Santana album opening track "Singing winds, crying beasts" begins with the Piano player standing up, reaching into the open top of a Grand Piano to strum the exposed strings with a guitar pick or thumbnail, then sitting down to play those big opening chords, When he sits down, you can hear the stool squeak. We used to consider this a benchmark for a good audio system, but nowadays, I hear it everywhere, even on youtube on my laptop with these crappy speakers! Try it!
You are very kind to send folks to Randy’s channel. Thanks for the reviews. I tuned into your Focal review because I run Focal towers (714s) and surrounds with 706. I’ve had this set up for 10 years.
I owned the Fosi Audio Box X2, but I've upgraded mine to the Box X3. It's also tube-based, I can swap tubes for the best results. I like the X3 because it has treble & bass controls that I can dial-in. I recommend it.
Nice video. I love that little phono pre-amp. I have a set-up that is heavily influenced by the Cheapaudioman as well. 1. Fluance RT85 (figured I was going to upgrade eventually, so figured I'd save the money) 2. Fosi Phono Box (same as this video) 3. Rockville Bluetube tube amp (not cheapaudioman recommended, but cheap and great quality) It has three inputs, one RCA (turntable through preamp), bluetooth, digital which I run my Onkyo CD player through bypassing the internal DAC. 4. Sony SS CS5 speakers I know I'm going to upgrade parts of that system as I move on, but that will likely be speakers. Considering one of the midlevel Emotiva towers, but still figuring out which one I want to get...leaning toward the T2+.
I have the FOSI X2 n I replaced the 3 op amps with Muses8920 n OracleII that boost the output signal a bit with better performance, at least to my ears. Also replaced the tubes w GE tubes. Make a significant difference from that out of the box.Very happy with the results. The sound quality can match or beat those many times more expensive. Earlier I had the FOSI X4 w tone control but the op amps were SMD, meaning these are soldered on the board n in trying to replace them, I burnt n spoilt the board, my bad. The X2, to me, is better for 2 main reasons, the gain works better n you can easily replace the op amps of yr choice without any soldering bcos it uses DIP8 sockets instead of the SMD that is soldered on the board as in the X4. Hope this helps.
@@barrywilliams606 Hi Barry, the op amps are easy to change for those that are not SMD, meaning the tiny surface mount type that are soldered to the board, like those on Fosi X4. For Fosi X2, the op amps are mounted on the socket, so it is easy to remove/change the op amps from the mount. Hope this helps. Cheers.
I have a very similar one, the Douk Audio T3+. Absolutely love it, havent swapped tubes in 2 years of listening. I was using the phono stage of a 90's H/K AVR, this is far better in sound, but lower noise and higher gain. Top end is very slightly rolled off, but so are my ears. Mine has socketed op-amps, might swap them out if I get bored. Have you used the headphone out? My Douk just freaking rocks my cheap Sennheisers!
These little pre-amps are not too bad. I find the Fosi loses a little top end, but my cartridge is quite bright so it balances out. Be aware these Fosi amps are similar to the Little Bear T7 design. The Tubes are running in a depleted plate setup and only running as buffers. All the amplification is running through op-amps inside. The op-amps suppleid are not bad, but you can really improve the sound by changing out the op-amps. Some say that changing the Tubes will make it sound better, but I haven't found Tubes make much difference on this device..
@@abxaudiophiles Sorry for the delay My one had socketed op-amps in it, though I have heard some do not have sockets. The cover comes off pretty easy just removing the screws. I got rid of mine about a month ago as I upgrade to a full tube pre-amp. Can't remember what op-amps I ended up in it.
@@EsotericArctos Thanks and no worries. I’ve recently upgrade to a Project phono box S3B pre amp and a Rega P3 with the Denon 301 cart… I’m in vinyl heaven now. Lol.
@@abxaudiophiles There are operational amplifiers NJM2068, they are not bad enough. Exactly the same operatives are in the phono corrector of the Yamaha A-S 700 amplifier. Enthusiasts put opa2107, opa2132, Muses 01/02/03. But it is the original ones that are needed, not a fake with Ali for $ 3. Soviet lamps of 70-80 years 6J38P-EV are much better than complete ones.
I got my Koss electrostats back from Koss, the volume knob is horrible so I have been using a little FX AUDIO preamp as a volume control similar to yours. Thing is the volume knob still isn't perfect so thinking of getting the Ampapa A1 as a preamp volume control
I have the X2, was curious if changing tubes will make a difference in the listening experience, currently i use riverstone 5654w. Thinking about mullard tubes but not sure if they will make a difference seeing how the tubes are just a buffer.
I pulled the trigger on a matching set of Voskhod Rocket 6J1P -EV I'll let you know how they sound. I appreciate your videos, I've just started getting back into vinyl, so your channel has helped a lot @@abxaudiophiles
It's been 7 months since you did the review, are you still using the Fosi X2 and what's your thoughts now on it? I'm picky but have been considering giving it a try!
I am not.... It is great for the money and if you order on Amazon, you can return for instant refund. I have no complaints what so ever about it tho. It was great. I have moved to a ProJect SB-3 as I went to the Denon 301 MkII and needed the moving Coil capability.
Very interesting, I have a modified/ upgraded one that looks very similar. I put up a tube rolling, ect playlist of it on my wee channel, titled "modified Seca Audio tube phono stage". Please feel free to have a look, if you have the time and inclination . Jim 🏴🙂
I use nothing but Fosi Audio products and let me tell you from one person to the next the consensus is that when swapping Op Amps they only sound better because you are trying to justify the expense!1 true...
"My camera sucks, I haven't any money to do anything !"
That's the best hook for gaining my attention .
I sub directly !
Logitech BRIO - game changer. 😏😏
PS- thanks for being here. Much appreciated.
Santana album opening track "Singing winds, crying beasts" begins with the Piano player standing up, reaching into the open top of a Grand Piano to strum the exposed strings with a guitar pick or thumbnail, then sitting down to play those big opening chords, When he sits down, you can hear the stool squeak. We used to consider this a benchmark for a good audio system, but nowadays, I hear it everywhere, even on youtube on my laptop with these crappy speakers! Try it!
Good advice!! That is one of my many test tracks! I have three versions on vinyl as well, including a mint Original Master Half Speed... :)
You are very kind to send folks to Randy’s channel. Thanks for the reviews. I tuned into your Focal review because I run Focal towers (714s) and surrounds with 706. I’ve had this set up for 10 years.
Randy rocks !
I owned the Fosi Audio Box X2, but I've upgraded mine to the Box X3. It's also tube-based, I can swap tubes for the best results. I like the X3 because it has treble & bass controls that I can dial-in.
I recommend it.
Awesome upgrade. Well done
Nice video. I love that little phono pre-amp. I have a set-up that is heavily influenced by the Cheapaudioman as well.
1. Fluance RT85 (figured I was going to upgrade eventually, so figured I'd save the money)
2. Fosi Phono Box (same as this video)
3. Rockville Bluetube tube amp (not cheapaudioman recommended, but cheap and great quality) It has three inputs, one RCA (turntable through preamp), bluetooth, digital which I run my Onkyo CD player through bypassing the internal DAC.
4. Sony SS CS5 speakers
I know I'm going to upgrade parts of that system as I move on, but that will likely be speakers. Considering one of the midlevel Emotiva towers, but still figuring out which one I want to get...leaning toward the T2+.
@allebike527 I'm not sure I understand your question.
I have the FOSI X2 n I replaced the 3 op amps with Muses8920 n OracleII that boost the output signal a bit with better performance, at least to my ears. Also replaced the tubes w GE tubes. Make a significant difference from that out of the box.Very happy with the results. The sound quality can match or beat those many times more expensive. Earlier I had the FOSI X4 w tone control but the op amps were SMD, meaning these are soldered on the board n in trying to replace them, I burnt n spoilt the board, my bad. The X2, to me, is better for 2 main reasons, the gain works better n you can easily replace the op amps of yr choice without any soldering bcos it uses DIP8 sockets instead of the SMD that is soldered on the board as in the X4. Hope this helps.
Hi, so Muses8920 works fine on X2. Do you know other suitable op amp models? Thank you
Let’s go
@@simoogle17I did try with Opa1612. For me, it’s better than stock op amp.
Are the op amps easy to change
@@barrywilliams606 Hi Barry, the op amps are easy to change for those that are not SMD, meaning the tiny surface mount type that are soldered to the board, like those on Fosi X4. For Fosi X2, the op amps are mounted on the socket, so it is easy to remove/change the op amps from the mount. Hope this helps. Cheers.
I have a very similar one, the Douk Audio T3+. Absolutely love it, havent swapped tubes in 2 years of listening. I was using the phono stage of a 90's H/K AVR, this is far better in sound, but lower noise and higher gain. Top end is very slightly rolled off, but so are my ears. Mine has socketed op-amps, might swap them out if I get bored. Have you used the headphone out? My Douk just freaking rocks my cheap Sennheisers!
These little pre-amps are not too bad. I find the Fosi loses a little top end, but my cartridge is quite bright so it balances out.
Be aware these Fosi amps are similar to the Little Bear T7 design. The Tubes are running in a depleted plate setup and only running as buffers. All the amplification is running through op-amps inside. The op-amps suppleid are not bad, but you can really improve the sound by changing out the op-amps. Some say that changing the Tubes will make it sound better, but I haven't found Tubes make much difference on this device..
Agreed. For my self and viewers, what op-amps did you swap to, and how is it best accomplished? Thanks. 👍👍
@@abxaudiophiles Sorry for the delay My one had socketed op-amps in it, though I have heard some do not have sockets. The cover comes off pretty easy just removing the screws. I got rid of mine about a month ago as I upgrade to a full tube pre-amp. Can't remember what op-amps I ended up in it.
@@EsotericArctos Thanks and no worries. I’ve recently upgrade to a Project phono box S3B pre amp and a Rega P3 with the Denon 301 cart… I’m in vinyl heaven now. Lol.
@@abxaudiophiles There are operational amplifiers NJM2068, they are not bad enough. Exactly the same operatives are in the phono corrector of the Yamaha A-S 700 amplifier. Enthusiasts put opa2107, opa2132, Muses 01/02/03. But it is the original ones that are needed, not a fake with Ali for $ 3. Soviet lamps of 70-80 years 6J38P-EV are much better than complete ones.
I love the budget stuff
Always fun :)
I got my Koss electrostats back from Koss, the volume knob is horrible so I have been using a little FX AUDIO preamp as a volume control similar to yours. Thing is the volume knob still isn't perfect so thinking of getting the Ampapa A1 as a preamp volume control
I have the X2, was curious if changing tubes will make a difference in the listening experience, currently i use riverstone 5654w. Thinking about mullard tubes but not sure if they will make a difference seeing how the tubes are just a buffer.
If your system is resolving enough they will make a difference. Worth a shot. 😊😊
thanks for the reply@@abxaudiophiles
@@bearded_wolverine3503 anytime buddy.
I pulled the trigger on a matching set of Voskhod Rocket 6J1P -EV I'll let you know how they sound. I appreciate your videos, I've just started getting back into vinyl, so your channel has helped a lot @@abxaudiophiles
@@bearded_wolverine3503 Very nice!!! Keep us posted.
It's been 7 months since you did the review, are you still using the Fosi X2 and what's your thoughts now on it? I'm picky but have been considering giving it a try!
I am not.... It is great for the money and if you order on Amazon, you can return for instant refund. I have no complaints what so ever about it tho. It was great. I have moved to a ProJect SB-3 as I went to the Denon 301 MkII and needed the moving Coil capability.
PLUG IT UP LETS HEAR IT
Sold it long ago... Good unit tho for starters. :)
I use dilythium crystals in place of tubes!!
Interesting.
What power amp do you have hooked up to the Fosi Tube Preamp?
I think at the time we were using the Emotiva XPA-2
Is it a Schecter guitar on the background ?
It’s a PRS SE. 😍😍
@@abxaudiophiles nice !
Колко волта е анодното напрежение?
I feel ya
Try to upgrade the tubes to 5664
Always fun to tube roll... :)
Very interesting, I have a modified/ upgraded one that looks very similar. I put up a tube rolling, ect playlist of it on my wee channel, titled "modified Seca Audio tube phono stage". Please feel free to have a look, if you have the time and inclination .
Jim 🏴🙂
I use nothing but Fosi Audio products and let me tell you from one person to the next the consensus is that when swapping Op Amps they only sound better because you are trying to justify the expense!1 true...
They have a big bang for buck for sure. We reviewed the V3 and the new MC101. Decent stuff.