Currently the sub is connected to the receiver’s pre out.
Class D amp and integrated recommendations
- Thread starter Raphaz
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- amplification d class
Hi @Raphaz! I think this may help. With the V3 moniblocks (which I have) you will need some kind of upstream component like a preamp (which Fosi also sells). In my case I use a streamer that also works as a preamp but that's because I'm lazy and haven't put my very very nice pre back into the system since I cleaned it...
Whatever your source is, it will have separate left and right outputs. The V3s accept either RCA or XLR. Left channel goes into one monoblock, left speakers go out. Same with the right output into the other monoblock. Your upstream component may have a sub out but if it doesn't you can just go from your speaker terminals as others have said. This is a good video about hooking up a sub to a system that doesn't have a sub out (it says vintage but the principles are universal).
If you do get the V3's I would recommend the upgraded power supply.
Whatever your source is, it will have separate left and right outputs. The V3s accept either RCA or XLR. Left channel goes into one monoblock, left speakers go out. Same with the right output into the other monoblock. Your upstream component may have a sub out but if it doesn't you can just go from your speaker terminals as others have said. This is a good video about hooking up a sub to a system that doesn't have a sub out (it says vintage but the principles are universal).
If you do get the V3's I would recommend the upgraded power supply.
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restorer-john
Addicted Member
Stick with a low cost TPA-xxxx based amplifier if you want Class D. They are more reliable than the brands you listed above. And, they are way, way cheaper, so they can be almost disposable if that's your bag. You aren't paying a stupid amount of dollars for the dubious IP, short lifespan and complete lack of manufacturer support to repair.
rjw1678
Active Member
Over the last month my powered Klipsch "The Sixes" electronics started acting wonky and I would have to reset them to the factory defaults to get them working normal again. Then a every few days it would happen again. Since they were connected to my Mac Studio and I had a Schiit Bifrost 2 DAC & a pair of Klipsch R-15M Speakers that I was not using, all I needed was low cost amp so I could replace the Klipsch "The Sixes". After reading everything here I purchased a Fosi ZA3 through Amazon. This morning I hooked up the Schiit Bifrost 2 DAC, the Fosi ZA3, and the Klipsch R-15M speakers to my Mac Studio and it sounds really nice. The Fosi ZA3 on Amazon had a $7.50 credit at checkout time on Tuesday, so it came to $142.49.
jazzmans
Super Member
yeah, powered (or active, if you prefer) speakers have a lot of plusses, but the fact that the amps are internal is a big negative, in my opinon.
once an amplifier module takes a **** you've got an anchor on your hands...
That being said, I've heard some astonishingly fantastic active monitors.
But, I'll likely always stick with passive speakers, and external amplifiction.
IMO, we are in the new golden age of amplifiers.
once an amplifier module takes a **** you've got an anchor on your hands...
That being said, I've heard some astonishingly fantastic active monitors.
But, I'll likely always stick with passive speakers, and external amplifiction.
IMO, we are in the new golden age of amplifiers.
Gigantic
A big, big love
If I were to start over with my 3-way horns, I’d do Hypex 3-way DSP plate amps and save a significant amount of cash between not only the modded EL84 amps I’m running as differential mono blocks, but also the 4 modded Fosi ZA3 with Burson V7 & Sparkos op amps, as well as the DSP speaker management system I’ve employed to manage it all. I may do it at some point anyway.
AmpsOnTheSly
Member
I’ve had my XTZ Edge A2-300 for four years and it’s never had a single issue and sounds great. They have auto sleep / wake and adjustable gain. In my house they’ve driven Q Acoustics Concept 50, Celestion Ditton 551, KEF Q35, Monitor Audio Bronze 50 and a pair of Boston Acoustics whose model number I forget. Never an issue. Always sounded fine. The A2-300 is also on sale right now.
Alternatively you could buy something from the likes of Topping, whose D70 Pro Octo DAC died in my rack after three weeks for no reason whatsoever.
Alternatively you could buy something from the likes of Topping, whose D70 Pro Octo DAC died in my rack after three weeks for no reason whatsoever.
Sony has sold some Class T amplifiers and receivers (Class T is a modified version of Class D). Some of the #xxxES stuff was Class T. Some of these pieces sound very good with some speakers. I have heard a Sony Class T receiver mated to some Boston Acoustics 3 ways. Very engaging. But it will require a test with your speakers, headphones, etc.
I have also heard it be raspy and harsh with some small EPI's. Nothing I would buy from that demo ...
I have also heard it be raspy and harsh with some small EPI's. Nothing I would buy from that demo ...
justin_r_23
Active Member
I'm surprised no one has mentioned the WiiM VibeLink -- a class D integrated / power amp with no streaming, just an RCA input, a TOSLINK input, a coax digital input, and a volume pot that you'd set at your max listening level and let your preamp handle the rest?
www.wiimhome.com
WiiM Vibelink Amp | Unleash the Power of Pure Sound.
Designed specifically for WiiM streamers, ensuring effortless connectivity and optimal performance.
www.wiimhome.com
I am still researching these TPA based amps. I have heard Marks Wiim Amp Pro and it does indeed sound very good and pairs beautifully with his Quad 63s.
My understanding at this point, is that the TPA based amps are limited in power output, to about 100 watts. Above that and they go into relatively high levels of distortion. Where as the the Ice amps, GANs, and Hypex models go very large in watts pretty routinely. Is that what you have found?
The TPA based amps will go to 90-95 watts cleanly at 8 ohms. At 4 ohms they will go quite a bit higher.
I have a Vibelink arriving tomorrow to try with my WiiM Ultra streamer and Forte IVs.I'm surprised no one has mentioned the WiiM VibeLink -- a class D integrated / power amp with no streaming, just an RCA input, a TOSLINK input, a coax digital input, and a volume pot that you'd set at your max listening level and let your preamp handle the rest?
WiiM Vibelink Amp | Unleash the Power of Pure Sound.
Designed specifically for WiiM streamers, ensuring effortless connectivity and optimal performance.
Took me a while to decide, but I think I have: I may get two Fosi V3 monoblocks, plus the Fosi ZP3 preamp. That should be a good dip into D-waters. without breaking the bank. And it will leave me with some dough to upgrade my main speakers (maybe something like the Tekton Uruz) and the sub (probably one of the SVS 12").
The nice thing about the newer high value components from Fosi, and others, is they leave a lot more money available for buying speakers. Plus, these newer class D amps can easily power most speakers quite well.
kyle
Super Member
I recently got a Fosi BT20A Max and I couldn't be happier. It drives my Wharfedale Linton 85s very well and sounds great even at high volume. I'm never going back to tubes or large transistor amps. I still find it hard to get my head around the tiny size of the box but I spend less time looking at the amp and more time listening.
I have the AIyima A80 that was mentioned above. It is outstanding. $179 with the default 5 amp power supply, yielding 142 watts into 4 ohms and 73 wpc into 8 ohms (ASR tested it recently). It has a built in DAC, stereo TRS connections, stereo RCA connections, a stereo preamp-out jack, and Bluetooth 5. Plus it has a super cool LED screen that has 4 different VU meter formats.
I keep wanting to try a Wiim but with this amp I don't need it - just using my phone works so well. BTW Aiyima also has stereo and monoblock power amps that are supposedly even better than this but way fewer features.
Not sure how much credit you give ASR but from the tested numbers Aiyima and Fosi are good but Topping is the best. (Neck and neck with Hypex, btw)
My other system is running a big Yamaha class AB power amp and a traditional preamp (Emotiva PT1). I don't think the Aiyima gives anything away to the much more expensive traditional system.
I keep wanting to try a Wiim but with this amp I don't need it - just using my phone works so well. BTW Aiyima also has stereo and monoblock power amps that are supposedly even better than this but way fewer features.
Not sure how much credit you give ASR but from the tested numbers Aiyima and Fosi are good but Topping is the best. (Neck and neck with Hypex, btw)
My other system is running a big Yamaha class AB power amp and a traditional preamp (Emotiva PT1). I don't think the Aiyima gives anything away to the much more expensive traditional system.
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