I'm new here

[wow77459]

TLDR would I hear a significant improvement moving from Fosi v3 monoblocks on Evo 4.2s to a Yamaha B-2 (restored).

Been a lurker for a bit. I wish I understood what ya'll understand. Pretty much everything goes over my head but the Pink Panther. I also like that hifi is truly both science and art. It is a challenge trying to properly apply the science to vocabulary used to describe the subjectiveness of music, the art. Also, even though I live in one of the largest cities in the US, there are only big store or very high end (from my perspective) options to listen. Therefore, I pore over sites like this and others.

Without question, ASR ranks 1st.

Why have I chosen now to introduce myself? Well, I need help.

Using the descriptions, reviews - both scientific as well as subjective - to get back into actively listening to music. Something that was once very valuable to me but largely given up on because I didnt like the speaker options my wife would agree upon, so it was all relegated to home theater use.

After recently redoing the home theater, I realized just how much I missed music and started looking about. Realizing my needs were really quite simple (music only. smallish listening area), I started looking at speakers. I would use one of the many receivers I had and use my pc as the source.

So, after a bit, I was fortunate to come across the Wharfedale Evo 4.2s. In spite of what many were identifying as flaws, I was drawn to what mast everyone was saying about where their strengths lay - mids, voice, smooth and effortless, easy to listen to. This is what I wanted. Again, fortunately, I found a pair on craigslist for less than 700 including the stands. Sadly....wife said no. This was expected. The owner was understanding, and after a month, she finally gave in. I was picking the speakers up the very next day - still having not listened to them, so certain I was that this was the speaker for me.

It was and is. So much pleasure and joy. WIthin a day or two, even my wife said those really sound good. And this was on an Onkyo TX-SR805.

Of course, it really did sound good, but I knew there were some modest things I could do to step up the quality of sound I was experiencing. First was getting a streamer, and I got the Wiim Ultra. A solid choice influenced by ASR - my thanks. Next, remembering I had an old Schiit Valhalla laying about and realized this might function quite well as an introductory preamp I dusted it off...but there was nothing to connect it to.

Having completely written off the cheap Chinese built and sold equipment I again started to scour the used market that might improve things at a modest investment. But, after reading and reading, it made sense from my budget and reviews from here, to go with a pair of Fosi v3 mono blocks. Woah... The old Onkyo is now back to powering my HT rear channel in a wireless config.

I really really like what I have. I dont want to look anymore. I just want to enjoy this.

But, along the way I have read about Yamaha M80 and was heading in that direction when the path of course led me the the B-2. Who doesnt want something magical in their stack, and METERS!?!

So, this is why I am introducing myself, because I need your esteemed wise council. Will I realize something magical with the B-2 and the Evo 4.2s? Will there be a significant step up in music quality that would warrant sending the Fosi's back? Remember, I really like what I have, but this niggling voice is telling me (I know all of you have heard this voice too) B-2...B-2...B-2!!!

I will incur a bit of wrath from my wife, this is expected. But, she likes how it sounds and I am sometimes one to act and apologize later, and this is one of those times.

Sorry for the long story here. Assistance would be greatly appreciated.

Tom

 

[terryforsythe]

ill there be a significant step up in music quality that would warrant sending the Fosi's back?

I doubt it.

Fosi Audio V3 Mono Amplifier Review

This is a review and detailed measurements of the Fosi Audio V3 Mono class D amplifier. It was sent to me by the company. The price with the power supply I tested is US $139.99. I must say the concept of a "monoblock" amplifier in such a small size runs foul of any expectation a longtime...

www.audiosciencereview.com

 

[wow77459]

Thank you.

 

[Rednaxela]

Welcome!

 

[ahofer]

One way to negotiate your wife's preferences is to ask for your target equipment for Christmas/Birthday. My wife is not crazy about my Harbeth and Revel speakers, but we've negotiated other things to compensate. And there is that first huge leap in sound quality from what people are used to in their car or clock radio or phone, up to a clean two channel system.

 

[Old_School_Brad]

Get the B2.
If it's in restored condition and works like it should, you'll not regret it one bit. It'll probably not be because of a greater sound but the shear pride of ownership of a well built beautiful classic amplifier.
And it'll hold its value as well.

 

[Joe Smith]

If it's in restored condition and works like it should...

Well, that's the thing, isn't it? Unless you are certain, this could be an expensive and multi-step process...and the sound won't be better, in all likelihood, from the current Fosis.

 

[Old_School_Brad]

If it's in restored condition and works like it should...

Well, that's the thing, isn't it? Unless you are certain, this could be an expensive and multi-step process...and the sound won't be better, in all likelihood, from the current Fosis.

That's why I phrased it the way I did. The original poster mentioned that it is restored, and if done correctly, there shouldn’t be any issues.

 

[Joe Smith]

Yeah, I just wanted to throw a bit of a caution flag on the track. As we all know, vintage equipment (even when Yamaha....even when worked on by a restorer who knows what they are doing) can still throw some curveballs. No question, the B-2 is a lovely amp. Price would be an issue, as would to what extent the amp was worked on and by whom and whether they are offering a one-year warranty etc.

 

[solderdude]

TLDR would I hear a significant improvement moving from Fosi v3 monoblocks on Evo 4.2s to a Yamaha B-2 (restored).

Been a lurker for a bit. I wish I understood what ya'll understand. Pretty much everything goes over my head but the Pink Panther. I also like that hifi is truly both science and art. It is a challenge trying to properly apply the science to vocabulary used to describe the subjectiveness of music, the art. Also, even though I live in one of the largest cities in the US, there are only big store or very high end (from my perspective) options to listen. Therefore, I pore over sites like this and others.

Without question, ASR ranks 1st.

Why have I chosen now to introduce myself? Well, I need help.

Using the descriptions, reviews - both scientific as well as subjective - to get back into actively listening to music. Something that was once very valuable to me but largely given up on because I didnt like the speaker options my wife would agree upon, so it was all relegated to home theater use.

After recently redoing the home theater, I realized just how much I missed music and started looking about. Realizing my needs were really quite simple (music only. smallish listening area), I started looking at speakers. I would use one of the many receivers I had and use my pc as the source.

So, after a bit, I was fortunate to come across the Wharfedale Evo 4.2s. In spite of what many were identifying as flaws, I was drawn to what mast everyone was saying about where their strengths lay - mids, voice, smooth and effortless, easy to listen to. This is what I wanted. Again, fortunately, I found a pair on craigslist for less than 700 including the stands. Sadly....wife said no. This was expected. The owner was understanding, and after a month, she finally gave in. I was picking the speakers up the very next day - still having not listened to them, so certain I was that this was the speaker for me.

It was and is. So much pleasure and joy. WIthin a day or two, even my wife said those really sound good. And this was on an Onkyo TX-SR805.

Of course, it really did sound good, but I knew there were some modest things I could do to step up the quality of sound I was experiencing. First was getting a streamer, and I got the Wiim Ultra. A solid choice influenced by ASR - my thanks. Next, remembering I had an old Schiit Valhalla laying about and realized this might function quite well as an introductory preamp I dusted it off...but there was nothing to connect it to.

Having completely written off the cheap Chinese built and sold equipment I again started to scour the used market that might improve things at a modest investment. But, after reading and reading, it made sense from my budget and reviews from here, to go with a pair of Fosi v3 mono blocks. Woah... The old Onkyo is now back to powering my HT rear channel in a wireless config.

I really really like what I have. I dont want to look anymore. I just want to enjoy this.

But, along the way I have read about Yamaha M80 and was heading in that direction when the path of course led me the the B-2. Who doesnt want something magical in their stack, and METERS!?!

So, this is why I am introducing myself, because I need your esteemed wise council. Will I realize something magical with the B-2 and the Evo 4.2s? Will there be a significant step up in music quality that would warrant sending the Fosi's back? Remember, I really like what I have, but this niggling voice is telling me (I know all of you have heard this voice too) B-2...B-2...B-2!!!

I will incur a bit of wrath from my wife, this is expected. But, she likes how it sounds and I am sometimes one to act and apologize later, and this is one of those times.

Sorry for the long story here. Assistance would be greatly appreciated.

Tom

A step up... probably not .

The Fosi V3, however, does have a slight load impedance dependency in the upper treble.
The EVO 4.2 has an impedance of 5ohm around 5kHz and rises to 13.5ohm at 20kHz.
That is higher than the 8ohm load Amir used in his test.
It thus depends on how good your hearing is above 10kHz and how much energy there is in the recording.
It could be that you loose some 'airyness' when going from v3 to a non-load dependent amp.

 

[Galliardist]

TLDR would I hear a significant improvement moving from Fosi v3 monoblocks on Evo 4.2s to a Yamaha B-2 (restored).

Been a lurker for a bit. I wish I understood what ya'll understand. Pretty much everything goes over my head but the Pink Panther. I also like that hifi is truly both science and art. It is a challenge trying to properly apply the science to vocabulary used to describe the subjectiveness of music, the art. Also, even though I live in one of the largest cities in the US, there are only big store or very high end (from my perspective) options to listen. Therefore, I pore over sites like this and others.

Without question, ASR ranks 1st.

Why have I chosen now to introduce myself? Well, I need help.

Using the descriptions, reviews - both scientific as well as subjective - to get back into actively listening to music. Something that was once very valuable to me but largely given up on because I didnt like the speaker options my wife would agree upon, so it was all relegated to home theater use.

After recently redoing the home theater, I realized just how much I missed music and started looking about. Realizing my needs were really quite simple (music only. smallish listening area), I started looking at speakers. I would use one of the many receivers I had and use my pc as the source.

So, after a bit, I was fortunate to come across the Wharfedale Evo 4.2s. In spite of what many were identifying as flaws, I was drawn to what mast everyone was saying about where their strengths lay - mids, voice, smooth and effortless, easy to listen to. This is what I wanted. Again, fortunately, I found a pair on craigslist for less than 700 including the stands. Sadly....wife said no. This was expected. The owner was understanding, and after a month, she finally gave in. I was picking the speakers up the very next day - still having not listened to them, so certain I was that this was the speaker for me.

It was and is. So much pleasure and joy. WIthin a day or two, even my wife said those really sound good. And this was on an Onkyo TX-SR805.

Of course, it really did sound good, but I knew there were some modest things I could do to step up the quality of sound I was experiencing. First was getting a streamer, and I got the Wiim Ultra. A solid choice influenced by ASR - my thanks. Next, remembering I had an old Schiit Valhalla laying about and realized this might function quite well as an introductory preamp I dusted it off...but there was nothing to connect it to.

Having completely written off the cheap Chinese built and sold equipment I again started to scour the used market that might improve things at a modest investment. But, after reading and reading, it made sense from my budget and reviews from here, to go with a pair of Fosi v3 mono blocks. Woah... The old Onkyo is now back to powering my HT rear channel in a wireless config.

I really really like what I have. I dont want to look anymore. I just want to enjoy this.

But, along the way I have read about Yamaha M80 and was heading in that direction when the path of course led me the the B-2. Who doesnt want something magical in their stack, and METERS!?!

So, this is why I am introducing myself, because I need your esteemed wise council. Will I realize something magical with the B-2 and the Evo 4.2s? Will there be a significant step up in music quality that would warrant sending the Fosi's back? Remember, I really like what I have, but this niggling voice is telling me (I know all of you have heard this voice too) B-2...B-2...B-2!!!

I will incur a bit of wrath from my wife, this is expected. But, she likes how it sounds and I am sometimes one to act and apologize later, and this is one of those times.

Sorry for the long story here. Assistance would be greatly appreciated.

Tom

FIrstly, hifi should not be regarded (in audio terms) as "art" or even necessarily "science". It is a form of system engineering, and it is largely understood. Art is what the musicians (and to differing extents, those involved in production) do. There may be art in the look of the system, and maybe even in ergonomics, but it is best not though of in that way. Don't think either in terms of "musicality" from an audio system, for the same reason.

Secondly, the speakers and the room are the most important aspects of sound. Good speakers in a good room (like, er, I haven't got) are a large part of the battle. You can improve the speakers, improve the speaker setup/positioning, treat room issues with treatments or EQ, and add subwoofers to help with issues in the bass. With adequate electronics, these are the things that improve system sound. The treatments don't have to be "special" - curtains, rugs and furniture can do quite enough sometimes.

If your current amps provide sufficient power and current to drive your speakers and are close to accurate, and you enjoy the resulting sound, change is not going to bring you any "significant" sonic benefits. Meters may look nice for a while, but they don't make the amp sound better. From what I'm reading, there is no clear advantage in buying a replacement amp for this system. I may be wrong, but I rather doubt it. There is no magic with these old components except in our heads. There may be greater reliability, and you may prefer the look and feel. Those are things we can't answer for so easily.

There is also a downside with these older V-FET amps, If a V-FET fails, it may be expensive and difficult to obtain a replacement part. I would be put off by that, to be honest.

So, ignore the voice in your head, at least this time. You like your current system. You can take time to learn what is actually important (Toole's book is always a place to start). Then you can think about what comes next.

 

[wow77459]

Thank you very much, everyone. So much here. I really appreciate you taking time to help me out, and you have. Immensely, and saved me a fair bit of money. The meters, as much as I am drawn to them, were just icing on the cake for me. I cant justify spending a lot of money in this pursuit. My goal was if there was a compelling case to chase this amp down. There isnt, and I am content with what I have. To me, it sounds great. Thank you once again.

 

[DVDdoug]

I also like that hifi is truly both science and art. It is a challenge trying to properly apply the science to vocabulary used to describe the subjectiveness of music, the art.

The equipment we listen to and the way it affects the sound of music (or not) is science and the vocabulary is fairly simple and straightforward. The hi-fi ideal is that it has no effect on the sound (unless we want to boost the bass, or up-mix-to surround, etc.) and the sound should be reproduced accurately. But most "audiophiles" don't stick to the science. See Audiophoolery.

Of course, Audio Science Review is mostly about the science & technology of sound reproduction.

The art... the music or other program material that we listen to is, of course, a different story. Although sometimes we can describe certain technical quality aspects of the production. We can talk about the noise from a vinyl record, or an overly dynamically-compressed mix, or a mix with weak bass, etc. And there are certain technical-scientific "facts" about the music & performance, such as the tempo, the key it's played in, and the instruments used, etc.

 

[Multicore]

Thank you very much, everyone. So much here. I really appreciate you taking time to help me out, and you have. Immensely, and saved me a fair bit of money. The meters, as much as I am drawn to them, were just icing on the cake for me. I cant justify spending a lot of money in this pursuit. My goal was if there was a compelling case to chase this amp down. There isnt, and I am content with what I have. To me, it sounds great. Thank you once again.

That's just splendid, another ASR happy customer in under 24 hours. That being settled, how about we listen to

I'm New Here​

 

[Joe Smith]

I like Fosi and think they're doing good things in general, they offer a good value. For the monoblocks, based on all I've read, I would advise powering with independent power supplies rather than the one PS-splitter option. I have a stereo V3 and its given me no trouble, but I don't push it very hard at all. I think you've made a good decision, for now at least.