Getting better and better: Fosi Audio V3 mono amplifiers!

[@yttean98]

You should now start a comparative assessment of all the very nice amps you bought from China, including a one-on-one comparison of this Class D amp and the pros and cons of assessing sound reproduction for different usages. That would be enlightening for all your viewers, including myself.

[@k4syx]

My goal is to set up external website with tables: so everyone will be able to see the scores, reasons for them and prices too. I think I will try to set up first draft over the next month, but I will still need to finish single reviews

[@RobWhittlestone]

Nice review, Tom! I did consider getting these but in the end I got a D5Pro. These Fosi Audio Mono V3's are generally very well received. My plan was to get TWO 480W power bricks in the belief that this would help the sound quality. In the meantime I think perhaps the better route might be a better linear power supply, instead of the switching PSU and the required DC filter. The widely publicized upgrade for the Eversolo DMP A6 from switching PSU to linear PSU shows this can work wonders. All the best, Rob in Switzerland

[@richardlui8914]

Good question... the answer is yes or no but we need to clarify the question first The battle between 1. Power supply adapter 2. Power supply adapter + DC filter 3. LPS 4. LPS + DC filter No doubt .. the adapter with DC filter will be better .. good enough or not .. depends on DC filters Just tried some set up last night Fosi p3 tube amp + HiFi dervo handset Digital source : blue tooth youtube music Powe A.12v adapter , B.12v adapter + DC filter number 1 ( have six capacitors may be Filter capacity: 360000uf not mentioned in the specification just guess based on number of the capacitors)C. 12v adapter + DC filter number 2 ( have ( have ten capacitors may be Filter capacity: 606490uf)result B : better image soundstage and less noise but feeling the dynamic or high treble are limited , a strange feeling result C : better image soundstage and less noise but the clarity is much better even the dynamic like another headset amp ..YES A and C setting is day and night different at good side please find below is the specifications of DC filter number two C. laminated capacitor array (72 pieces, 10uf per piece), the energy storage filter uses a super-capacitor combined with a solid state capacitor, and the auxiliary filter uses high-specification inductors, thin film capacitors, silver tantalum capacitors, etc., with excellent results. The linear power supply dynamics can be significantly increased, and the ripple suppression rate of the switching power supply can be significantly inhibited, and the ripple suppression rate can reach 80%. Suitable for switching power supply and linear power supply , suitable for vehicle. Suitable for decoding ear playback, small host, nas and other devices to use, improve significantly. Send a custom oxygen-free copper DC wire, 2.1 2.5 universal, support 8A current. Application range: Voltage 5V-25V, maximum support current 8A Device interface: DC2.1, DC2.5, terminal, TypeC Filter capacity: 606490uf i guess the filter capacity may be one of reason or another stuff in dc filter number 2 when i have time may try both dc filter for a DAC ( 5V) and check different but need to find a usb a to dc 2.1 cable first may not that meaningful .. but it is meaningful to compare 1. power adapter +DC filter number 22.LPS +Dc filter number 2 will compare with DC filter number 2 and hades 12V dc filter ( which is coming ) in the above situation when i have information and then try the DA50 DAC but i doubt that Fosi brand DC filter $19 with enough filter capacity for two monoblocks but there is one 48V Dc filter i can find and it is just the finished board only ($31 plus metal chasis and then multiple by two )two 48V LPS with unknown brand capacitors cost $200 based i will base on the above result and then pick the set up for the power supply for TPA 48V power supply .. please note it is 48V possible 32V may work ..One for all that is why may worth spending time to figure out !

[@k4syx]

In my experience LPS is way better than switching power supply, and slightly better than switching power supply with filter on it. All in all, LPS is better, though more expensive

[@k4syx]

@@richardlui8914 Thats absolutely great! Thanks for sharing!!!

[@richardlui8914]

@@k4syx haha .. of course we eyes on LPS and DC filter together .. yes the DC filter 2 is $60 dollar more than half of the price of the LPS .. but if it is better then it will be worth .. after optimization .. will add DC filter number 2 with LPS for DA50 .. will see any excitement or not.. LPS usually have its own filter capacity inside it .. but enough or not or other make it better ..

[@olbucky9413]

I’m curious how you would rank the sound quality of these against the clones you have been reviewing. Many of us are looking forward to the various compilation reviews on preamps, amps and cables you have discussed doing. I was impressed by the original v3 stereo version my son bought. I thought it might be a little lacking in dynamics but overall is nicely balanced and amazing for the price. Glad to hear you are feeling better. Health is wealth!

[@wegardfjeld3789]

Dartzeel clone is on another level. Comparisons been done.

[@rockroll9513]

Running these v3 monos right now against a class AB amp that cost 2x more. They sound great. They (or my ears) took a long time to break in.

[@RyuMasterEX]

@@rockroll9513 with upgraded op amps?

[@wegardfjeld3789]

@@RyuMasterEX I have put in Burson V7 Vivid pro in mine. I've changed binding posts and used a proper power supply. Even so it doesn't match up to better equipment. If you look at the price for the V3 after all these upgrades it's no longer a bargain deal and the performance just never does get to the level of that price. Some low price op amps like 828 or similar might be worth it, but in the end any added costs gives it more competitors. ZeroZone mono's sound better for the money if class D is what you need.

[@rockroll9513]

@@RyuMasterEX not yet, sounds good though

[@Grooverski]

Few things. I would strongly recommend 2 separate48V 10A power supplies. It makes quite a difference and it’s a worthy investment. Aiyima makes same spects PS for less if money is a concern ($60 so a lot cheaper). Two, Sparkos will fit with extra dim socket on it. It will lift OA enough to give it enough clearance. 3. Highish operational Temp is a concern. I’ve installed tinny fans that needed modification to fit in but non were quiet enough for real use in listening environment. I’ve my monos with modified chassis to accommodate Staccato op-amps. And that required drilling two 3/4” holes on top of the chassis in order for extenders to fit through. That and extra heartsick under the chassis, lowered the operating temp to where I feel comfortable with. Overall, great little amps. Bi-amped with ML Aerius i. However, it requires a lot of mods to get the very best of it. For average Joe, I would recommend sticking with ZA-3 which is a little easier to work with as far as a mods are concerned. Both must be used with balanced connection for best results. 👍🏻 Edit PS 2 x 48V 10A power supplies will give you over 300wpc in 2 ohms load. And improved dynamics + better separation (maybe lower floor noise as well)

[@itisjustacomment]

Thanks for the info. It's an interesting read

[@carlitomelon4610]

Not sure if I'd like the sound of "tinny" fans. Prefer a more robust sound 🎶😉🎵

[@itisjustacomment]

@carlitomelon4610 I understand they are silent computer fans , what be more concerned is the cost. For larger power supply, 2 monos , a good pre amp , fans , base, etc . I'd rather spend that on second-hand amp say for $600 plus I could buy a Myryad ma 240 and T40 pre . Very high quality and about £3500 when new and the sound with show . I own a ma240 , T60 , T40, and p100 pre . Amazing amps and very well recognised in audio magazine with 5 stars across the board. Even a naim or arcam can be bought will amazing results.

[@richardlui8914]

nice comment. i think you are an expert in those class D amps By the way is the 48V 10A adpater is a GaN adpater ? it looks like a normal computer adapter ... AIYIMA GaN adapter (48V 5A ) vs GaN adapter (48V 10A ) the latter is $75 and the fromer is $25 is the 48V 5A overrated for the 300W amp ? so my quesion is " And improved dynamics + better separation (maybe lower floor noise as well)" so did you do a ab comparison ? or just guess based on the bigger the better ? ZA3 should Be 48V 5A adapter is it GaN adapter ? i have ZA3 and i have made an asumption they are GaN , i guess it may not most of LPS at 48V rated 1 to 3.5A this is an option but $200 each then may be a better option is AIYIMA GaN 48v 5A plus no brainer fosi 48V Dc filter ( $19)... the uncertainity is fosi 48V DC filter is good enough or not .. if no may be another available 48V DC filter at $31 each well ... if fosi comes with a Dc filters in one of the package , i guess they figure out the importance of this DC filter ...i guess your modification may have worked on this.. if the power supply is two in one for Monoblocks ... why do we have two separated monoblocks ... not a power amp . . weired package from Fosi By the way what brand of balacned cable you use .. balacned cable from DAC to pre and balacned cable to these two monoblocks?

[@k4syx]

@@richardlui8914 Its GaN, I have that one too

[@EvenHarmonics]

One user suggested that the Burson V7 series can fit by shaving their radiators down slightly. This user also addressed temperature issues by 1) raising the unit with add on feet to create airflow 2) increasing the airflow on the sides by eliminating the orange panels, and 3) added a heat sink to the top

[@k4syx]

Shaving the Bursons seems SCARY :) To scary for me :)

[@neokeeboon3325]

Another great review Tom, the 3eA7 or mono block version might be worth some investigation.

[@tofffsymagic1099]

With one swappable opamp in the A7 vs two for each V3 mono but if you don't need as much power the A5 is superior according to what 3e Audio told me when I was hesitating which amplifier to choose

[@k4syx]

Yes Ive seen to my surprise that there is a 3E ali shop with all the versions and pretty good prices too!

[@tofffsymagic1099]

@@k4syx yes, they are for sale since this week, they will update their shop on Ali and at least the A7 mono will also be available without power supply

[@D1N02]

Zerozones aren't that much more expensive and you get a dedicated power supply with them. Probably worth the price difference. I also wonder if the Fosi's would sound better with the Zerozone power supply.

[@litospud]

i love your reviews of these products. if you had to choose amps from china that you have been reviewing for home theater what would you choose? the Dartzeel clones?

[@k4syx]

For home theater (5.1) I would go for ZeroZone clones or these Fosi v3 monos - due to footprint and space required, and also power consumption. If power and space are not the limiting factors then I guess somethink like 3x D5Pro would be a killer for HT setup :)

[@RUMBLEGO1]

I have the original V3's and saw a review from someone comparing it against the Douk Audio A100. I was able to obtain the A100 at an introductory price of $100 shipped. It can also be used in mono mode so with two of them can be used as mono-block amps. Since replacing the V3, the A100 has not left my system. The mids are to die for in comparison. Only thing slightly not as good is that V3 bass slam. It's still very good but not quite as good as the V3. Everything else makes it not even close in my system and why it is staying. Just a FYI.

[@richardlui8914]

since the V3 are cheaper now .. thinking about getting two to do biamp vs two monoblocks ...Can i use 48V power supply in V3 ?

[@RUMBLEGO1]

@@richardlui8914 Yes you can. I was running 48V 5A. I was initially using a 32V supply. The 48V definitely improved things. Go for it.

[@k4syx]

I think so, AFAIR that was the upper power voltage limit.

[@RUMBLEGO1]

@@richardlui8914 i actually replied yesterday but forgot to actually hit the reply button. Yes you absolutely can use it. Fosi actually sells the 48V 5A as an upgrade. I'm also using it with the Douk Audio A100. Makes a difference to my ears. There is a new amp out there now called the 3E A7 and they are using the 48V 10A power supply. Probably squeaking more juice out of the chip. How the chip reacts long term pushed that hard is anybody guess. Few reviews i saw of the 3E A7 were very favorable and much prefer it aesthetically over the Douk!

[@carlitomelon4610]

Wow looks like a toy with those tiny caps...makes the DartZeel Inspired D5 variants look like overkill! Would be nice to see the PSUs needed in context. I'd be concerned about durability with no decent heatsinks. My friend JimF will be trying thise with his Musical Paradise MP701/3 preamp when it escapes HM customs in Scotland. Encouraging to also try with his monster class ab amps😅

[@k4syx]

In my experience overkill PSUs are always working best, in audio gear thats what I expect nowadays (im spoiled by the clones I review :D)

[@Evolved_ue7]

I've had a few d amps, the best one I still have the Sabaj A30a with DSP . However for me they just lack soul, which is a personal preference to A/B or Tube amplification.. No doubting their value for money, in a small form factor .

[@k4syx]

I know what you mean (and I still own A30A). But I see all of this as incremental steps forward. And Zerozones - so probably these too if they would only fit inside - with class A dscrete opamps like Staccato or Burson sound nothing like common d-class amps

[@sonusancti]

Aside from better opamps I would definitely try a beefy linear power supply with it as I did with my stereo tpa3255 amp. I connected a DC voltage display so I can confirm it is giving 36V. In one Telarc chorale CD the track Sanctus has a climax so powerful the display showed 32V then returned to 36V. The only track that did that.

[@rontoolsie]

Back in the day the Telarc LP of the 1812 Overture caused all cartridges to literally leap out of the grooves with the cannon shots. It was known as The Torture Track.

[@sonusancti]

@rontoolsie True! It was told of a dealer who had IRS giant Infinitys playing a Telarc torture track but forgot to turn down the volume. When the huge transient came the bass woofers simply came off and dangled!

[@k4syx]

Wow thats amazing, I didnt thought about actually checking the voltage drop under load

[@sonusancti]

@@k4syx If I can give another insight because I am also a patron of Chi-Fi. Having achieved great results with PS upgrade of TPA3255 Brzhifi amp, I also upgraded PS of my ESS9038pro DAC using Nichicon Super Throughs, again with significant improvements. But what was a revelation was my recent purchase of a Kimber Tonik interconnect. I wanted a PBJ or Timbre but this was the only one available, still not cheap for me. My first branded interconnect. For speaker cable I've had a genuine Van den Hul CS122 for a long time. Only the interconnect was Chinese VdH. The Tonik was a revelation because the effect was like, it took the system's transparency, openness, staging, tonality and imbued it with more focus and detail. It organized the sound as it were. My journey of 30 yrs is what you might call a poor man's journey to high fidelity. A David trying to slay giants. I'm using an upgraded Wharfedale Diamond 225s btw and honestly the bass its giving me is enough to forego a sub. More power to your channel!

[@matytinman]

Being in the same price range, I think many would be interested in a comparison between: 👉Fosi Audio V3 mono (D) - ZeroZero mono TPA3255 (D) - Burmester 933 MK2 clone (AB)

[@k4syx]

Here we go then: 1. ZeroZones 2. Burmester 4. v3 monos (3 - indicates gap here). But v3 monos are the smallest of the bunch and very good for the price too. Fosi is learning fast!

[@matytinman]

@@k4syx Thank you! Wesołych Świąt

[@k4syx]

@@matytinman Dziękuję! Nawzajem! Merry Christmas! :)

[@Utube1024]

Once I heard review on the clone FM 300A amp I am so excited to get it. Then happen to come across a review where they play it immediately I pull my horses...LOL.

[@k4syx]

I really like my FM300A, what is this video with it playing you mention? How do I find it?

[@Utube1024]

@@k4syx kzbin.info/www/bejne/nZmnZIp9oMmGe68 sounds like cheapo mini-compo...LOL kzbin.info/www/bejne/lXqvc5Ztl9GrqtE even my desk top $10 speakers sounds so nice. 12:40

[@k4syx]

@@Utube1024 Are these links correct? One leads to some slides on FM300a with some stock music and the other one is for some random speaker build? As I understand you meant the video with fm300a sound demo? none of the above is about that?

[@aldub1263]

Shouldn't the thermal paste go edge to edge across the width of the v3 mono heatsink instead of just a blob in the middle?

[@k4syx]

Thats a subject that has like tons of videos - how to apply thermal paste on CPUs ;D Id say that there its not a crucial thing here, the heatsing is screwed to the bottom anyway and contact there is good

[@sqcaraudio]

10 x v3 monos in my car stereo.. and Sparkos SS3602 opamps!!!

[@richardlui8914]

Do you need another car battery ? Or can you start your car when you listen to listen ? Or what kind of car do you have ?

[@sqcaraudio]

@richardlui8914 a 5 way active set up. They run from an Ecoflow Delta Max. Only 300 watts needed. The car charges the EcoFlow.

[@richardlui8914]

@@sqcaraudio smart move ! Rock and roll at speed xxx mile per hour .. Police : pull over sir ? Sqcaraudio : only 120 mile per hour .. this is a no limit high way you cannot give me a ticket Police : sir no ticket your audio system is good .. what brand it is ? Awh good audio and good car are troublesome ! Pedestrian a to z : sir is it your car ?

[@richardlui8914]

@@sqcaraudio silly me still do not understand the set up.. Do you get the 48V DC power from the Ecoflow Delta Max directly or ac outlet and then 48V adpter ?

[@sqcaraudio]

@richardlui8914 yes. The ones that come with the v3 mono

[@Richards123]

How do they compare to the Aiyima A70 that you reviewed a little while ago ? personally I liked the sound from the Fosi V3 mono's but they ran really hot - over 50 degrees C after a couple of hours of moderate use... I didn't think they would have a long life running at that temperature...

[@k4syx]

They are clearer and more transparent than single A70, being mono amps. They cannot be stacked, thats for sure, but mine were never over 50C when they were standing separately. If you want to improve the cooling just stand them on the sides (add some rubber feet to the side that will become new bottom). The air flow forced by temp differences will be better this way, especially on the side with the TP3255 mount. You can also go full ahead and get large external heatsink with propoer fins and mount it on that side using longer screws with the same diameter as original ones (that would require drilling in the new heatsink but no changes in v3)

[@kenwk2283]

Any sound diff vs your zero zone ? Same chip set. Thanks. 🙏

[@michaelcampbell9459]

I also want to know this.

[@k4syx]

ZeroZones are way better, honestly. They say in the product page that they hadn't used sample design from TI whitepapers but designed everything by themselves choosing values and brands of elements with some listening sessions. I tend to believe that as sq difference is big, and ZeroZones do not even use pffb apparently (there is no word about it in product description, and everyone seems to be proud of turning that on now :)

[@k4syx]

@@michaelcampbell9459 ^ above (or below?)

[@stensarapuu5208]

Be careful, many reviewers had theirs burn down as the cooling is not sufficient enough. They should have just used a bigger box and made it 20-50 dollars more expensive.

[@k4syx]

Owww thats bad, I never felt them too hot: I was burning them in for 10 days I think (in a row!) and one thing for sure is that I wouldnt stack them one on top of another, other than that they werent half as hot as some clone amps I review :)

[@phillipmorris9847]

good stuff, thank you, i think maybe sparkos will be best

[@k4syx]

These are horizontal so they may fit internally. Though that price!

[@richardlui8914]

these are one of those low cost TPA amp need to collect..

[@k4syx]

They are way better than Fosi stuff that was produced like 2y ago. And it seems that they really do listen to the user voice!

[@mddawson1]

It looks like there is enough room to fit full sized speaker terminals to this amp.

[@Grooverski]

It’s possible. I replaced them on my.

[@k4syx]

@@Grooverski Exactly!

[@ryanburr8419]

I'm surprised you didn't compare it to it's brother the ZA3. Does it sound any different? Some first impression comparisons with some of the cheaper Chinese replica amps would also be helpful to know more the pros and cons of a class d amp vs the traditional class A or AB amps.

[@drufnuf]

Would interest me as well as a za3 owner paired with Nubert Nuline 102's. :)

[@Grooverski]

I have both. And both heavily modified. In stock form, monos have more impactful bass with 10A power supply and slightly extended top end. ZA 3 has an interesting midrange bloom which some might like better. Mono are also more linear with various speaker loads (2-8 ohms). ZA3 has a slight bump in higher frequency (1.5 - 2 db) with 8ohm speakers.

[@ryanburr8419]

​@@GrooverskiThanks for letting me know, that's very interesting. There are so many good affordable amps these days it's hard to decide between them. I wonder how these amps compare to the new hypex nilai for example.

[@k4syx]

I would say that these sound better than ZA3. They have more clarity and detail (with better opamps, but I've also had the same 828 in ZA3) Grooverski's summary of the differences is spot on.

[@marcinwasilewski5414]

Czyli pusty bas jak to z chipa TPA... A nie ciekawią Cię niedrogie klony monobloków Quad 405? Pierwotnie świetnie grały z elektrostatami quada a masz przecież Logany, do których zresztą możesz zrobić bi-amping i panele zasilić np. tylko quadami, a basy czymś co ma najlepszy bas... Dodatkowo miałbym jeszcze dla Ciebie pewną sugestię genialnej i prostej innowacji, którą mógłbyś zrobić. Maila masz tego youtubowego?

[@k4syx]

Yes, its not organic in nature but it hits hard and fast. But I know what you mean. I actually have these (405 monos) here, they are waiting for first look and then listening test and review :) My mail is hfzytreviews at gmail - please feel free to reach me there! :)

[@marcinwasilewski5414]

@@k4syx I wonder how 405's sound in high tones and upper midrange. The "old school" often is still great...

[@k4syx]

@@marcinwasilewski5414 Very smooth and relaxed, though its not loosing any resolution or detail there, and its a little on the warmer side

[@jkim4712]

I had this V3 mono and compared to my modified class AB power amp for weeks on my mid range driver of Maggie 3.6. No comparison, my class AB amp crush them, I also compared it to my modified Sure electronics class D kit amp that I got 5 years ago and it was toss up. The basic design seems ok, but my modification experience is telling me they could improve a lot by using better parts and design with not much more cost increases. Also this amp gets too hot on 4 ohm speakers, considering how hot they gets if you don’t use fan they will not last long.

[@michaelcampbell9459]

Which A/B amp did you compare these to?

[@jkim4712]

@michaelcampbell9459 Emotiva UPA2. But I upgraded the power supply, wiring, fuse, inlet, etc. and it doesn't sound like the original anymore. Fosi mono sounds clean natural and decent for the price. But does not sound dynamic enough especially driving 4 ohm speakers.

[@thomaswhitestone8807]

Just use banana plugs. They work fine. I gave up on bare wire and spades long ago.

[@k4syx]

Same for me, but better quality bananas have thick barrels to accomodate for thicker cables and then suddenly these are too small and to close to each other. I wouldnt even dare to use spades with them, these are so close that there would be shorts probably and I dont know if I would be able to reliably mount them with so small plactic caps :( So yes, bananas ;)

[@itisjustacomment]

Personal I'd rather buy a cyrus older amp and psxr supply . I've tried the v3 and wasn't impressed that much also the one I used while house sitting got very hot for a class D .

[@k4syx]

Yes they run hotter than other small d-class amps I have. Honestly, the first thing I would do is to replace 5532 with something else. I have no idea why they do (and not only them) deliver the amps, dacs with that low end opamps that are mudding details, loosing transparency etc. I think they get "analog sound" the bad way...

[@itisjustacomment]

@k4syx thank you. I am going to take a screenshot and tell my friend he's not really happy with his. Btw loving your channel, one of the best !

[@k4syx]

@@itisjustacomment Thank you! :)

[@ruslanmulyk8601]

Please don't warm up it too much. It is very small for that:)

[@FDKAUSW]

LOL Why do all influencers have to test the same things? Not everyone wears the same pants or drives the same car. I prefer to see what the other influencers haven't tested yet. There are so many hi-fi things on Ali... so why are they all testing the same thing? If one says it's OK and another says it's OK, a 3rd or 6th will not rate it any differently. So it's better to bring what no one has brought yet... 🤔 However, Tom, thx. for this nice Video.

[@k4syx]

I get these as I follow class D developments, it gets better and better every year. I was doing that before that was trendy, look at my old Aoshida and Fosi amp reviews :) I wasy buying AiYima stuff (like small 9028 based DACs) way before that was cool and I have a set of devices that one day will be called vintage or classic Aiyima :D (and thay also produce/brand speaker drivers, I have some of these too :))

[@FDKAUSW]

@ what means with speaker-Driver…The crossover or Chassis? 🤷‍♂️

[@FDKAUSW]

@ I usually concentrate on one system. And since I combined the Dartzeel clone with the Marantz7 clone (which sounds even better than the Cary) I'm pretty much done with HiFi. I don't think the Chinese will clone anything that will top the NHB108, at least not in the €500-700 range. Then the Chinese would first have to find speakers that are affordable and can beat the 803... I mean really better and not just a little or just different and I don't see anything like that here on YT...

[@k4syx]

@@FDKAUSW I know what you mean. My goal is to find a winner set for my Logans, enjoy the ride, and at the end decide which amps/preamps will stay with me as collectibles (like ZeroZones, these are so small and SO GOOD!) and the rest I will sell - unfortunately I have no room to keep all of them :(

[@FDKAUSW]

@@k4syxperhaps I can buy by U some Items, but before I like to speak with U out of YT. How we can do that? And Really U mean, that the tiny Class-D amps are bether as the Dartzeel? I can‘t believe it 🤷‍♂️…

[@dieseldust27]

This particular model is a fire hazard last time I heard😢

[@RyuMasterEX]

Everyone says these need the burson v7 op amps

[@MrBenherrmann]

Burson 7 op amps probably won't fit (I could be wrong here) because they are much longer (higher) and may interference with the case. I found the Sparkos Labs ones fit OK.

[@k4syx]

Yes as a rule every TPA325X sounds better with class A discrete opamps, the thing is in most small amps like these there is no room for them. I couldnt fit my Bursons here :(