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Model: ZA3 Category: Amplifier (SS) Suggested Retail Price: $149.99 Description: Balanced Stereo Amplifier Home Audio 2CH Mono Amp with TPA3255 Chip Manufacturer URL: Fosi Audio
Review by cvg on March 19, 2024 at 13:30:17
IP Address: 99.153.189.55Add Your Review
for the ZA3This is a brief review of the Fosi ZA3, an affordable TPA3255 based class d amplifier with a volume control. Presumably to keep costs low, it utilizes only a pair of inputs, one single ended and the other balanced. For this review, only the single ended input was utilized. Another feature is the ability to utilize as a mono amplifier to increase the output power when a pair of amplifiers is used, I have not evaluated this feature, so the comments that follow are limited to the stereo implementation. Two external power supply options are available for this, in my case I am using the 48V 5A version supplied by Fosi.
Much has been said about this amplifier with many claims of it performing well above the price category, so I set out to evaluate it and compare to two class ab amplifiers, the Adcom gfa545ii (about the same price on the used market as the Fosi) and an Odyssey Khartago, an amplifier universally thought of as an exemplary value in the sub $1k category.
The evaluation system consisted of Nola Viper speakers, the source utilized was high resolution digital audio supplied by an rpi4 connected via usb to a Topping E70V dac. The Fosi and the other amplifiers were driven with a Rogue Audio RP1 preamplifier, the Fosi volume control was left at maximum. Some thoughts and comparisons follow.
Transparency: Here the Fosi is good, in the same league as the Khartago, transparency was good enough to feel at home in the system and noticeably better than the adcom.
Detail: The Fosi presents detail well and has a very balance presentation. While detail is bested by the odyssey, it is not by much and the Fosi offers a slightly more sophisticated presentation of detail than the Adcom owing to the grain free presentation. The Fosi has a very pleasing smoothness that lends to an overall ease of presentation, but the slight lack of detail may lend to the perception of less texture and nuance in some material when compared to the Odyssey and may also hinder the spatial presentation slightly.
Dynamics: Here is where the Fosi has some notable weakness in my listening. Dynamics are easily bested by the Odyssey, which sounds faster, more robust, and capable of larger, more lifelike dynamic swings. The Adcom also seems the provide more dynamic authority as well, particularly in the bass region, which is fast and robust, a known strength of the Adcom. The Fosi had a tendency to sound dynamically compressed when playing complex music particularly at high volume.
Power: Here is where things get a bit strange. The power rating of the Fosi (180W @4 Ohms) would suggest it would be competitive with the Odyssey (110W @8 Ohms). However, the Fosi feels more like a 50 watt amplifier in my system if I were to guess just based on my experience with it in the system. This is most evident with complex music, like an orchestral work, which seems to challenge the Fosi to a greater extent than the Odyssey, this is particularly noticeable at high volume. The result is that the Fosi can struggle with dynamics most noticeably with complex material. This may be an area where running a pair of Fosi in mono mode would provide some improvement, but that is just speculation on my part.
Tonality: the Fosi does well here, with delightful mid-range tonality, and the ability to convey realism. The Fosi is as good as the Odyssey in this area and sounds more sophisticated and refined than the Adcom mostly because of the smooth delivery combined with accurate tonality.
Sound Staging and Imaging: The Fosi offers a wide soundstage but in comparison to the Odyssey lacks a bit of depth, and at times can sound more diffuse and less focused than the Odyssey. This is most recognizable in music with a strong central image, which was better fleshed out by the odyssey which also offered a better sense of texture to the sound. The Adcom struggles to compete with the sound stage width of the Fosi, but was capable of precise imaging within a constrained soundstage.
Final Thoughts: The Fosi ZA3 does punch above its weight and represents an outstanding value, but there are some limitations. Ignoring any potential difference in power output, overall the Fosi ZA3 reminds me a bit of some of the Conrad Johnson solid state class ab amps I have heard; that is to say it has a smooth delivery, and a very relaxed presentation but may be short on speed and dynamic excitement for some tastes. The Fosi is not as 'at home' with complex dynamic music (like large orchestral works or rock music), which may expose some of its weaknesses, as it is with simpler small group music and vocal driven music where the excellent and smooth midrange goes to work at providing a relaxed high-end experience from a relatively inexpensive amplifier. Other reviews have indicated that the amp is largely unimpacted by lower impedance speaker loads than the 8 ohm load my Nola Vipers present, if so I would expect it to perform well with a variety of speakers. Overall I would say that the Fosi is a great value, the highlight being that at this $150 price point the transparency is sufficient to not be easily out classed by very good preamplifiers, sources and speakers. If the power is adequate for your needs and your musical tastes tend to avoid the need for dynamic excitement, or loud listening you might find the Fosi to be a great budget amplifier. For example, the strengths of the Fosi were really showcased in my system when I played Johnny Cash's solo acoustic track 'the beast in me' from his acoustic driven American Recordings album. This recording of Cash alone with his guitar felt tailor made for the Fosi ZA3.
Product Weakness: Lacks dynamic excitement particularly with complex music and high volume listening. Product Strengths: Good transparency and tonality at this price point. Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier: N/A Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): Rogue Audio rp1 Sources (CDP/Turntable): digital Speakers: Nola Viper Cables/Interconnects: home made Music Used (Genre/Selections): rock, classical, jazz and folk Type of Audition/Review: Product Owner
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Topic - REVIEW: Fosi Audio ZA3 Amplifier (SS) - cvg 13:30:14 03/19/24 (2)
- Nice review - thanks (nt) - Gary 07:54:33 03/21/24 (0)
- Surprised Fosi did even that well with Nola - Jon L 11:49:09 03/20/24 (0)
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