Fosi V3 Mono vs ZA3 -- Which Fosi Wins?

[@ajzepp8976]

I have a handful of V3 monos and also one of the ZA3 units. The ZA3 for the money is a great piece, but I added a pair of the v3 monos to a schiit saga2 (balanced connection) and was blown away. I even have it driving some Magnepans, and the results were incredibly surprising to me.

[@JeffB1961]

just ordered a ZA3 from fosi with the %20 code delivered for $120 . ill be using it with my fosi ZD3 dac and JBLs on my desktop . i hope the rumors of a fosi ZP3 dac with xlr in/out is true and hopefully other rca ins an d a decent HP out would be sweet ... of course with the burnt orange knob ! LOL . thanks for the review dude :)

[@MrBenherrmann]

My experiences with both models is that regardless of Op Amps that you may use in the V3 Mono, overall, it has a brighter, slightly cooler sound tonality than the ZA3. With the likes of the Sparkos Labs Op Amps installed, I find the ZA3 to have an alluring, almost class AB-like tonality - that is dynamic and warmer overall. Additionally, depending on the power supply you use with the V3 Mono, it can overheat quite intensely. I found that by using a GaN style of external power supply, the V3 Mono can run fairly cool (lukewarm at best). And yes, you're spot on about sound-staging. The V3 Mono's have a more in your face sound stage, whereas the ZA3 is further back. I would suggest - if you're still looking to have 2 mono amps - to just purchase two ZA3's, switch them to mono mode. Then, if you can afford it, purchase either the Sparkos Labs Op Amps (yes, they can become expensive), or a close second, the MUSES02 regular IC-based Op Amps, which can impart a wonderful sound signature.

[@johnshore3095]

7:30 also having 2x ZA3s in mono you could also run stereo subs Left and right out of each monoes ZA3.. as long as the subs have the crossover.

[@andrewdoan1525]

My 2 Fosi Za3 are not hot too touch ifI turn them off after each usage. On the other hand, the 2 Fosi V3 mono are cool as cucumber. Thanks to the stand by mode. Match the Fosi V3 mono with the Fosi tube buffer pre P3 is a match in heaven for the price.

[@kineahora8736]

I ordered muses02 op amps for the V2 monos because the sparkos complements the Za3 better but the v3 needs the chill of the muses02. Funny I thought the v3 sounded more “open” than the ZA3. The Za3 doesn’t sound good with 1 unit. Much better running 2.

[@dixter1652]

Fosi is getting ready to release their balanced DAC for these amps.... can't wait to get one.... also... I got the Hifiman speaker adapter to use with the V3 mono amps... so now my headphones are sounding amazing and I don't have to worry about not having enough power... the HE6se v2 sounds amazing with that much power... whats there not to like... they take up very little room and they sound amazing for a headphone amp....

[@twebbas]

Thanks for the video. Just ordered a Fosie ZA3 to pair with my Wiim Ultra. Can you link those op amps? =)

[@nickacht3301]

You don't have to apologize for the V3. 😉 My two ZA3 will arrive on Saturday, I look forward to a comparison. My system with which I am currently hearing: Preamplifier Weiliang black 6010D Opa, World class clone, with 10 x Signetics OPA 5534AN and 4 x OPA OPA2228PA Burr Brown Two Power amplifiers Hypex UcD400HG HxR | UcD (The NCore 400 were too sharp for me) DAC Topping DS50, 32 bit 96000 Hz Loudspeaker ASW Genius 510, impedance minimum 2.6 ohms...🤦 I have a total of six stereo systems, the rest is everything Harman/Kardon, I'm crazy, I know. 😁 I will compare the ZA3 with the Weiliang 6010D exactly, the V3 would probably be too hot, but I don't want that, so I didn't order it. I will only connect the ZA3 via XLR and with standard Opa´s. Do you want to know more? (A saying from Starship Troopers.)

[@FuvestibularBrazil]

interesting, Fosi V3 Mono costs actually more and in fact its superior in every aspect, it has better dynamics, noise, power etc.... za3 has more features, but in terms of audio quality, the mono wins

[@johnshore3095]

7:30 two ZA3s could also run stereo subs from each

[@lionelh152]

Is there option on fosi za3 relative to rca sub output ? ( filter pass ....) Thank's

[@asan1050]

Yeah! I agree, its better to spend a bit more and leave the regrets behind. Thanks for posting this video.

[@eriolknight]

Hello, do you use the 2 ZA3 with a pre amp in front of? how to you set volume of them?

[@bizmofunyuns6463]

I love my v3 mono's a ton but they get scorching hot. I have the za3 too might get two more and run them in mono, they run much cooler....

[@johnbeaker8721]

Grab a fan, my V3 Monos run hot as well but putting them on their side and using a fan below them works wonders.

[@kineahora8736]

I just ordered some-I don’t like heat generation-if I like them, I think I might get 36v or 42v power supplies to replace the 48 volt. Supposedly limiting power to the amps will keep ‘em cooler-sure you won’t be able to play em quite as loud, but I have never needed 240 watts.

[@misterl7771]

@@kineahora8736 Don`t make a mistake! They do not sound as good with 36/42 V as with 48 V Power. 48 V 5 A ist the best. If you don`t touch them, you don`t know that they are a bit hot. 😉

[@kineahora8736]

@@misterl7771 yes but my apartment is hot as hell always. Dammit. I did order them with the 48 V/ 5 amp (two separate power supplies- I didn’t want to get the single 10 amp with the splitter) I’m going with the muses02 op amps to chill the sound out a little bit… I probably spiritually would be better with the Z A3 which is a little darker- but I decided to go V3 with muses02 vs ZA3 with sparkos…

[@andrewdoan1525]

Did you set them up with Auto mode. My 2 V3 monos are cool as cucumber and I like it. That's said my room temperate is set at 74 F.

[@mariorainy]

What do you recommend guys for subwoofer op-amp in za3? will sub benefit from better or discreet op-amp, and if yes how does it impact performance? I am using Elac 2070. thanks

[@MrAyrit]

I did do an op amp video. I believe I mentioned subwoofers. There was a specific op amp that really added some power, too much in my case, check that video out.

[@mariorainy]

@@MrAyrit thank you will do

[@hoonhog28]

The ZA3's have 12 v triggers so that you do not have to leave them on all the time.

[@grandmasterjo1]

This is exactly the video I was editing for ZA3 vs V3 After the video I’ve decided on the ZA3 and later add the second as two monos If I get the ZA3 do I really need to add the Sparkos Ops ( what is the apx cost ) and what would be the betterment in percentage ? After replacing the ops Thanks 🙏🙏 Great video 👍👍❤️❤️