3 reasons You NEED a Phono Preamp! Pro-Ject Phono Box S2 Ultra, Fosi X2, Uturn Pluto 2 Comparison
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 30 ก.ค. 2024
- Fosi Audio Box X2 Phono Preamp amzn.to/3KXBICD
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Fosi Audio Box X2 Phono Preamp amzn.to/3KXBICD
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hi, how do you hook up the Fosi X2 preamp to your receiver? I have tried a few inputs on the back of my Marantz but no sound! Everything works fine without the preamp installed, however I m looking for a little more volume. Thanks, Gary Cole
NEVER trust some incel that’s telling you to buy something because he sold his soul to some company.
You always bring me back down to earth when I’m on a audiophile rampage. Thanks. Helps my OCD majorly.
Every single piece of my setup has been based on your recommendations; Sony speakers, Cambridge Audio amp, schiit dac, Fluance TT and echo link and I already own the Fosi preamp. Thank you for providing excellent choices at affordable prices.
What cambridge amp?
i never saw a Fluance turntable ,maybe because in the U.S. people buy fluance and in Europe they buy pro-ject, but for what i´ve seen in the web the fluance did seem to have a nice series of turntables, allthough in reality i never tested one
@@RUfromthe40s I got the Fluance RT82 and love it.
Update: the Fluance has speed issues.
I got my Fosi Box X2 today. The unit has no buzz or crackling noise unlike the DJPre-II it replaces. However the highs are flat and there is no low-cut filter to get rid of the pronounced lowes. Is the sound supposed to be like that or do I have a faulty unit? DJPre-II sounded much better but the buzz and crackling persisted and I could not get rid of it so I sent it back. BTW, I tried two copies of the DJPre and they both had the same problem. Any help would be appreciated.
Schit
Awesome channel, so helpful in so many ways. I truly appreciate all the content and opinions you provide Randy. I was in the middle of your 9 Circles podcast interview when this notification popped up. Good stuff
I agree about the Fosi. I have one and used it to replace a Cambridge Audio solo. I actually use it with the Nagaoka MP 110 but I have very neutral speakers so that changes things a bit. I upgraded the tubes a year later and that was a big improvement as well. I love it.
Glad to hear you like the Fosi. I just ordered 1 from Amazon after spending 4-5 months deciding between the CA Solo, IFI Zen and a few others. I was leaning towards the CA Solo just because my Amp is a CA Topaz AM10 mated to a CA Topaz CD 10 with a Fluance RT82 TT. I could not justify spending $250 more to go with the CA Solo.
Thanks for the shootout and thanks for including the iFi Zen in the comparisons. Cambridge also has some not too expensive phono preamps that might be just what someone is looking for. I've got an older Cambridge Azur 651P-B that I recently updated to the iFi Zen.
Hey Randy! Just got my Fosi Box! Love it!!! It really fills out the bottom end so much nicer than the built in preamp on my AT-LP120BT, and definitely better than the preamp built into my Yamaha receiver. Thanks for the advice! 🤘🏻
did u get x2 or x4
Very good video. I use the Schiit Mani myself. The Fosi looks like a fun preamp to try out.
I got the fosi now. Perfect with the orofon Red. It sounds really good together, just the kick the sound needed. Very good recomendation.
Love the channel. I'm one of those guys who got the dream vintage system I couldn't afford when I was young. Pioneer SA9500 with it's tuner TX-9500 running the CS-99A speakers. Also, I love vinyl ...I bought the Fosi Box X4 phono preamp. I'm using the tubes that came with it. What would be an affordable alternative (tubes) I could try?
Keep up the good work. Problem with this hobby (love affair!) Is that there are few people in my day to day life I can really talk too and share it with. Oh sure, everyone thinks it's cool, but their eyes glaze over when the fun details are discussed. Thanks for being there and sharing the eye glazing details I have always been into.
I would like to see more vintage analog audio discussions, I love learning.
I Recently Added the Fluance PA 10 external phono preamp to my RT81 I love it! I am amazed at the difference in detail versus using the built-in preamp on my turntable.
I paired the Fosi Audio Box X2 with upgraded tubes( GE NOS) and the Fluance RT85 with vintage Infinity RSIIIbs and love the results. Buy the Fosi, you can beat the sound stage for the cost of entry.
Ordered my UTurn turntable with the Pluto 2 phono preamp built in. Sounds great and allows me to use it with any receiver or preamp. I can simply turn it off if I want to try a supposedly better built-in phono preamp. Will say a good rule of thumb is to keep these away from other devices and to properly ground them. Good video! Note that if you want to digitize your vinyl albums there are some phono preamps that have a USB out. Are they good? You'll have to decide.
Cheers good sir! Always a good viewing. Im running a modern turntable to a vintage receiver with a decent phono section. The table has an integrated phono preamp, but it sounds better clicked off and run straight to the receiver. Cheers. If i ever want more, i will look back to this vid. Cheers bud!
The fosi x2 definitely boosted my system!!! I have a yamaha integrated 301 and this blows away the internal preamp. I went through your link so I hope you get credit for it
Zoes might have gotten me into audiophilia but I wish you were around when I was getting into the hobby. You make it so easy to know what one should get if they’re just starting out or need affordable gear.
Randy the MANdy, I've been wanting to add phono to my hifi setup and been wondering about pre amping what I already have. This is helpful
I've watched many of your videos, and today decided to subscribe.
There is a tendency to assume that the more you spend, the better sound will be the result…and most of us cannot afford to system/equipment swap to figure all that out for ourselves.
That has been (IMO) the tremendous service your channel has always provided. Thanks again for solid recommendations and doing the heavy (and expensive) work for us. Our ears are the benefactors.
thanks, Don!
@@cheapaudioman What kind of preamp would you recommend to someone with Yamaha R-N602, Ortofon Concorde, Technics SL-1210MK2, ELAC Debut B6.2, ELAC Debut SUB 3010? I do not know how to choose a best piece of kit without listening to it. Each purchase must get through scrutiny of the boss etc. Good staff that she get Tom Waits LP at each birthday ;). I bought Elacs after watching your reviews in Dec 2020. Then Subwoofer controlled from the phone is a masterpiece. My first ever sub did show me very quickly how different records are and ability to adjust bass on the fly is a God. I just went back to listen to good Saturday speaker shootout and I must say that the quality of your videos have improved a lot. The narration is great throughout. I do miss shaky table with blue cloth and a piece of paper with specs. Can you feature the table in one of the next videos?
I love your channel man. Thank you for reviewing attainable audio equipment and providing me with a little humor and entertainment😂😂😂
The pre-amp is one of the most neglected items in the vinyl chain. They aren't fun to buy. They aren't interesting to talk about but they affect the sound probably as much or even more than the cartridge itself. While it hurts to pony up some cash for something so mundane, it's worth it. A real plus is a good one will last a lifetime.
very accurate statement. anything built in is basically sub-par.
Hi Randy, love your videos, this one brings back a topic that i kinda left for a time, my turntable has a built in phono preamp (ATLP60xusb from Audio technica) and bought an external Phono premo NFJ&fxaudiomodel Phono Box02, and I used it with my onkyo 5.1 AVR that I had back then for music (no phono stage on it) and I did feel the soundo improved alot. With time as many of us I jumped into the interest of purchasing better components for music enjoyment, so i called Emotiva Audio I purchased the BASX PT100 pre amp (Phono preamp built in) that runs into a BASXA2 power amp, so I just simply removed the external Phono box out of the equation and pluged in the turn table line mode to the Emotiva phono stage, sound is good but i think it could be better when listing to my records. Do you think I can pass by the turntable and the PT100 phono stage to put back in action that external phono pre amp? been thinking on this for some time now, a bit of a worry because I don´t whant to cause any electrical damage to my PT100 or anything on my system.
Thanks in advance for your help, cant wait to here from you
Ray.
Ray, I tried the Fosi Box X2, Art DJPre-II, my Audio Technica LP3 built in and my Onkyo receivers phono input and non of them sounded great. I finally ended up getting the Schiit Mani 2 and the difference in sound is very noticeable. With all the others, the highs were missing or the base was so muddy and boomy. With the Mani 2, the highs are beautifully defined the voices are clear and base is tight and accurate. The Mani 2 also has customizable switched at the bottom to allow you to shape your sound even more. I figured I will update my turntable or at least the cartridge at some point but I highly doubt I will have a need to go beyond Mani 2 for a preamp. It is a little pricy compared to the others I mentioned but not so much that it could not be justified as a long term investment. Buying new records is the budget drainer in the long run!!!
I have the Fosi X2, actually I have 2 of them, I really like the thing, one thing I gotta warn people about is the RCA connectors on the rear, they break easily, so if you have those old Monster Cable or THX ultra tight heavy duty gold connector cables, they will break the RCA inputs immediately when you try to remove them, only use standard cables with this thing, I ended up buying a new Fosi X2 and I also purchased shielded RCA cable from Amazon with normal (not tight) connectors on it and my turntable sounds perfect with the thing, absolutely no hum even with volume turned up very high. I have it paired with a matching Fosi T20 amplifier. Also the front Aux input on the Fosi X2 is actually useful, I use the X2 and T20 with my Turntable, and Schiit Modi DAC and my PC, the RCA to Aux cable that comes with the X2 is perfect for connecting my Schiit Modi to the X2 when I want to listen to CD or my PC, which sounds ridiculous, but the T20 only has one RCA input so having the front input on the X2 makes it possible to connect more devices to my small amp without removing cables on the back.
As far as repairing the one that broke, it’s not easy to replace the RCA connectors on the PCB, I tried to desolder and re-solder the connections on the board, but it turns out the actual pins on the connectors broke, so the ground has to be desoldered and the entire back plate had to be removed to take the old RCA connectors off the PCB, I’m waiting for the replacement parts to arrive but in short, don’t use tight cables on this thing, it will break it.
Thanks for the review. I have been browsing preamps for my AT LP 60x. I have the Sony STR-DH190 paired with the Sony CSS 5 speakers. Do you know if the "Phono Offset" feature on the Sony amp is a gain control for the internal preamp or simply a volume offset? Thinking it was simply a volume offset I cranked it to the max level 6. Now, wondering if it may function more as a gain control I lowered it back to 2 and the records sound much better to me - less harsh in the treble, less forward in the mids and the bass is tighter. As you said the CSS 5's are lively and setting the offset to max was just way too much, I think. I'm very pleased with the sound. It all seems to jive smoother together, now. Think I will sit tight on what I have and enjoy it. 🙂
Great video. I ended up buying the Ifi Zen and it did a huge improvement over the one built in in my Pioneer SX550, cartridge is an Ortofon 2 Blue on an old SL-D2 and Klipsch RP600M complete my very modest vinyl set up. Those speakers were the biggest surprise, for the longest time I didn't like the sound and then, once the 2 months free return expired I just kept them and the sound improved quite a lot. Break in period? My ears?..Who knows, but now I"m glad I have'em especially considering I bought them heavily discounted a year and half ago and I haven't seen that price ever since.
what cartridge did the blue replace. i have SL-D3 having sold D2 in mid 80s.
Just a thought... It would be VERY helpful to mention potential separate component upgrades/comparisons when reviewing an intagrated amplifier i.e. Emotiva T1. (Many of us own per your recommendation) This would be both helpful and interesting, allowing upgrades from a point of reference. Keep up the great work sir!
I love you too.
Hi Randy. When I 1st watched this review in 2023 I purchased the Fosi Audio Box X4 Phono Preamp. It was a newer version of this one reviewed here. It's connected to my Fluance RT85 and feeding into a set of powered speakers. I've been very happy with the sound, but can't help but wonder if changing the GE vacuum tubes with Voskhod Rocket 6J1P-EV / 6ZH1P-EV tubes is worth trying. Have you any experience testing these tubes?
I’m cheap but happen to have gotten a great deal on a McIntosh MA5200 integrated amp a few years ago when it was retailing for $4500. Do you think there’s any value in getting a separate preamp or do you think the onboard one might be hard to top?
That Fosi looks impressive with those tubes, the possibility to switch tubes to get a better sounding pre-amp is interesting as well but how much will you win with other ones? interesting test! Thanks in advance Cheapaudioman!
Bought the Fluance RT85 and their 6" (6.5"?) speakers. Deal at the time was their PA10 phono amp for free ($100 normally). Have not yet had the opportunity to set it all up! Can't wait!
Hi! I just order a Fosi preamp Box X3 tube type.. Excited already to test it. Would like to test, if the tube would enhance the sound, on my Marantz amplifier. Thanks for your sharing review. Have a great day.
Just bought the Fosi looking to see if I can hear a difference between that and my schiit mani. I been rocking the Sonos AMP to power my Fluance reference tower speakers while using my Fluance RT85 with the ortofon 2m blue cartridge. Don’t know if this a good setup to be honest. Wouldn’t mind any feedback.
How do you go around the internal peramp of the integrated receiver, to use a Fosi Audio Box X2 Phono Preamp? Is it as simple as not connecting to the internal preamp and going direct from the Phono player to the Fosi to the inputs of the receiver? not the input of the Phono jacks in the receiver? Wow now I'm really confused from my own typing.
Hey Bro! So check it out, the 3.5mm input on the front comes in handy actually for streaming off a computer and or just taking the output from the computer right in to integrate sound from you tube and stuff like that. I like it and use it often. Keep up the good work good man!!
Cool as always. Love my rt85 with ifi zen preamp super combo. May try the fosi for some tube fun
I think you'll dig it. sounds great with my orto blue
85 / Zen for the win!! I have them running into Freya +
Does using a tube phono preamp give the same benefit while listening to vinyl of having a hybrid integrated that has tubes in the preamp and solid state for amplification? I'm interested in the tube sound but only with vinyl, not CDs.
How would these compare to the phono section of an Emotiva BasX Ta1? I don't have a dedicated DAC and wonder if I'm better off getting this box which does both, or a dedicated dac+ dedicated phono stage like the Fosi. My NAD 326bee doesn't have a phono stage. Audio Technica AT120EB cartridge, U Turn Orbit (old model, no amp)
I’m brand new to go-fi and am flabbergasted at the casual eloquence with which Randy described the varying sound characteristics.
I think I have a good enough idea of when audio equipment is unimpressive and definitely know when I’m moved by audio equipment but I couldn’t put those opinions into any significant amount of detail, and certainly not to the depth and breadth of what I just experienced.
Listening to this video has made me more excited than ever to learn to enjoy music recordings at a deeper level.
The fosi there is the same one that I got, except I upgraded the tubes to some vintage Siemens tubes. Also got a Fosi amp. It sounded good to me, but I always wondered what an expert would think.
Got to say I am with RP below. I
Am a believer in hifi the cheapaudioman way. I picked up a Fosi pre-amp, but bought a power supply separate from
Amazon. I am getting a little buzz in the background when not playing a record. Do you think it could be that very inexpensive power Amazon power supply? If so, do you have a recommendation?
so with the Nagaoka MP-110 goes quite well with the Pluto 2? the detail doesn't overtake the smoothness of the Nagaoka? it balances well? thank you for all your advice, very insightful!
Hi can you please tell how to connect the fosi to my willstenton F8 tube amp . It has CD AUX1 AUX2 PRE-IN . It doesn’t have phono . I have my Klipsch 600 connected to the amp . My turntable is Technics 1200MK7 . I would appreciate your help. Thanks
I'm trying to decide if I should get a stand alone phono preamp. I currently have a Cambridge Audio AXR100 which does have a phono preamp and I have the Audio Technica AT-LP120XBT-USB turntable which also has a preamp but I keep seeing stuff about a mod that disables it improves the sound. The main reason I am considering a standalone phono preamp is because when playing records I have to turn the volume up significantly more to get the volume where I want it than I do for other sources. Would it be worth trying to mod my turntable and get a phono preamp?
Hi , is it possible to connect a cd player or a pc on the rear rca input phono of an AIYIMA TUBE T3 - Douk Audio T3 PRO - Fosi Audio Box X2 preamp ( and using the db attenuation potentiometer on the front of the unit ) without using the front input jack normally provided for this purpose please ? I don't use a turntable phono . Thank you to inform me before the purchase .
One thing that' was not discussed was that the reason you need a Phono preamp of some sort is to decode the RIAA curve that's a standard on how grooves were cut into records. It was a standard introduced into producing records during the 1950s that attenuated the low frequencies in order to be able to cut shallower grooves in records for lower frequencies increasing play time.
If you don't include a RIAA compensating preamp the records will sound horrible.. Also, you don't want to have two phone preamps in your circuit because you will be applying the RIAA decoding process twice which will boost the bass far too much and attenuate the highs too much. If your turntable has some kind of phono preamp (RIAA decoder) built in, and you want to use another in addition you'll either need to be able to bypass the internal preamp, or apply some kind of equalization to the signal to get the frequency levels back to where they belong.
My advice would be to familiarize yourself with the RIAA curve if you're going to try that.
not shallower grooves... it allowed them to create less WIDE grooves, also allowing more time to be recorded because the side to side movement is more limited. The needle doesn't really track the vertical movement but rather the horizontal side-to-side movement.
Randy, when are you going to review the integrated tube preamp a/b amps that look interesting and affordable on Parts Express? This is right up your alley dude!
My turntables have preamps, but I've been wondering if an external would help with sound. You answered my question.
I have a 40 year old JVC S44 which I use solely for phono, to me it sounds awesome with Acoustic Energy Evo one speakers . The mm on the Audiolab is the only pit fall it's ok but average at best . Good to know some options are available at not crazy price's .
I need your help, I have the RT85 and was gifted a pair of Brand new speakers,
Klipsch
RB-61 II
What else do I need Sir? Thank you and KEEP UP THE GREAT CONTENT!
I'm currently running an AT LP7 turntable / Ortofon Bronze cart with a Schiit Mani and Loki into a Yamaha receiver. The combination is quite good but I have been itching to try a different preamp just to see if there is any difference. Coincidentally, prior to finding this site, I had been considering this Fosi as well as the ifi Zen. Great minds think alike I guess. Lol. Keep up the GREAT work.
I just recently read a review where somebody had the s c h i i t and change to a project tube box s and said the difference was jaw dropping with increase in sound quality. I have a project tube box s and love it but I have nothing to compare it will accept the solid state that was sent along with it for comparison. Solid state got sent back. Can't remember which one it was but it was a great name brand and rather large. Just something about that project tube box s that brought the magic out in vinyl. I am considering upgrading to the next level project 2 box that has all the switches and controls on the front, no dip switches on the bottom. Not fond of small dip switches on the bottom, and I hear reviewers saying you can even get better Sound by changing the wall wart power supply. I don't know, I'm leery of changing power cords for Better Sound.
@@Drivehead103 I'd love to try the Project or Schiit tube preamp but right now, in this economy, it's going to have to take a back seat for a while, but I am not ruling it out. In regard to your comments on wall warts, I totally agree with you. I have the two Schiits plugged into a quality power block with no issues. The turntable, also on a wall wart, is plugged into a seperate line. Again no issues. Edit: I might try that Fosi though...
I have a Fluance rt-85 with a 2m blue cart and a Taya lp-100 with a Shure V15II...I don't use a phono preamp as my phono stages on my Pioneer SX-780 and Sears professional series amp and Kenwood KA-5500 work extremely well...what would be an advantage to use a phono preamp into aux on these amps?
Hey, Love your Videos, finally got myself a Fluance RT-81+ Elite, wondering if I'm better to use the internal pre-amp on it or continue using the Fosi Audio BOX X1 I was using with my vintage turntable?
Is it possible to hook up a subwoofer to these systems without an amplifier? I would like to connect one of these to two powered speakers and a powered sub.
Would the Fluance pa10 pre-amp make sense with their own turntable? I cant find anyone reviewing/talking about the fluance pre-amp.
Great summary Randy
Newbies, don’t forget to plug your external phono preamp into the aux or CD rca input of your integrated if you’re not using its onboard preamp.
ie: don’t use the phono input
Hi a bit confused. I have an avr and wanted to use a tube pre amp for my left and right speakers - I'm very sensitiveto Treble. Prefer warm and rounded off. Cinema processor 》tube preamp》Solid State amp 》 speaker. Ate you saying this isn't possible? (I'm now realising they are technically both pre amps ) is the issue just because the cinema amp will colour the sound then the tube does so again as I can disable this in the cinema processor?
@@dfalekulo9138 Turntable -> tube preamp-> Cinema processor -> power amp -> speakers.
Yea , try it and see if you like the sound.
@@labernese cheers, will have a go tomorrow
Another newbie question. I have an integrated amp and I know to ground my tt to the Fosi. Do I need to run another ground from the Fosi to my integrated? Thanks.
@@brandonwinstead5128 just RCA out of the Fosi to the integrated and you’re good to go 👍
I'm getting back into vinyl and came into a Bang and Olufsen Beogram RX from the mid-eighties, courtesy of a neighbor. Any recommendations for a good preamp for this model?
Hi Randall - I really am enjoying your vids man. Great stuff. I am have settled on getting one of the Fluance turntables. RT85 or RT85N, but have a question. I was thinking for with the RT85 because it has the more expensive Ortofon 2M Blue. Figured I could try the Nagaoka MP110. However, from what I read about the two on Fluance Support is the RT85 ..."with a height of 18mm and a 20° Vertical Tracking Angle" while the RT85N..says "This series of turntables have a tonearm 0.5mm higher to accommodate the larger vertical tracking angle requirement (31°) of the MP110". So how are you switching out these two cartridges? Do I need a different tone arm?
ive had McIntosh turntables, Project turntables and have decided to no longer spend big dollars on audio. B+Now I have great speakers and subs and my amp is an Integrated Cary Audio S100. I went way cheap to replace my turntable and got a fully automation Audotechniqua.has a built in phono amp, hooked it up late so don't know just what it will do yet. I've looked at the folio but I have cats and don't know if they will take out the foes as I had the Project DS2 for $1000,00 and it's dead after a few years. What would you recommend if anything thanks
I have the pro-ject tube box S2 which I’m currently connecting to my old tried and true Pioneer Elite A35R. Do you know of a amplifier that I can replace the A35R with? Don’t need receiver functions and don’t need built-in phone preamp. I doubt any built in could beat the tube box S2. TIA
Not sure if you tested the fosi audio with a Grado Green 3 cartridge but would the combination of both be too punchy on a U turn table in your opinion?
Hey I have a audio technica lp60x going into a Sony strdh190 receiver through Sony SSCS5 speakers. I would like better detail out of my setup. The Pluto would make a good upgrade right?
I have two very basic phono pre-amps, one is a real cheap PYLE I got years ago and lost the DC adapter to but what I did use it, it worked just fine though nothing too crazy good and didn't amply that well compared to most receiver phono inputs. The other is a much better Bozak Madisson CLK-PH8 that I got for about $20 on Ebay back maybe 6 years ago and it's really good, at least as good as any phono pre-amp that was on any receiver or pre-amp I ever used.
My amplifier only has an aux input. Will using an RCA to a 3.5mm aux adapter lessen sound quality or defeat the purpose of using a preamp?
the problem in my case with using a vintage preamp (Onkyo p-304) is the lack of subsonic filter. What's my best option in your opinion?
What if you have a higher priced receiver (I have the denon x4700h) which has a phono preamp.. and my budget turntable audio technica lp120x also has a phono preamp.. do I still need to buy a separate phono preamp, and if I buy one for say less than 500, would it improve on my sound quality
What's best if I just want to add tubes to my entry-level Schitt stack? I want to be able to easily bypass the tubes. Don't need phono, digital only.
If my receiver does have a phono input with pre am inside...is it ok to use a extern pre amp anyway?
So I can use a preamp even if it's plugged into a stereo receiver phono channel with an amp as well?
I purchased the Fosi Audio tube preamp so I could use it instead of the built in preamp on my Teac TN-350. Connected it to the Ayima a07. The built in phono on the Teac sounds flat. The Fosi audio preamp sounded great BUT Teac was a bunch of idiots and did not put a ground screw for when you are bypassing the internal phono preamp. I had a constant hum when plugged into the external phono preamp with the built in phono off. I’m not sure why Teac allows you to bypass the internal phono if you can’t ground it. Maybe I was doing something wrong, idk.
Hey! Big of your channel! Just wondering if you tested the phono input on The Nines. I’ve heard mixed reviews, but wanted to hear it from the man himself. I found a killer open box deal on a pair and they should be here sometime next week. Just wanted to know if I should maybe still invest in a decent preamp or roll with the phono input
If I’m using the tube ones as a pre amp for a 7.1 receiver would the tubs still need to be replaced at some point
Hey Randy, will you be reviewing Fluance’s PA10 Phono Preamp in the near future?
What would you recommend as the ideal setup: A turntable, stereo receiver and speakers or A turntable, pre-amp, amplifier and speakers?
And what about the Fluance preamp? I want to buy a RT85 and i'm guessing that their preamp should be the choice to go with.
Check out the Schiit Mani preamps. Don't get a turn table with a built in preamp. I also use two Adcom preamps. I bought the Adcoms, used on Ebay. They are GTP-500's. I have a lot of equipment because I have different stereo systems in different rooms in the house. It's been a life long hobby. Make it stop! That Nagaoka cartridge is very nice. I love it.
Is the Fosi Audio better than the Ayima T3? I saw a thread on Reddit that mentioned these two being the same product only rebranded. What are your thoughts?
Hay dude good morning coffee in my hand now. I have a great cartridge Grace F-9 new Safire cantilever and new hyper nude Elliptical stylus. I have a York Phono stage. The Fosi looks like fun . What are your thoughts ?
hi there on the Fosi Audio Box X2 Phono Preamp where is the volume control ? i have full range and i do like a warm sound but the the Hf on he full range is no very high will the Fosi Audio Box X2 Phono Preamp help in which way?
I’m running a digital Dj mixer as I’m doing live streaming from home - do i want two preamps one on each technics 1210?
Excellent reviews like always, thanks for that! I was seriously considering that Fosi Audio Box X2, just curious is that a true "tube phono preamp" or is it what they call a buffer?? I trust your judgment as far as sound quality & at that price, you can't go wrong! Thank you in advance!
Just looked for inside pics of the fosi... Definitely tube buffer with opamp driver, phono section all opamp. Switching power supply.
Hello all! Ive got a music hall us1, and im wanting to begin upgrading it. And im wondering where i should go first?
Did you review Fosi Audio P2 Amp? I would like to know if it works for turntables and headphones
Quick question, Art DJ preII or this fosi audio box? I’ll save like 20 bucks with the Art is it worth it?
I have the Fluance RT81, although it has a built-in preamp, i wonder if an external preamp will make it better
It looks like that 3.5mm is an input so you could go from a phone or a DAC potentially and use this as a sort of pre-amp. However it doesn't quite make sense as you wouldn't have any volume control if you just went from the Fosi into a power amp. Maybe just to warm up a digital signal?
Hi there. I have Yamaha A-S2100 integrated amplifier it cost me more than 3 grand when I bought it new. It have phono input. Do you think That phono state that good enough for me NOT to buy external phono preamp. Thank you very much and have a good one
I'm running a Art DJ II right now which is a great unit for what it is but I'm really wanting to try the Fosi for the tubes
I just spent a few hundred on my Favorite albums from my childhood. I started with a Original 1985 1st pressing of the Scorpions Worldwide Live and Savage amusement and the 50th anniversary reissues and pre-orderd Rock believer Deluxe album. 50 years since their 1st album released. 💯🔥 so now I have to buy a Turntable!! Lol
🔥 I also bought vinyl first
Is that Fosi those chineses having leds to light up the tubes as that silly 12 volts hardly does that. But in lucky case the tubes do not worsen the sound much, as working only as bufferr.
Good info if I ever go back to vinyl. Just curious, have you ever used Grado cartridge's? They have a whole line up from affordable to wholly hell.
I haven’t but they are definitely on the list of things I want to check out
Comprehensive, informative, & easy to listen to.
So for $70 I could improve the sound quality of my U Turn and Technics Sa400 receiver?
Hi man, this is great stuff. What's your view on the Fosi vs. The Schiit Mani 1 in your view?
Really been enjoying your reviews! I am super green to all this audio equipment but I’ve been saving my money and I’m building a system. So far, I’m looking at a Pro-Ject Debut Carbon Evo, ifi Zen phono preamp, and Q Acoustics 3050i…. So I’m looking at amps now too… There are so many selections and I only have maybe 500 left in my budget before pulling the trigger on all this gear. Wondering, what would you recommend for an amp that would be killer for me as a beginner running this set up? I have heard good things about the Cambridge AXA35…. as well as IotaVX SA3…. Wondering if you have any other recommendations or thoughts about either of the 2 mentioned? Seems like the Iota is a couple hundred more. Penny for your thoughts?
I have a debut carbon and after by art 2 (?) stopped working i ordered the pluto 2 and the fosi x2. I am returning the pluto 2 cause the fosi sounded so much richer to my ear
@@flaviantropy my Pro-Ject is shipshape. I went w/ the IotaVX SA3. Sounds great and my ifi Zen preamp is doing its job and clears up just enough noise to make it shine. Next upgrade…. Maybe a platter, a stylus, or just more vinyl. Good times.
I am just learning about the input capacitance because my cartridge the AT VM530 is very picky with the input capacitance and the Pluto is at 100pF and so many say the AT is best with 100pF and under but it made me thing maybe Ortofon's sound high because they start at 150pF to 300?
* I have to make an update. I just got the Pluto 2 and there is nothing bright about it because I made sure the cables IC that connect from the turn table to the the Pluto's 2 would not go over the required 100-200pF(not much room) by AT and it is smooth and almost warm. If there was not such an uproar with the AT sounding so bright I would have not looked into it. So I think with these fixed phono amps IC getting the right IC makes a world of difference.
oh...the Fosi. I use that in my setup to get a signal from a ifi Hip Dac 2 that is streaming via a Android Lenovo tablet with USB Player Pro for Tidal Playing and Spotify. the ifi HipDac II is now a full MQA decoder and beefy innards compared to original hipdac. Anywho...the Fose aux in defeats the Phono Pre-Amp circuit and sends the AUX through the tubes and op amps. I sounds like it avoids RIAA circuit. So it works well for me because I have just the one input to my tube amp. So the FOSI works like a mixer of sort. To use the Phono...I just unplug the AUX and its all connected still. I put GE tubes in and it really sings.
Thank you for this. I just bought a 1210gr and have a high end receiver with a phono stage, but I read that I may still need a preamp. Been doing my research all day and decided to go with your recommendation of the Fosi. I will also be adding a 2m red so this all worked out for me.
I'd ditch the 2M Red if I were you.
@@svenschwingel8632 I’m going too. Once it wears a out.
@@vagrantsneaker6514 that GR deserves something that adds to its qualities. The 2M Red isn't bad (I have one myself) but it's totally overpriced for what it delivers in comparison to other bonded elliptical stylii. I'd look for a cartridge in the 300 range like the 2M Bronze (I got that one and it's absolutely stunning on my PLX-1000) or a Nagaoka MP-150. Hell, that deck is good enough even for a Shibata like the 2M Black.
@@svenschwingel8632 Nice. Thanks for the advice. I’ll look into those. 🙏🏻
I am thinking of the Emotiva BasX T2. It has a switchable phono preamp. I cannot find a single review of the phono preamp. Given the money that the T2 costs, I am not sure whether the phono preamp included is better in quality than the Technics SL1500-C built in preamp . . . or whether an external phono preamp would give me the best audio quality. That's my quest. When items are integrated, they often are not evaluated in reviews well.
between the fosi audio x2 and the douk audio t4+ which one do you recommend?
Will these hook to aux...I got a d202 with the three rca,so kinda confused.