Fosi Audio V3 Amplifier Review

[Lux_ury]

I've dug out this old beast of a active sub.
I don't use subs, but own a couple of logitech z906. So this sub has added the extra lower frequency to the B&Ws and sounds good. Looks like it's got a Active D amp already? SA-W2500 Sony.
Questions:
I've set it up via two pole 3.5mm to two rca then female rca to coaxial to sub.
It's the only cables I own to do this.
This sub is not mine it's my fathers.
is this the cable mgm OK or is there something like coaxial to stereo 3.5mm?
Would there be an audio difference? How would you set up the sub as there are volume and frequency dials which I've had to set low cut off where my ears say ok. But I can hear other Frequencies without any amp volume on?

 

[Doodski]

I've set it up via two pole 3.5mm

What are you using that has two pole RCA?

is there something like coaxial to stereo 3.5mm?

That requires mixing/summing the left and right channels into a mono form for the sub. Hence I asked the previous question.

How would you set up the sub as there are volume and frequency dials which I've had to set low cut off where my ears say ok.

Usually around 85 Hz to 120 Hz for a cutoff is a nice lean bass that is not bloated or too fat and boomy. I tend to lean towards that 85 Hz but it is room and sub dependent.

 

[vbutani]

One power supply seemingly cleaner than another seems very subjective

Right, I forgot to mention it was my subjective experience. There is no day and night difference, but slight improvement observed in vocals. Btw, it was my first post on ASR, will keep it in mind. Thanks.

 

[Lux_ury]

What are you using that has two pole RCA?

That requires mixing/summing the left and right channels into a mono form for the sub. Hence I asked the previous question.

Usually around 85 Hz to 120 Hz for a cutoff is a nice lean bass that is not bloated or too fat and boomy. I tend to lean towards that 85 Hz but it is room and sub dependent.

I meant stereo two bands in my mind lol
I tried two pole and lost one chanel before I need three pole.
It seems like I have to fix the volume on both?

 

[Doodski]

I meant stero two bands in my mind lol
I tried two pole and lost one chanel before I need three pole.

That is what I was concerned about. Using a stereo output to a mono connector at the subwoofer. So you used a Y-connector to sum the left and right stereo channels before the subwoofer?

 

[JSmith]

Sorry, I didn't get it.

Hello and welcome to ASR.

Around these parts such subjective "opinion only" comments are generally viewed with a large grain of salt... not to say necessarily that you're wrong, but more so the myriad of reasons why hearing a difference may occur, from perception to the device. Measurements and listening tests without peeking are key here.

There is a wealth of information at ASR, so enjoy your stay.


JSmith

 

[Lux_ury]

That is what I was concerned about. Using a stereo output to a mono connector at the subwoofer. So you used a Y-connector to sum the left and right stereo channels before the subwoofer?

These are the cables three in total.
Regarding the sub I still can hear vocals in the frequency source? Is that normal for a D class sub my usual sub outputs just has 80plus hz?

 

[Doodski]

These are the cables three in total.
Regarding the sub I still can hear vocals in the frequency source? Is that normal for a D class sub my usual sub outputs just has 80plus hz?

OK and what model of component is the audio coming from? Where is that 3.5mm stereo connection and what is the model.

 

[Lux_ury]

OK and what model of component is the audio coming from? Where is that 3.5mm stereo connection and what is the model.

Bluetooth from phone to Bluetooth adaptor optical then to DAC D10 output from DAC RCA to amp rca input. The 3.5mm is coming directly out of the amp pre out, to sub via three cables.
Volume on Dac is highest setting.
Ok if I use the volume control via the D10 it lowers the subwoofer volume I see where you was going with that!

 

[Doodski]

Bluetooth from phone to Bluetooth adaptor optical then to DAC D10 output from DAC RCA to amp rca input. The 3.5mm is coming directly out of the amp pre out, to sub via three cables.
Volume on Dac is highest setting.

The pre out is a bypass of the RCA input I believe. So it is a stereo signal. Summing the left and right channels with a Y-adapter is usually a bad thing to do. It might cause a problem. I would use a proper summing adapter for the best performance and reliability. How was the sound quality when you test drove it with this Y-adapter in place for the subwoofer?

 

[Lux_ury]

The pre out is a bypass of the RCA input I believe. So it is a stereo signal. Summing the left and right channels with a Y-adapter is usually a bad thing to do. It might cause a problem. I would use a proper summing adapter for the best performance and reliability. How was the sound quality when you test drove it with this Y-adapter in place for the subwoofer?

Ok if I use the volume control via the D10 it lowers the subwoofer volume I see where you was going with that!
Didn't have time to test track, but I think output dropped to the speakers like it was tapping signal directly from the main feed.?
I'll confirm tonight when I test it properly I never had to use four controls for changes and switching on and off and switch cables takes time as shocking it is not good for circuits.
You think the Y connector will cause strain?

 

[Doodski]

Ok if I use the volume control via the D10 it lowers the subwoofer volume I see where you was going with that!
Didn't have time to test track, but I think output dropped to the speakers like it was tapping signal directly from the main feed.?
I'll confirm tonight when I test it properly I never had to use four controls for changes and switching on and off and switch cables takes time as shocking it is not good for circuits.
You think the Y connector will cause strain?

Yes, it could strain some stuff in circuit. Maybe it's best that you don't do that anymore. You could use the high level inputs on the sub and connect the speakers to the sub outputs until you get a proper summing adapter. You might actually enjoy the high level input.

 

[Lux_ury]

That's if I trust the sub to give me a clean sounding output?
I'll look into getting a 3.5 stereo jack to coaxial lead i can't see a way as the source will always come from the amp?
I could use a dual rca from Dac to amp and tap signal to a single sub input?

 

[Doodski]

I'll look into getting a 3.5 stereo jack to coaxial lead i can't see away as the source will always come from the amp?

Going off memory the 3.5mm output does not have volume control as it is a bypass of the RCA input. I'm pretty sure I read that somewhere in these 44 pages of comments. So it is not suitable for subwoofer control. I attempted getting the owners manual but it is not available at the webpage. If you tested the 3.5mm to subwoofer connection did the volume control change the sub volume?

Fosi Audio V3

Using a minimalist design language, focusing more on enhancing the sound quality and performance of the product, making it the best-sounding power amplifier of Fosi Audio to date.

www.fosiaudio.com

 

[Doodski]

I could use a dual rca from Dac to amp and tap signal to a single sub input?

The same issue will exist as the 3.5mm stereo to mono stuff.

 

[Joe Smith]

Got my V3 yesterday, initial impressions are good, hoping to do some direct listening comparisons today to my Aiyima amps and also the older SMSL SA-50.

The pot taper difference is as expected, I do like it as it gives you a lot more control for lower volumes than the A7 amplifier. This was one of the reasons I continued to cycle in my A4 amplifier, as it did give that level of control at lower levels.

No noticeable power on or power off pops. I don't mind that the power on is integrated with the volume pot, as long as that does not affect longevity.

 

[fishmorganhammond]

Right, I forgot to mention it was my subjective experience. There is no day and night difference, but slight improvement observed in vocals. Btw, it was my first post on ASR, will keep it in mind. Thanks.

I believe noting how two different power supplies compare (to you) is not only subjective- but more importantly, valid. Your room, system, music selections, ears etc.

 

[grogi.giant]

Going off memory the 3.5mm output does not have volume control as it is a bypass of the RCA input. I'm pretty sure I read that somewhere in these 44 pages of comments. So it is not suitable for subwoofer control. I attempted getting the owners manual but it is not available at the webpage. If you tested the 3.5mm to subwoofer connection did the volume control change the sub volume?

Fosi Audio V3

Using a minimalist design language, focusing more on enhancing the sound quality and performance of the product, making it the best-sounding power amplifier of Fosi Audio to date.

www.fosiaudio.com

No, it doesn't.

 

[KaeliKoo]

I have two 32v power supply from Aiyima and Fosi, I tried both on Fosi V3 and Fosi PSU sounds more clean to me.

I've heard the same from reading thru Amazon comments on Aiyama products

 

[Logix]

I bought the Fosi V3 a few days ago and should receive it today.
Some questions:
1. Is it okay to leave this amp always on? It's a habit after years of powered speakers, I never turned them off.
2. Will it be good enough to drive JBL 4312G? (Sensitivity (2.83V@1m) 90dB - Nominal Impedance 6 Ohm)
I also have Crown XLS 1002 and Arcam SA10 but I want to use a small amp so I ordered the V3 and I hope it will be good enough.