Fosi V3 Amplifier

[Shadowfax]

I know this is not the best forum to post about this amp since it is in the sub $100 range. But, this is where I like to post.

I needed to replace a failing cheap Lepai 20x20 in my simple office system that is not used for any critical listening. I rarely use it because I have to think and concentrate for my job. Then it seams that whenever I have time to listen, my wife tries to ask me questions from downstairs. So I didn't need anything expensive, just better than what I had.

Basic setup is PC out via AudioQuest Cinnamon USB cable to a Firestone Fubar II DAC then to the Amp with some older Tara Labs ICs. Generic larger gauge stranded Speaker cables driving a pair of 4 ohm Dynaudio 42s. I use JRiver for digital files along with Pandora and Youtube Music and Videos.

The Fosi V3 fit my requirements of 4 ohm friendly, small, powerful enough, and no nonsense. For ~$80 you get what you pay for and more.
The On/Off - Volume Knob is really nice. It allows a very slow ramping up of volume so low level listening is easy to achieve. It sounds decent at low levels but comes alive when opened up.

I was earlier surprised at how the Lepai drove the Dyns but this amp is in another category in sound, build, and looks. With only the one On/Off Volume knob and a tiny blue LED, it is simple and uncluttered like the cheesy Lepai was.

My speakers are above my head when seated and closer to the wall than I would like but it is what I have to work with. I also had the foam plugs in the ports of the Dyns that I removed and got better sound. The unit has also now been running 8x5 for a few months so broken is as far it it will.

Of course this amp is not refined and as detailed as expensive amps, but it does the job in a small compact way. This amp would be a great starter kit along with just a CD Player (or TT with pre) and a set of speakers. No need for a Pre since the one knob controls the volume and power.

They do claim that the Sweet Spot for this amp is a pair of 4 ohm speakers. I have not tried it with any other speakers. Would be fun to see if it can drive my 82s or Fynes. The bass is decent as well as mids. The 42s were never the most revealing for highs but the silk tweeters are non fatiguing.

I would not hesitate to purchase other Fosi gear if needed.

 

[Mike]

Good write up! We sell them by the truck load through our Direct website.

 

[2FarGone]

I picked up a set of Fosi V3 monos last year to drive a pair of Triangle BR03 speakers. I ran them from the high pass outputs on a stereo pair of ACI Force subs, with Von Gaylord Chinchilla ICs, so the V3s were relieved of responsibility for frequencies below about 80 Hz. For the total investment represented, that rig sounded better than it had a right to.

 

[Mechnutt]

I just visited my best friend and ex-partner from the ER in Albuquerque last week. He has a high end PSA system but in his basement, he has a Parasound JC2 preamp and a Belles Hotrod 150A and a Wiim Ultra as a streamer. He decided to buy a pair of Aiyima A20 mono blocks with a 48v 10A PS. Speakers were a pair of KEF monitors from 1989 with crazy specs, Sensitivity is 81db at 8 ohms. I told him the system sounded terrible and it was thin on bass and it was grainy and too bright. I had him put the Belles back in, take out the Wiim and put in his PSA Original Direct Stream DAC with the ethernet card (he had recently bought the latest PSA DAC), I moved his speakers 6" further apart and a little closer to the side walls and the transformation was truly remarkable. It sounded high end with a bit of warmth from the Belles, the sound stage was huge, less grain and good bass. The WiiM is going to his daughter and he may sell the A20's or they will sit in his garage with all the other high end gear that he has and refuses to sell. He bought the A20's on reviews. I am sure that they could not deal with the 81db sensitivity despite being high power and were overhyped.