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Fosi V3 Style Preamplifier

Joe Smith

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@Fosi Audio - Any update for us regarding a multi-input solid state preamp in the V3 series? OF all the things you have indicated you are working on, that's the one I'm most interested in.
 
in one of the manuals they already shown line drawings of it

its going to be the "ZD3" and it looks same form factor as the ZA3 and it most likely going to be a single XLR input, multi RCA input with dual outs + remote... and line stage only

there's questions whether it will include a dac but most likely not

and that's really it
 
I got a hint from the Schiit folks a few weeks ago that they are working on some form of replacement for the Saga S preamp, which I came close to buying many times. What I really, really want, as the old song goes, is something like the Saga S but with a phono pre option included. A modern version of the classic 80s preamp, all with RCA inputs rather than XLR.

The Saga S was about $300, the way things go at Schiit I would expect that whatever they are working on, it will be more money. So I've been hoping that whatever Fosi is working on, it will have enough functionality that I can buy that and use for awhile.

I think the all-solid-state "preamp hole" right now is glaring, I am kinda surprised that one of the Chinese manufacturers have not jumped on it quicker.

I have a NAD 1020 in good nick that I still use from time to time when needed, also a Nikko Beta 20 (has rack ears and no headphone out, alas). They both sound pretty good but neither has a stepped attenuator or remote.

Since I have no urgent need, I just sit on my hands...continue to watch the Hypex evolution etc. My ideal new main rig would be like the Schiit Vidar and Saga, but Hypex-based Class D, not A/B, and with a matching full-featured preamp, all for about$1,000. I continue to watch Buckeye to see what the feature set will be on their new integrated offering. A front power button is a must for me, ditto a good attenuator and remote.
 
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I got a hint from the Schiit folks a few weeks ago that they are working on some form of replacement for the Saga S preamp, which I came close to buying many times. What I really, really want, as the old song goes, is something like the Saga S but with a phono pre option included. A modern version of the classic 80s preamp, all with RCA inputs rather than XLR.

The Saga S was about $300, the way things go at Schiit I would expect that whatever they are working on, it will be more money. So I've been hoping that whatever Fosi is working on, it will have enough functionality that I can buy that and use for awhile.

I think the all-solid-state "preamp hole" right now is glaring, I am kinda surprised that one of the Chinese manufacturers have not jumped on it quicker.

I have a NAD 1020 in good nick that I still use from time to time when needed, also a Nikko Beta 20 (has rack ears and no headphone out, alas). They both sound pretty good but neither has a stepped attenuator or remote.

Since I have no urgent need, I just sit on my hands...continue to watch the Hypex evolution etc. My ideal new main rig would be like the Schiit Vidar and Saga, but Hypex-based Class D, not A/B, and with a matching full-featured preamp, all for about$1,000. I continue to watch Buckeye to see what the feature set will be on their new integrated offering. A front power button is a must for me, ditto a good attenuator and remote.
I'm currently using the original Schiit Saga, which I guess is now the Saga+. I got it for a good deal, normally not a fan of tubes outside of my guitar amps. The tube buffer just seems to boost the volume a bit, at least as far as I can tell. It's a really nice preamp. I'm very interested in the new Fosi preamp, especially if there's tone controls and an XLR input(s). Ideally I'd like a Schiit preamp with balanced inputs and tone controls, but that doesn't seem to be in their design philosophy. And would affect sales of their Loki eqs, I would imagine.
 
Yeah, tone controls would be nice to have, especially ones that would have a tone defeat switch to allow one to bypass if wanted.

Basically I want a preamp with all of the features of, say, a current Yamaha A-S501 integrated!
 
temper your expectations

i mean its going to be limited by case size... and it has xlr which will take up a lot of space.... IN and OUT

and i doubt fosi are interested in phono or loops

they are going for basic line stage

BUT wouldnt surprise me if they slap in bluetooth!
 
A 300 euro preamp with a streamer could be interesting 600 euros for all 3 things (with a little discount 600 or even 499)
 
Fosi P4 is on the way: "The P4 features three RCA inputs, one RCA output, and a pre-out, with bass and treble adjustments as well as gain control functions, and comes with a remote control. As a preamp, it effectively manages inputs and outputs, initial signal amplification, and tone adjustment in your audio system, making it an ideal choice for home audio setups."
 
Fosi P4 is on the way: "The P4 features three RCA inputs, one RCA output, and a pre-out, with bass and treble adjustments as well as gain control functions, and comes with a remote control. As a preamp, it effectively manages inputs and outputs, initial signal amplification, and tone adjustment in your audio system, making it an ideal choice for home audio setups."
Where did you see this announcement?

Will be interesting to see how it compares with the Schiit Saga 2 when released...I like my Saga 2, but of course it does not have tone controls, which would have been nice. But I like the form factor pretty well.
 
I hear some will be going to beta testers. Until now I'd buy DACs that could double as preamps. Not everyone sits within reach of their amps and so appreciate control by remote.
From the description, the P4 will offer sufficient preamp controls and leave separate DAC choices to the consumer. With all the simple Class D amps being sold out there, this closes a gap in the market.
I'm looking forward.
 
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Just got my unit from Fosi today, the new P4 preamp. My initial impressions are very positive. While the power supply is much smaller (12v, 1.5a) and more generic than the Schiit Saga 2, it sounds very good paired with an Aiyima A07 MAX - I will try over the weekend with my Fosi V3. The remote works well. The base/volume/treble knobs are a bit close together, but I expect this was caused by wanting the case size to be compatible with the V3 amp. Having the gain switch on the back side is not as convenient as the Saga 2's front control. And, of course, the Fosi does not have balanced XLR outputs, just RCAs, and has 3 inputs to Saga's 4. But the fit and finish is nice and as I say, my initial impression of the sound is good. I will be testing and playing more over next several days and then I'll write a lengthier review & thoughts...

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Just got my unit from Fosi today, the new P4 preamp. My initial impressions are very positive. While the power supply is much smaller (12v, 1.5a) and more generic than the Schiit Saga 2, it sounds very good paired with an Aiyima A07 MAX - I will try over the weekend with my Fosi V3. The remote works well. The base/volume/treble knobs are a bit close together, but I expect this was caused by wanting the case size to be compatible with the V3 amp. Having the gain switch on the back side is not as convenient as the Saga 2's front control. And, of course, the Fosi does not have balanced XLR outputs, just RCAs, and has 3 inputs to Saga's 4. But the fit and finish is nice and as I say, my initial impression of the sound is good. I will be testing and playing more over next several days and then I'll write a lengthier review & thoughts...

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Please tell me bass is on the left?
 
Yes, thankfully! Bass left, treble right.

As I am using this morning, one other difference from the V3 and the Saga 2 preamp: the volume adjustment is less precise at lower volumes, it appears to be a log taper pot. Given the power level of the preamp, I think having the same kind of audio taper pot as in the V3 might have been a better choice. Of course, if there is a separate volume pot on the amp, as there is with both the A07 MAX and the Fosi V3, you can still micro-adjust for lower volumes, but this is a little less convenient. There is a big jump after about three or four clicks of the remote from "barely there" to "there" in sound level.

Also, it just feels a little weird having the bass/treble controls so close to the volume. I have medium sized hands and it's impossible to adjust the knob manually without having one's fingers brush the other knobs, so it actually feels more comfortable to use the remote to make small volume adjustments.

The low volume thing for me is a factor, since my workroom system is near our other bedrooms on our second floor, and being retired, my wife often sleeps in a bit longer than I in the morning, so when I use speakers rather than headphones, I play at soft levels for a good while most mornings...
 
Here are some down and dirty shots of the back, remote, transformer and then the Schiit Saga 2 for quick comparison.
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My main thoughts on the back - it could be better if output jacks were further away from the inputs. The gain switch also feels a bit flimsy. Like it might break if repeatedly adjusted.

The bass and treble adjustments work, they are somewhat more subtle than I was expecting. Not bad though. Manual says adjustment is plus or minus 12 dB.
 
I received the P4 as a beta tester as well, I have written my usage opinion on head-fi
 
Opening a new thread today with my review of the new P4 preamplifier by Fosi...

Thread here: P4 Review
 
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Well, my review seems to have been deleted? Not sure why. I will add it back in this thread, below.
 
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