Fosi Audio Box X5 Phono Preamp Review

[morillon]

It's a little high but I think with some decent (not necessarily expensive) low pF cables (BJC LC-2 are ~11pF/ft, FosPower 2 (really cheap, dual shielding) are ~15pF/ft per another forum) + tonearm wiring, you could still be in spec for AT-VM95X carts: 100 - 200 pf, if that were someones goal. I understand cart specs vary; used the AT-VM95X because they're so common.

considering the whole wiring...will be difficult.... hence the idea of not exceeding a classic 100pf max for a mass market product...
;-)

 

[JP]

it's not a common value...what cartdrige?
very low capacitance cable very short?...

certainly the lower the better, if offered on this basis of the adjustments...
but a 50, (at a pinch 100 if low capacitance cables) would already be not bad...

Lowest I can go is 55pF all-in. That cart is AT-150MLX.

 

[morillon]

Lowest I can go is 55pF all-in. That cart is AT-150MLX.

It must be recognized that the 150mlx "stings" particularly without precaution... ;-)

 

[phoenixsong]

I bought and received this just the other day. Had not listened to my turntable and vinyls in years, was stunned by how bad they sounded now

 

[Mudflapper]

Neither rate near as well, especially the tube boxs if I remember right

The X4 sounds surprisingly great, especially for the price. I bought one of them a few years ago when it was first released. I still wish it could be reviewed and measured here, especially now since we have the X5. I'd love to compare.

 

[guy48065]

I finally received mine in the mail yesterday. It's revealed hum in my source--left channel only. Silent when shorting plugs are inserted until switched to the highest gain, preamp turned up to 11. Even then it's just a very soft hiss that I can't hear at my chair.

I don't have a detachable headshell so this is going to take a little effort to narrow down to ctg, tonearm wires, or interconnect cables.

 

[JSG1469]

I ordered my FB5 while my Schitt Skoll was sent off for left channel repairs and I love it. It's the quietest preamp I've owned. I noticed a small amount at 66 db but I use my old trusty SUT for MC which is dead silent. For a quarter of the Skoll price and better performance, it's a no brainer. No balanced, in/outs but no problem. Schitt didn't do anything but test the Skoll and emailed saying it tests within their spec tolerance. No test measurements in the email or included with the return. Upon receiving the return, I a/b the two preamps and the FB5 won hands down. Kind of an embarrassment that the cheaper Chifi gear is better made than overpriced good ol' "Made in the USA" Schitt is Sh**

 

[Laika2]

The X4 sounds surprisingly great, especially for the price. I bought one of them a few years ago when it was first released. I still wish it could be reviewed and measured here, especially now since we have the X5. I'd love to compare.

I review I would love to see that tested. Ultimately, your ears are the final judge. I do subscribe to the science of all this is the ultimate starting point but not the end. I normally blow flat with a 6db house curve and a slight midrange hump for vocals in home theater. Science may tell us issues but it doesn't tell us what we like. Our ears do that. I love this forum and the scientific approach but if I don't like what I am hearing hearing wins, that's the end game, do we like what we hear. If not tweek or perhaps it's not flat but the humps fall into the right places for the sound you like. Who am I to tell you you don't like what your ears hear. Science is great but my ears are the final judge. PS Not saying that the X4 is not a highly rated accurate phono stage, seem like few reviews mostly subjective but who cares, your ears like it and your ears are the most important factor in what sounds good to you.

 

[Mudflapper]

Kind of an embarrassment that the cheaper Chifi gear is better made than overpriced good ol' "Made in the USA" Schitt is Sh**

“Sh** is a bit harsh don’t you think? Schitt builds great stuff, made in the USA and supported in the USA. Where is Fosi’s support based? If the X5 was made here with workers making a living American wage do you think they’d be able to sell it for $109?

 

[Laika2]

“Sh** is a bit harsh don’t you think? Schitt builds great stuff, made in the USA and supported in the USA. Where is Fosi’s support based? If the X5 was made here with workers making a living American wage do you think they’d be able to sell it for $109?

I would expect $500 US made.

 

[JSG1469]

“Sh** is a bit harsh don’t you think? Schitt builds great stuff, made in the USA and supported in the USA. Where is Fosi’s support based? If the X5 was made here with workers making a living American wage do you think they’d be able to sell it for $109?

Yes maybe a little harsh and I will apologize for that. I own three Schitt components. I've been happy with two. Im 100% behind "Made in the US" and have always been willing to pay extra for good American made products. That's one reason I purchased the Skoll and before that the Puffin DSP, which was great, but unfortunately lightening got it. The left channel buzz is a widespread problem that many members in this group and many other forums are well aware of. Saying you tested something and not providing the consumer with any testing documentation, then saying oh well, "it falls within our specs" sorry you blew $400 with us. Have a nice day. That's wrong.

 

[renaudrenaud]

Question for owners... I've just measured the wall transformer output and instead of 16V I got 19.6V. Do you have the same value in our side?

 

[pma]

Loaded or open circuit (with no load)?

 

[lini]

I've just measured the wall transformer output and instead of 16V I got 19.6V.

It's perfectly normal for conventional, transformer-based power supplies (both AC/AC and unregulated AC/DC) to have higher idle and low-load output voltages than the nominal output voltage. Or in other words, in case of such power supplies the nominal output voltage refers to the nominal current capability - so if the load draws less current, the actual output voltage will be higher.

Greetings from Munich!

Manfred / lini

 

[Balle Clorin]

Why is this thread so long ?

 

[StevenSGT98]

Why is this thread so long ?

What’s wrong with that?

 

[EJ3]

Why is this thread so long ?

To give you something to read, apparently.
When I'm no longer interested (or know enough about something), I abandon it for something else when I get board with it.
Perhaps that is worth a try for you.

 

[renaudrenaud]

Why is this thread so long ?

Because it was written in the stars, you and me, discussing about the X5.

 

[Laika2]

It's a puzzler, everytime someone asks the thread count goes up, it's like the thread is one step ahead of us. DAMN YOU AI.

 

[renaudrenaud]

Ask Deepseek:

The length of a thread can be influenced by several factors, depending on the context in which you're referring to it. Here are some common reasons why a thread might be long:

1. **Complex Topic**: If the topic being discussed is complex or multifaceted, it can lead to a lengthy thread as participants delve into various aspects, ask clarifying questions, and provide detailed responses.

2. **High Engagement**: A thread can become long if many people are actively participating in the discussion. High engagement often leads to more posts, as people respond to each other and contribute their own thoughts.

3. **Debate or Argument**: If there is a disagreement or debate within the thread, it can lead to a back-and-forth exchange that extends the length of the thread as participants argue their points and counterpoints.

4. **Popularity**: A thread on a popular or trending topic can attract a lot of attention, leading to a high number of posts as many users want to share their opinions or experiences.

5. **Off-Topic Discussions**: Sometimes, threads can veer off-topic, leading to discussions that are not directly related to the original post. This can add to the length of the thread.

6. **Detailed Explanations**: If the topic requires detailed explanations or step-by-step instructions, the thread can become long as participants provide comprehensive answers.

7. **Repetition**: If users are repeating points that have already been made, or if the same questions are being asked multiple times, this can also contribute to the length of the thread.

8. **Moderation**: In some forums or platforms, moderation can affect thread length. If moderators are not actively pruning off-topic or redundant posts, the thread can grow longer than necessary.

9. **Technical Issues**: Sometimes, technical issues such as double-posting or errors in the platform can cause a thread to appear longer than it actually is.

10. **Cultural Norms**: In some online communities, it's customary to quote previous messages in full before responding, which can significantly increase the length of a thread.

If you're referring to a specific thread and wondering why it's so long, it would be helpful to look at the content of the thread itself to determine which of these factors (or others) might be contributing to its length.