Fosi Audio v3
Review
In this review, we’ll discuss the Fosi Audio V3 Amplifier
The Fosi Audio V3 is a standout offering from the company, marking a substantial improvement over previous models. This compact, neutral-sounding amplifier offers impressive sound quality for its size and price. I given this amp a pragmatic rating of 5 out of 5, it is truly a value for money proposition.
The new Fosi Audio V3 brings a fresh and modern design to the table with a series of holes on top forming an intricate flower-like shape that not only enhances the aesthetics but also aids heat dissipation. This design combined with a sleek logo placement makes it a sophisticated and minimalistic addition to any setup.
The inclusion of an extra volume knob, available in bright orange, adds a dash of color to the mix. The knob operates smoothly, offering granular volume control due to its logarithmic design. The build quality of the V3 is robust, with no discernible flaws, which is particularly noteworthy given its highly affordable price point.
In terms of specifications, the Fosi Audio V3 uses the Texas Instruments TPA3255 amplifier chip and offers the ability to roll the two TI NE5532 op-amps, allowing you to adjust the sound signature to your liking. A minor criticism here is the slightly confusing pre-amplifier output behavior, where the 3.5mm output bypasses the potentiometer, passing on the signal at full volume.
While Fosi Audio states that the V3 can output up to 300W, this is only possible with a different PSU as the stock 32V PSU provides 160W. The V3 supports PSUs up to 48V, but it should be noted that the stock PSU will be adequate for most listeners.
The sound output of the Fosi Audio V3 has been reported as clean, clear, and impressively detailed, performing particularly well on complex tracks at both low and high volume levels. It’s also praised for a fast transient response and an ability to deliver micro-details, especially in the treble range. The neutral sound signature allows the true color of your music to come through, without any added tonal coloration from the amplifier itself.
Measurements
Measurements of the Fosi Audio V3 show that it is one of best tpa3255 based amplifiers with the AudioScienceReview here showing exceptional performance for the price. The following is the Audio Precision measurement of the SINAD:
The one problem identified during Amir’s review was the speaker load dependency, which is typical of these cheaper class D amplifiers. This can be clearly shown here with spike with a 8 Ohm load compared to a 4 Ohm load:
The effect of this issue is that V3 may sound bright on some speakers and would need tone control or DSP to normalise its output.
Ratings
The V3 represents tremendous value for money and though it lacks features for example no tone controls, I believe those minimal features has allow Fosi Audio to focus on getting the maximum measured quality from the tpa3255 chipset, therefore this gets an overeal pragmatic rating of 5
Summary
Despite a few minor cons, the Fosi Audio V3 emerges as a compelling proposition for those seeking a budget-friendly, high-quality amplifier. It significantly enhances the user experience with its clean, clear sound, and sleek, modern design. With the rate at which Fosi Audio is improving their products, it’ll be interesting to watch what they come up with next.