Fosi Audio V3 Amplifier Review (2) – Second Opinion
I like the simplicity of this tiny Class D integrated, which sports only a single volume control, an RCA in and a 3.5mm pre-out. The V3 runs cool and build — and component quality are just fine.
I tested the V3 in my office system, which presently consists of a 100w Acurus A100 amp/L10 preamp driving PSB Synchrony 1B speakers, which have moderate sensitivity at 88dB and 4 ohm impedance; I also swapped in my (seriously great), 92dB ADS L520s and, for laughs, my notoriously power-hungry Revel M20 bookshelves.
Fosi’s nonsensical claims of 300-600w output notwithstanding, Durwood guesstimated the power of the V3 (with the stock 32v power supply) at 30-50w@ 8oHm, which sounds about right (ASR measured it at 38W). The results in listening tests were quite predictable, which is to say the V3 fared best with the very efficient ADS and worst with the tough-to-drive Revels, which sounded clean and undistorted but almost bassless.
In contrast to comparable, cheap Class D amps like the SMSL A300 (review here), the V3 is fairly neutral and uncolored—it eschews the bright, “digital” quality of its peers, while retaining surprising high end detail and extension. Channel separation is clean and there’s no audible distortion, even at high volumes.
The conventional Acurus amp, however, shows substantially more body and warmth; notes on the Acurus are thicker-textures and the presentation is smoother (if somewhat less resolving). Most significantly, bass on the Acurus sounds much deeper and fuller; the little V3 sounds comparatively flat and lacking in dynamics and drive. Comparison to the Parasound HCA 1500 in my main system yielded the same outcome. Of course, the Acurus and Parasound are significantly more powerful, expensive and physically larger.
To some extent, the V3 exemplifies the intrinsic differences between Class D and conventional amps, which is to say it trades a beefier, more forgiving tone for clarity and resolution. It’s wholly inoffensive and, especially considering the $89 pricetag, a very credible entrant in the small-form factor amp segment. Truth be told, though, unless you’re driving very efficient speakers and desk space is a priority, you’re better off with a more robust amp.
Disclaimer: borrowed from Durwood.
Specifications Hidizs Fosi Audio V3
| Chip Set TI TPA3255 Output Power 300Wx2 @4Ω Terminating Impedance 2-8Ω Input Mode RCA Output Mode Speaker Output + Pre-out Frequency Range 20Hz-20kHz(±0.1dB) SINAD 88dB THD 0.003% SNR ≥110dB Control Knob Built-in Logarithmic Taper A pot Device Dimension 6.5×4.1×1.4 inches DC Input Range 24-48V Power Supply 32V/5A, 48V/5A |
