I won a V3 in a YouTube contest. Already had a cheap Fosi integrated amp, the TB10D driving some desktop PC speakers (repurposed crappy Polks suitable for PC audio) so I sold the TB10D to a coworker. Ended up getting the matching "tube input stage" P3 preamp. Think the combination is not as detailed as feeding the V3 directly, but it sounds nice.
I would simply say these cheap devices do their jobs but are not "giant killers". I’ve read where they have some issue with not controlling bass very well, especially on 4 Ohm speakers, but what can you expect for ~$100?
The TI 3255 chip in question is OK, but you can’t really compare it to a GREAT implementation of Class-D using Purifi, icePower, or Hypex chips (for a lot more money).
But hey, if these cheap Chi-Fi devices get someone started in audio, then good.
For desktop use (or in a garage or outbuilding) they serve a good purpose, but if I were putting together a low-cost "system", I’d look at cheap integrated receivers by Yamaha or Sony that offer a lot more connectivity, one even a phono stage, and legitimate remotes. Those can often be found for well under $200.
Could Class D really be that good?
I've heard statements praising modern class D amplifiers all the time but was sort of hesitant to try. Lately, one particular model caught my eye, the Fosi V3, which costs sub $100 but is praised for having refined sound like class A/B. To fulfill my curiosity, I quickly ordered one and tried it with my Burchardt S400II and Wharfedale Linton speakers. Basically, this is a neutral sounding amp but, to my surprise, the sound is clean, open, airy, with full mids, wide soundstage, good imaging/separation, with nearly null traces of the edginess, dryness, or lean sound that traditional class D amplifiers have. The background is just as quiet as my current systems. The core is the TPA 3255 chip from TI and comes with a 32v, 5A power block, which is supposed to deliver approximately 65 watts per channel (into 8 ohms). It drives the S400II/Linton without any hesitation, as well as my 130-watt-per-channel high-current Parasound A23. Very impressive.
Measurement is not everything. However, according to the lab test results, when operated under 10-60 watts, the distortion level (THD) is below 0.003%, better than a lot of high-end (price) gears. I am going to build around it for my fourth system with upgraded op-amp and LPS. I believe it will outperform my current mid-end (price) amplifiers.
I know, I know, quite a few Audiogoners' systems are above $100k, and mentioning this kind of little giant that costs a fraction could be rather embarrassing. But I thought this is just like gold digging with a lot of surprises and fun. Don't you think?
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you should listen to the electronics from audio group Denmark their class d is phenomenal sounding haven't heard it in person but even online it sounds fantastic you can get a full system from there with their entry level stuff for between 30 and 50,000 I've heard the 50,000 and the $30,000 systems and they sound incredible especially for that money. |
@lanx0003 does this integrated amp have a preamp bypass (HT) input? Is it balanced or single -ended? |
- 160 posts total