Fosi Audio ZA3 brings Cool New Features
Vložit
- čas přidán 5. 06. 2024
- Fosi Audio ZA3 is a small speaker amplifier starting at $130, and this is my impression. Read my written reviews with scores at iiwireviews.com/
Support the channel via Patreon (BIG thanks to current patrons!): / iiwireviews
Use these affiliate links if you want to help the channel:
Buy on Amazon: amzn.to/3U40ZBq
Buy on AliExpress: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_EIO...
Fosi shop (non-affiliated): fosiaudio.com/products/fosi-a...
Fosi V3 review: • Fosi Audio V3 review a...
00:00 Intro
00:18 About ZA3
03:40 Sound
07:19 vs Fosi V3
10:24 Final thoughts
Follow me on Instagram for behind the scene stuff: / iiwireviews
Room test system:
Eversolo DMP-A8, Allo DigiOne Signature
Lampucera DIY DAC, Gustard R26 DAC: bit.ly/3XLyNCF
Acoustic Invader AMP and PREAMP (Fulcrum version): acousticinvader.com/
Spirit Wind Speakers: • High End 2-way speaker...
Head-Fi:
Aune S17 Pro: amzn.to/3u2O6gu
xDuoo XD05 Pro: shorturl.at/stJRT
Verum 1: www.verum-audio.com/store
Goldplanar GL2000: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DkW...
AKG K702: amzn.to/3TSlnUF
#hifi #audiophile #amplifier #stereo - Věda a technologie
Correction: When mono mode is used, all avaliable power and cooling goes to one channel that makes it able to push higher power. It is not a bridged mode of operation (that would have its own shortcomings).
Thanks for bringing this to my attention. 🍻
A rare mistake ❤ I however don't understand why they wouldn't bridge it??? They did so many things right but this is actually a deal breaker for me 😢
@@bjornodin The chip already works in bridged mode
honestly this is one of the audiophile channels that I trust the most, you don't just buy into the hype-train, you tell it like it is!
Za3 is for.convenience but not for audiophile /Critical listening
ZA3 has a mono-mode and not a mono-block
Fosi has a Kickstarter Campaign for true V3 mono-blocks that they just started
Better news is that Fosi is going to put out a Hypex class D amp soon which will be a game changer and not just another chip amp
Great review as usual
My favorite audio channel
I'm not seeing anything new on Kickstarter. Is that on there? (Found it through the Fosi website!)
I would love for Fosi to build a Hypex class D, as those are really the only class D's that can compare to a decent AB.
Two Z3's are better then one! Run them as mono blocks for better separation, dynamics and slam :) Use a dac with volume control as a preamp, and you'll hear quite a difference versus the standalone.
Funny you mentioned Atoll IN100.
I have two ZA3's in mono mode with SS3602 opamps, easily replaced my Atoll IN100, much better separation between instruments, better soundstage, more transparent, reveal more details. But they drive good bookshelf speakers with sensivity 91-92db. Atoll is too soft and airy, colors the sound in its own way.
ZA3 doesn’t technically bridge the channels in mono mode. What it does is shuts down a single channel and routes all available current from the PS to a single channel. Supercharging it. That’s why the output in mono mode isn’t 2x the stereo mode which is typical in a bridged amp.
The ZA3 has 5 different OPAMPS! Ironically the balanced inputs only have a single OPAMP shared for both channels, but the stereo has two OPAMPS for single ended and the sub actually also has two OPAMPS.
Like the V3, the ZA3 OPAMP is rollable, but if you’re running the amp in mono mode you technically only need to upgrade one OPAMP. Another CZcamsr actually suggested you remove the OPAMPs your not using in mono mode to further shutdown the circuits and route even more current to the right channel in mono mode.
Fosi is set to release a true monoblock power amp that apparently removes the unnecessary circuitry like sub out and volume control. It has a few other tricks up its sleeve as well. I’m not sure if the monoblock amp is based on the ZA3 or the V3.
I highly recommend switching out the Op Amps. Like many have done, I've inserted 3 Sparkos Labs Discrete SS3602's for the RCA and XLR cables, and 2 MUSES02 IC based op amps for the bass. Plenty of dynamics and slam now and an increased naturalness, with a wider and deeper soundstage. Howevever, I did notice right away that when listening to the ZA3 through balanced inputs/cables, the sound had a cooler (in some instances, steelier) tonality. Using the RCA connections rendered a warmer sound - similar to the Aiyima A07 Max.
How much did that cost? I’m wondering if doing that would be worth it or relegate the Fosi to the kitchen and get a Audiolab amp for the sitting room
I bought the Sparkos, and found that they threw a veil over the sound, and with some tracks, muddied up the sound. I tried them in the ZA3, V3 and Aiyima A07 Max units. I removed them.
Same here. I'm not very happy with Sparkos in my setup with high efficiency speakers. The stock OPAs are even worse. OK, it can not compete with tube sounds that I'm used to, but again, it is strange for me. There is everything in terms mids, highs, and lows but with the vail. Like you are looking through foggy window. Few more remarks on sound, dry, without body and soul. I can fix this with the tube premplifier, but that's not the point. Without the preamp, the Fosi monos sound like a very average AV receiver, at least in my setup. At the moment, there are 120 hours of burning in period. I will continue testing...
It sounds way clearer than my old Onkyo AVR I was using but haven’t really had anything to compare it to other than older class D’s and an old 15w Cambridge amp
Make sure you burn in the amp and newly installed opamps .. otherwise yeah muddy but after a burn in period ... Wow really nice .
Excellent, always learn something from your vids. Dig the laughs too. Cool runnings
Thanks for the comparison: exactly what I was wondering about, so I'm delighted to hear your opinion at last. I have two of the V3 with 48v and 32v andI have been very happy with them so far, but I have been watching the ZA3 as it seems to be the logical successor. It's an exciting time to be a novice audiophile because I can buy decent components and put a system together, and still afford some upgrades and alternatives without feeling locked in. I'm listening to more music than ever, and life is good.
Thanks for the great review.
Calling yourself a maniac was best!
My mostly deaf brother in law who’s in the nursing home now introduced me to this craziness!
He spent multi multi 3:28 thousands on ultra high end stuff, amps, preamps, crazy turntables & tone arms & cartilages & electrostatic speakers etc
I have the 2 mono ZA3 with LRS Magnepan, Fluance RT85 and Onkyo CD, sounds great & I can pay gas & electric! bills mostly
Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh! My audio vampire! Love listening to your voice,whatever your talking about!
I have tried WiiM amp just out of curiosity and as you said now a days you can get decent sound from very affordable hifi equipments and WiiM amp is one of them. As.you said it is not the most dynamic and powerful amp but it sounds pretty good and warm. I wouldn't expect a sound like this from a class D affordable amp
Thank you for posting.
I found the ZA3 to be better to my ear, but not by much over the V3. One thing I found, was that the addition of a line level booster really opens these amps up. I used the Douk Audio unit sold on Amazon for around $40. I found no difference in power bricks, but I run 95dB Zu DW6 Supreme speakers. Waiting for the soon to be released V3 Mono Blocks. ;-)
Plan on getting 2 and use for the front or rear speakers in a 4 speaker stereo set up
Thank you. Do you have a favorite cheap Class D amp as far as sound quality goes?
I briefly owned a V3 with the 32v power supply and when comparing it to my A07 and SMSL AO200, I felt there was an improvement over the A07 but still preferred the AO200. Yesterday I received my ZA3 with the 48v/5A power supply and while I have only had it for a day and only briefly compared it the AO200, I have to say I am leaning towards the ZA3. In piecing together your reviews of the A0300 (vs AO200) and V3(vs AO300) I suspect that you would be in agreement. I am somewhat surprised by the difference between the 32v and 48v power supply.
When measuring the amp power, the load (speakers resistance) stays the same, so the higher the current drives the music signal, the more power the amp has. The power supply plays a key role in the amp.
Thanks iiWi
I enjoy your reviews, calling as you see it. I'd like to see a line level mode while running in mono.
My thought is running 2 ZA3s in mono in a 5.1 surround system powering the rear surrounds off a pre amp / processor. My front 3 channels are hard to drive but the rears aren't. I was thinking Orchard audio for the front 3, fosi powering the rear 2 with possibly an op amp upgrade used Marantz processor being at the top of the list. The current integrated runs it well but does not have eARC, 4k etc. and I want to pay for a good amp or amps to run the speakers and then upgrade the processor if tech changes.
I could also see running a 2 channel stereo system with 2 in mono, spending some decent money on a streamer dac, and bookshelf speakers. You could then upgrade the amp as money allows. $110 on aliexpress for a ZA3 isn't bad. Buy a $1,100+ amp later. This would also be my path if I put them in a 5.1 surround then upgraded the rear channels in the 5.1 system and use it as an office system. So say an Eversolo A6 or A8, 1 or 2 ZA3s, and bookshelf of choice on a budget, then scale up. If you buy 2 ZA3s for $220, how many have bought a borderline midfi amp, then upgrade and lost $220 on the amp they upgraded from?
I have two in an active crossover and bi-amped system. My speakers are Magneplanar LRSs in a smallish room. The amps work great! They replaced Adcom 535II amps. I prefer the sound of the new ones.
Interesting. I too am a Maggie's guy. Only the SMGa's from 1989 and MMG's from two yrs ago. The older ones sound more open and I wonder if it's due to the attenuators. Anyways I'm using a class D sds250 and it replaced my Adcom GFA5400. No comparison really.
I desperately want to try two Fosi's with the Sparkos, but also want to try the Geshelli with Sparkos too.
No way of knowing how the Za3's will compare to the sds250. What a conundrum
What active crossover do you use?
Wonderful Review*
Do U think it can seriously compoete with the more
expensive SMSL AO200 MK2 ?
Thanks😀
08:01 vs SMSL A300
This comparison from V3 review can be copy-pasted to ZA3 vs AO200 for sonics.
Good Review. Well. Casually today i started testing 2 V3 amps for bi wire speakers using the P3 preamp. Sounds pretty Good. Still noticing the sound stage is not wide. But the stage presentation improved in deep, layering, separation and detail. Bass and treble still the same as using only 1 V3 amp. Basically, the ZA3 is a V3 with balanced in and a sub amp out. You can do a bi wiring with Boths and play with the opamps for the high or low frequencies. Or use other preamp for this combination instead of the P3. Yes, Fosi need to have a balanced preamp for the ZA3. Still more to test and probably change the tubes. I'm really having fun testing this mini equipment than use my main High Grade audio gear. I'm not saying it's better than $1k amp. I'm not comparing it; I know it has limitations and it's in another league in the World of Small factor form Audio equipment.
I'm agree of what you said about the past and the present audio market. The audio market is growing because we have better manufacture, experience and technology to make better products. Because the Global Market gives the accessibility of the manufacturers to see other products and to us to have accessibility to find other options with low cost and good quality.
I'm more curious to try others class D amps and hybrids. Can't Believe I'm Saying that! 😲. I heard about the VTV with the tube buffer, did you try that?. Maybe in your future reviews could try other hybrids preamps or amps with tubes and Class D. That will be interesting.
I would value a bit more impressions of yours about: 1/ how you find the sound replay RCA inputs vs Balanced; 2/ what about op amp rolling - dose it improve the slam and how is the 'flavour' of replay changing. Why I am asking these two. My chain is Eversolo A6 -> TT2 / iFi iDSD Pro which I mainly use for headphones. In the last year I decided to change a bit to speakers and recall my youngster hobby days. I took from the attic my KEFs Q15.2 and refurbished them with the help of KEF Service (even did cabinet improvements for dumping and vibrations) and started exploring the hobby again. My NAD 3020 was pretty enjoy but I wanted more. And here comes the AIYIMA 07 Max which I upgraded with Sparkos 3602 - pretty enjoyable replay. BUT I wanted more, so I started looking for a better bigger amp.... and mostly my hobby friends were lending me AB class amps. I tested Cambridge Audio AXA25, Rega IO, some ARCAM models and never got satisfied - I thought I need more powerful speakers (and I needed a new pair to tickle my hobby) so I went for ELAC Reference UBR62. But again the class AB amps were not matching the enjoyment I had with my old NAD and the AiYiMA with Sparkos op amps. Finally, I decided to do a more drastic change and I got a vintage KENWOOD R-SE7 which is a piece from a system but believe me killed all the class ABs I tested - it is class AB but you may switch it to class A for average loudness listening and all the magic came alive - the ELACs where singing as reviewers say, the room was full, the stage was big, all sounded natural... So I jumped to SMSL A1 like an affordable modern class A amp and was blessed - little gem! So, these days, I have deleted class AB from my mind - I listen to class G (AiYiMA 07 Max with Sparkos) and class A (the vintage KENWOOD and the SMSL A1). Now I want to introduce Balanced so I am waiting for my ZA3, to upgrade and enjoy. I know it is not top-of-the-tops but strangely the small AiYiMA class D kilss for me the bigger class AB and after listening to class A I do not see the value to invest in class AB.
I've had a couple of well reviewed class A/B amps from Rotel and Denon and find I enjoy the sound class D so much better. First tried the Crown XLS 1002 and it really woke my speakers up and then moved to a little more polished XTZ A-2 300. Class A/B sounds a little denser and heavier and what many characterize as warmer but in close listening it lacks the instrument separation and controlled bass of the class D stuff and sounds too thick for my taste. Excited to try the Fosi V3 monoblocks that are on the way.
Hey Srbo, thanks for the review.
It seems that mini-class D devices are getting much thicker in the world and better by the day.
Depends on a particular device, but I wouldn't really swap my IN100 for one of those small amps. Of course, the Atoll isn't perfect (what is?), but a direct comparison with a few class D amps I had here didn't go in their favour.
I presume that at some point in the near future, differences will blur out, and most of us will switch to devices like the V3 or ZA3 and be very happy with them.
Hi Vlado, as you can see I often use Atoll IN100 when talking about dynamic scale and drive. That comes with appropriate price of course and it is not on these small amps to match it at a fraction of the price... But just to keep us all real.
The Peachtree GaN1 may blow your mind with how transparent it is.
3:13 did you see that the power rating was still on using 1 kHz sine wave with THD high as 1%?
This is typical to putting out high numbers in specs but with real music application this wattage is prone to drop merciless low, resulting in dynamic-less playback. I wished you could measure that, it would be eye opening.
Good point on Watts vs ability to push large currents on difficult loads. Question is: how do you understand (or derive from specs) if an amplifier is able to drive large currents? In discrete class AB amps you can look at the transformer, the power supply capacitors’ size, the output power transistor specs…what would you look at in this case?
In this case you can look at the power supply brick that offers 32/48V and 5A max. Also, for any design we can look how power handling behaves when load decreases. Power into 4 Ohms should be twice of that into 8 Ohms. Ideally, for top performing amps, that also happens when moving from 4 to 2 Ohms. If it doesn't it's because maximum current output is reached.
I kindly suggest to ask Fosi to send you a couple of the new V3 mono, these are really true monoblocks, and prepare a pair of Sparkos aswell, maybe it's the steal of the century! Other channels and comments are raving about these ZA3 as monos with Sparkos against much pricier amplifiers (Naim Supernait 3, Eversolo AMP-F2, Atoll IN100). I'd like to know the truth.
Is there a clear understanding that one of these things is not like the others?
I'm going to trust what you say from now on, just bought Za3 to replace an entry level class A/B 100 watt Yamaha AVR from 11 years ago, you are right, not all watts are created equal, there is no impact to the instruments in the Za3, I guess I was unreasonable to assume it will be better because of the numbers, this will serve as a lesson to wait for review from honest channels such as yourself, measurement don't tell the whole story, I will keep this as a "portable" amp perhaps for outdoor uses but it's not an endgame for desktop nearfield that's for sure, Thank you for the video!!!
I think it was designed as an all around amp for many uses.....
@@Philip-xk5ui There's really nothing wrong with Za3, it performs above expectation for its size and price and doesn't sound annoying, I just was comparing with the AVR which surprised me because I kept hearing how a dedicated amplifier was better than an entry AVR, but it has features I took for granted like treble/bass controls and room correction, but also deliver power in a much different way with its internal linear power supply, maybe Za3 can sound the same if I use the new Fosi 10A power supply and use Dirac for room correction and equalization from a PC or pre amp.
I have a home made Gain Clone based on LM3886. Not sure how Fosi would compare to that. Great review though. Pozdrav iz Australije
While the V3 has 2 swappable op amps, the ZA3 has 5. This a case of mix and matching to get the best sounds for the customer.
I got mine yesterday and I like it so far.
Edit: sounds very good but it has poor channel balance at low volyme.
Edit2: gonna use mine to power a pair of planar drivers from 500 hz to 20k hz in a diy 2-way speaker project.
Couldn't use it for desktop because of the poor channel balance at low volume
. It sounds great for mid field.
Right channel has more power at low volume, very noticeable. If you need near field listening, turning DAC output down and ZA3 up solved the problem for me.
Great Unbiased Review! 👏
It isn't actually bridged, it uses just the right channel, but there is enough headroom in the chip to effectively double the available power for one channel. So it will be able to drive heavy loads better. I am waiting for the reviews of the not yet launched but announced V3 Mono but I am very tempted to just skip al the fosi's and invest in some Hypex Nilai Mono blocks. Much more expensive but they have true power.
I wish you compared these to the SMSL ao200 MK2, it's a great competitor with so much more features.
08:01 vs SMSL A300
This comparison from V3 review can be copy-pasted go to ZA3 vs AO200 for sonics.
@@iiWiReviews11:03
Hi. How do You compare za3 vs Smsl a300 ? (The one with blue digits on panel)
I personally only would go for a class D with a product that has tubes in preamp section like Heaven 11 Billie mk2 or Emerald Physics EP 200se
Thanks for this review. I always respect your commentary. I currently use two of them as mono amps into a pair of Lintons, fed by an R26, and they have the bass, texture, dynamics and loudness I seek. My thoughts are that the current, and therefore power, comes from the brick. I find them a fantastic value buy. My only thoughts for actual upgrade derive from aesthetics, not sound quality. Please get a 2nd and run in mono, you may be surprised. Thanks again.
Amazing. You run the Lintons and Gustard R26, proper hifi with these toys? And with Sparkos opamps they sound better than the Atoll IN100? OMG.
@@wyup Toys??? Every case has its own particular needs. I never mentioned the Atoll product. If not clear, I'm looking for a proper aesthetic partner for my case. Now it's not much different than powered speakers. Except theses would be "Linton" powered speakers. I don't have or run Sparkos, never mentioned Sparkos. But I thank you for being judgemental. Made me realize why I don't contribute to these online communities. Take care and enjoy your setup as I enjoy mine.
@@mannyd1392
Much agree to that. There will always be ignorant and opinionated people who never bothered to listen to such systems, lol.
Kind of the same setup here (with Lintons), only with a MiniDSP Flex as Pre/DAC.
@@34332 ¿A 170$ amp with 1,200$ speakers? it doesn't make sense, not price or level appropiate.
@@wyup
It doesn't make much sense referring to 'price', when not listening and comparing first. A higher price doesn't nessecarily mean better performance, which seems a tough reality for some.
WHOA! Mary Chapin Carpenter Album…🎉..it RESONATES in 3D on my system…I was mesmerized! 👍🏼😃
Good to hear that. 🙂👍
...no comparison vs other D class amp (eg SMSL A300)?
Curious how it's use as power amplifier for home theater for Atmos or surround.
What’s the best Bluetooth portable dac/amp these days?
i love your reviews, and have watched many of them, but it seems i could never get a reply , from you , i going to try once again. i watched your review on the topping a70 pro and i have this question. "would the topping a70 pro work well to boost my ADAM Audio T10S Subwoofer with 2- ADAM Audio T8V Studio Monitor, it seems everyone speaks only on the headphone part, but never mention anything in regards to the rear speaker outputs of the unit. i want to get amp first, then looking forwards to getting DAC. and why is it , that no one ever speaks more about the rear output for the speakers or monitors are the rear outputs not as good as the headphone outputs
Thanks! Those Adams are active speakers with amplifier inside them as I can see. They need no boosting from A70 pro that would only act as a signal attenuator (volume control) in your case... And your speakers should already have volume control.
A decent DAC on the other hand would be a better idea in my opinion. But I never had any personal experience with Adam speakers so I can't give any practical pairing advice, like what would sound good with them.
HI, I HOPE YOU DO NOT MIND THE ALL CAPS, I AM VISIONED IMPAIRED AND I CAN SEE WHAT I AM TYPING BETTER. I WOULD LIKE TO THANK YOU FOR YOUR QUICK REPLY, FOR IT SEEMS EVERYONE ELSE DO NOT REPLY AT ALL , THAT BEING SAID THANKS FOR THE INFO, I WAS UNDER THE IMPRESSION I COULD USE THE AMP OR PRE-AMP TO BOOST THE SOUND OF MY SPEAKERS , I GUESS EVEN AT THE AGE OF 64 A IM STILL LEARNING , I LOVE YOUR REVIEWS AND THANKS ONCE AGAIN. TILL THE NEXT ONE THE
The xlr feature on the za3 is a pretty big deal. Also another reviewer discovered that if you replace the opamps with 3 sparkos ones and completely remove the two sub opamps, the amp becomes the best thing he has ever heard.
I installed the Sparkos and found it veiled and muddied up the sound. I removed them. I tried them in the ZA3, V3 and Aiyima A07 Max mono blocks.
@@michaelwright1602How many sparkos did you install. Also did you use rca or xlr. Also did you remove the sub opamps completely?
A couple a days ago, my Yamaha WXA-50 died. I have a couple Elac Debut 2.0 B6.2 and I was extremely happy. Now I need to replace the amp and I was thinking to go with the ZA3. What do you think? Thanks
I would first ask you to consider all the differences. Yamaha was an integrated amplifier with streaming capability and a remote control. ZA3 is an analog input only amp without a remote. You would need to use external digital source and think of another way to control the volume if the amp is out of your hand's reach.
All that said. I feel that ZA3 is actually an improvement sound wise - more balanced highs and lows, where Yamaha was more treble orientated.
@@iiWiReviews Thanks man. Regards.
Good evening. I have one question, if you can answer and explain it to me. My friend told me that these Fossi devices work better and have better sound than Quad 405, 44 and fm4? What do you think? Thanks in advance for your reply and greetings from Serbia!

I am waiting for a single chassis dual mono with built in power supply.
also you can change the op-amps and really make them sing...
Unless you married two, that doubles the power of your headaches! Great video anyway!
I love toggle switches
Recent posted measurements and listening tests stated nothing special about these amps other than price.
Measurements are meaningless, you need to listen to them.
Slap LIKE!!!😊
Fosi Audio V3 Mono Power Amplifier
I got this to connect to my Denon receiver because the ZA3 has a 12v trigger in. However the trigger port will not securely hold my 3.5mm cable. It is very loose and will actually fall out it slightly moved. Furthermore when connected it creates an annoying buzzing through my other speakers. Whether this is an issue on all units or a defect on mine only I do not know because I have not heard any reviewers testing the trigger function.
2 pregnant amplifiers get much louder, have more wallet draining power and in time get older 2 times faster, so You are either the real Joker or a mad Soundwave Man! 🤗!
I sold my Fosi V3....Aiyima07 Max sound much better
Owners of the bookshelf speakers really don't need 48 volts
. Welcome to the beginning of your stereo learning curve. Listening to recorded Music & enjoying the equipment that presents it has captivated so many as a decades long interest.
Here's to hoping you find it captivating too and a little homework question.........
How much quieter, in terms of a number. will the 32 be over the 48 with an 87 speaker and a listening spot at 10?
I'm enthusiastic for the progression & the answer (a bit of a challenge).
Acid Jazz, Funk & Brass 🔈🔉🔊
Sent mine back as it used to turn itself on, the potentiometer was crunchy when you turned it off and it often immediately rolled back over into the on position. You get what you pay for.
First (usually last)
Well done, but nothing useful to say.
Yes I wrote it even before watching the video 😅 (it was just 21 seconds online) so I had to hurry like a GaN Fet transistor. However every comment helps the CZcams algorithm to promote a video. No comments at all is the worst what can happen to a content creator.
Thank you for the effort! 😄
Oh please not this…