Fosi Audio ZA3 as MONOBLOCS - are they better than Willsenton R8?

Can $150 class D chip-based amps compete with a $1200 class A/B tube amp, even if there are two of them? I decided to find out and purchased two of the latest Fosi Audio ZA3s. And here are my initial impressions after just a few hours of listening.
You can get the ZA3 on Amazon here - amzn.to/3TaaezF
Test setup:
- Node 2i acting as a streamer
- SMSL SU-8s DAC connected via USB to the DAC and via RCAs to the amp
- Willsenton R8 KT88 integrated amp
- Wharfedale Linton 85th Anniversary Edition speakers
vs.
- Node 2i acting as a streamer
- SMSL SU-8s DAC connected via USB to the DAC and acting as a preamp
- two Fosi Audio ZA3 amps bridged in mono, connected via balanced XLR cables to DAC/preamp - amzn.to/3TaaezF
- Wharfedale Linton 85th Anniversary Edition speakers
Songs mentioned in the review:
- Something In The Way by Nirvana
- Yellow Ledbetter by Pearl Jam
- I Was Made For Loving You by Maria Mena
- I Want To Know What Love Is by Ane Brun
- Bring Me To Life by Evenescence
- Ptasiek by Anita Lipnicka
- Lola by The Kinks
- Pinball Wizzard by The Who
If you'd like to support me on my audio journey, you can "buy me a vinyl" here - www.buymeacoffee.com/normcore.... Thanks!
#hifi #chifi #audiophile

[@NormcoreGreg]

I just rewatched my video and noticed that overlay graphics are out of sync 🤦 Sorry for bad edit and poor quality control.

[@bornodnoc1034]

Good on you fella. It's good to hear an honest opinion from a non sponsored listener.

[@scotsirish4194]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this comparison, it is appreciated as so many are focusing on this new small form factor design

[@NormcoreGreg]

Thanks for your kind comment! I'll be posting my "long term" review of ZA3s soon to share my impressions after having spent more time with them.

[@michaelwright1602]

I have the Aiyima A07 Max units, x 2 mono. The Fosi V3 and the Fosi ZA3. I also rolled in some Sparkos... The trick to these TI chip based Class D amps is line voltage. I discovered that when using XLR to RCA adapters on the V3. So, I went to Amazon and found the Douk Audio Line Level Booster for $40. I put that in-between my PS Audio Stellar Gaincell DAC/Preamp and these amps, cranked her up to 12 o'clock, and every one of these amps opened up. The Sparkos, with my system, Zu DW6 Supreme speakers, really muddied up the sound, the stock TI op amps sound much better to my ear. I have to say, if you want a Class D amp that sounds this good, but feel the ZA3 is junk, your next stop is a Hypex Nilai, and that will set you back around $1300. I can say that because my buddy has both of these amps. And the last Class D amp I had through here was the XTZ Edge A2-400 and that set me back around a grand a few years ago. I will take the Fosi ZA3 with the TI amp chip over the XTZ ICE any day of the week. The Fosi ZA3 is simply smooth, no fatigue, no glare, no digital artifacts that tend to make my ears bleed. Instrument separation is good, soundstage is better than any other Class D I have yet to hear. The voicing is incredibly tight and precise, not shrill or biting at all. Guitar, strings, sound incredibly good for what this silly little amp is. Very impressed to say the least. The ZA3 is a keeper.

[@NormcoreGreg]

You have a great setup Michael! Fosi has just announced their first true monoblocs - VA3 mono, so I guess I’ll give them a chance as well. Interesting point on sparkos opamps - they’re highly praised by many.

[@michaelwright1602]

@@NormcoreGregI received my Fosi V3 mono block email this morning! Already on the list to get one of the first batch. Fun stuff!

[@gmcjj8020]

Good video, I would love to see you upgrade the ops amps in the Za3 and do another comparison. It seems that there are a bunch of different ones that you can switch to customize the sound.

[@NormcoreGreg]

I am tempted to play with opamps, I admit. But this would elevate the price of these amps to the level that would make me consider choosing "proper monoblocs".

[@michaelwright1602]

I tried the Sparkos, not pleased, they muddied up the sound, especially in the midrange. I'm using a PS Audio Stellar Gaincell DAC/Preamp, and a pair of Zu DW6 Supreme speakers. I reinstalled the TI op amps.

[@ztanizlaf]

It's funny but I have a very similar situation, I also had a Willsenton R8 and replaced it with a ZA3. My speakers are more demanding in terms of power, I have Magnepan LRS+, the R8 couldn’t drive them properly. But the ZA3 does it perfectly. My biggest mistake was the same as yours. I connected the ZA3 to the DAC directly, and used the DAC as a preamp. This sounded pretty good, but when I used separate preamps like the Topping Pre90 the situation changed dramatically.

[@NormcoreGreg]

I’d love to hear magnepans in my room one day!

[@ztanizlaf]

@@danisold Fosi p3 is one of the worst offers on the market, the level of this device is not even basic, it’s a piece of garbage.

[@michaelwright1602]

I have been playing with these little amps for a few weeks, the Fosi ZA3, the V3 and the Aiyima A07 Max in mono. I did some research on these TI amp chips, and discovered that they need an increase in line level voltage to really open them up. So, I went on a hunt for a line level booster and discovered the $40 Douk Audio Line Level Booster sold on Amazon. I installed the Douk in the chain and Katie bar the door! All of these amplifiers opened right up. This Douk unit, if my understanding is correct, can boost the line level up to 12v, Douk is not very clear on this, and the sound by 20dB. I have no clue on those numbers, but I can say without a doubt, the Douk takes these TI amp chips to the next level. I have one set at 12 o'clock. I turned off the source and put my ear up to my Zu DW6 Supreme speakers. I could hear nothing until I physically pressed my 59 yo ear into the cone, and there was a slight bit of a hiss. One inch away, I could not hear anything, dead silence. Get the Douk or another brand if they are out there and give the TI chip some juice, you can thank me later. ;-)

[@a4rontran]

I added the sparko.s opamp and it moved the vocal further to you. They also turn midrange much richer comparing to my r8;however, r8 is definitely more airy. I do have tube dac, that aslo help to smooth things out and add more space.

[@NormcoreGreg]

@@a4rontran I have to try opamp swapping!

[@michaelsocha651]

Set it up with my Magnepan LRS, cheap fosi p3 preamp, fluance rt85 turntable & cheap suca phono preamp, & onkyo cd player with 2 subs No hum at all so check that out It’s parallel mono block but I don’t need more than this. The deaf audiophiles can keep spending! Sounds great in a small room setting!

[@NormcoreGreg]

Sounds like a great setup. I'm yet to experience magnepans outside of youtube :)

[@darpanbhuyan1909]

Just blew the socks off a fellow with the ZA3 monoblocks and a pair of el cheapo Mission LX-2 Mk-iis. Made him rethink everything he thought he knew about audio. The mid-range is not the most resolving, even compared to my CXA81, but the high frequency extension, bass impact and soundstage are stellar. @normcoregreg - next up to try them against my Wilsenton R8 (PSvane KT88) and R800i. This time, it'll be the Spendor Classic 2/3's which are somewhat similar to the Lintons.

[@NormcoreGreg]

@darpanbhuyan1909 I like the ZA3s, but every time I revert back to the Willsenton I get goosebumps - the sound is more… electrifying for the lack of a better word. Enjoy your comparison :) I’m curious how this will worknout for you.

[@wric01]

low watt tube amps vs high watt class D. Never had more fun than the all in wonder za3 amp. Magnapan lrs+ hard to drive but this amp drove it with one amp xlr. What ever missing can be resolved with opamps.

[@NormcoreGreg]

If you mean Willsenton R8, it's not that low watt - it's at least 25W per channel, up to 50W depending on tubes you put in and the mode you switch it to (triod or ultra linear). Of course, compared to theoretical 200W of ZA3 you can say it's low, but in my opinion it's plenty enough for most speakers even in larger rooms. Interesting what you're saying about opamps. I'll have to try it. But with good opamps the cost becomes dangerously close to higher class amps ;)

[@artsabound7627]

I am interested to hear your results with a good preamp , perhaps tube pre. Thanks

[@NormcoreGreg]

I'll do my best ;)

[@tamayaytam]

I have the predecessor of this amp. Fosi v3. I don't like how it sounds. Something is off. I can't listen without fatigue. It is too analitic I think. I went back to my class a clone. And I am happy with it. Thanks for the review.

[@NormcoreGreg]

Yeah, class A and D are audibly different, aspecially with those cheaper units. But for me comparing different pieces of gear is part of the hobby I enjoy as much as listening to music itself. Or sometimes even more ;)

[@Cloud13.]

what speakers?

[@tamayaytam]

@@Cloud13. Monitor audio bronze 2

[@Cloud13.]

@@tamayaytam thanks!

[@user-fu8vn7xo6c]

Some Monitor Audios have a reputation for some harshness in treble, like Klipsch. A warmer sounding amp is a good match.

[@michelangelobuonarroti916]

Thanks for the comparison.

[@NormcoreGreg]

happy to hear someone finds it useful

[@baseballlife5884]

Does the sub out still work in mono mode with two ZA3’s?

[@NormcoreGreg]

I believe it does and you can hook two subs - left and right. I haven't tested it though tbh.

[@9XThunder]

I am glad we all have different ears !!

[@NormcoreGreg]

And brains that process the signal - just like speakers and DACs au rebours ;) What’s your experience with the ZA3 @9XThunder?

[@9XThunder]

@@NormcoreGreg I think they are very good, especially for the money, I have had everything from Audio Note (obviously better), but can now live with these fosi's, it is often about the combo, it is not just the amplifier, you also needed speakers, cables and a dac/streamer ;)

[@NormcoreGreg]

@@9XThunder, may I ask what equipment you paired it with? Do you also run ZA3 as monoblocs? As stated in the video, I don't have a "proper" preamp and using my DACs volume control, so this might be a limiting factor.

[@9XThunder]

@@NormcoreGreg yes, a good preamplifier does a lot, but that is the case with any amplifier. I use them as a monoblock, but I don't think they are bad with just a streamer, so without a preamplifier. They are simply very good amplifiers, as mono they give a better image, and the sound is more stable.

[@fotoagapress2947]

Ha ha. Greetings from Poland panie Grześku.

[@NormcoreGreg]

Ja również greetings :)

[@fotoagapress2947]

@@NormcoreGreg Po polsku taki odcinek to by było łatwiejsze do zrozumienia. 😀

[@tonym8358]

You should try 2 Aiyima07 Max on mono.

[@NormcoreGreg]

As far as I understand, those two are very similar, probably made on the same assebly line ;-) I chose the ZA3 for its balanced inputs. Aiyima only has single ended inputs.

[@michaelwright1602]

I did, have them sitting right here, and they were good... The Fosi ZA3 beats them hands down, and the V3 that is sitting next to them.

[@Cloud13.]

Has anyone tried it with the 48v 10a power supply?

[@NormcoreGreg]

I’m planning to try it with such power supplies. I ordered V3 Monos and speced them with 48v 10a PS, so when they arrive, I’m going to make a comparison.

[@KXP70]

I feel like the hiss could come from the fact that you have the gain maxed out on the amps. You should max out your dac/pre then turn up the amp(s) until you reach a maximum level you'll ever likely listen to them, then pay attention to make sure the L/R are level matched to eachother. This should reduce the hiss but also improve dynamic range, especially when using a dacpre as there would be a lot less digital attenuation when at normal listening levels.

[@NormcoreGreg]

Kurt, that's an interesting tip. And actually this is how I have the amps set right now. However, this only shows the ZA3s are not the best for monobloc configuration as you need to make a lot of manual adjusting. Luckily, Fosi will be releasing proper monoblocs soon. I can't wait to get my hands on them.

[@KXP70]

@@NormcoreGreg I agree. If these were to be optimised for monobloc configuration they would need a switch to disable the front volume/gain knob and maybe another switch so that you can flick between preset gain levels. I'm looking forward to seeing Fozi's dedicated monoblocs too 👌

[@NormcoreGreg]

@@KXP70, I was very surprised to learn (after the purchase) that the mono switch, which ZA3 has, doesn't bypass the preamp section. I guess that would raise the price a bit, but would totally make sense. Anyway, I'll keep looking for those perfect monoblocs :)

[@superidyt]

"Lola" by... who?!

[@NormcoreGreg]

The Kinks :) - tidal.com/browse/track/64293674?u

[@skymonk332]

Greetings from Ukraine 😊

[@NormcoreGreg]

Hello there!

[@Umarluch]

Quite surprising to hear about some foreigner speaking about Anita Lipnicka :)

[@NormcoreGreg]

Sorry to disappoint, but I’m just a regular guy from Poland ;)

[@Umarluch]

@@NormcoreGreg oh, that explains a lot :D

[@Bob-us9di]

A regular guy from Poland who speaks excellent English with pronunciation better than many English people! Thank you that was very useful regarding the za3.

[@NormcoreGreg]

You're too kind Sir. Happy to hear you found this video useful :)

[@fotoagapress2947]

Może taki odcinek po polsku ?