Fosi Audio V3 Mono Amplifier Review

[telemike]

They're on sale for $170 CAD each now on Amazon, great deal considering what you get. I paid a little more ($380 CAD) for 2x V3 Mono and 2x 48V 5A GaN power supplies. I read that there's an issue with using a single power supply for two amps, otherwise I would've bought the 10A bundle. I wish the 10A power supplies weren't so expensive on their own.

No issues with one power supply for two amps

 

[Mr SuperNobody]

No issues with one power supply for two amps

No issues with one power supply for two amps

 

[Mr SuperNobody]

Hey,
Regarding the power supply issues it really depends on who you want to believe. Probably best to do some research for yourself. If you fancy getting two psu’s some recommend the aiyima 48v 5a psu’s which are a fraction of the price of their fosi counterparts, I might’ve read here somebody figured out who made the fosi psu’s and sourced them much cheaper direct from manufacturer. I have read comments on YT and on this thread that point out various reasons why there were psu issues, there were definitely some early teething problems especially with pops and clicks hence the units are now being shipped with a mains filter, I also read that the Texas Instruments chip this amp is based around isn’t designed to share a psu (?).
My unit just arrived and I have to say straight out the box the binding posts are tiny and cheap, but usable. Anyway I’m gonna set it up. Fingers crossed!

 

[Deleted member 72219]

Hey, Regarding the power supply issues it really depends on who you want to believe, I would suggest do some research for yourself. I have read comments on YT and on this thread that point out various reasons why there are psu, there were early teething problems hence the units now being shipped with mains filter. My unit just arrived and I have to say straight out the box it’s disappointing as the binding posts are awful, they are really tiny and cheap. Anyway I’m gonna see if I can set it up. Fingers crossed!

A second, 48V/5A PSU isn't terribly expensive in the grand scheme, and guarantees no issues. There's no practical benefit/major benefit to headroom with a 10A PSU for a single amp.

-Ed

 

[telemike]

New 3D printed stand.

 

[TheRealLGC]

A second, 48V/5A PSU isn't terribly expensive in the grand scheme, and guarantees no issues. There's no practical benefit/major benefit to headroom with a 10A PSU for a single amp.

-Ed

First run of the V3s, on dual Fosi 48v 5a GAN adapters; they are hot to the touch, after about 30 minutes of music, from my Wiim Ultra. So I grabbed an AC Infinity fan setup.

Now barely warm, but fugly, sitting on the fans

 

[telemike]

Mine run around 100 degrees

 

[Alex D.]

Here is the way to make the look not so fugly.

https://www.printables.com/model/1065956-fosi-v3-mono-fan-box/files

 

[Gideon]

Hi everyone,
This might have been asked before and I admit not having read the 200 pages of this thread, but can one assume (as of today) that the V3 monos are an ok choice in terms of power an reliability to drive a pair of Super Lintons (6 Ohms/88 dB) in a 25sq.m. living room ?
Listening distance 2.5-3 m. and average SPL 75-80dB
Thanks a lot for reading

 

[Head_Unit]

an Amp + PSU combo in the same chassis. I'd happily pay the extra cost for the slightly bigger enclosure.

I suspect the performance would not be as good-all the power supply switching is moved OUT of the case for these. Plus I'd guess they get the PSU from some computer supplier a generic item-that's just a hypothesis. If true due to production volume it would be at a reduced cost compared to building inside, plus the heatsink would be bigger. If the price starts to creep up then the competition moves into another zone.

 

[Head_Unit]

V3 monos are an ok choice in terms of power an reliability to drive a pair of Super Lintons

Would drive them maybe a bit louder than an AVR i.e pretty dang loud. Loved the Lintons, haven't heard the Supers yet.

 

[Red_Red]

Hi everyone,
This might have been asked before and I admit not having read the 200 pages of this thread, but can one assume (as of today) that the V3 monos are an ok choice in terms of power an reliability to drive a pair of Super Lintons (6 Ohms/88 dB) in a 25sq.m. living room ?
Listening distance 2.5-3 m. and average SPL 75-80dB
Thanks a lot for reading

Yes, it will be fine !

 

[LukeA]

Decided to hook my amp up to my pair of PSB Imagine B bookshelf speakers in mono wired parallel. The Fosi is running with a 2 ohm load. I had previously been running them on a Topping PA5. Seems like the extra watts make a big difference to these speakers as they definitely sound better.

I've now splashed out on 2 more V3 monos. Amazing little amp.

 

[Audionaut]

Mine run around 100 degrees

That is incredible hot

 

[Doodski]

That is incredible hot

If Celsius the unit would be baking so I imagine that's Fahrenheit.

 

[telemike]

100 degrees Fahrenheit, 37 degrees Celsius

 

[Doodski]

100 degrees Fahrenheit, 37 degrees Celsius

That is a very nice temp, cool running.

 

[Deleted member 72219]

That is a very nice temp, cool running.

 

[Audionaut]

100 degrees Fahrenheit, 37 degrees Celsius

It would be nice if everyone could write what degree or kilo they are referring to.

I'm surprised that the Fosi V3 monos are so extremely different in terms of heat dissipation.

 

[hoovey]

100 degrees Fahrenheit, 37 degrees Celsius

Mine run about the same. 36.2 degrees Celsius at the top of the case.