Fosi Audio V3 Amplifier Review

[OldTimer]

So, people want to put some intelligence to the V3?
Let me be my self as the intelligent user.

 

[Brian Hall]

I just rearranged my office / recording studio setup and I'm very impressed with the Fosi V3 with the 48 volt power supply.

I'm using it to drive two Klipsch passive speakers (8 ohm). Have a Schiit Saga preamp sending the signal to the V3. The remote control for the Saga controls the volume (the V3 is set at about 60% power) and selects inputs. The Saga has 5 rca inputs. The inputs are Schiit Modi+ dac, Wiim Pro Plus, Xbox Series S, a Sony Blu-Ray player and the 24 track recorder monitor output. The Modi+ dac is only used for my Chromebox now.

I saw earlier that someone said the V3 sounded "flat". I call BS on that unless they have some "awesome" speakers that are too good for the output from a "lowly" class D amp. I think the sound is fantastic from this setup. Currently listening to "The Best of Eva Cassidy" on the CD player.

I don't know all the flowery subjective language to describe the sound I'm hearing. I'll just stick with it sounds fantastic.

I feel sorry for people that think they need high dollar class A amps to get great sound. Those days are gone.

 

[grogi.giant]

What do you get when you combine Aliexpress winter sales and too much free time?! Well, I got the v3 with 48V power supply I really don't need another amp... Don't tell the Mrs...

Although I did know what to expect from the online reviews here and all over the Internet, the build quality is still impressive in person. I really dig minimalist design, solid metal casing with nice cooling vents, and only one large volume knob with a bright LED indicator in the front. Too bad the LED is blue, and not amber, gold or ruby. Blue light suits more a hospital, not a hi-fi corner... But that would be my biggest complain.

True - the back panel is a bit spartan and speaker terminals are rather small and tightly placed. TRS 3.5mm is bridged with RCA, so it is not volume controlled, although Fosi Audio website mentions that a new version of the v3 amplifier will have one that is volume controlled. I wish I got the newer one, which would make some setups easier.

I connected my Canton Ergo floor-standers and I was shocked by what came out of this box. The sound quality is phenomenal. There really is abundance of power, sound is dynamic with a wide soundstage and good separation. I might not need my subs anymore - the bass is deep and punchy, without being muddy or boomy. The treble is crisp and smooth. I did not hear any issues with elevated of treble because of the load dependency.

Volume pot allows to precisely control volume on lower level and I did not notice any imbalance. The logarithmic characteristics of the pot might give the feeling that the amp lacks power, but that is just an illusion. And it barely gets warm... Love it.

 

[OldTimer]

What do you get when you combine Aliexpress winter sales and too much free time?! Well, I got the v3 with 48V power supply I really don't need another amp... Don't tell the Mrs...

Although I did know what to expect from the online reviews here and all over the Internet, the build quality is still impressive in person. I really dig minimalist design, solid metal casing with nice cooling vents, and only one large volume knob with a bright LED indicator in the front. Too bad the LED is blue, and not amber, gold or ruby. Blue light suits more a hospital, not a hi-fi corner... But that would be my biggest complain.

True - the back panel is a bit spartan and speaker terminals are rather small and tightly placed. TRS 3.5mm is bridged with RCA, so it is not volume controlled, although Fosi Audio website mentions that a new version of the v3 amplifier will have one that is volume controlled. I wish I got the newer one, which would make some setups easier.

I connected my Canton Ergo floor-standers and I was shocked by what came out of this box. The sound quality is phenomenal. There really is abundance of power, sound is dynamic with a wide soundstage and good separation. I might not need my subs anymore - the bass is deep and punchy, without being muddy or boomy. The treble is crisp and smooth. I did not hear any issues with elevated of treble because of the load dependency.

Volume pot allows to precisely control volume on lower level and I did not notice any imbalance. The logarithmic characteristics of the pot might give the feeling that the amp lacks power, but that is just an illusion. And it barely gets warm... Love it.

That’s why I give the rate of 4 for this amp.

 

[Ungeduld]

Its true I found some speakers with low ohms prefered the A07, mids and highs had more clarity! All tests were blind. On some speakers the V3 created a veiled wall or flatness untill you cranked the volume very high. But some 8ohm speakers love the the power and sounded better on the V3. Synergies is very dependent upon speakers imo.
Also depending on genre of music makes recordings sound different on each Amp.
You should try A07 with active sub it's the best of both worlds clarity with meaty bass to balance overtly bright highs.
Still my V3 (48v)sounds sweet on my 3 way Infinity's which falls flat on the A07.
vice versa on my 2 way B&Ws.(32v)

I have a sub, and speakers that are sensitives.

 

[mike70]

You need to be that ... rude?

 

[Svend P]

You need to be that ... rude?

It's a funny meme if you have seen Pulp Fiction and Arrival. Lighten up.

 

[Kunti]

what do you think about fosi za3,? za3 or v3,? none of the reviews show za3 measurements.
I need a stereo amp, and I'm interested in the Za3 because it has a subwoofer, I have a Yamaha Yst SW015 unused.

 

[antcollinet]

It's a funny meme if you have seen Pulp Fiction and Arrival. Lighten up.

Do you think it comes across as funny to a non English speaker who might be unaware of the cultural reference.? I mean - I've seen Pulp Fiction, and I didn't spot it - just thought "WTF"

 

[grogi.giant]

what do you think about fosi za3,? za3 or v3,? none of the reviews show za3 measurements.
I need a stereo amp, and I'm interested in the Za3 because it has a subwoofer, I have a Yamaha Yst SW015 unused.

Practically, they are the same when it comes to sound quality. If Za3 has features you desire, be it subwoofer, balanced inputs or 12V trigger, go for it.

 

[-Jim-]

Do you think it comes across as funny to a non English speaker who might be unaware of the cultural reference.? I mean - I've seen Pulp Fiction, and I didn't spot it - just thought "WTF"

I think it was ignorant, rude, and in very poor taste. Somebody needs to get "retrained" as to what's acceptable conduct in public. This is a Technical Forum to discuss Audio, not put people down.

 

[OldTimer]

what do you think about fosi za3,? za3 or v3,? none of the reviews show za3 measurements.
I need a stereo amp, and I'm interested in the Za3 because it has a subwoofer, I have a Yamaha Yst SW015 unused.

View attachment 346009

Buy V3 and sell the sub. Or, sell the sub first then you can buy V3 with $70 something.

Then with your initial budget, you can buy DAC/pre-amp.

 

[Kunti]

which uses a 48v power supply, is there a difference in sound?, compared to 32v, for example a 60/150 watt 6ohm speaker,

 

[grogi.giant]

which uses a 48v power supply, is there a difference in sound?, compared to 32v, for example a 60/150 watt 6ohm speaker,

It depends how loud you are listening and how dynamic your music is. Most of the time there is no difference.

 

[TurtlePaul]

I suspect @Dreyfus is interested in clipping at the input stage (normally related to the power rail voltage of the input stage). So if the volume is turned down such that the amp doesn't clip. How much input voltage can be applied to the amp without the input stage being driven to rails.

Everything is behind the volume pot. There are no buffers on the inputs. It is impossible to overdrive the input.

 

[Jeromeof]

Looks like there is a new V3 (Mono) coming soon with PFFB support !!

Amplifier - V3 Monoblock with PFFB Implementation is Coming!

We know many of our fans are waiting for this monoblock! We'll post updates about this amazing amp in this thread. Jan 25 Update: Let's take a glance at some measurements first PFFB technology was implemented and load Independence was achieved! SINAD March 21 Update: April 1 Update...

community.fosiaudio.com

And a SINAD score > 100

Mono block support first - then a new V3 stereo model

 

[nathan]

That looks interesting. I JUST placed my order for the current model....hmmm.... The thread contains a user asking about an upgrade path. I cannot imagine that would be plausible for a reasonable price and process, but if it is, then "sign me up."

 

[Bobemeg]

Looks like there is a new V3 (Mono) coming soon with PFFB support !!

Amplifier - V3 Monoblock with PFFB Implementation is Coming!

We know many of our fans are waiting for this monoblock! We'll post updates about this amazing amp in this thread. Jan 25 Update: Let's take a glance at some measurements first PFFB technology was implemented and load Independence was achieved! SINAD March 21 Update: April 1 Update...

community.fosiaudio.com

And a SINAD score > 100

Mono block support first - then a new V3 stereo model

Too many releases I just sold two v3s I'm waiting for my 2 za3s to come and now they're working on another model

 

[nathan]

I welcome the innovation. These folks are really pushing the whole marketplace to better performance at better prices.

And I say this as someone whose V3 literally shipped in the past week from overseas and hasn't even received it yet (and would have ordered this upgraded version had it been available).

 

[grogi.giant]

Yes yes YES!

With cooling of original V3, upgraded subwoofer output of the v3 2024 and PFFB, this might be the I really don't want more solution.

Yeah, right... How many time did I said it? This week?