I'm Shocked! New Amp is the First Flop for Fosi Audio

[@rossheard9446]

I'd like to commend you as I find the bulk of audio you tube reviewers seem to rarely dislike anything. This one following not long after the SMSL review where you flat out said don't. I appreciate that. Keep er going.

[@salviaspuzzle]

Thanks for plugging Big D 🤘

[@theoriginalrecycler]

I’m oooutta hereee

[@Zimmy_1981]

See how them soundwaves go?❤

[@pcm9969]

I've always thought you were honest in your reviews but you confirm your credibility by pointing bad products in your reviews. In the past I had begun to think that you sounded like a shill for Fosi Audio, but this reviews demonstrates otherwise. No one wants to see a bad product, but they need to be pointed out when necessary. Thanks for the great content your reviews provide.

[@mikeyri2tx]

I am new to this but purchased the MC351 and we love it..driving 2 Infinity passive tower speakers - look is fantastic.

[@ramondelgado6778]

Totally agree Randy. This one COULD have been great. Too many misses. Remove the BT, remove the powered sub channel, for the love of all things holy, add a full sized variable sub output, a high pass filter for the two powered channels/speakers outputs. Pre amp outs would be awesome!!!!!!!!! I don’t understand the choices here. That said, love my V3, TB10D, and MC101. I guess I'm looking for a sweet pre amp. Waiting for the WiiM Ultra?

[@cheapaudioman]

what up, brother!

[@robertkensler2156]

Your crazy Randy!! All your suggestions would have taken that unit over the $300 mark which is NOT Where FOSI operates!

[@ramondelgado6778]

@@robertkensler2156 the cost would be offset by removing the Bluetooth feature, the powered sub channel, the non variable auxiliary output and even the not great at all internal amplifier. Fosi already has so many great amplifiers, why not make a killer affordable pre amp with three analog inputs, a full sized variable sub out, and a high pass filter for the speaker outputs. Done!!!! This would be less expensive than what they came to market with here. The HDMI input would be the real issue with keeping cost down and means you would have to keep the DAC.

[@Zimmy_1981]

Appreciate the honesty. It eeally stings when you're a fan of a company and they put out something way more inferior to thier usual offerings. I recently bought an SMSL PS100 ($30 on Amazon). I'm very happy with it. Great quality amd reliable. I mentioned this bc this channel introduced me to the brand. Greetings from Trinidad & Tobago ❤

[@erikreynolds2534]

I have a passive JL Audio "wedge" subwoofer that was just sitting around and I was trying to figure out how to utilize it on my patio. I came across the Fosi Audio BT30D Pro with is essentially the same thing as this MC351 but without the VU Meter and digital inputs. I currently have it running with the Wiim Mini streamer into the Schiit Modi and driving Klipsch R-51M bookshelf speakers. This little 2.1 system (w/32V 5A power supply) sounds great! It was exactly what I was looking for to make us of that old passive sub.

[@onomehtenialb]

Im running 2 of their 240 watt monobricks with 10Amp power bricks for each amp, along with dual cooling fans. I own Montana EPS2 Loudspeakers, & after my Nakamichi PA7-Mkll decided to take a crap, I bought these to try out. I AM IMPRESSED. Clean specs, powerful & inexpensive, with great sound to boot....

[@EskWIRED]

It might be possible to use the high level inputs on active sub. If so, the sub could handle the base management duties. It's kind of redundant though to use a speaker output into something that cuts it into a tiny voltage and then amplifies it again.

[@Simon_Hawkshaw]

Two steps forward, one step to the side, one step back. The Fosi shuffle. Thank you for your content and opinions. Take care, and stay well, Sir.

[@D1N02]

You can use the pre-out for an active sub. I agree the passive sub out is useless for 99.9% of the users. Fosi isn't naming the DAC chip for a reason. Probably some old TI DAC.

[@CalCobra]

The DAC is likely integrated w/the BT chip.

[@davidchesters7040]

I just got a 1Mii Hi-Fi Bluetooth 5.3 Stereo Amplifier LDAC Hi-Res Wireless Receiver, and I payed £45 for it open box. I can't tell you how impressed with it I am. I just wanted to use an old Panasonic CD/dab unit to do it's thing and add Bluetooth in one unit to drive 2x 3 ohm JVC bookshelf speakers from and old music system, they sound great but the Pan unit doesn't have the power to run them properly. Enter the 1Mii. OMG, better everything. More than enough OOMMFF! to make a huge difference. I think we all know Chifi firms exaggerate their products power output, and as they say "If it looks too good to be true, it probably is" Well in this case, color me gobsmacked :)

[@apparaoapparao]

As someone who prefers passive subs, the following set up works well for my office: Aiyima T10 preamp $99 Has all the inputs I prefer and has RCA pre out Dayton Audio Dta-2.1bt2 $85 50w X 2 for front/satellites and 100w for the sub. Has sub low pass crossover and sub level adjustment knobs on the front.

[@ziggy8757]

fosi executives listen, please add hdmi arc, high pass pass filter for bookshelves, variable sub output and youll have an instant winner...

[@zounds13]

Yeah, the switchable high pass filter is one of the reasons I love the RSL iA255.1. It's just so useful. Plus it sounds REALLY good.

[@D1N02]

It has a pre-out that is a variable sub output, since every active sub has a low pass filter. But what Fosi really needs to do is take the ZA3 as a starting point instead of this half assed implementation of the TPA3255.

[@mcnairdn]

Can 2.1 become a powered center channel?

[@D1N02]

@@mcnairdn It will kill the sound stage

[@brochg]

The Wiim Ultra does this.

[@jontpt]

Nice review and back to basics! Appreciate it!

[@bedlamite42]

I'd like to see Fosi use two 3255's, one for each channel and actually bridge them to get as much clean power as possible instead of just one channel like the za3. Even if that might limit it to 8ohm speakers. Sub out is nice, but it needs controls; level and crossover freq.

[@reenigneesrevereht]

Dang, had this in my cart for 152 and am glad I found this review first! The DAC harshness and lack of sub control are dealbreakers. I feel like they're really close to a killer product here, though. One thought on the preamp outputs of these- I use my V3's preamp output to drive the subwoofer from an old multimedia set without the speakers (Swan M50W) as a powered sub. I then get to use its volume control puck as sub volume, leave those set, then use my source device as volume control for both. Appreciate the honest (positive and critical) thoughts as always!

[@ChicagoRob2]

Williston tested it and found it made 1/5th the rated output.

[@justbrowsing5279]

(EDIT: My post here is littered with incorrect and misremembered information and I apologize but I'm leaving it up to admit I was wrong. The sections outside the "EDIT" parenthesis are my original post. I'd love to just say I wish we got more amp tests from Williston). The guy (Williston) that does the dyno tests of the amps needs to do some better amps as well. Really really useful channel. He tested the Fosi ZA3 as well and confirmed that when run in mono mode it didn't produce any significant additional power. Randy raved about the ZA3 and it's ability to double power when a second one is used. (EDIT: Randy did not say this. I misremembered. He posted the provided specs which didn't even state double the power but did suggest significant power increase when run in mono which was later tested to be somewhat overstated by Williston. While the CAM review does suggest there would be a power increase, all it really did was post the specs that ended up not holding up to the dyno test like this review notes for this new product) Problem is, as confirmed by Williston, that's a complete waste of money due to the real wattage basically not changing when in mono mode (EDIT: again not true it does change but not as much as the specs state). Sure it's separate circuitry but I doubt anyone into chi fi is doubling amp cost just for that. Love Randy but in this case there's some bad info in his ZA3 review (EDIT: not true). At least if you trust the dyno at Williston. (Edit: I was out of line posting this without rewatching the ZA3 review and the Williston review of the ZA3. While the mono output was less than claimed it was higher than I remember and I completely misrepresented the whole situation.)

[@cheapaudioman]

I never said it doubled the power. I don't test things so I wouldn't know. I do think it sounds awesome and provides enough power for the speakers I had on it into 90db. their specs don't even state the power doubles in mono mode.

[@NosEL34]

Well technically if you buy a 2nd ZA3 you are getting twice the power 😆

[@justbrowsing5279]

@@cheapaudioman I'm sorry man. I misremembered almost all of that. I feel like a jerk. I took the fact that the real dyno tests in mono didn't hold up to the specs and inflated every part of that story in my head. I didn't mean any disrespect and was really just trying to say how important it is to have someone like Williston testing these amps. I've left my post up, to admit how wrong I was, but edited in a bunch of admissions of being wrong. I have purchased several products you've recommended and been very happy with them. I appreciate your subjective opinions on the products you review very much. Again, I apologize for my bad memory and for sort of calling you out without getting my facts straight.

[@cheapaudioman]

@@justbrowsing5279 no problem, my friend. People often times say I said something I didn’t. What they don’t usually do is have the fortitude to admit they were wrong. Lots of respect, brother.

[@hammer-and-thumb]

The secret speaker looks like the new re-styled Emotiva Airmotiv range.

[@kvernesdotten]

Was your Fosi a bit Fuzzy?

[@jukingeo]

Good review! However, what I am a bit surprised at is how come this unit has driving issues when it is using the same chipset as the V3 and the ZA3, and those amps received stellar reviews? That is what I don't get. Another thing I don't get is the lack of separate volume controls for the subwoofer. I definitely agree on that. Technically, if it is a space issue, having a treble control and a subwoofer control instead of a bass control would be better. Even on my computer subsat system eq, I rarely use the controls below 250hz because from 100hz on down the subwoofer kicks in and I use it's volume control for balance.

[@quma001]

These handmade Italian amplifiers have spoilt you too much 😄

[@Aaron48219]

Nice to see you mention Big D's channel.

[@edwinsnoek2009]

Where is the remote control?

[@NosEL34]

At the end of your arm 😊

[@OGJD1984]

It puts out 50% more wattage if you use a 48 volt 10 amp power supply instead of the one it comes with. Williston proves that at the very end of his dyno video on this.

[@samuellord8576]

150% more

[@ADREISTER]

80 hz sub out with level control is better than a weak amplified sub channel. Should be an easy fix for them. Now just put the V3 in that chassis, without a DAC and offer a really nice remote control. 😂

[@CalCobra]

I too like Fosi Audio products, and applaud their efforts to push the envelope on affordable audiophile, or at least very affordable HiFi enthusiast gear, but this really misses the mark for me. We don't need a powered sub out, just give us a line level LFE sub out via RCA or balanced XLR, everything else can be done on an active powered sub (LPF, sub volume adjustment. phase, etc). It blows my mind that a sub out isn't simply standard fare on any attempt at an integrated amp, it's ultra low hanging fruit. Dayton Audio makes a couple of similar type of amps, but with line level sub out and adjustable filters. Have you seen the upcoming Fosi Audio SP601 speakers? Supposed to be better than the DYNAUDIO EMIT20 speakers? Maybe you're testing a set?

[@FastMover86]

No ventilation, heatsink on the top inside the case. Doesnt this have a heating problem ?

[@edc1806]

Hey Randy! You might take a look at the Fosi M04 subwoofer amp. I really like it. $50, with level and crossover control. Paired with a small two channel amp it would be much better than that thing. Sub amps (and three change amps) can be awesome because you can often get good subs cheap or even free with blown amplifiers. I have an NHT 10" sub I got free and I use and M04 to drive it. Pretty great! And awesome shout out to Big D Whiz! lol I love his videos.

[@l_o_c_o_666]

Maybe that Texas heat getting FOSI AUDIO too HAHA BTW I think I've watched enough Williston Audio Labs to know what your secret affordable speakers are. Great choice 👍

[@MrBravo143]

Is the secret speaker is Elac Debut 3.0?

[@deviklovecraft3835]

Forgive my ignorance but I'm confused.. Why won't the volume control work on a passive(or active for the matter) sub ? Could the extra speaker outs be used for a center channel and the 3.5 out for the sub ? Again, forgive the noob question and thanks in advance

[@cheapaudioman]

the passive sub will change with volume changes. Subs generally need level control beyond overall volume control to blend them well. if the sub isn't loud enough or too loud compared to the front speakers then you can adjust one way or the other. powered subs have a level control

[@deviklovecraft3835]

@@cheapaudioman Aha ! I think I've got it. Is this an example of the difference between gain vs volume ?

[@BrianHall-Oklahoma]

I tried one of these and just returned it. The sound was ok, not great. It did get loud enough with the 48v power supply from a ZA3. The unit I received had leaked glue on the front below the VU meter. The biggest issue was that the unit got really hot after being on for about an hour. Hot enough that I would be leery about stacking anything on top of it.

[@timbacchus]

Well for less than $200.00 it is awful hard to get anything good now days. But we love the information you provide.

[@MaybeTiberius]

to be honest, i still believe, that those small chinese amps are mostly for desktop users who need space. if its for the budget minded: im rocking an old kenwood integrated wich i bought a while back now for 15 bucks. it was sold to me as ''partial defective'' because channels were dropping but those guys are so easy to service and open and the channel dropping issue is something i knew was a common easy fix with older machines. and it turned out i was 100% correct. the amp itself and all the internals and caps were in pristine condition. all that was ''defective'' was a dirty contact on the source selection dial so it was jumping around. open it up, have a few runs of contact cleaner, done. works perfectly again. it sounds really nice, it has more power than i ever need, it runs really cool. rocking this thing ever since i got it and i dont see myself any need to upgrade this guy whatsoever. older kenwoods are really underrated tbh. most people rave about that marantz they saw or that old denon or some nad or yamahas on used market and they can sell for quite a lot of money still. used kenwooods and sonys with japanese caps on the other hand are way less ''known'' and they pack a punch for pennies

[@timbacchus]

@@MaybeTiberius As an old ham radio guy who always makes his own stuff I can appreciate you and it is amazing what people discard. Listen on.

[@DaddyMac502]

Good afternoon, Randy, I was interested in getting the J2s DAC from Geshelli Labs, I'm trying to figure out a amp or a preamp trying to stay under $750 and I'm having a hard time trying to figure out how to configure it because I wanted to use the J2S DAC right now I'm considering a streamer, but I was going to be running the source from a computer ( Mac OS to stream hi Rez music) . I was first looking at the China amplifiers Fozzy audio but I thought I should probably try a more reputable amplifier or preamp. I just don't know if I can run the DAC into a integrated amplifier because I believe they also have a DAC as well. I am a newbie, my listening is going to be in the Nearfield as far as amplification. David thanks for all your hard work. I've been watching your KZbin channel cheap-audio-man, but I think I'd like a better amplifier or preamp, blah blah blah. Thank you for your help David.❤

[@NosEL34]

If you are going to use your Mac as a streamer for now you will need the "optional" USB input on the J2 I believe. Since the J2 doesn't offer volume control you will want a preamp & an amp. You could still use an integrated amp even if it has an internal DAC already. You would take the RCA analog output of the J2 and plug it into one of the analog inputs on the Integrated. Because you are sending an analog signal into the Integrated or AVR amp you would bypass that components internal dac. Which if you are just getting started there is nothing wrong with using an old or used AVR as a 2ch stereo. Upgrade when you get to that point. AVR's have a lot of useful functions more expensive separates don't have. If you spend any meaningful amount of money on an AVR try to get one with preouts..for a sub later or for a more powerful amp. Use that same type of thinking when looking at integrateds as well. Or you could skip the J2 & get a Dac with a volume control and a plethora of inputs/outputs. Match it with an amp or powered (active) speakers. Just thought I'd share my thoughts...good luck

[@scofab]

I saw Williston's review too... ya. This one doesn't cut it. And that "VU meter" is definitely a joke. To console myself I just ordered another ZA3 and pair of Sparkos. Thanks as always.

[@mili12367]

Sir, can the fosi amp like BT30D be a substitute for Denon X250BT? Thanks!

[@jasonmcallistereire]

Question / opinion apple music for headphones 🎧 and tidal for speakers 🔊 ?

[@maxwellj7985]

do you any plan to review for AIYIMA PFFB amplifier A70?

[@ritabaltasar3322]

Hi I am thinking in acquire the marten Coltrane speakers, would these make a good combination with this amp?

[@BackstageAudio]

Thanks for reviewing this product.

[@davidbartochowski7832]

Great honest review as always keep up the good job

[@alexdiaz8726]

The center output would work with a sub's line level inputs. But who cares? Somebody please help me replace my Vidar! I live in an audio desert so no way to audition anything. How much do I need to spend to get a significantly better sounding amplifier? I can hear the difference between an SU-1 and a J2 w/4493. I think I maybe heard the difference between the J2 and the J2s w/4499&Sparkos but wasn't A-B testing then. This to maybe give an idea what I can hear. The Vidar is fed by a Minidsp Studio via the J2s and all out to KEF Q550 speakers. Thanks!

[@mrcyde]

I love Williston! He's awesome!

[@davidbono9359]

Not to pile on, but the action on that VU meter looks pretty twitchy. IMO it would look less jumpy with a little averaging / smoothing.

[@dubwicht1]

Was this a blind test? It is the only way a reviewer can make an accurate assessment of audio gear.

[@donaldkillian9864]

No, the fosi bt 30 d pro is the bomb,how do you keep missing this one ?

[@francescotenti193]

Well, a lot of reasons not to get involved and not a single one to get it. Thanks for your honest review.

[@carminedesanto6746]

Hi from Toronto ☕️ Ouch …sometimes you need a stumble to regain your balance.

[@pascalmartin1891]

When I compare the list of features with the Aurilyc H50 and HP50, this device looks like it was designed 30-40 years ago. Even if this amplifier was good, a combo HP50 +v3 (or 7 max) seems both cheaper and better.

[@alexhofmann5844]

BUT… IT… HAS… A VU-METER 😱

[@D1N02]

Very Unuseful-Meter

[@robertkensler2156]

I agree!! It is a FOSI Flop!! Willetson reviewed this and said the specs are nowhere near not even close to what FOSI claims.....

[@koprcord5338]

Williston audio labs just put this on the amp dyno and its anemic on power, but decent sound quality. Woops, feel like an idiot when i comment before watching. My bad.

[@OGJD1984]

Still comes a long way from hitting rated watts. Only amps I've seen push past rated watts are Crown and Skar.

[@Guitaural.]

I saw a miss when I spotted that goofy steampunk round VU meter... ; )

[@BrianHall-Oklahoma]

That was the best part of the unit.

[@spons1982]

use case for that sub out channel, i have a 2.1 with sony sscs5 and a cheapo passive sony sub that came with an old sony 5.1 stereo kit and it sounds wonderful in my garage. using the FOSI BT30D Pro to power.

[@OGJD1984]

There should be an industry standard keeping them from doing that. Like an independent test before they can put out their ratings. UL labs or something.

[@KeithHeinrich]

Agreed. This is completely unacceptable for a $2000 amplifier. However for something a bit under $200, is not really the end of the world - is it? Although I get the point that there are way better options at even this modest price point.

[@OGJD1984]

Very disappointing how most amps are so far below their actual watt output when they are tested. Lots of very high end brands ratings are BS.

[@Jacksirrom]

Man I stumbled on this thing, thought it looked really cool, then there's glaring blue LEDs 😭

[@arress2052]

Maybe these companies should focus a little and stop releasing something new every 4-5 months.

[@nelsonmejia4023]

Yes, exactly, that is why I have not dared to buy any of these cheap amplifiers yet, they focus on quantity and then on deceptive marketing to inflate their product, instead of focusing on quality without resorting to false numbers like 300x2 watts or something like that, not even Marantz or Yamaha receivers dare to throw out those numbers.

[@arress2052]

@@nelsonmejia4023 Agreed.

[@NosEL34]

It's just like the barrage of Dac's we saw every month about a year or so ago.

[@alphanumeric1529]

I've got a passive sub, looking for a 2.1 amp that can drive two speakers and a sub. Maybe this amp is for me. No, it is not, this is for a living room setup, medium sized space.

[@larrygaines7462]

This is not what we asked for

[@FootballFinn]

That whole box makes no sense to me either. As stated they have plenty of better options. I love my Fosi equipment.

[@martinrichards6683]

For around the same price, the Fosi BT30D Pro + SMSL SU-1 would be a better, if not as tidy, option.

[@RobertHartmannJnr]

Am I alone in showing my age: Couldn't help but think of the term 'Fosbury Flop'.

[@onefatstratcat]

This one is not Fosi Bear approved!

[@Gioxtream]

So...Fosi Audio is dishonest in their specifications?? I better be very careful. I dont like a company that misslead the public. If I were them...I will rebuild the unit to make it right. But. I know they wont do it !

[@JoMiTo83]

They Need a 2.1 preamp with volume control, balanced inputs and outputs and a selectable crossover. This would sell!

[@robertkensler2156]

The majority of people don`t use balanced input it would bonb so badly!!!

[@JoMiTo83]

@@robertkensler2156okay, so provide single ended as well. The point I’m making is that it would pair nicely with their other amplifier, DAC and prephono products

[@JoseFerreira-zb7wh]

I prefer their bt30d pro. Seems like they gave the same internals and it has independent volume control for sub, as well as frequency adjustment. I have it working with a su1 from smsl. Apart from aesthetics (subjective) and maybe a bit of practicality (one box solution) can't see how this beats my system.

[@gunnarsandberg8132]

Qobuz has better natural sound than Tidal, you can also hear it on the same tracks, with a high end DAC and speakers! You didn't mention it on your earlier video, you're too old!!

[@PhillioDoede]

They've been making such good progress with the V3 and then ZA3. Even if it worked properly this is a useless product and a major step backwards. Shame on whoever at Fosi ok'd this product for production. Double shame too because its quite nice looking. I'd like to see a full size or 3/4 size dual mono 'V3 Mono' power amp with onboard power, the VU meters, industrial design and build quality of this unit along with a matching all analog pre-amp. Enough of pocket sized power houses, make a full size Fosi stack that can truly challenge the high-end. Make it happen Fosi!

[@keith6872]

WEAK music selection in Italy trip video.

[@dicmccoy]

All Fosi amps are flops, hence why they come out with a new amp every few months. They can't properly engineer 1 decent power amp.

[@gilbertwashburn7095]

Yeah I guess in this case I'd rather have a 351 Cleveland in a Torino you know what I mean everything can't be goodLike a Macintosh 4100 receiver don't ever buy one of those as a time bomb went in the below what a piece of garbage that is just saying have a great day I'll keep watching thanks for the education