossi Device, V3, Za3, and devices like the QUAD 405, 44 FM4?
Is it better, that is, better quality Quad devices that I mentioned or FOSI V3 or Za3?
For those that may be interested in a small room system or better yet,
a decent desk top amp, they should appreciate the fact that you (Tarun)
have explained the level of quality components this unit utilizes. That
info alone is gold because we can (and should) question the inner components
of any piece of low cost audio equipment. This unit is obviously well constructed
but I, for one, would never have it imagined to be so at its price.
You continue to be a superb educator all-things-audio. 👌🇨🇦
Thank you Charles. That is very much appreciated 😊👍
Heeey,get a room you two.
got one... came with a wife @@ms-jl6dl
I have to say I very much appriciate your looks at the internals of the device at hand. I understand that manufacturers are often hesitant to talk about their devices internals but that is exacltly what interests me the most. So thank You once again.
Thank you. Much appreciated 😊👍
BT 20 upgraded tubes playing with more power and better soundstage then the V3 48 V. V3 sounding like a tweeter disco on both XTZ 99.26 lcr and Buchard 400 MK2. Compared to my proper amp this isn't sounding well at all. Silent and okey soundstage. But no fundament at all. Even my old Cambridge azur 640a plays miles miles and miles better. Disappointed, this tweeter disco amp not for me. Nothing in the depths.
I enjoyed the video editing. No annoying background music or noises, extended spoken segments without cuts (most of which were smooth transitions, only one jarring cut near the end). Easy on the ears and brain.
Thank you 😊
Agreed. A calm, pleasant voice never hurts either.
I really appreciate your open mindedness and even handedness when reviewing audio equipment. You let your expertise do the load talking.
Thank you kindly 😊👍
@@abritishaudiophile7314 thank him? and kindly? british audiophile that´s the diference,"don´t mind me so"
It's good to see a High-quality reviewer look at a wide variety of equipment instead of just the average or somewhat typical things on other channels. Thanks and good review. P.S. Thanks for the imperial measurements, it's a big help in less brainwork I and others have to do in translation.
Thank you. Much appreciated 👍
I really appreciate the effort you made to show the internals of V3, your knowledge about electronics and the comparison to similar amplifiers. You are giving multi dimensional facts that will help decide to buy or not a certain gear and therefor minimize buyer's remorse. Many thanks!
Thank you. Much appreciated 😊👍
Well done for doing budget kit Tarun. Good to know this is a decent recommendation for people looking for entry level amps.
Thank you 👍
What an amazing and surprising review to find on your channel, Sir! Thank you so much for this great in-depth and components reveal. I wonder what some alternative op-amps would bring to the party. Thank you as always for your time and effort to share this with us all.
Thank you Simon. Very much appreciated. Op amp rolling would be fun with this device 😊👍
This channel is superb. Tarun is informative without being lofty, and an engaging speaker. I own a V3; between he and The Cheapaudioman I took a flyer on one. It powers my Dynaudio Special 40s without turning a hair. I stream exclusively through it, leaving other component amplification duties to my Marantz 8006. I listen at about 10 feet and am well-satisfied. Planning on building a small system for the bedroom and making the V3 the centerpiece of it.
That is great. Thank you for sharing your experiences 😊👍
Good to see that you can get audio enjoyment on a budget - thank you for the review Tarun. Over time my features list for an amplifier got much reduced over time - from 100s of Watts, tape monitor, loudness, balance, separate control for highs and lows - to minimalist features when I went for the Cyrus 1 amp. Never looked back, other than XLR input and output became a must have with my R2R DAC and active speakers.
Thank you for sharing 😊
Tarun…I LOVE when you take components apart and point out all the inner morsels! 👍🏼😀
This one is soooo interesting at its price point.
Thank you kindly 😊👍
Just discovered your channel this evening, and I must say that I am quite impressed! Your overall knowledge, presentation and evaluation are superb, but your honest opinion is what I truly admire. Great Job, and I look forward to viewing more of your content!
Thank you kindly Glenn. That is very much appreciated 🙂👍
Well done review. Happy to see you expand your reach with a "budget product" here. There are some good one's. Always appreciate your thoughts.
Thank you 👍
THANKS TARUN🤗 for sharing this, proving that this is the best time to be an audiophile 💚💚💚
Thank you 😊
I love how you bring the hype down to earth.
Thank you 😊👍
I just picked up a Fosi BT30D-PRO to replace an aging Sony 2ch amp (TA-AX390) in my garage/shop, along with the needed BT adapter and larger powered subwoofer that go along with my current setup. This little amp will allow me to get rid of three pieces of equipment and condense things down because it can power a passive subwoofer. Currently I'm driving a pair of Boston Acoustic CR9s and will add a small subwoofer in a shallow box that I can tuck behind my toolbox.
So far I'm loving this little amp, thank you for making such great informative content. As others have said it's just the right blend of perspective from experience and technical demonstration.
Thank you. Great to learn about your experiences 😊👍
The quality of your videos improved over the years. Now it is perfect. Congratulations.
Thank you. I am learning all the time 👍
Another fine video Tarun. Guess what, I purchased The Fosi v3 a few weeks ago, to use as part of my desktop system and fed from the Chord Mojo2, connected to my PC. Speakers are currently the QA 3030i. It does an exceptional job for relatively little money.
Thank you. That is great 😊👍
Your channel rules! I will watch your videos very often.Keep up with it
Thank you. Much appreciated 😊👍
Just bought the little Fosi incl. separate power supply following Taruns recommendation as my standard workplace near field set up gave up the ghost (left channel noise from the amp).
Wow, I plugged the Fosi in and connected it to my Geshelli DAC, Fostex and my subwoofer and was more than amazed what is possible for this modest amount of money. Couldnt be more happy and dont find the need for a switch to something else at the moment.
Kudos to Tarun again!!! And thank you for leading me to this great sounding little piece of equipment.
That is great! Thank you for sharing your experiences 😊👍
Pretty much going to echo previous comments. I like the calm and very informative presentation and as someone who has also done DIY amps and headamps, the look at the internals is most welcome. Excellent .
Thank you 😊👍
I’m currently ‘right sizing’ a lot of things in life. This amp is exactly what I need right now. Thanks for this review.
Thank you 😊
I'm also "right sizing" my hi-fi.
I've decided to keep the TDL RTL3s and the Musical Fidelity Pre Amp & twin Typhoons.
I don't usually listen to "audiophile" channels. This show was wonderfully concise, Informative, meaningful,… there is so much bull sugar out there, everybody has a TH-cam channel, everybody has an opinion, often TH-cam caters to the personality rather than the information. Smashingly well done! (...AND I DO love your personality thus far… ) 😉
Thank you. I appreciate you watching 😊
I just join in in the praise: Great style, no hype, clear and right to the point. Thank you!
Thank you. Much appreciated 😊👍
So glad to see you having a look at some of the better Chi-Fi offerings on the market these days. As you've mentioned, the days of thin, brittle, sounding Class D are well in the past. It's remarkable the kind of performance these pack into such a tiny size (and budget). This quality would have been impossible to purchase at this price point even twenty years ago. I resisted Class D for a very long time. The resistance has all but vanished nowadays; can't stay stuck in the past, after all, and had to let go of my out-dated ways of thinking.
As long as we don't expect these things to rival more expensive, discrete component, amplifiers, they're very cheerful and capable amplifiers.
Thank you 😊
I bought this amp after seeing your review. I have paired it with the Zu DWs. Loving the combo. I also added a Ifi tube buffer in the chain to have fun. Thanks for bringing this product to our attention!
That is great 😊👍
Great stuff Tarun, keep it up!👍👍
Thank you kindly 😊👍
Nice! And I’ve got this connected to my bedroom tv along with the Topping D30pro driving JBL Stage A130s. It is small enough to fit under TV and sounds way better than a sound bar. Great detailed review!
Thank you. Nice set up 👍
Bought this little amp based on your recommendation,its sounds great,thanks for a great review.
That is great 😊👍
Tarun, thank you! Currently $100AUD (about 52 quid in old money) at Amazon AU with a $20 discount. For our small-ish bedroom with some older Q Acoustic speakers (3010, i think) and a Wiim Mini, this is so worth a try. That you opened the case and picked apart the components, I've bought this with confidence that as a near-field set-up I can't go wrong. Love (and drool at) some of your more expensive tests, but this review for a basic combo, boom!
That is great! Please let me know how you get on 👍
Wow! Quite a revelation. And coming from you, I trust that it’s good and not just hype.
Thank you Jeremy. It is great for the money in the right use case 👍
Good video, interesting to see this level being reviewed and a bit of an eye opener really.
Thank you 😊
I am still using my 1976 Heathkit AA-1506 amplifier. Had to fix it once when a disc capacitor shorted out which caused all power transistors to be blown. I am also still using my 1978 Soundcraftsmen PE-2217 equalizer, which still looks as good as new. One of the slide potentiometers is no longer working, so it is now time for a makeover, thus including cleaning and lubricating all potentiometers, and replacing all electrolytic capacitors. My home made 1978 speakers are still working as good as new. I did at one point have to replace each of the 15" woofers outer foam rings due to the old foam rings having turned to dust due to age. That cost me a massive $27 for rings and glue. Each speaker also has two mid-range drivers, and 4 tweeters.
I've never had much expectations from these just like most people but seems pretty decent. Worth it for a cheap set up in a spare room and I love the simplicity
Cool 😎
Hi T, thank you very much for this video it's great to hear or see that you're reviewing budget price amplifies it's really good to know your opinions on these and how they stack up to Hifi amplifiers, I'm in the process of purchasing an amplifier for portability reasons and would really like your views and opinions on these, thank you so much .
Thank you. You are most welcome 😊👍
Very good review as always.
Thank you 👍
I have 2 Fosi amps in my home. One for background music near the kitchen and another for driving a pair of outdoor Yamaha speakers in the backyard. Both amps are Bluetooth. For their low price, I cannot believe the quality they deliver. Fosi is a winner, at least in my world.
I'm always so impressed by your depth of knowledge in these matters. Thanks for covering the entire spectrum of gear! I would love to know what tracks you are using to evaluate and/or enjoy!
Thank you Bob. Much appreciated. I consider myself to have pretty conventional tastes across many genres.
Jazz: Miles, Bill Evans, Cannonball, Chet, Jimmy Smith, Kenny Burrell, etc..
Blues: Muddy Waters, BB King, John Lee Hooker, Carey Bell, Van Morrison, etc..
Classic rock: Dire Straits, Eagles, Fleetwood Mac, Pink Floyd, Led Zep, etc..
I could go on endlessly 😂😂😂
@@abritishaudiophile7314 Dude... we are musical brothers! I will add Wilco, Bowie, Lou Reed, Marvin Gaye and Springsteen to the list! We have many of the same favs. I guess we're both just "regular" guys!
@@UnitedStatesofAnalog I love them too. I still need to find some decent Bowie recordings. My Bowie CDs suck and I can’t get a turntable until I can kick my son out of his playroom 😂👍
@@abritishaudiophile7314 The struggle is real!
@@abritishaudiophile7314 have you tried the new wave of english jazz? so many excellent artists and music!
Thanks for sharing. Great review.
Thank you 👍
Great video - thanks so much for covering budget equipment - coming from someone like you, who has experienced high-end gear and are therefore aware of the quality achievable, it really helps people like me (who're on a budget) to understand how much we can attain even on limited budget. Would love to see a comparison with Aiyima A07 and also amp rolling experience :-)
A very detailed comparison with the A07 is here ... th-cam.com/video/vlksPSj7n3I/w-d-xo.html
@@Douglas_Blake_579 thanks - will definitely check it out
Thank you. Much appreciated Dipan 👍
Well done,good stuff as allways.
Thank you kindly 👍
Brilliant
You've nailed it. Review ok good job but also gives a nice perspective and context. Thank you
Thank you 👍
Thorough review as always. Glad you clarified those ridiculous output claims! Great box for your desk with something like the ifi Zen Blue.
To your question, selector, volume and remote is all I want in my amp, thank you very much. 😊
Thank you Mark 👍
Hello, respectfully the power claims are not ridiculous or false, the TI TPA3255 is capable of delivering 17 amps of current with the right power supply >600VA which none of the power supplies used to test these wonderful TPA325x based products by Fosi and Aiyima, by any TH-cam reviewer including ASR Amir were---as they were all less than 500VA.
We have developed our own line of high-end supplies for these products and have driven a 2 ohm load, with an unmodified Aiyima a07, and produced 288 watts at less than 1% distortion. Verified.
P.S. the unit remained cool, under 89 degrees Celsius.
Lastly the maker of the TPA3255, Texas Instruments published the technical specs, not Fosi or Aiyima, which have been found, through testing to be correct. We do not believe one of the largest and most respected semiconductor manufacturers in the world is in the habit of publishing false claims.
@@larryjohnson9019 Hi Larry, the claim is not being made by TI, it’s being made by Fosi Audio in the header of their advertisement on Amazon for their £99 amplifier.
If a car manufacturer claims a 0-60 time of 4 seconds for model X, you don’t expect to have to option in a 4 litre turbocharged V8 to achieve it, you expect the 1.6L in the advert to do it. Or rather, you don’t, of course.
The fact is that I was completely put off buying this amp for my desktop setup as it seemed so patently implausible that I couldn’t trust anything else written in the description. If they had claimed a real world figure of 40wpc with the supplied PSU I might have bought one.
@@markcarrington8565 Hello Mark..good discussion. Your car analogy is a good one, in fact...in the performance car market that is done all the time ergo Porsche, Alfa Romeo, Range Rover...we owned all of them.
With that said, you are correct about the Fosi's advertisements on Amazon, outside of a power table that you must scroll down to see and read---Unlike Aiyima, Fosi fails to state in writing that the user must purchase a larger capacity power supply to achieve higher power output and performance.
However, our statement stands true and many if not all TH-cam audio reviewers simply echo the same false statements that "this amp will never reach the 300W output period"
Whether someone likes the voicing of these products, we will never question as that is what choice is all about, but technical evaluation must always be based on facts---and that is what we are hoping to provide here---just the facts.
Great review. I just got one on Black Friday deal for my Mac desktop.
That is great 😊👍
nice quality of your review! thanks
Thank you 👍
Really like that you've given a chance at this cheap amp. It's amazing how far they've gone, being able to offer a good quality product, with good sound, at a such reasonable price point. It's products like this that help democratising the hobby, making good sound available to more people. And i really like Fosi's continuous improvement of their products and listening to their customers in the process. Well done Fosi, well done Tarun!
I’m not sold on this amp. The internet has been hyping it up to infinity. There’s a new similar amp every other week. The consumer is confused as heck. I see people online who bought multiple class D mini amps. They could have bought a Cambridge AXA35 and a pair of speakers for that money. Or buy a used A/B amp around £100 or 100€.
@@user-xg6zz8qs3q have you tried it? or any other from fosi for example? they launch a lot of amps but they're not the same and/or receive several improvements. I've bought some, but have sold some also and didn't loose much money. the Cambridge unit is not comparable in some ways. i use these small guys at a desk or in my bedroom. the Cambridge unit just doesn't fit there. And is quite a bit more expensive. These are also perfect for someone outside of the audio/hifi/audiophile realm that just wants something cheap (and good) to drive a pair of speakers or someone starting off/ dipping their toes. The perfect gateway drug. 😀
@@JoseFerreira-zb7wh I purchased a Sure Tripath amp with TA2024 chip. It lacks power. A run of the mill used A/B amp under 100€ is just better. I was curious to try the Aiyima A07 but I bought a Creek 4240 instead.
@@user-xg6zz8qs3q ok, so you haven't tried. power is more than enough, specially for what it is.
Thank you. These chip based amps have come a long way in recent years 😊
What an exciting time we live in. Quality Hi-Fi components for this kind of money outstanding is the right word, Tarun.
I have an old Michi RHB 10 and RHC10 Uber early 90s high-end from Rotel. I just had it recapped and rewired. I bring it in and out of my system from time to time it really sounds amazing. There's no tone control or remote control here, and I kind of love that about it.
It makes me a little nostalgic when I have it in my system. Remember the days when we actually had to get up out of our chair to adjust our Hi-Fi.
Remote controls have a lot to answer for when it comes to our lack of activity these days. 😂🎧👍
Always great to hear from you Shane 👍
Good to have your review and approval on this Fosi V3 amp. I have two on order and have also ordered Mean Well UHP500-48 power supplies to match. I’m hoping at 48v they don’t get too hot as many cheap TPA3255 implements, BerryBak BRU5 being one of the examples. Often the excessive heat is generated by the inductors, not the TPA3255 chip, but capacitor/inductor combination could be the root cause.
Thank you for sharing 😊
@@johnm3544 Recommended typical supply voltage in the TI data sheet is 51 volts when feeding a 4 ohm load. 48 volts sounds like a sensible off-the-shelf value, not something that should cause stress to the amplifier chips. As for not shorting internally and damaging speakers, that requirement applies to any directly coupled amplifier design.
Spot on - with your review. I got lucky with 20% off after watching your video yesterday, it arrived today and i disconnected my old denon RCD M40DAB and as you described, i got a good tight soundstage and overall clarity. It even seems to drive the B&W 684 in my small bedroom to a decent level. (32V PSU) It is fed from a Raspberry pi3/Allo Boss DAC/IFI PSU and is an absolute budget killer - Many thanks for your concise review - I am now subscribed to your channel
Thank you. I appreciate you watching and your kind words of support 👍
Thanks for your great informative video mate. I might be considering getting a good pairing speakers with this amp. I have budget constraints and space limitation too. Currently I am just using a presonus Eris 3.5.
Cool 😎
I ordered one for a small setup at my retail store. I have to say I really had my doubts about all the hype around this tiny affordable amp. But when it came from you that it was decent I thought I'd give it a shot. Thanks Tarun.
Cool 😎 please let me know how you get on 👍
Yes T’ .. solved a hum issue on my spark’ .. by swapping over to the fosi .. thanks captain it was driving me mad at my desk .. ❤
Cool 😎
I’ve got one. Paired with a couple of small Wharfedale Diamond 12.0s. Sounds great. I have small room, about 12’x12’. The comments about power/volume are accurate. It’s not capable of high volume (I think the diamonds are 87db sensitivity). But, for a small room, it’s loud enough for me.
Cool 😎 thank you for sharing 👍
Wow. I have tons of audio equipment. Pioneer receivers from the 70’s , Cambridge Audio, Audiolab etc. One of my favorite systems has become a pair of Boston Acoustic A40’s, mid 80’s Phillips cd player similar year and this Fosi amplifier. It is in a small room very well set up. The entire system cost less than my 8 ft. kimber cable for my main system. It is so fun to listen to mini systems with ultra lightweight speakers are so easy to manage equipment disappears like a chameleon and I’m not listening to a stereo. I’m listening to music. I would have never discovered this Fosi without this guy. He understands the audio trilogy very well.
Electrical, mechanical and acoustical. The only hearing I trust as much as my own ! Thank you British trilogy understander
Thank you Sean. Much appreciated 😊👍
You look good in powder blue. Also lighting is correct too. Good job!
Thank you 😊
Me again - i liked the V3 so much i bought a second one. I have connected the output of my Allo Boss Dac to both V3's one driveing tweeters the other bass/mid. This has improved the soundstage, detail and dynamics. The B&W 684 S1 reveal the detail however the sound could be warmer. A lot of detail for not much money, i even have some tonal control with the individual V3 gain control. I will try using each V3 for each channel soon. so - Thank you for your enthusiastic review of this new gem.
Thank you Paul 😊
Lovely presentation dude. Greetings from Australia..
Thank you 👍
I have purchased this Amplifier, added the Sparky op amps, a little fiddling but it paid off in terms of better sound, thanks Tarun, keep up the good work.
Thank you 😊
You are welcome.
Thanks for your review I got this amp but not yet tested I will pair it with my KEF Q300 and FX Audio Dac-M1 as an input indeed you are right this amp seems rock with a very budget price
That is great 👍
Great review, thanks
Thank you 👍
Great review
Thank you 😊
I have one of these amps, I use it with a Cambridge Audio Minx speakers/subwoofer setup and a WiiM Mini, out in the conservatory as a second system. Everyone comments how good the system sounds, especially when I show them the size of everything!
Great observation and explanation of the heat msnagement system for this Class D amp. What people usually don't realize that even though Class D is very power efficient and lower heat there are points or areas of heat which can affect a critical nearby component. This means distributing the heat through thoughtful engineering. Case in point are the capacitors as you mention. Your are a really good communicator.
Thank you 👍
Another insightful post Tarun. Yourself and The Audiophiliac are far and away the best reviewers. 👍 Can I ask what speaker cables you use at home please? I presently use AQ Rocket 11 for my Atoll 200 amp and Kudos C1 speakers. 👍🎶🎵🎼
Thank you. I have traditionally used Linn K20 speaker cable. In expensive but good. I am currently investigating 3 more expensive options. Wireworld Equinox 8, Chord Epic X and Audiomica Red Series cables. I am taking my time running each in my reference systems 😊
What a sympathetic channel :) nice and relaxing
Thank you kindly 😊👍
@@abritishaudiophile7314 you are welcome :)
Best transparent review I've seen for this Fosi Amp. Thank you! I just ordered one and am still waiting for delivery. I currently use an HK 430 Twin Power vintage receiver in a small room setup. Sounds great with vinyl and streaming from a wii device thru SMSL SU9n DAC and shiit pre amp. Acoustic music, Latin jazz, heavy vocals, and so on sounds amazing, but my system does struggle a bit with more modern music. So I'll be given a try to this Fosy amp for that les instrumentals music listening sessions. I think it will work for my application. Either or I love the fact that Fosi is building that type of product focus on the audio more than other features.
Thank you Jonathan 😊👍
would be very interested in your view after you have had a chance to listen with the V3 for a few days.
@bazmatvichuk7319 I've been listening to the Fosi V3 for about 3 weeks now. I am very pleased and worth every penny. Does it sound better than the 1976 HK? No. But I like it. I'm using a Freya Plus pre amp and Dali spector 2 speakers. I re-capped the HK and added a pre amp input to bypass the HK pre amp so I've been using the Fosi with the HK pre amp with tone controls that helps. What I liked about the Fosi is that it is a very neutral, clean amp. The sound is narrower than the HK, and it is focused on the low frequency rage, like is trying to not sounds thin. As a result of that, the bass is good and detailed, but in the mids and highs, there are parts of the music that get lost. It's not a deal breaker depending on what music you are listening to. Because of it simplicity, sound quality, price and size is a very versatile amp you can't go wrong with it. Is a revolutionary product in my book.
@@jonathangonzalez327 thank you for sharing your experiences 😊
@@jonathangonzalez327 I get all of your points, and I will try the amp again in a more suitable system. Of course my comparison with the Naim was crazy, but my point was that for not much more money, a used amplifier can offer more such as pre-amp, multiple inputs etc, and crucially sound "better", as subjective as that is. As i'm thinking about it, (bear with me, I can be slow) the main feature is size, followed by it's impressively low power consumption. If these things are important, then that will inform the choice. I'm only looking at engagement with the music as this amp has been touted as being a bit of a giant killer. In my initial listenting, the pre amp section of the HK integrated might have been a part of the problem. If memory serves me well, that HK used as an integrated was also lacking in involvement in the music. I will try it next week with desk top topping D50s DAC, along with it's P50 power supply which I suspect will be a better fit. I use that with the matching headphone amp for a desktop headphone system. The problem there is the only speakers I have at that location are Acoustic Energy Aegis 1 from years ago. They are probably not going to work nicely. It will be fun trying it out, and if it really isn't for me, I still completely understand where the amp sits in the hirearchy of equipment and it's value for money. It is worthy of a review by Tarun.
No way you reviewed this! So cool!
Thank you 👍
Man, I got one of these! But, I'm jonesing for the copper volume knob! How about a trade!😊 Another incredible review, my friend!
Thank you Bob but I’ll keep the copper one 😂👍
Very nice presentation, sir!
Thank you 👍
Thanks for another great video Tarun, I really appreciate your reviews of equipment that is affordable to those on a lower budget. I have the Cambridge Audio AXA35 paired with the Dali spektor 2s both of which you mention in this video and I can confirm they work well together especially with a sub. Please can you clarify how a class A/B amp such as the AXA35 is chip based when I believed previously that chip based amps were always class D.
Answering your question, to me balance control is essential due to my rooms layout where I'm unable to have my speakers equidistant. Ideally I'd also want tone controls to be able to have some basic room correction options. Because I don't have a perfectly set out listening room a lot of higher end equipment is ruled out due to the lack of balance and tone controls which leaves me feeling excluded.
Nice system. You can have chip based class AB amplifiers like the TI LM3886 found in the AXA35. It is to do with how the transistors work. Class D is is high frequency switching and class AB is a low bias condition for pairs of transistors each covering half a cycle 😊
I just picked one up this last week, along with a WIIM pro to setup in the kitchen to replace an awful sonos that never seems to work for the Mrs. This setup paired with some old kef and teac speakers from the loft (as I've tested them) sounds wonderful. Wife is happy she can play music again in the kitchen! Very impressed for the £80 paid on prime day.
That is great 👍
@@abritishaudiophile7314 Watched your excellent review afterwards! Subscribed now so will also check out your other content.
Excellent calm , balanced, informative and simple explanation and not delivered by an American
Great review. Its nice you bring us new items that are not expensive. How might this little amp will run with Monitor Audio Silver G7? Thank you. I am the first see it this video and I love it. Yashin
Thank you 😊
I just love this channel. That is all.
Thank you. Much appreciated 😊👍
Great video as always Tarun.
I have a Douk amp with bass/treble and bluetooth running into a pair of Qacoustic 2020i's. Impressive performance for a $100. Although no match for my Exposure/ Vienna Acoustics it's pretty damn good.
Cool 😎
I've owned a few Fosi devices and have always found them to offer excellent value for money.
Cool 😎
Great review Tarun. I finally took the plunge into this ‘super affordable’ yet good quality amps ! A Fosi Audio BT20a Pro is in its way now. Would be powering 4 Jbl Control Now speakers arranged as stereo pairs using a designed fan pole mount bracket hung over a game table. The a,p will be hidden behind the false ceiling ! That’s the idea. It was a decision between Fosi and the Arylic A50+ which also has streaming and app. But audio quality was more important for me.
Thank you for sharing 😊
Gr8t review.realistic and informative.
Thank you kindly 😊👍
I just bought a Fosi Audio V3 to replace my Cyrus ONE which no longer meets my listening style, having moved away from vinyl, turntable and generally all things analogue. However I needed something a little daring to work with the remainder of my gear: Tannoy HPD385 15" dual concentric studio monitors and a new Eversolo DMP A6 music streamer. Surprisingly, the V3 does a remarkable job driving the Tannoys - not quite the open spacial soundstage that the Cyrus ONE offered, but damn close! My 50 year old Tannoys are very efficient and my hearing loss is testament to that unfortunately, but they need a fair bit of oomph to tighten up the bottom end and the V3 does that with ease without further taxing my hearing. Very impressed with this little amp.
Thank you for sharing your experiences 😊
Can you tell me, what is the difference between the Fossi Device, V3, Za3, and devices like the QUAD 405, 44 FM4? Is it better, that is, better quality Quad devices that I mentioned or FOSI V3 or Za3?

Thanks for your review ,I have been waiting for an ear I felt trust in on this Amp that being said experience tells me upgrading those OpAmps to a Muse02 or discrete will improve the sound because of that type of power arrangement I'm going to test it with big set of capacitor banks , it may get very close to 300 watts
@ 48 volts and booster in the front end
Thank you 😊
Yayy! Someone other than Cheapaudioman reviewing this kind of kit is just great! To be frank, I never know how seriously to take him, but I can see from your more detailed review that you're in broad agreement.
To be frank, I only use one analogue input, from my DAC, plus speaker outputs. But I've got many more inputs than I really need on both my Audiolab 6000A in my desktop system, and Acoustic Invader preamp in my main system. It seems difficult to get amps with more than one, but less than the usual panoply. Maybe there's a case for it for folk wanting a little more versatility for not too much extra cash? As to a remote, one could maybe use that of a DAC or streamer, or maybe an associated mobile app, to control volume.
It's interesting that one can roll the op amps; I wonder how the device would sound with something like Sparkos upgrades (if they would fit, that is). Here in the UK the Sparkos costs c.£100 for just one. At any rate, I've upgraded my DAC with just the one and that takes it into a higher tier. One wonders what a pair of them would do for this amp. Might be amazing...😊
I don't take Randy seriously at all ...
But I can tell you the TPA3255 chip they're using in these inexpensive amps is no toy. It is widely used in Public Address, Studio Monitors and Home Theatre equipment... much of which is labelled as "high end", from well known manufacturers.
The small size and low price are happening because Class D amplification very deeply simplifies amplifier design. You saw the inside of that case... not a whole lot of parts or expensive heat sinks or power transformers, in there. The low price is a function of simplified design and mass production... not bad audio quality.
As one of my clients pointed out ... "I guess I can't let the small size fool me anymore."
I like your reviews. And I agree that class-d has really become a high-end option now. It started with the Tripath chips which I used and now the TI TPA chips. And I like that you show the insides when most other reviewers can't be bothered. One criticism however is that you should refrain from making claims about what the parts do or their properties. For example, the thermistor has nothing to do with preventing speaker thump. Thump is prevented because the speaker outputs rise to half the rail voltage simultaneously so the speaker sees no difference in voltage between the terminals. Its function is most likely to put less stress on the PS. Another example is "the two power amplifier modules" which is actually ONE, the TPA3255 is a stereo module. But keep up the reviews and thanks for including lower-end amps like these. I always seem to chicken out on buying more expensive audio items and I like the small footprint.
Thank you 😊
Nice work!
Thank you 😊
i use a fosi DA-2120C on some technics SBM-300, and the fosi packs plenty of punch to drive these at 6ohms, with the capability to increase power by putting more DC/v into it. very happy with the fosi, i use this system as home studio monitors.
Cool 😎
I love a stripped down piece of HiFi at a bargain price. I don't have remote control for any of my equipment and I only need a turntable input, so this amps single inpur wouldn't be a problem for me. Excellent work VOS 🎶😎
Thank you 😊
Nice detail review. It is difficult to get any good sounding amplifiers below $500 ! This V3 is available at a fraction of that. I am tempted to buy V3 after your very positive review.
Thank you. It is great with easy to drive speakers 👍
This amp reminds me very much of the Amptastic Mini 1 I owned a couple of years ago which punched well above its weight for £129 and drove a pair of Q Acoustics Concept 20s beautifully, it was very low power, circa 15wpc but it gave decent volume levels and never sounded out of its depth and gave a lovely airy sound with bags of detail and decent bass weight and dynamics, had quite a cult following, not sure if they're still made now as I don't think the Tripath chips are available anymore.
Interesting. Thank you for sharing 😊
Really enjoyed watching this informative balanced review. I own the v3 and have done some experimenting with op amp rolling. Not going crazy with Sparkos or Burson op amps as it doesn't make monetary sense but so far I've tried opa1656 and 2604. Soon to try opa1622. I have to say the improvements are surprising! The 2604 adds a wider soundstage, tighter punchier bass and with more microdetail. The 1656 gives even more microdetail and a slightly more textured bass but in so loosing the soundstage width and tighter punchier bass of the 2604. To keep it brief what I am basically saying is this amp scales well with different op amps so its worth rolling a few. Could make comparative content! And also the power supply matters with this amp, for me moving from stock to a better one helped with high volume transients allot.
My setup for reference is:
wiim pro on linear psu
topping e50 on linear psu
fosi v3 on Meanwell drp 480-48v run at 43v
speakers are MA silver 100 7gs
Also I have two seas l26roy subs both with matching passive radiator.
Also try the RC4558 op-amps ... in my tests they give very good results, too.
And they're cheap as chips ... Less than a dollar each.
Thank you. I appreciate you sharing your experiences 😊
@@abritishaudiophile7314
The quest for "better" does not always equate to "more expensive".
thank you for review
surprised to see high regards from you about Fosi
It is the first one of theirs I have reviewed 😊
@@abritishaudiophile7314 aha it's sort of cheapaudioman territory hence my surprise
The AX35 has something special. And I like to look at it. For me, its all I need.
It is a great amp 😊
I have this amp. Agree with the review, great for the money and right use case. One thing to note, the pre-out is actually fixed out, should be labeled "loop out" or "fixed out".
Thank you 👍
I notice if you add a preamplifier to it, the pre out becomes variable.
@@anthony2010707 I connected headphones to the line out, the output was not variable. Perhaps Fosi has updated later units.
Fosi audio bt 30 d pro 165 X 2 and 350 x 1 on a sub channel, I have 2 hooked to my TV in a 4.2 configuration, it's incredible !!
Enjoyed greatly both your review and your focus on a "budget" product. I tire easily of what too often feels like endless hifi media attention to products and/or hi-fi modalities that I will never ever be able to afford--or even, in my salad days--would want to buy.
As to what an amp must have, I currently use an amp that has tone controls, neither of which I've touched in the three years I've owned that splendid piece of gear. Perhaps with younger ears I might be motivated to twist those two dials, but, alas, not yet. A quality phone stage with MM and MC capability is a "must" for me as I listen to vinyl about 30% of the time. Beyond that, it's all gravy.
Thank you. Great to learn about your experiences 👍
Hi Tarun! This little nugget could be the answer for someone with a very little room or working space and want a tiny bit of Hi-Fi on a very tight budget. No more need to go to a brick and mortar retailer and spend a couple thousands on separates. Some might say it is hi-fi apocalypse, but I think this new trend will only grow bigger until everyone join in or disappear from the face of the Earth. Fascinating review and compelling product! What's not to like?
Thank you Yves 😊
Thanks Tarun nice review, some of these chips are quite accomplished. What you find is that the distortion over a certain power is so high that the music falls apart.
NTC is not a company; Negative Temperature Coefficient.
Thank you 😊
Interesting. Those definitely are quality parts inside. With the low distortion numbers ive seen on this amp i find it pretty amazing for the size and price.
It is impressive 😊
I bought the Fosi TB10D - currently being used with a pair of Jamo speakers - the rear pair of a defunct 5.1 system. Eventually I'll bring it back to the UK to pair up with a pair of 1977 Wharfedale Dentons. It has it's limitations but it's better than the mini system I was using. Source is a Philips DVD player. Not audiophile but it does for me. I can swap the source out to an Echo Dot if I want background muzak.
That is great. Thank you for sharing 😊
All this amp needs is a headphone socket-I'd buy one now if they had one.
Enjoyed the review, well-presented and engaging-made me listen to the end (for a change!)
Thank you 👍
Thanks for this, always enjoy your reviews. Whilst Im not considering replacing the Naim with it, Im always interested in knowing what entry level equipment is doing in this age. Things have changed dramatically - where once I was a class A only guy, I now find Id consider class D. Who'd of thought it back in the early 80s when I started my hifi journey..
Thank you. We are all on a journey of learning 👍