My living room is only slightly bigger than a couple of phone booths So my Aiyima amps are enough to scare the neighbors.

Some personal testimony about the reliability of decent TPA3255 "chip amps": I bought a pair of Aiyima A07s four(!) years ago and they still perform flawlessly after running them on 48VDC pretty nearly 24/7 for most of those years. The TPA3255 is a revolutionary device in terms of price/performance ratio for audio amplification and, in its latest incarnations -- like the Fosi V3 Mono -- it can deliver all the quiet, low-distortion power most home stereo systems will ever need.

A few months ago, after 3 years, I’ve sold my PS Audio Sprout 100 and bought me an older Rotel RA10. Waw, finally found the sound I love! (Found back the sound I remember from my youth, I’m 61.) And Andy, I love your specific approach of all things hifi! Thanks also for the humour.

Agree with you Randy. Also, love the Triumph T-shirt.

Love your channel! I purchased the SMSL AO200 and DO200 MKII last year, and they are hooked up to Q Acoustic Concept 20 speakers that I purchased for $250, and the Jamo 10” sub. I can easily get clean sound at 100 decibels (6 feet away) using a Cayin CD player and it sounds clear and controlled. I usually listen between 70 and 84 decibels, but it will crank without any noticeable distortion. For my home theater, I am running a Yamaha Aventage A8A and Emotiva BasX 3 with Monitor Audio speakers, so I have a higher-end reference when it comes to power, speakers, and DAC.

Randy is right on 100% here. I'll add two things. First, if you're into 2 channels over home theater I think the sound on the Fosi and probably others absolutely destroys what they're selling at Best Buy for quite a bit more. To me, a $500 to $600 HT receiver from there has maybe $50 worth of parts and the rest goes to all the levels of distribution, advertising, shareholders, etc. I have a $750 Yamaha HT receiver and in 2-channel mode, my V3 sounds better. I think that means that someone can put more money into their turntable, DAC, etc. rather than pay for a poorly built big-name big box receiver. Secondly, there is a lot of gatekeeping in the audiophile world, and that spills into ChiFi. I have components from several higher-end manufacturers and I'm in those FB groups and they are an extremely insular community. They don't even like high-end outsiders like Devon Turnbull even if his stuff sounds utterly amazing. John Devore did a whole video on that aspect of audiophilia. There are guys, and yes it's always guys, who won't consider any class D amp no matter the maker. Even the ones that cost 5 figures because their mind will only lump them with disposable Pyle products. Thanks again Randy for running the best hi-fi channel on KZread.

Keep doing what you're doing, I'm getting into this thing because you made it so fun and exciting about hifi stuff, in a kind of funny way.

All I can say is, thank you. You introduced me to aiyima a07. You then showed me how to change the op amps. In two years I have gone from, I hope it sounds OK, to one of the best systems I have ever heard. My music surrounds me to about 190 degrees, song dependant of course. It's depth puts the back of the orchestra 15 feet through the wall into my backyard. Height wasn't a thing, now the music flows freely around the room. Nothing I've ever owned gave me that before. I love this trip through hifi. So far, 500 bucks, lol.

Randy, thanks for entertaining us. You seem to be a good person who is just trying to figure out what brings you joy. And it has been fun witnessing your journey (that’s why I’ve watched so much)! Ironically, this channel has taught me an important hifi lesson, “I’m too poor to buy cheap hifi.” All the ‘cheap’ stuff I’ve bought (based on recommendations from this channel) has either been bad, gone to a thrift store, or ended up in the trash. You get what you pay for, hifi is no exception. Except for friendship, I’m never paying a dime for true friends.

@drewpknutz1410

Ай бұрын

Yup, cheap hifi is just the gateway..and thats the rub. I started with a phone and a bluetooth speaker like 3 years ago, now I'm listening to a $7k system in my temporary 1 bd work apartment.. its ridiculous.

@jungtarcph

Ай бұрын

Not sure it is HiFi.... but anyway 😅😅🚀🚀💪💪

@PeterWesselGoes

7 күн бұрын

But remember: your set is as good as your ears are.

I picked up an Aiyima T9 pro on your recommendation for £50 on eBay, upgraded the tubes and bought some speakers from a retro store near me that turned out to be Wharfdale Diamond mk1s, made in England in 1982. I've thrown in an old raspberry pi with ropieexl for Spotify streaming via DAC. For under £100 all in I have the best home audio I've had in years and I'm rediscovering music again, I can't get enough of it. These amps are pretty amazing, just having affordable but good home hifi again for the first time in 20+ years is wonderful.

These cheap amps are one of the best things that have happened in years for the audio community. Driving a pair of Magnepans with a single ZA3, and it sounds good, and does not even get warm. I hope the rest of the industry is listening.

@over2weeks

Ай бұрын

Damn! Thank you for sharing that! I've been hesitating on Maggies for a long time because of their legendary hunger for power! You've just eased my mind a ton!! :)

@michaelwright1602

Ай бұрын

@@over2weeks I would suggest a Class A/B amplifier for true 3D holographic sound. The Fosi is a bit 2 dimensional, but still sounds good. I dug out my old Emotiva XPA2, first generation and it sounds fantastic with the LRS+ speakers. Add the Rolls XS45 crossover and a pair of REL MKIII subs, audio nirvana.

@over2weeks

Ай бұрын

Thanks!!

@Justwantahover

Ай бұрын

They sound good by themselves but not so much on AB tests with an AU $1,800 ab amp.

@Justwantahover

Ай бұрын

​@@michaelwright1602Yep, after hearing the fosi, I changed to my Audiolab 6000A a/b amp, (which cost well over a grand) and everything just opened out like crazy! Didn't think that it would be that much difference. 😅

I started with a Fosi V3 and a pair of Q Acoustics 3010is. Not even a year later I've upgraded to the Wharfedale Lintons. Expensive hobby, but I'm enjoying it.

@ricochet243

Ай бұрын

What have you got your eye on next?

@zounds13

Ай бұрын

I started with an Aiyima T8 and A08 Pro and Neumi BS5s a year and a half ago. All on the advice of cheapaudioman, by the way. Since then I've upgraded to: Schiit Gungnir Multibit Schiit Lokius Schiit Freya N Schiit Vidar 2 RSL CG5s RSL Speedwoofer 10S MKII Nitsch Pietus Maximus Verum Audio Verum 1 ...and that's just the main system. As you said, it's expensive but enjoyable. The thing is, I've been really struggling with depression, and recently realized that music is crucial to my well-being. And since I'm listening to a whole lot more music these days, I'd say it's been money well spent.

@robinkleinsteuber5217

Ай бұрын

​@@zounds13 Looking great!! 👍 Happy listening! 🙂🎶🎶

@davidmmontgomery

Ай бұрын

@@ricochet243 I've heard the Lintons pair well with a livelier amp, so I've been looking at the Cambridge Audio CXA81, but an all-in-one like the EVO 75 is also really compelling because my cable management is atrocious.

@aeon7748

Ай бұрын

It's a hobby of buying gear...

TLDR: Cheap amps: If you like it, then it's good for you. If you don't then it's not good....FOR YOU.

@MisterRedBird

Ай бұрын

I'd honestly argue it's good for everyone. With the existence of decent cheap stuff, other manufacturers are forced to step up their game, offer better features, or lower prices to compete

@bobc455

Ай бұрын

True If you don't care about other things like the economy and national security.

@10sassafras

Ай бұрын

@@bobc455No, innovation actually is very good for the economy and strong trading partnerships are good for national security.

I own Wilson Audio Sabrina X speakers and i had a friend bring over 2 Fosi Audio ZA3s set up in mono mode. They drew more bass from my speakers at the expense of some smoothness. But i wouldn't say these amps were embarrassed by my Class AB amp costing 10x the price of both Fosis.

@therealboofighter

Ай бұрын

That would have been a cool video to see.

My ChiFi report; According to Spectroid graph, my 200w class D amp is driving Elac DBR62's down to 30 htz (playing pipe organ), while mids and highs sound, well, very good. 30 to 41 htz play equally loud. These notes are B (30.5 htz), B#, C, C#, D, D#, E (E is 41 htz, the low note in Narcissistic Cannibal, an open E bass string). Volume is 76 - 85 db (at 9' away) or lower usually. The Elacs did not sound this good with a lower powered A-B amp. 25 w per 8 ohm channel was not enough. But the Douk ST-01 Pro has no problem getting loud enough for my taste. Some furniture began buzzing, had to add some padding, but no problem. Now, about that sub... Thanks for the video.

Solid analysis...Thanks Randy! 👍

Randy you are absolutely right on with this regarding cost of entry. I’m new to the audio hobby. No way was I going to drop 1k-2k as a beginner. These amps allowed me to get in and I’m upgrading as I’m able to. More people added to a hobby can only add stability and success to a hobby dominated by people getting up there in age. Whether elitist audiophiles want to dump on these or not I don’t care. More people in this, the better for everyone. And now I’m enjoying things in a way I wasn’t before.

Thanks to CheapAudioMan, I’ve purchased three Aiyima T-9’s for three separate systems. I am so happy with these little amps. I use a T-9 to drive my 2.1 video system with B&W 683 tower speakers and LOVE the theater-like sound. And, my spouse loves the sound, too. Bonus points.

I think that listening to the sound of your cinema system, in your car, on your phone, in addition to MP3 files, has completely calmed your ears. I've bought several of these amps, and they're very decent for their price, but they can't compete with good Mosfet, Class A amps, and even less with tubes. Go to concerts and listen to live musicians, and you'll see that what comes out of these devices is far from reality, and that after a long listening session, they are often tiring. Ears can be trained, and the worry is that the more they are trained, the more demanding they become, so if your budget is limited, stick with these gizmos. 😉

@robertj1701

9 күн бұрын

It’s clear the host hasn’t done any real critical listening ( on truly high end equipment) in a long time… if ever!

@dab9742

9 күн бұрын

@@robertj1701 Yes, as the saying goes, in the kingdom of the blind, the one-eyed man is king !

Great video!!! I do have a bunch of aiyima gear as well as SMSL. I’m running the ao7 pro max in mono, and they are good for what they are. However, they will not be replacing my Yamaha a-s2200. Part of this hobby for me is looks. I need my gear to look good as well. lol. But these class d amps are great!! My Willsenton R8 is one of the best sounding amps with my speakers that I have ever heard. It also looks and feels great. Another thing I do. When I spend a decent amount for a ChiFi product from Amazon, I add the protection plans. They are totally worth it and have saved me a couple of times.

Measurements say the well designed and well built "affordable" amps can compete with anything at any price in terms of clean and accurate sound. I'm pretty happy with my $300 amp even next to my $3000 A/B amp. I am not sure I can tell them apart at normal volumes. At higher volumes the 400 watt per channel $3000 amp wins vs the 200 watt affordable amp.

@robinkleinsteuber5217

Ай бұрын

Agreed! Very reasonable way to look at it. 👍

@dab9742

9 күн бұрын

It's like asking an ignorant person the difference in taste between a Château Pétrus and a Chardonnay. Since his palate isn't trained, he might prefer the $14 wine! It's the same with hi-fi: we don't all perceive the same things. An audiogram might surprise you ! 😉

Another great video! Thank you very much! You can also get good AB amplifiers for little money. I'm thinking of Rega io, for example. 4 months old second hand for 340€. It's based on the circuit from John Linsley Hood 1969 (Class A sound), made entirely in Great Britain with the best components, 2 x 30 watts, more than sufficient for 8 Ohm speakers. I sold my Accuphase E-211 for it and don't miss a thing. I also replaced the fine-wire fuse with an audiophile one, which was a big improvement. Greetings from Bavaria (Aschaffenburg)😁

@robertwoodward9231

Ай бұрын

The Brio is nice also.

Thank you for another great video Randy! Preach brother, I am the middle age person you describe. Your video on the reisong a10 got me started again using the link in your video to buy it and i love it daily and tube roll... and yes, now I am down the rabbit hole, went to Axpona and saw your presentation etc. And yes, I want more traditional high end stuff now dammit. 😂 Ps. Minor edit at 5:51 it shows the cambridge but I believe it should show the yamaha. Anyway, thanks for what u do! Ps2.. wharfedale 12.2 and paris a10 classic are on the dream board now.

Cheap class d amplifiers have changed my life contrary to what you say in that now I can justify having a stereo in every room and they are a pleasure listen to without breaking the bank. AND fact that you wearing a Triumph motorcycle shirt has just elevated your status. I love my Tiger 1050

First off Randy you are smart. Darko is too. You have influenced me to purchase a SMSL SU-1 and a Fosi BT 20 A Pro. Great value products. Had the Fosi running my 5 K Bryston loudspeakers to 95 db +. Sounded good enough that my wife said why did you spend big money on a Hegel. All the best Randy.

Good morning Randy☕️☕️☕️, at 62yrs I’ve dug out / dusted off my old Pioneer VSX 5400 system. After a 25+ year absence wanting to jump back in ,not knowing whats out there in the universe of HiFi and should I go with a NOS (?) TurnTable and Speakers or something new. I haven’t made those decisions yet as I’m having as much fun in the discovery faze of what’s out there and the “ who’s , who in this zoo”. I’ve binged watched most of your vids which has sent me down many rabbit holes. I will say that with all this information it’s becoming more and more difficult to Mack a decision, so it might just come down to the tried and true “ rock-paper-scissors” method of choice, either way I win. Thanks for the knowledge and entertainment packaged together. Love it and your channel. Blessing to you my YT friend. BTW, my wife of 37 years says you’ve got a sexy voice, sounding like Magnum PI. may want to though in a few “ Higgens” easter eggs for those of us who remember the good ol days.

Certainly a starting point for any musicophile. I am not sure if they replace AB or A class amps, but they can certainly coexist. Thank you for your perspectives, time, and efforts to review and compare this very contentious audio space. Controversy fuels progress and improvement. Take care, brother, and have a great weekend.

@michaelwright1602

Ай бұрын

The Class D sound is 2 dimensional, with extreme detail. Class A/B is 3 dimensional and holographic, but not quite as detailed. And then we have the costs, you will pay for a nice Class A/B amp with the 3D, instrument separation, dynamics, etc. Class D is the "gateway drug".

Nice shirt! Not exactly audio related but I recently got a brand new Triumph Street Triple 765 RS and I love everything about it. If this channel was about motorcycles I bet Triumph would come up frequently since they make beautiful premium bikes for very reasonable prices.

@steveh545

Ай бұрын

But then he'd have to review Chi...Moto(?) stuff, lol. That conundrum is burning up the motorcycle youtube channels already.

@cheapaudioman

Ай бұрын

I had a speed triple 1050 for a few years. brilliant bike. I don't ride anymore but I'd love to again. was like a nuclear green. was the best bike. dual round headlights. very very cool... I'm missing it now

@ricochet243

Ай бұрын

@@cheapaudiomanwe need cheapaudioman in one piece, he doesn’t bounce like he used to!

@shanedaiken2831

Ай бұрын

Just pretend it's the band TRIUMPH...if that helps.😅

Thanks Randy! As always, great stuff. I am currently using 3 modded (Sparkos OP amps) ZA3's to power L/R/C Klipsch RP600's, and Emotiva BasX amps powering DefTech ProMonitors 1000's for surrounds. I also have an Outlaw 2220 monoblock that isn't plugged in. I know what you're thinking. "How could you have an idle A/B monoblock sitting doing nothing when you have a crappy class D amp powering your CC?" Well, I'll tell you why. It sounds better to me. Period. It may not sound better to you, but it does to me. Will it last as long as an Outlaw? We'll see. But for now, the ZA3's are singing quite nicely.

Hi Randy, glad ur back safely, good vid, another step to help people make a good decision, thanks!

@cheapaudioman

Ай бұрын

Thanks 👍

I used to be into hifi years ago. My original system consisted of a Dynaco SCA-80 (kit) along with a Dynaco FM3(?) (kit), an AR-XA turntable and a pair of KLH model 23 speakers. I enjoyed that a lot but over the years I left the hobby behind. Recently I wanted to get just a basic system (my current hobby is photography) that sounded good at least to me. So I got a Fosi BT20A Pro, a Schiit Modi DAC and a pair of Dayton Audio MK442T speakers. I couldn't be happier and with a streaming service I really enjoy finding music I would never have been exposed to before.

Love the t-shirt. I have a 68 Triumph TR25W parked between my JBL L7's powered by a White Oak Audio Phase Linear 700. The kids can sit on the bike while I play motorcycle sounds.

i started with Topping MX3 bluetooth amp, worked great for music/TV...then i gave it to a friend. They love it. I then upgraded to Emotiva integrated pre amp/amp :)

@Hirnlego999

7 күн бұрын

I use the upgraded mx3s at desktop. It's quiet (no hissing in the treble), runs cool, is small and has no problems with either the speakers or headphones. And no channel imbalance unlike some amps.

im by no means an enthusiast but im using a fosi V1.0b and a pair of moukey bookshelf speakers that you seemed to like about a year ago and i love it. its amazing the sound you can get for $140 with this combo.

As a died in the wool vintage hifi lover, never thought I would enjoy a Fosi audio amp, but I gave it a go with some decent bookshelf speakers and it’s good at most volumes, I don’t play at the margins so works for me.

Fosi's willingness to engage with the community and implement feedback elevates them to well above average. These amps are great for many, meh for others, and worthless to others. It's OK to be in any of these camps. For me the V3 mono is perfect for the mains on my 2.1 home theater.

In the sixties Germany invented a special set of rules ( Deutsche Industrie Norm (DIN) ) for making HiFi devices comparable. It had been a set of rules the manufacturers had to run their tests against. It was the DIN 45 500. This is long outdated but it was a good idea back then to make stereo components comparable.

@rickcole6990

6 күн бұрын

I Always thought a "DIN" was Just a Audio Plug/Jack

I think it's cool that they are constantly improving the fossi. Even though I don't like that they are doing a Kickstarter. I just broke down and bought a wiim mini for my smsl su1 dac . I have really nice speakers that I designed and built that a put a lot of money into and I have been powering it with a Dayton hta 200 tube hybrid. My reference speakers have 10 woofers and the bass punch is awesome and the clarity and dynamics are amazing. A lot of it has to do with my speakers but I couldn't believe the difference I got from the smsl su1 and just the wiim mini!!!

For me Class D amps fit the bill (pun intended) In addition to the great sound, the footprint is just right. When friends come over they have no idea where the sound is coming from until I show them that it’s hiding in a bookshelf. Thanks for your passion, Randy!

Randy this is one of the best defined podcast you have had. You covered all aspects of the argument well. The only point you might have missed was Marantz, Mcintosh, Cambridge etc started out at on time also. They to have had to evolve over time and in the process made changes. At the core of nature is change otherwise nothing evolves.

Depends upon your speakers, chain, room, and your preferences and hearing ability.

@cheapaudioman

Ай бұрын

yes. it certainly does.

@aceofspades6667

Ай бұрын

@@cheapaudioman 🙌

@ricochet243

Ай бұрын

That’s like saying buying gloves depends on how big your hands are.

@Hirnlego999

Ай бұрын

Most amplifiers (there are obviously some poor designs too) are objectively better than just about any loudspeaker.

@aceofspades6667

Ай бұрын

@@ricochet243 more complicated.. not just size of your hands.. but are you gardening, driving, skiing, golfing, or OJ’ing. Do you want something cheep or do you want a premium feel. Do you want it for a single use or to last a decade. Gloves and amps are very complex purchasing decisions.

I bought a wiim amp after seeing it on one of Randy's videos. I really like it. Very adjustable. If I get feed up with the troubles of vintage gear, I could see just using the wiim.

Regarding GREAT SOUNDING amps, ALSO DO CONSIDER finding a GOOD CONDITION/SERVICED late '80s/'90s Class A amps like NAD, Pioneer, Sony, Technics (like my '89 SU-600 'New Class A') etc etc. From £80 (with a coupla exterior scuffs etc), all the way to £200 for a pristine well looked after example. The saying goes "They don't make them like they used to" is very true about these era amps, ESPECIALLY if you match them to good speakers, you WILL be surprised at actually how good these amps of the day were and STILL ARE... 👌 Example... SU-600 specs:- Power output - 30 Watts per channel into 8 Ohm (stereo) Frequency response - 5Hz to 70Khz Total Harmonic Distortion - 0.07% Speaker impedance 4 Ohm to 16 Ohm (amongst others) If you want 'Mo powaaarrr' then yeah, there a classic amps that put out 50, 80, 100+ Watts per channel, and all can be found in great condition for less than £300... Just got to look for them... 😏 😎🇬🇧

@Randy you big hunk of Cheap Audio man - they are what they are! and your picks (Fosi Audio V3 with the orange knob, gotta have that copper looking knob, to drive a pair of Tannoy Stratfords on my TV, themselves upgraded with better resistor and Clarity polycaps) have been a revelation to me. More deep bass than the very good class A/B it replaced. Though not quite as natural but it was 99 QUID! How can I complain? I can't. Keep it up.

Well done and well articulated. A common sense approach to the subject that speaks for a lot of us. Thanks Randy!

My amp broke, so while saving for a new amp, i bought tha za3 and a line level booster to still be able to use my Acoustic Research AR-3A. What a surprise. I did not expected this sound quality. Better? No, but for me it is not worthed to buy an expensive a/b amp. First of all I did not need the line level booster at all. For me a single amp is playing loud enough. Also I was able to measure bass till 32hz ( used a spectrum metre to see what is going on) so you can understand im very satisfied. I ordered a second za3 amp and 2 opamps. Big smile here.....

Thank you for the video! Please let me know your opinion about the cheap amplifiers as LM386, LM380, LM384 and similar. What is your opinion about the ICs audio ampkufiers or Op amps + transistors? Thank you!

Good perspective. I enjoy how you kept this conversation balanced with good and relevant comparisons. My 2 cents: .. The Better Class D ... ( imo ) is the incoming Gan-Fet stuff.. and there are a bunch of USA brands doing some great stuff in Class D .. Orchard Audio Buckeye Audio PS Audio has the M700 Mono .. and .. AGD Productions Inc. (probably a lot more in the USA that are going well in the Class D space ) Pricey? ... Yes - They are .. but .. they are doing it for the 85-90db crowds. It's a next level ..but can provide SO much better sound across the board.

I hope you are home safe and sound, and well rested!

Love the content man! I can't agree with you more. I started out with a cheaper system and now I have two mid-priced systems. You have to start somewhere and throwing 4k out the window (or more) just isn't what most people can do!

This is why old gas bags like me prefer the "cheapaudioman"......when you're not cracking me up you make perfect sense...nice one Randy !

I got one of these amps on my AVRS front pre outs. Sounds great

I just picked up a Douk Audio ST-01 Pro 200w ($119) and I was very surprised how much of a difference it made & was noticeable right away. Now I was only hooking it up to my Brennan B2 CD player / ripper which is being played in a smaller room, so I was hoping to save some money & get better sound out of the Brennan which has its own built-in amp (not very strong) so a quick optical line hookup with my Sony bookshelves speakers & Bam the sound jumped - so know what you are buying & what the use will be & save some $$

I am running a highly modified pair of ZA-3 mono blocks… they really are excellent sounding.

I had a fosi amp and compared it with my Audiolab 6000A and there simply was no comparison. The Audiolab flogged the fossi amp hands down. A no brainer! The soundstage just opened up like crazy and made the speakers trillions more expensive sounding! 😅

Hi Randy . . . I'm glad to see that you've returned from your travels safely. 😉👍🏽👍🏽 I bought the Fosi DA-2120C about 2 years ago and I've no complaints about its performance as it drives my Emotiva B1+'s just fine through my Douk Audio Little Bear VU3 switch. Curious thing though . . . The Little Bear VU3 meters always register 'sound' coming from the Fosi DA-2120C even when there's no music playing. 🙄 Switching amps to my Realistic STA-95 causes the VU3 not to show anything with no music playing (which is expected). 😮 1.) Have you noticed this behavior with most Class-D Amps? 2.) Have you noticed this behavior with the new Fosi Amp/ Speaker switch ? 🔊🔊 Thanks @cheapaudioman !

Excellent informative video... Thanks so much. 😊

Thanks for the video I enjoy them all have you ever heard of a stereo made by the voxson company my friend had a Vox and back in 72 it was fantastic great receiver Allied radio sold them I don't think they were in business long but was a wonderful sounding receiver I never saw one again I'm pretty sure it was made in Sweden have a great day🙃

Excellent "discussion" Randy - you make a number of excellent points and better yet, it is the clarifications and important distinctions, that make it very useful. Almost nothing in this world is black or white/right or wrong/good or bad - and almost everything is on a complex (3D?) spectrum. Everything has compromises - and nothing is perfect.

When it comes to products in the marketplace, competition definitely breeds excellence. I have a Lepai Chi-Fi Class D amp that sounds as good as the NAD D2030 for rock and classical and several products from Fossi that all do a great job. You're totally right--the consumer wins, and anyone who's approaching audio as a hobbyist/enthusiast is going to buy gear, try gear, and make their own distinctions about what sounds good for their music, their volume, their listening environments, and their tastes. Vive les differences!

Hardware control. I've been looking for a semi-full featured preamp, . I like knobs. I like visual feedback (even digi meters). I like switching sources. I like a mono button. Now, I use a mixer. 3 band eq. Simultaneous multiple sources. Great s/n (96k box). You can change the power amps (or config) cheaply. Buy better speakers. Power supplies matter. (i live in a small space)... Great episode!

The power ratings are important. The 1kHz standard is several decades old, but there is also the IMD that is done at several frequencies. Those measurements show the limitation of these class-D amplifiers, due to the cheap power supplies and the fact they are switching amplifiers.

@cheapaudioman

Ай бұрын

what do you mean by "these class d amplifiers?" are they all the same to you?

@trudimcleod5042

Ай бұрын

@@cheapaudioman They are all based on the same TI chip. Other features such as being bridgeable, 3.5mm outputs, etc.

These are amazing. And with switching power supplies no less. I may have to get one to drive my 4 Ohm speakers. Great review CAM!

Great video. Thanks. You’ve gotten me back in the hobby. The class d amps don’t do it for me. Except one…RSL makes it. What I have learned - I like class a. It seems to give me an emotional experience. A/B is good, only because its affordable. Chasing class a gets effin expensive. ✌️

I always assumed that the best objective measure would be a means to compare the reference audio (music being listened to) from the source versus the sound recorded, in the room, at playback for any given system. As the delta between the two would decrease, the system would be "better" and conversely, as the delta increased, the system would be "worse". The reference audio file would be from the digital master recording, using no equalization, to compare to the recording of the same file in the room through any given audio system. I know people do this with a "tone sweep" file to produce the same results, but people are reluctant to believe a tone sweep comparison is comparable to a music recording, as if there is some magic that happens in a music recording vs. a tone-sweep audio signal. That way, people can compare their listening experience to an "ideal model" of the music and realize their own preferences/biases/etc. regarding their system.

I bought a Fosi audio V3 and have it driving my Elac Debut B5.2s in a 8m x 4m room and i love them i also have an SMSL DA9 driving Q.I manahattan 8.1 bookshelf speakers in my 3m x 3m bedroom and that sounds just as good albeit slightly brighter

Its not luck. They started strong, asked for feedback, listened to complaints and suggestions, and quickly implemented changes. I got in with an $18 50WPC the size of a deck of cards, just a top and bottom plate (no case), and running on the TPA3118 surrounded by surface mount components. Does my old Pioneer sound better?yeah. Was thw BT20A pro an upgrade? Yeah for sure. But it got me through when one of my amps blew up, and its currently powering a sub and two sony 3 ways out in the shop, and no, it doesnt sound bad. It gets loud and it has bluetooth. I'll save my bucks for the good spot in the house..but i love these things. I hate that. Ok ok.. lets have an unacheduled factory tour

@cheapaudioman

Ай бұрын

it started out as luck but you're absolutely right. and I made this point in the video.

@draztiqmeshaz6226

Ай бұрын

@@cheapaudioman I think I was typing while you were talking. My bad, all good

My class D amps use 2 Purifi boards made in Europe (Italy maybe?). 240 wpc @ 8 ohms. I had a Rotel AB. I could detect a more neutral sound, ever so slight. The amp is from Audiophonics in Europe, their own implementation. I am planning an A/B test to see if I am missing something.

Randy, where did you get that red headphone cable for your Meze 109 pro? Does it sound better than the original one?

I bought a very cheap amp plus power supply under $40, which even has a subwoofer output from aliexpress. I was really surprised how good it was. I was using a pair of old Mission bookshelf speakers as main and a pair of entry level good old Tannoy bookshelf speakers as twin sub for listening. The output rating of the 2.1 amp was only 50wx2 sub 100w but for me it was enough to fill my 3m x 4m room and more.

The next move by Fosi Audio is a Hypex Class D which will disrupt the market Should be out this year Fosi will most likely do a decent job on the first one They will refine it and then legit 2 X 250 or 2 X 500 for less $$$ and higher quality will follow Completely agree with you

@cheapaudioman

Ай бұрын

I can't wait!

@stuartnorman8713

Ай бұрын

@@cheapaudioman Fosi should build a GANfet class D.

@leetaylor13

Ай бұрын

I wonder what they'll have to charge if they're buying in amp modules from Hypex. I saw them mention the plan of internalising the PSU into a larger case and having flexible amp options. I think they suggested up to 6 channels per case. That sounds like what other Hypex based designs are doing. I'd love to know how far down the development pipe that plan is.

@middleearthltd

Ай бұрын

Buckeye and others are doing 2,4,6,8 But there are 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8 and more The modularity is there for whatever Let’s see what Fosi Audio does and especially in the implementation, both input and output and amplifier versus integrated. The four proposed case designs I saw looked to be 2 channel.

Hi Randy, I bought the fosi mc101 and I like it, I use it with the tv together with a pair of jm labs bookshelf speaker's. But, I have a pair of Kef Q5, a Denon cd player (bought second hand) and a Denon surround amp, from a thrift store for 20 euro. It works fine but it is bulky. I want to try the fosi mono and a pre amp. What would you recommend? I like the small form factor fosi's. On their website they don't show much in what to combine. I would like Bluetooth, cd input, maybe the tv too. I look for clear warm sound, but I can figure out what to get. Would a pre amp with 2 mono's be overkill? I'm curious what you come up with😊

The thing that annoys me is people who have never heard hi end hifi saying these amps are world beaters and endgame components and no need to soend any more and there is plenty of people like that

@jeffreylehman1159

Ай бұрын

Opinions are like a**holes , everyone has one.

@JoseFerreira-zb7wh

Ай бұрын

Maybe it is for their needs. I have a lot of friends whose endgame is a boombox bluetooth spaker full o coloured leds. If they're happy, it's fine by me. (Just don't like listening to them when i'm at theirs place 😅)

@dzivin7069

Ай бұрын

You don't have to spend a fortune to get good hiking equipment

@dzivin7069

Ай бұрын

Sorry stereo equipment

@jeffreylehman1159

Ай бұрын

@@dzivin7069 So you meant “ you don’t have to spend a fortune to get sorry stereo equipment?”

Hey buddy, any suggestions on a small amp with phono input, I am on a low budget , the cause is inflation has hit hard, God Bless, love all your videos, all are awsum, Thank you

So good 👌 advice/knowledge/reasoned conclusions

First 100 dollar speakers sounding like 250k Focals, now these cheap amps sounding like amps 10 times their price. We get it, you are trying to stick to your name but let us all be reasonable. A good (read: well engineered) power amp will sound all the same under distortion levels when volume matched. No 2 ways about that. So these amps, presumably well engineered, will sound the same as any well engineered power amp regardless price, until it runs out of juice, or current, if you want to exact. These cheap amps are usually load dependent too, so depending on what speaker you hook it up to, it might sound neutral, bright or even dull. Thats the power side of things, the pre section is a totally different matter as it is the section that usually designers go to 'voice' their amps, if they wanted to in the first place. But lets keep that for another rainy day.

I've been watching your videos lately and you made me a believer! But I'm still struggling to decide what would be the most appropriate set-up for my small restaurant. I am looking for a warm atmosphere with clear voices and instruments, jazzy vibes. Would 4 speakers (2 L and 2R), a dac and a wiim on the PC would do the trick? Cheers friends

@cheapaudioman

11 күн бұрын

Sure. If you’re in a restaurant don’t worry about sound quality though. Get some Klipsch with super clean mids and an amp that can drive 4 speakers. There will be a lot of ambient noise so ultra clarity isn’t necessary.

I am currently running 2 Aiyima A07 Max's in mono driving a set of Delcoid LM-1 satellites and a passive 12"sub. I was surprised that they drive the sub as well as they do. The amps are a bit treble forward, especially compared to my other amps...a GAS Ampzilla and QSC GX 5. They are rated at 200wpc into 8 ohms and 500wpc into 8 ohms respectively. The Aiyima's sound good, but they lack the fullness of either of the big amps. Even so, I'm still going to use them for the time being as my space is at a premium. I'm running these as a desktop system. I have a big desk but my sub is under my desk right now. It works better than Ex-Lax if I crank it up.

Help!! I'm so confused guys. I've been watching a lot of your videos, and I really wanna start to improve my sound quality at home, but, hell... with one of these class D Amps, do I still need a DAC???? Will improve the sound quality with another DAC, or the integrated DAC of the fosi audio is enough??

I love the TB10D on my computer desk. Sounds fine.

When I bought my first pair of Hifiman headphones which is the Sundara (2020) back in 2021 they were defective and one of the drivers didn't work at all so I had to get them replaced... My replacement hasn't had any problems at all... I know what he was talking about when he was mentioning Hifiman

I have tried the Aiyima A07 Max running a pair of Rockport Ankaa speakers and they performed very well, was they as good as my Mark Levinson 436 monoblocks, no, but they came very close at 1/40 of the price per amp and a faction of the size and weight. I have yet to try the Fossi V3 Mono's but I would expect similar results as it uses the same Texas Instruments TPA3255 chipset.

BRAVO ZULU RANDY!!! We all started our audiophile journey gear that didn't sound Amazing. But it sounded Better than what were Used To hearing!!! That is the key! The magic elixir that got me started down the path. ChiFi gear is filling the void ignored by the audio companies who themselves will benefit later on down the road. It's a Wonderful time to be an audiophile!

@chrisstudebaker7548

Ай бұрын

Who here started with Tripath TA2020 amplifier chip? I did when my late 70's Onkyo died and the repair bill was going to be more than a new one. $20 later I had sound coming out of my speakers

Something almost no one mentions when it comes to class D is efficiency. The cost of electricity isn't going down anywhere on the planet. The most efficient class A/AB amps are something like 30% give or take. That means 70% of the electricity they use is converted into nothing but heat. Class D amps are around 90% efficient give or take. That means only 10% of the electricity they use is converted into heat. I have an Audiophonics LPA-S500NC. 2 x 500 watts. I think it draws a half a watt when it's sitting idle. A class A/AB rated at 500 watts draws 500 watts from the moment it is turned on till the moment it is turned off. I leave it on 24/7 and my electric bill has gone up about $1.80 a month. Even after long periods of loud listening driving KEF ls50's it never gets more then warm to the touch. I live in Arizona so the last thing I need is a space heater running in the summer months, which is exactly what a 500 watt class A/AB is. Most people just getting into the audio scene don't have an extra $100 a month to run class A/AB amps plus another $40 a month to run their ac to cool down their living space. Class B is a win win for the vast majority of people on the planet, especially in other countries where electricity can be a problem.

Man...am I CHEAP. I spent a whopping US$140 on a fully revised...mint...Hitachi SR-503L receiver, from 1977/8. Paired with a vintage $120 Marantz EQ20 (again mint). The DAC...a FiiO BTA30 Pro ($120). Sound quality/performance...I do not know what a professional assessment would yield...except that I think the combo sounds WONDERFUL! [All the vintage stuff from LOCAL auctions] Insofar as the FiiO BTA30 Pro...it covers BT 5.2 receiving/transmitting as well as serving the DAC role for the above mentioned vintage stack. Perfect for headphones cabled to the SR-503L. Perfect for office conference calls with a dedicated lapel microphone + BT5.2 KZ AZ09 Pro's w/ ARTTI T10 planar IEM's (AptX HD). Perfect for wireless/near lossless (LDAC) listening via MUSE HiFi M4 (or FiiO BTR5) w/ cabled IEM's. A second BTA30 Pro is perfect for streaming from my phone to the BTA30 Pro (in RX mode) to a mint/revised Hitachi SR-903 ($160) paired with Dali speakers (new, $210) in the family room. The combination of ChiFi and vintage audio (discreet electronics)...bliss on a budget. Now, if I only had a tube amp! Wait...I think my Pioneer SX-82E or the LX-300T...both mint...might fit the bill! Again, local auctions. The former, under $135 and the later, under $100. Incredible buys, I know.

I bought a ZA3 for my desktop setup. Added the Sparkos op amps. I Also have a Cinema 60 for my home theater system that I also use for 2 channel listening right now. So, I hooked the ZA3 up to my fronts using the 60s preamp out as a experiment ... you know as we tend to do . I like the sound of the Cinema 60, but really enjoy the ZA3 on the Elac fronts better. I have a 2nd ZA3 on the way to mono block the fronts and will get and I will get back around to a new amp for my desktop after that. I will say the Sparkos made a WORLD of difference for my ears. Thanks Randy and keep up the great content!

I remember when Radio Shack's "Realistic" brand used to overrate their amplifiers and speakers RMS values. I had their "Opitmus" speakers. I loved them. They sounded awsome but they were also power overrated. As long as you don't overdrive your amps or speakers, most sound good. If you want louder, spend more but louder isn't always better. It's more better. 😊

Richard Vandersteen is an American. And his USA manufactured speakers are very good!

@jeffk1212

Ай бұрын

Love Vandersteen..life long

Good analysis. I agree that it's a 'tide that floats all boats'. In the worst case, the 'traditional class A/B' manufacturers' in the mid-market will be forced to compete on price. As always, the high-end consumer will continue pay for look, feel, exclusivity and (for a few aurally gifted people) for sound quality. But Randy, what about companies like BlueSound (budget), NAD (mif-fi) and PS Audio (top-end) ? They have all embraced Class-D in some form of hybridization. And, in my experience, these amplifiers are clean, powerful and are remarkably uncolored and resolving. We are entering another contentious period of religiosity. Remember - moving-coil vs moving magnet || transistor vs tubes || vinyl vs CD || MQA vs FLAC ... You have a life time career in opinion-broking to look forward to. Thanks for an entertaining channel. Keep 'em coming. Oh, btw - just saw another comment below regarding heat. I can run my Powernode N330 in a cabinet - the domestic harmony that brings is priceless!

I have a 30$ class D from Lepy. Small, 50w, powers a pair of bookshelves like a champ. Any thought on those? second: I'm living in china--they have about 300 brands I've never heard of, but are just re-brands from ones we do know of at 1/4th the price. Any advice?

I want to buy these but they are "incomplete" for me. I don't want large power bricks, dangling cables, to get proper power. I would like 2 of these as monoblocs, one large toroidal power supply powering them, with high pass filters on mains and subwoofer out.

@chrisstudebaker7548

Ай бұрын

Might want to wait for the Giuseppe from Geshelli Labs then... Don't know about sub out/filters though.

@grogmonster2408

Ай бұрын

Sounds like you might like the SMSL A300 which has a BTL mono function which gives 400 watts per amp (need 2) and they have the power supply inside the amp. In addition, by most reports they sound great and have a sub out and other functions......

I think you nailed it! "If it's bringing more new people to the hobby......That is a good thing" Personally I feel each audio enthusiast, has to start at some place. I've been in this hobby for almost 40 years, and I welcome the advancement of this hobby allowing access to quality new gear, that does not cost an arm and a leg.

I am rocking smsl al200 and as it is the cheapest amp I have owned, it is also the best. And I have had around 7, price up to 500€

@No_Limits_411

Ай бұрын

I have also tested more expensive amps but the value did not impress me so I returned them, over 1000€

@No_Limits_411

Ай бұрын

They were Pioneer (some old) Onkyo receiver Onkyo a-9130 Xtz a2-300 Smsl da-9 Sabaj a30a

I’m a newbie and wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for CHIFI. Will I ever step up to a class A/B amplifier and better components? Some day. When I can afford it. For now, I’m enjoying my small library of vinyl and hooking up my phone to my Fosi amp to stream albums that I don’t physically own. Thank you, @cheapauduoman for your reviews!

Hi Randy, have you ever tested the Tonewinner amps. I really would like to know your opinion. If you did have, please tell me when so I can see It.

you really need to try class a. saying there better than high end is a joke. i come from a background of having mark Levenson gear. and it would make the class d amps sound liked hand held transistor radios. there nice just not that nice >:)

Awesome think this chifi era . I am curios about Dartzeel NHB-108 clone - there is D5 pro version, maybe have you heard anything about this ?

Fosi customer service is top notch. A little unfortunate with the time difference resulting in emails one at a time, one a day unless you stay up late, but they were awesome with my ZA3 having an issue.

Just got a pair of Q Acoustics 3010i for my PC desk, plan on getting the V3 or ZA3 to power them. Them being so small that they can fit easily on a small desk like mine (120cm*60cm) is a huge plus.

@Artcore103

Ай бұрын

Those don't deserve the v3 mono pair. Za3 is it.

@rickbrookes9491

Ай бұрын

I have a V3 running a pair of Q-Acoustics 3020s in my 2.1 home cinema setup. With a DAC that has a remote control and a Martin Logan Subwoofer that has speaker level inputs… it sounds far superior to both a Peachtree Decco and a Marantz NR1200 that I’ve used. Clear and resolving, in a smallish room that I don’t need to crank it up. I got the V3 before the ZA3 was available, on a Black Friday sale. It’s such a nice and small size and sips mains power, especially in comparison to the Peachtree and its 25 watt A/B power output. Very happy with this setup… I think you would be too!

@novakkosanovic

Ай бұрын

@@rickbrookes9491 Which DAC do you use? I plan to hook the V3 (once I get it) directly to my PC. As for the subwoofer, I do plan on getting the 3060s sometime in the future.

@Artcore103

Ай бұрын

@@novakkosanovic have you looked at the smsl ao300/a300? Based on the same tpa3255 chip, but has multiple inputs and I believe a subwoofer pre-outs, and built in DAC. I have not seen testing as far as it's objective performance compared to a za3 or v3, but I'd be surprised if it was much different.

@novakkosanovic

Ай бұрын

@@Artcore103 Tnx, I'm gonna take a look. I don't really plan on using this pair for anything other than the PC. DAC, internal power supply, and the sub out do look nice.

I had an 8 watt tube amp that was very good. Sold it to a friend. When China puts their minds to it, they excel. They make some nice acoustic guitars as well at nice price points. This will get the attention of some companies that need to get up to speed. They make excellent phono preamps as well...