I vote you're both right. The
MC101 (w 24v PS) and
Fosi V3 (w 32v) are $72 for Black Friday on Fosi Audio. Bargains release endorphins for me.
ASR - Measurements Are Everything Demographic: V3 wins - Fosi's published specs on both are wildly inflated, but Amir V3 test has happy panther measurements which releases more endorphins in MAE Demographic. With the included power supplies, the V3 puts out a bit more measured power, but in terms of max dB, there is almost no difference.
ASR - Objective Performance Rating Determined by Real World Audibility Demographic: Both can be great. TPA3116 amps are not often discussed here,
but the chip can objectively perform just fine. I have owned both the V3 and a Loxjie A10 and for desktop use both were subjectively equal. Many TPA3116 implementations have too much gain and do not have Taper A volume, so there can be audible noise. The MC101 has Taper A Volume. V3/MC101 probably both winners here.
ASR - Parts Quality and Tweakability Demographic - Clear win for the V3, German parts and Rollable Op-Amps release more endorphins
ASR- Objective Flexibility and Function Demographic: Clear MC101 win. Volume Controlled Line/Sub Out, Base/Treble with Center Detent, On/Off/Source Switch Separate from Volume Control, Bluetooth.
ASR - Minimalist Straight Wire With Gain Demographic, the V3 releases more endorphins.
ASR Subjective Appearance Demographic - A lot of effort was put into the design and build quality of both. I am old and like meters and cuteness. The clean no nonsense V3 will speak more to most ASR members I think.
Bottom Line: Fosi has sold 5 of the just released MC101 from its site for the Black Friday Sale. The V3 is the best selling mini amp, period. It is Amazon's Choice #1 Overall Pick.
TonyJZX is right, The V3 subjectively appeals to more ASR members.
antcollinet is right, In many, perhaps most use cases, the MC101 is objectively a better choice.
I do not think objective
audible performance and utility drives ASR's majority demographic.