Fosi Audio V3 Amplifier Review

[gasolin75]

Denon is ok the same with yamaha, yamaha just can't play bass very good

Nad is good but dson't have anything cheap that comes closae in price relative to other amps like the original nad 3020 amps

Cam,bridge audio cxa25 is to expensive for what you get and don't have enough power AND it to also isn't great at playing bass.

Even when i don't use my ifi signature v1 dac with the good psu, my fosi audio tb10d + 32v 10a + good isotek power cable, sounds above avarage, i don't want to pay the price for a yamah,denon,nad,cambridge audio entry level amp

Isotek EVO3 Initium Power Cable

The EVO3 Initium is IsoTek’s new entry level power cable designed to offer high quality performance at an extremely fair price.

www.futureshop.co.uk

Switched Mode Power Supply 100-240V AC to 32V 10A DC - Audiophonics

This AC adapter takes an input voltage of 100-240VAC to output 32VDC 10A. The components are integrated in a robust aluminum chassis that dissipates the heat generated by the components.

www.audiophonics.fr

and the v3 or the tb10d

FOSI AUDIO V3 Stereo Class D Amplifier TPA3255 2x225W 4 Ohm - Audiophonics

The V3 from Fosi Audio is a compact and powerful amplifier at a very affordable price. Despite its simplicity, the V3 amplifier uses high-quality audiophile components such as a TI TPA3255 amplifier chip and delivers up to 2x225W @ 4Ω.

www.audiophonics.fr

https://www.audiophonics.fr/en/inte...d-amplifier-tpa3255-2x230w-4-ohm-p-17000.html (alot cheaper)

100+100+100 = 300 just for the amp, you can't get a good yamaha,denon,nad or cambridge audio amp for as low as 300 euros, mabye the cheapest yamaha but the under 150 euro v3 is still better,cheaper and has more power then a yamaha a-s201

if you choose the v3 that comes with a 48v 5a psu on audiophonics is halv price,around 150 euros with shipping

https://www.amazon.de/-/en/Yamaha-Stereo-Amplifier-Converter-Silver/dp/B00MYDLHUI/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1V1YGJXP74GEP&keywords=yamaha+a-s301amp&qid=1695543346&s=ce-de&sprefix=yamaha+a-s301amp%2Celectronics%2C72&sr=1-1

https://www.amazon.de/-/en/Denon-PMA-600NE-Full-Amplifier-Silver/dp/B07YCW8447/ref=sr_1_4?crid=3LU8CFFG32R0L&keywords=denon+amp&qid=1695542828&rnid=1703609031&s=ce-de&sprefix=denon+amp%2Caps%2C82&sr=1-4

https://www.amazon.de/-/en/C316BEE-Graphite-HiFi-Stereo-Amplifier/dp/B078HH71XY/ref=sr_1_1_mod_primary_new?crid=29MESCRBM1DWZ&keywords=nad+c316bee&qid=1695542865&s=ce-de&sprefix=nad+c316%2Celectronics%2C92&sr=1-1

399+ 72.50 for shipping wtf

https://www.amazon.de/-/en/Cambridge-AXA25-25-Separate-Integrated-Amplifier/dp/B07SX3FXNQ/ref=sr_1_3?crid=34D9978HDQUAI&keywords=cambridge+audio+cxa25&qid=1695542984&s=ce-de&sprefix=cambridge+audio+cxa25%2Celectronics%2C68&sr=1-3

Fosi audio is a much better deal even if you buy the tb10d + better power supply and power mains or the v3 + 48v psu for under 150 euros for thoose on alow budget, a much better deal for those who like good sound in a compact size

 

[gasolin75]

I would get the 48v power supply regardless, as you might change the speakers or room in the years ahead.

Use this to calculate how much watts you need. Try to get to 96dB to be able to listen a bit louder. Consider that this calculates one speaker, you need to add +3dB if you use two, like most of us, so you aim for at 93dB, more is better:

SPL Calculator

It also depends on how much you put into the RCA connectors, but let's just assume it's a perfectly implemented streamer that outputs clean 2V max.

Yamaha states 87dB sensitivity for the NS-333. In my room i would sit 3m from the speakers and they would be 80cm from the wall. To get to 93dB (plus 3dB for the second speaker to reach 96dB), i would need 18W.
View attachment 314323
This of course is just estimated, as it depends on the source output, the music itself and so many other factors. My guess: It's enough for loud music, but you won't bring the house down with this speaker/amp combination. It would be more than enough for my taste.

it's 6db increase buy adding a second speaker that plays 93db = 99 db

2x50 watt is 17db increase, if you want to play 3 db louder it's 2x100 watt

 

[TheBatsEar]

it's 6db increase buy adding a second speaker

That would be the case for coherent sources where amplitudes add up (+6dB). But i think we can consider two speakers in a room to be not coherent, so only power adds up (+3dB).

 

[gasolin75]

With the 32V PSU the measurements gave 32W into 8ohm and 62 into 4 ohm. With 6ohm speakers you'll be roughly half way between the two so around 47W. These are figures for clean power. For the more common 1%THD rating (to compare with published specs of other amps) you can probably add 20% or so. So maybe about 60W.

Your speakers are reasonably sensitive at 87dB - The 32W will be fine for close listening (eg a desktop situation). If your listening space is more "living room" then you might want the 48W. It does give loads more power.

I got the 32W because with the discount that was available on that, I can buy the bigger PSU later and still pay the same as buying the amp with the big PSU from the start.

I have a quality 32v 10a psu and im not shure i want to have a 48v 5a power supply for the same price (euros,from a european store) of avarage quality,then a high quality psu, mabye i could for 100 euros get the higher end psu https://fosiaudioshop.com/collections/power-adapter/products/fosi-audio-48v-gan-power-supply .

I just think since it's a laptop shaped psu it can get much hotter then the bigger one (size) i have, also think the 48v psu makes any tpa3255 based amp much hotter then a 32v psu, even when you play the same level,power, as i know the amp uses 32 or 48volt with the bigger psu all the time, therefor a difference in heat

How ever i wouldn't mind trying a 48 volt psu to hear the difference in power and if there is like some say, a difference in sound quality

 

[gasolin75]

That would be the case for coherent sources where amplitudes add up (+6dB). But i think we can consider two speakers in a room to be not coherent, so only power adds up (+3dB).

NO

 

[antcollinet]

You got a winner, but it doesn't even come close to even the cheapest Yamaha, Denon, Rotel, NAD integrated amplifiers. Where is the remote? I want to switch between speakers, i want to connect multiple sources

A true statement - but the cheapest (eg yamaha) is nearly 3x the price.

 

[TheBatsEar]

A true statement - but the cheapest (eg yamaha) is nearly 3x the price.

That depends on where you are in the world. Also, the cheapest Yamaha has 4x the functionality. Plus a remote!

I have it on good authority that @amirm recently bought a very, very cheap Yamaha device that is almost on par in terms of cost with a V3@48v.
I'm waiting for the test and hope it's measurements end up in the same region as the V3. The device in question has vastly more features. It's not the same ball park. It's not even the same sport.

 

[TheBatsEar]

NO

 

[peng]

Has anyone actually measured the output of those PS? I wonder what it would be in both dc and ac. I am using it at the moment but will do it with my cheap multimeter later.

 

[mike70]

One thing is an integrated amplifier and other thing is a power amplifier.

 

[gasolin75]

and yamaha making something (an amplifier) for only 100 euros or less, no way

 

[peng]

One thing is an integrated amplifier and other thing is a power amplifier.

That's exactly what I am thinking, that if someone needs a 40/70, or 80/150 W 8/4 ohms power amp the V3 is an excellent choice. For use as an integrated amp then by the time you add the necessary accessories, then it could quickly lose the edge over the entry level Yamaha integrated amps.

 

[gasolin75]

That's exactly what I am thinking, that if someone needs a 40/70, or 80/150 W 8/4 ohms power amp the V3 is an excellent choice. For use as an integrated amp then by the time you add the necessary accessories, then it could quickly lose the edge over the entry level Yamaha integrated amps.

add what ?

My audio source selector

Source selector RCA 4 to 1 / reversible - Audiophonics

www.audiophonics.fr

My turntable has a built in phonostage

If you need bt or tone controsl or both, you get the BT20A Pro instead of the v3, tone cotrols only it's the tb10d

Still under 200 euros with the v3,tb10d with the bt20a pro it's only 150 euros (40/70 watt) + shipping

 

[TheBatsEar]

add what ?

A remote controlled volume control and source selector at least.
At least!

My audio source selector

Source selector RCA 4 to 1 / reversible - Audiophonics

www.audiophonics.fr

A Fosi V3 is 120€ at Amazon Germany, add 50€ if you want the 48v power supply. Add 55€ for the source selector and you are at 225€.
You still have no remote, tone control, headphone out, bluetooth or switchable speaker output.

You can get this for 220€ at Amazon Germany ($180 in the US i think):

I haven't looked into other "classic" amps and receivers, but i know Sony and Denon have something in that price bracket.

The Fosi V3 has it's place and is a great device, but it's functionality is very basic.
In my opinion most people will outgrow it quickly and then the value proposition doesn't look that good anymore.

If you need bt or tone controsl or both, you get the BT20A Pro instead of the v3, tone cotrols only it's the tb10d
Still under 200 euros with the v3,tb10d with the bt20a pro it's only 150 euros (40/70 watt) + shipping

Fair enough. Still, you have a rats nest and don't come close to the functionality the Yamaha offers for not that much more money.
I'm not saying you shouldn't buy the V3. I'm saying it's value is maybe smaller than most anticipate, when they only look at price and SINAD. Situations, rooms, speakers, they all can change.

There is an argument for the Japanese solution and depending on the results of the measurements, i might spam every cheap TI chip amp thread with it.

 

[bitdo]

Beginner question. For the best amplifier performance from the Fosi V3 (least noise and distortion) and I plan on controlling volume with another device, should I leave the Fosi V3 gain at max? Or a little lower than max? Or whatever my prefered max listening level is when source is at max?

If it makes a difference I'm using the Fosi 48V 5A power supply, 8 Ohm tower speakers, and two audio sources. One source can produce 2V RMS max and the other can produce something lower like 1-1.5V RMS max.

I'm also getting a trigger controller power strip so I can leave the Fosi V3 always on at a set gain level and switch it on/off with a trigger output of a source.

Thank you! My first post. Thank you Amir for all the reviews!

 

[TheBatsEar]

Beginner question. For the best amplifier performance from the Fosi V3 (least noise and distortion) and I plan on controlling volume with another device, should I leave the Fosi V3 gain at max? Or a little lower than max? Or whatever my prefered max listening level is when source is at max?

If you have a voltmeter, you should just measure the highest setting that has the least channel imbalance, which very likely is full volume.
Most would just put it in full volume and call it a day, i did.

I'm also getting a trigger controller power strip so I can leave the Fosi V3 always on at a set gain level and switch it on/off with a trigger output of a source.

Makes sense.
I have a WLAN power socket to turn everything on/off using my mobile phone or laptop browser, cost was 10€.

Thank you! My first post. Thank you Amir for all the reviews!

Welcome to ASR

 

[peng]

A remote controlled volume control and source selector at least.
At least!


A Fosi V3 is 120€ at Amazon Germany, add 50€ if you want the 48v power supply. Add 55€ for the source selector and you are at 225€.
You still have no remote, tone control, headphone out, bluetooth or switchable speaker output.

You can get this for 220€ at Amazon Germany ($180 in the US i think):
View attachment 314377
I haven't looked into other "classic" amps and receivers, but i know Sony and Denon have something in that price bracket.

The Fosi V3 has it's place and is a great device, but it's functionality is very basic.
In my opinion most people will outgrow it quickly and then the value proposition doesn't look that good anymore.


Fair enough. Still, you have a rats nest and don't come close to the functionality the Yamaha offers for not that much more money.
I'm not saying you shouldn't buy the V3. I'm saying it's value is maybe smaller than most anticipate, when they only look at price and SINAD. Situations, rooms, speakers, they all can change.

There is an argument for the Japanese solution and depending on the results of the measurements, i might spam every cheap TI chip amp thread with it.

As you can see in my earlier post, I agreed with you, but again, for those using it purely as a power amp it is a very good value and excellent value at the current 20% discount price. Yamaha competes well in entry level integrated amps but not in power amps. If they did, they may be able to offer one at competitive price as the Fosi amp, but they don't so like you said, "the Fosi V3 has it's place...." I have enough preamps, so adding a tiny power amp is easy for me as I don't need a remote for any or my power amps, ommv....

 

[TheBatsEar]

for those using it purely as a power amp it is a very good value and excellent value at the current 20% discount price. Yamaha competes well in entry level integrated amps but not in power amps.

The Fosi V3 is an integrated amplifier as well. It integrated preamp and power amp. To use it as a power amp only, you would disable the attenuation buy setting it to full volume. The same is true for the Yamaha receiver (which is a preamp, radio receiver and power amp in one) from above (or the Yamaha A-S201, which is preamp and power amp and phono preamp).

But yes, if that is all you need and will ever need, the V3 is the better value.

 

[gasolin75]

A remote controlled volume control and source selector at least.
At least!


A Fosi V3 is 120€ at Amazon Germany, add 50€ if you want the 48v power supply. Add 55€ for the source selector and you are at 225€.
You still have no remote, tone control, headphone out, bluetooth or switchable speaker output.

You can get this for 220€ at Amazon Germany ($180 in the US i think):
View attachment 314377
I haven't looked into other "classic" amps and receivers, but i know Sony and Denon have something in that price bracket.

The Fosi V3 has it's place and is a great device, but it's functionality is very basic.
In my opinion most people will outgrow it quickly and then the value proposition doesn't look that good anymore.


Fair enough. Still, you have a rats nest and don't come close to the functionality the Yamaha offers for not that much more money.
I'm not saying you shouldn't buy the V3. I'm saying it's value is maybe smaller than most anticipate, when they only look at price and SINAD. Situations, rooms, speakers, they all can change.

There is an argument for the Japanese solution and depending on the results of the measurements, i might spam every cheap TI chip amp thread with it.

Fosi audio v3 atm 103,13 euros (not stock but will in less than 14 days)

guess what, it comes with a 48 v 5 a power supply, delivery priser 18-25 euros depending on where you live and how fast you wnat it , delivery times if you order tuesday,wednesday 2-3 days if you live in europe and choose dpd for 18 euros

FOSI AUDIO V3 Stereo Class D Amplifier TPA3255 2x225W 4 Ohm - Audiophonics

The V3 from Fosi Audio is a compact and powerful amplifier at a very affordable price. Despite its simplicity, the V3 amplifier uses high-quality audiophile components such as a TI TPA3255 amplifier chip and delivers up to 2x225W @ 4Ω.

www.audiophonics.fr

Should be under 125 euros total, if you only need it for a pc theres no need to buy an audio source selector

Buy the way the yamaha a-s201 is under 200 euros

https://www.amazon.de/-/en/Yamaha-S201-Stereo-Amplifier-Channel/dp/B00EXHQK9Q/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1HVL37IQV2GFW&keywords=yamaha%2Ba-s201amp&qid=1695562036&s=ce-de&sprefix=yamaha%2Ba-s201amp%2Celectronics%2C72&sr=1-1&th=1

Sony STRDH190 is cheaper on amazon.com then de $198
https://www.amazon.com/Sony-STRDH190-Stereo-Receiver-Bluetooth/dp/B078WFDR8D?th=1


If you need something very small not cracy expensive for a pc, for the money a fosi audio bt20s,bt20a pro,tb10d and the v3 is much better and cheaper option then the cheap sony and yamaha amps and you don't skip on power

 

[gasolin75]

Beginner question. For the best amplifier performance from the Fosi V3 (least noise and distortion) and I plan on controlling volume with another device, should I leave the Fosi V3 gain at max? Or a little lower than max? Or whatever my prefered max listening level is when source is at max?

If it makes a difference I'm using the Fosi 48V 5A power supply, 8 Ohm tower speakers, and two audio sources. One source can produce 2V RMS max and the other can produce something lower like 1-1.5V RMS max.

I'm also getting a trigger controller power strip so I can leave the Fosi V3 always on at a set gain level and switch it on/off with a trigger output of a source.

Thank you! My first post. Thank you Amir for all the reviews!

Might make a pop sound leaving it on all the time when turning it off not using the volume knob ?

Would there be any white noise having the volume form a v3 at max all the time, like more white noise relative to the music ?