I own this device and yes the tubes do definitely change the sound. 1st I switched to the GE Jan tube upgrade tubes, at first, they were similar, but tubes take hours to open up, after 30 hours, the soundstage started growing, after 100 hours the soundstage was much larger, and the gain also improved a lot, I was getting the same db output at 1/2 volume as I was at 2/3 volume! Huge midrange and some upper range improvements, had to increase subwoofer output to balance.lastly, I upgraded to hand made Mullard tubes, after 30 hours, even larger soundstage and more gain! Gentleman, tubes take time to grow up,lol. You cannot judge tubes that are not broken in, and the stock tubes are not the best, but after 100 hours, they definitely sound different.
Agree. One input is not enough. At least 2 would be ok.Tube pins come misaligned from factory. They need to fix that. I have 3 Fosi P3's. 3 different applications. But I love the sound it gets and adds to all 3 applications I use them for. Very spacial stereo separation with a nice warm bass tone is how I would describe the sound. I'm sure it's the tubes and the chip inside that give it that sound. Surprised you couldn't hear much of a difference. The sound is the reason I got 3 of these. I tried the Foo Box X4 Phono Preamp and I sent it back. Made my Kenwwod KA=3500 and large Advent speakers sound worse. Yes, very old school simple setup. Not audiophile by any stretch of the word. ;-) Phono Preamp on the Kenwood sounds much better. I'm a musician so I record on my Mac using Logic Pro X and an Onyx Producer. 2/2 Audio Device with a DAC. Using the Fosi P3 in this setup is perfect. Great videos and info btw,
So glad to also hear that I was not the only one having issues inserting the tubes! Not a good experience trying to get the P3 set up. A little frustrating and disappointing.
I also have the V3 & P3 and share your preconceptions of what a preamp should do. V3 owners could use more inputs and perhaps Bluetooth and remote control. In some systems added gain (because the V3 sensitivity is lower than average) and Bass/Treble would be a plus. The issue is, V3 buyers often are fans of its premium parts and low distortion measurements. Tubes add distortion, it is their benefit, so they are perhaps a different group. I think the Nobsound NS-08P Pro (hard to find) with relay volume, 4 Inputs, and remote fits better into my view of a matching preamp. Thoughtful Review / Subscribed.
Honesty, if you curb your expectations, it works a treat. I have one operating as a preamp and reveiver for my Edifier MR4. Cheap little desktop combination and plenty of fun!
The "tube sound" is a touch of second harmonic distortion. This preamp would be better with an adjustment knob in the tube stage to make it less linear, so one could adjust from clean to dirty.
I have a Fosi P1 that I was going to use as a buffer to get the "tube sound" in my system. I connected it to my tape monitor loop and with my remote control I could instantly switch it in and out of the system. I couldn't hear a difference. I even tried some better GE tubes. Same thing. I do like glowing tubes though and having tone controls on the Fosi give me a preset tone control without having to get up. LOL
So I had the v3 for a bit. Really good but didn’t seem to be ideal for my setup. I got the Emotiva a2m and I love it! Wish it had a remote but alas. I do love the looks and small form factor of the Fosi line.
@ramondelgado6778 I haven’t actually and yeah it’s the A-100. Not a bad idea I just need to get through this pile of new stuff first lol. These class d amps are popping up everywhere!
Which power amp have you got associated to the PrimaLuna EVO 100 and the Schiit Saga preamps? You won't use them with the Fosi V3 I guess. 😁 What would you think of these paired with a good class D amp such as a Purifi?
Very balanced review. I bought the V3 because it was too cheap to worry about price. I never intended to use it in a main system, and it couldn’t drive my LS3/5A variant speakers despite the reported output wattage numbers. I think the P3 is aimed at single source bedroom or office systems alongside the V3?
Often not getting enough power from the V3 is because its input has lower than average gain. The P3 and other preamps can often fix that because it can add a good bit more gain to the input.
Some of those other reviewers have said the WiiM Mini is "thicker" sounding in the mid bass, not quite as clean or transparent, when used as a streamer only compared to the WiiM Pro or Pro Plus. I've got three Minis in various systems around my house and thought they were fine, but yeah, in my "real" stereo I'll likely get something a step up in the direction of the Innuos Pulse and call it a day.
Good question. The P3 does not have a phono preamp built in so you would need to use a turntable with a built in preamp switched to Line or buy an external phono preamp to connect between the turntable and the P3. Hope that helps!
RCA connectors are old-fashioned connection methods for connecting an antenna connector (rca) that receives radio frequencies to your preamplifier. Today, 2024v there are completely different and better ways to digitally connect different audio sources than with analog ones. Why do too many simple people live in ancient times without realizing the importance of the matter in relation to their own time?
@ Exactly. But the sound quality is always worse the earlier you do it. That's why I use Genelec's SAM (smart) speakers myself, and the sound travels almost all the way to the speaker elements as digital. Even multi-channel. 99 percent of the speaker market can't do that.
How would you compare the Fosi V3 VS the Aiyima A08 Pro. I know you have had issues with the A08 Pro in the past. Currently I have been running the A08 Promo on my secondary Rig 100% Vinyl Twin Pioneer PLX-500 Pioneer DJM-450 mixer that is basically my phonostage to switch between the two TT.
Good question! I'll be releasing an Aiyima A07 Max vs Fosi V3 video soon but not sure I'll have time to pull the A08 Pro out for a comparison. The pile of products to review is really stacking up!
I've seen quite a few reviews on the V3 and P3 and after watching yours I'll probably pass on both. I noticed you've got the Audiolab 7000CDT I've got the 6000CDT. Are you getting the 3D sound your talking about?
I agree with you, the P3 is not a real preamp at all as plugin options are a must. The tubes are almost a complete deception that many companies are getting onto now for customer marketing trickery.
Personal experience having a couple of those small tube preamps, they dk change the sound. It is even more noticeable when u change tubes. I have some very old tubes used by the Russian army and they sound miles better than the stock Chinese stuff. I have some old French tubes on order (military grade) and I expect the sound to be different.
Exactly! After swapping op amps and tubes, my FX Audio Tube 03 sounds killer! Almost 90 volts are delivered to the tubes so yes, this is a "real" tube circuit.
It definitely is meant to "color" the sound, I just can't hear it enough to choose that sound coloring option over the ability to connect more than one source!
These and all those other similar types are NOT quality gear. My Fosi audio X3 has fake NE5532 Op Amp ICs in it and the electrolytic capacitors are of known fake brand from China. The NE5532s are used in the tone control circuit, which itself is also crap. There is no way to set them flat. Oh wait, you set them at 12 oclock, nope. These are just cheaply designed gear to "have a look" trying to mascarade as quality. Yeah it is a preamp, although with only one input???, These are really just cheap crap gear.
Are you adding the P3 to your system?
I own this device and yes the tubes do definitely change the sound. 1st I switched to the GE Jan tube upgrade tubes, at first, they were similar, but tubes take hours to open up, after 30 hours, the soundstage started growing, after 100 hours the soundstage was much larger, and the gain also improved a lot, I was getting the same db output at 1/2 volume as I was at 2/3 volume! Huge midrange and some upper range improvements, had to increase subwoofer output to balance.lastly, I upgraded to hand made Mullard tubes, after 30 hours, even larger soundstage and more gain! Gentleman, tubes take time to grow up,lol. You cannot judge tubes that are not broken in, and the stock tubes are not the best, but after 100 hours, they definitely sound different.
Hello
Mullard M8100 ?
Thanks
It’s a pity the rest of the components are cheap Chinese and also some are fake. I wouldn’t touch Fosi with a barge pole.
Agree. One input is not enough. At least 2 would be ok.Tube pins come misaligned from factory. They need to fix that. I have 3 Fosi P3's. 3 different applications. But I love the sound it gets and adds to all 3 applications I use them for. Very spacial stereo separation with a nice warm bass tone is how I would describe the sound. I'm sure it's the tubes and the chip inside that give it that sound. Surprised you couldn't hear much of a difference. The sound is the reason I got 3 of these. I tried the Foo Box X4 Phono Preamp and I sent it back. Made my Kenwwod KA=3500 and large Advent speakers sound worse. Yes, very old school simple setup. Not audiophile by any stretch of the word. ;-) Phono Preamp on the Kenwood sounds much better. I'm a musician so I record on my Mac using Logic Pro X and an Onyx Producer. 2/2 Audio Device with a DAC. Using the Fosi P3 in this setup is perfect. Great videos and info btw,
So glad to also hear that I was not the only one having issues inserting the tubes! Not a good experience trying to get the P3 set up. A little frustrating and disappointing.
Agreed!
wawawawaaaaaa
If it was easy, everyone would be doing it!
The Douk ST-01 Pro has robust sockets. Was easy to swap tubes in this unit.
just unscrew the orange rings and you will have better access to the tube sockets
Did you unscrew the orange collars to insert the tubes...as explained in the manual...?😖
Yep, but real men don't read manuals as everyone knows.
@@ConorHanley That's right that is why you always make sure you can return it and tell them it arrived bad.
Instead of the Fosi I purchased the FX audio tube pro 2 which has two sets of RCA inputs with a input switch button. Working pretty good so far!
Great idea thank you!
I also have the V3 & P3 and share your preconceptions of what a preamp should do. V3 owners could use more inputs and perhaps Bluetooth and remote control. In some systems added gain (because the V3 sensitivity is lower than average) and Bass/Treble would be a plus. The issue is, V3 buyers often are fans of its premium parts and low distortion measurements. Tubes add distortion, it is their benefit, so they are perhaps a different group. I think the Nobsound NS-08P Pro (hard to find) with relay volume, 4 Inputs, and remote fits better into my view of a matching preamp. Thoughtful Review / Subscribed.
Excellent points. Thank you for watching and sharing your experiences as well.
I think tubes with their added distortion may have a point with class D amps that tend to sound dry and cold despite having the least distortion.
Honesty, if you curb your expectations, it works a treat. I have one operating as a preamp and reveiver for my Edifier MR4. Cheap little desktop combination and plenty of fun!
Awesome thanks for sharing and watching!
glad to hear that I was not the only one having issues connecting the tubes.
Whew. I’m glad to know I also wasn’t the only one lol. Thanks for letting me know!
The "tube sound" is a touch of second harmonic distortion. This preamp would be better with an adjustment knob in the tube stage to make it less linear, so one could adjust from clean to dirty.
That makes sense! Thanks for sharing!
It is like sharpness in video. But it can color complex sounds like violins and vocals, so it would be nice to be able to control or bypass it.
Yes, forever, the p3 sounds great, if you have the time to let the tubes burn in.
Radio Shack sold a little black box w/ 3 rca inputs and 1 rca output, & 1,2,3 selct switches.
I always pick up their switches for cheap at estate sales, lol.
I have a Fosi P1 that I was going to use as a buffer to get the "tube sound" in my system. I connected it to my tape monitor loop and with my remote control I could instantly switch it in and out of the system. I couldn't hear a difference. I even tried some better GE tubes. Same thing. I do like glowing tubes though and having tone controls on the Fosi give me a preset tone control without having to get up. LOL
You should a "control" tube preamp of higher quality and hear the combo again. If you cannot hear the difference, then it is you.
So I had the v3 for a bit. Really good but didn’t seem to be ideal for my setup. I got the Emotiva a2m and I love it! Wish it had a remote but alas. I do love the looks and small form factor of the Fosi line.
I have the previous version of the a2m and love it!
@@ForeverAnaloghave you reviewed it? You totally should or the new version the A2M!!!!! There aren’t many reviews of the A2M or the a100.
@ramondelgado6778 I haven’t actually and yeah it’s the A-100. Not a bad idea I just need to get through this pile of new stuff first lol. These class d amps are popping up everywhere!
I agree!1 I only use McIntosh equipment!! Only the best will do!!
So, what you’re saying is you buy stuff without looking at the specs first?
Fosi ZA3 monoblocks and balanced preamp coming!
Hope I get the ZA3 in for review
It's not ideal, but sometimes a RCA A/B switcher module comes in handy 😉
Yeah I’d probably use a switcher over this preamp lol
Why not connect the preamp most people wll have (I have a NAD) to the Fose V3, or any Fose?
can you source from multiple bluetooth? Does it remember multiple bt devices?
Does it improve sound quality?
Can this power headphones and two amps at the same time with an aux to rca splitter for the 2nd amp?
Which power amp have you got associated to the PrimaLuna EVO 100 and the Schiit Saga preamps? You won't use them with the Fosi V3 I guess. 😁 What would you think of these paired with a good class D amp such as a Purifi?
I usually connect the Primaluna to my vintage McIntosh MC2505 amp and it’s awesome.
Hi nice video, thanks. Wich RCA cables (min 2:34) are you using ? they seem a little better than basic ones, white and red, but thicker...
I’m not sure. I usually buy my cables second hand at estate sales in the dollar bin lol. I can find great quality for a great price!
Very balanced review. I bought the V3 because it was too cheap to worry about price. I never intended to use it in a main system, and it couldn’t drive my LS3/5A variant speakers despite the reported output wattage numbers. I think the P3 is aimed at single source bedroom or office systems alongside the V3?
I agree that the P3 would work well on a desktop system!
Often not getting enough power from the V3 is because its input has lower than average gain. The P3 and other preamps can often fix that because it can add a good bit more gain to the input.
I got much better results after I upgraded the power supply, supporting more output wattage
@@EvenHarmonics I didn’t. Doesn’t have the grunt to drive vintage speakers. Sure it’s fine with modern gear.
It drove my LS3/5A`s variant just fine???
Would a switch work to switch input or would that lower the audio quality?
It probably would work fine
🦃🍁🦃🍁🦃🍁🦃
Happy Thanksgiving!
🍁🦃🍁🦃🍁🦃🍁
Same to you!!!
You can remove the Red Rings, it's easier this way.
Yep I learned that the hard way lol!
Great video!
What are differences in sound quality between Wiim mini and Wiim pro(if any) using it only as a streamer?
I haven't really done a proper side by side comparison but there a few other youtubers out there who have - check out their vids!
Some of those other reviewers have said the WiiM Mini is "thicker" sounding in the mid bass, not quite as clean or transparent, when used as a streamer only compared to the WiiM Pro or Pro Plus. I've got three Minis in various systems around my house and thought they were fine, but yeah, in my "real" stereo I'll likely get something a step up in the direction of the Innuos Pulse and call it a day.
Hi! Besides its headphone aplication, could I use Fosi P3 as a Phono Preamp for my vinyl turntable? Thanks!
Good question. The P3 does not have a phono preamp built in so you would need to use a turntable with a built in preamp switched to Line or buy an external phono preamp to connect between the turntable and the P3. Hope that helps!
@@ForeverAnalogyou can Connect Turntables like Alva st via Bluetooth aptxhd and from the fosi to an av Receiver, right?
RCA connectors are old-fashioned connection methods for connecting an antenna connector (rca) that receives radio frequencies to your preamplifier. Today, 2024v there are completely different and better ways to digitally connect different audio sources than with analog ones.
Why do too many simple people live in ancient times without realizing the importance of the matter in relation to their own time?
digital signal has to be converted to analog before you can hear anything
@ Exactly. But the sound quality is always worse the earlier you do it. That's why I use Genelec's SAM (smart) speakers myself, and the sound travels almost all the way to the speaker elements as digital. Even multi-channel. 99 percent of the speaker market can't do that.
@@oliivioljy9700 hi-end audiophile systems that cost more than luxury cars don't have active speakers with built-in DACs and amplifiers
How would you compare the Fosi V3 VS the Aiyima A08 Pro. I know you have had issues with the A08 Pro in the past. Currently I have been running the A08 Promo on my secondary Rig
100% Vinyl
Twin Pioneer PLX-500
Pioneer DJM-450 mixer that is basically my phonostage to switch between the two TT.
Good question! I'll be releasing an Aiyima A07 Max vs Fosi V3 video soon but not sure I'll have time to pull the A08 Pro out for a comparison. The pile of products to review is really stacking up!
I've seen quite a few reviews on the V3 and P3 and after watching yours I'll probably pass on both. I noticed you've got the Audiolab 7000CDT I've got the 6000CDT. Are you getting the 3D sound your talking about?
Good eye on the 7000cdt. I’m working on a comparison video with it and my Schiit Urd!
@@ForeverAnalogLook forward to it 👍
Get an RCA splitter.
That's always an option and I have a video showing how to connect a switching box to one of these amps rather than buy a preamp. Thanks for watching!
I'd be more interested if it did NOT have the tubes
I think so too
You can literally get an RCA switcher for 10-20 bucks
I agree with you, the P3 is not a real preamp at all as plugin options are a must. The tubes are almost a complete deception that many companies are getting onto now for customer marketing trickery.
Yeah I feel the tubes serve a purpose, just not the kind we think of when we see tubes lol. Thanks for watching!
Short answer - NO. Tubes work on high voltage - not on 12VDC. This is a fake tube amp.
Personal experience having a couple of those small tube preamps, they dk change the sound. It is even more noticeable when u change tubes. I have some very old tubes used by the Russian army and they sound miles better than the stock Chinese stuff. I have some old French tubes on order (military grade) and I expect the sound to be different.
I'd be interested to hear what you think about the results.
Except this preamp runs the tubes at over 50 volts....so get your facts correct!
Exactly! After swapping op amps and tubes, my FX Audio Tube 03 sounds killer! Almost 90 volts are delivered to the tubes so yes, this is a "real" tube circuit.
Got a similar preamp to this and the sound difference is amazing. Theres def something to this.
I have a 35 yrs old DENON DAP-5500. It rocks. I don't like those small toys... sorry :))
All good. I think everyone should buy what they enjoy in this hobby ✌🏻
@@ForeverAnalog of course but a tiny cigarette lighter cannot make a big show... my preamp is 14 kg.
id say its bull ur just adding to the noise.. digital signal.. digital amp.. dont need anything more.
It definitely is meant to "color" the sound, I just can't hear it enough to choose that sound coloring option over the ability to connect more than one source!
that's the point of tubes tho, same as how people spice their food. sometimes a little bit of old bay rounds things up.
These and all those other similar types are NOT quality gear. My Fosi audio X3 has fake NE5532 Op Amp ICs in it and the electrolytic capacitors are of known fake brand from China. The NE5532s are used in the tone control circuit, which itself is also crap. There is no way to set them flat. Oh wait, you set them at 12 oclock, nope. These are just cheaply designed gear to "have a look" trying to mascarade as quality. Yeah it is a preamp, although with only one input???, These are really just cheap crap gear.