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Fosi Audio V3 Amplifier Review

Rate this amplifier:

  • 1. Poor (headless panther)

    Votes: 10 2.0%
  • 2. Not terrible (postman panther)

    Votes: 44 8.8%
  • 3. Fine (happy panther)

    Votes: 235 47.1%
  • 4. Great (golfing panther)

    Votes: 210 42.1%

  • Total voters
    499
One thought: if you listen frequently at softer volumes, as I do, you might consider buying a smaller amp that either has tone controls, or some form of a loudness circuit. I normally like things to not have any EQ, but there is a lot to be said for the V-curve for bass and treble when listening to music in more of a background way. I have a lot of individual setups in my home (1916 home, smaller rooms) so for places such as sunporch, dining room, a bedroom, lower volume levels are the norm.

You may find that the ability to emphasize B/T at softer levels is pleasant and resolves issues with switching to a class D amp from A/B....
I really like the TB10A which has tone controls and find it almost indistinguishable from the V3. Plus it's a little less expensive.
 
One thought: if you listen frequently at softer volumes, as I do, you might consider buying a smaller amp that either has tone controls, or some form of a loudness circuit. I normally like things to not have any EQ, but there is a lot to be said for the V-curve for bass and treble when listening to music in more of a background way. I have a lot of individual setups in my home (1916 home, smaller rooms) so for places such as sunporch, dining room, a bedroom, lower volume levels are the norm.

You may find that the ability to emphasize B/T at softer levels is pleasant and resolves issues with switching to a class D amp from A/B....
thanks ; thats the point what i thought when i bought the denon 8 years ago :) low volume listening sometimes needs loudness button or some adjusment in the tone control and very usable sometimes. i am not purist , wiim mini has got software eq but never tried.
 
I prefer the LME49860 opamp over Sparkos labs and Muses 02.... more opamps to roll.
The Orange knob is not included in any amplifier on sale at Fosi, is 9.99. Buying gold spray at Walmart to use 0.2 % of paint, with the new spray tips anyone will do an excellent paint job.
Warm and well ventilated room, I usually just hang out of my bedroom window as its summer here in the UK. Lightly sand 240-400 grit paper. Etch Primer spray first, lightly coat at 6-8 inches distance, second coat half hour later leave to dry for half an hour then colour and finish ie matt, satin or gloss using the same method then leave for 24 hours. Job done.
 
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Warm and well ventilated room, I usually just hang out of my bedroom window as its summer here in the UK. Lightly sand 240-400 grit paper. Etch Primer spray first, lightly coat at 6-8 inches distance, second coat half hour later leave to dry for half an hour then colour and finish ie matt, satin or gloss using the same method then leave for 24 hours. Job done.
I have already use this brand for years but in the last 2 years they have a new technology tip and primer is included... no drips as long as you follow instructions and don't over spray... 2x ultra cover... easier...bound to everything, I have al kinds of sand papers...
 

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I have already use this brand for years but in the last 2 years they have a new technology tip and primer is included... no drips as long as you follow instructions and don't over spray... 2x ultra cover... easier...bound to everything, I have al kinds of sand papers...
Looks good, Rustoleum is good stuff!
 
I see Fosi has just added the V3 with 48v power supply as a $77 optional add on to its P3 tube buffer preamp ($64) Kickstarter Campaign. So $141 for both, probably shipping sometime in Sept. from China.

I also see Fosi has just released a desktop Headphone Amp/Preamp, the SK01, for $80 or less with coupons or on Ali-Express. Featuring defeatable Bass/Mid/Treble tone controls, gain switch, and loudness contour. EDIT, I guess it is not a DAC.

Functionally the SK01 would be an almost perfect companion to the V3, if they had only made it V3 shaped with RCA pre-outs and inputs.
Perhaps they will release an audiophile V3 shaped version adding a sub output with fancy parts and replaceable op amps. That would be extremely popular as a V3 companion.
 
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I see Fosi has just added the V3 with 48v power supply as a $77 optional add on to its P3 tube buffer preamp ($64) Kickstarter Campaign. So $141 for both, probably shipping sometime in Sept. from China.

I also see Fosi has just released a desktop Headphone Amp/Preamp, the SK01, for $80 or less with coupons or on Ali-Express. Featuring defeatable Bass/Mid/Treble tone controls, gain switch, and loudness contour. EDIT, I guess it is not a DAC.

Functionally the SK01 would be an almost perfect companion to the V3, if they had only made it V3 shaped with RCA pre-outs and inputs.
Perhaps they will release an audiophile V3 shaped version adding a sub output with fancy parts and replaceable op amps. That would be extremely popular as a V3 companion.
I like the look of that P3 and if I was flush would back this little V3 partner on kick starter, looking good Fosi!
 
Today I've pulled out my old Aiyima A04 amp for my workroom use, still sounds very good and gets barely warm to the touch with the 32v/5a power supply. Using LM4562 op-amps. These amps are hard to find now but were my first Aiyima, prior to getting an A07. I'm not aware of any SQ difference between the 3251 chip in this and the 3255 chip in the others... A good amp for nearfield listening, just like the V3.
 
Today I've pulled out my old Aiyima A04 amp for my workroom use, still sounds very good and gets barely warm to the touch with the 32v/5a power supply. Using LM4562 op-amps. These amps are hard to find now but were my first Aiyima, prior to getting an A07. I'm not aware of any SQ difference between the 3251 chip in this and the 3255 chip in the others... A good amp for nearfield listening, just like the V3.
Yep, great little amp the A04!
 
Today I've pulled out my old Aiyima A04 amp for my workroom use, still sounds very good and gets barely warm to the touch with the 32v/5a power supply. Using LM4562 op-amps. These amps are hard to find now but were my first Aiyima, prior to getting an A07. I'm not aware of any SQ difference between the 3251 chip in this and the 3255 chip in the others... A good amp for nearfield listening, just like the V3.
I still own this 3251 amp. Surprisingly, it sounded much better than my 2 units of Aiyima 07 amps in my set up. That's why, I still keep it while I have sold off 2 units of 07 amps.
 
Today I've pulled out my old Aiyima A04 amp for my workroom use, still sounds very good and gets barely warm to the touch with the 32v/5a power supply. Using LM4562 op-amps. These amps are hard to find now but were my first Aiyima, prior to getting an A07. I'm not aware of any SQ difference between the 3251 chip in this and the 3255 chip in the others... A good amp for nearfield listening, just like the V3.
Aiyima now has the A04 Pro which supports a 36v power supply…
 
@Fosi Audio I read on thread for your new "tube P3 preamp" that you are going to update the V3 to have the preamp out adjusted according to the volume. Do you know when that will be part of the "new" V3? I use a subwoofer and that is a requirement for me. I am waiting for this issue to be resolve before pulling the trigger.

Thanks,
 
I still own this 3251 amp. Surprisingly, it sounded much better than my 2 units of Aiyima 07 amps in my set up. That's why, I still keep it while I have sold off 2 units of 07 amps.
Just bought the "updated" one, if for no other reason this discussion and to hear a 3251 amp.
 
Look forward to your opinions.
I'll be trying it out with a new to me, very early production pair of Polk RTA 12's, which I've been using with both a McIntosh MC2120 and Fosi TB10D. Have actually preferred the Fosi with them, although they sound pretty terrific with both amps. 4 ohms and they like power, although pretty easy to drive. Anyway, by the time the Ayima arrives later today I'll be pretty familiar with the speakers.

This will be my first Ayima and first 3251 amp(never even knew such a thing existed until a couple days ago) so that in itself will be fun for me.
 
Which bookshelf speakers close in price to ELAC Debut B6.2 would be the best for this amplifier? I'll be pairing it with S.M.S.L SU-1 DAC. I live in an apartment too, subwoofer is not an option - so preferably i'd like something with a not-so-bad bass extension, something also that's the best as an all-rounder, as they'd be used for music, movies and sometimes games as well. I prefer neutral, HD560s-like sound signature but obviously it's not a necessity, as rooms and room treatment options are not always the same in every case. Thanks!
 
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