If I had both, which one would be best to use as a pre-amp and feeding into the other ? ( I ask as I already have the V3 and the Mc101 on order!) - Amateur asking for a professionals opinion 🙂 as I want to still use the V3 as only one pair of speakers.
I own two V3's, a TB10D, BT20A-Pro, BT10-S, and an Ayima A07. The V3 to me, sounds the best. It's more articulate and really is the only one that can make nicer speakers sound nice, at moderate volume levels, of course, even with the 48V power supply (on the V3). I'm wondering if I should have just purchased the Emotiva A2M. I'm happy, but I think that I'm asking too much of these little guys. They are wonderful for what they are......they make great desktop or near filed listening amplifiers. For that alone, they are a success. Paired with a WiiM Pro or Mini and an efficient pair of speakers, you can't go wrong. We need a comparison to the A2M. If they would just FINALLY add a full-sized RCA-Sub out (that is variable), I would buy the MC-101. Love the VU meter.
@ramondelgado6778 to be honest I bought the emotiva years ago and it gets used mostly as a backup and I’ve never done a true sit down comparison of it versus these class d amps. I’ll try to add that idea to my list for a future video!
@@ForeverAnalog That would be so awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I believe these units may be cross shopped. That would be a HUGE service to us audio nerds!!!!
try pairing it with the t1 (not the t3) it really is a good pair and its like 40 bucks for a rollable tube pre with tone controls. looks sexy as hell too
Another difference. The "Pre-Out" on the V3 is not controlled by the volume knob. The "Pre-Out" on the MC101 is volume knob controlled. I understand Fosi may tie the V3 pre-out to the volume knob in future revisions. Good review, I like that you did not let expectation bias lead you to hearing giant differences between these two very similar amps.
Everyone raves about how much power the V3 has, but almost always fails to mention that you have to spend an extra $60 to buy the bigger power supply to achieve it. The power supply it ships with is pretty crappy and you have to run the dial up pretty high to get more than low listening levels. Still a very good small class D amp, but definitely underpowered with the power supply it ships with.
Yes, but after repeatedly testing 32V and 48V power supplies with V3, I did not notice any difference in volume and sound! Even some 24V Fossi amplifiers had a stronger output than the V3.
swapping op-amps, and really think bluetooth and tone controls affect the sound negatively, and when paired with the t1 I think its the better option. Real power probably isnt much different people are getting closer to 100w / side on the v3
Just got this in and hooked it up to my RP160Ms. Initially I thought it sound good and it does, for the money. However, I noticed the VU meter wasn’t working so I decided to send it back for an exchange. Hooked my Marantz NR1200 back up and it’s much fuller and warmer sounding. Then back to the Fosi 101 again. Sounds thin in comparison. The little Fosi would be nice for a desktop system with warmer sounding speakers for sure. I love the looks of it and hate to see it go back but even my modest NR1200 is significantly better for me.
How do you compare the volume where the one is with linear and the other is with exponential potentiometer. They are intended to be different. I have the Aiyima a07 MAX and Pro. I think the MAX and the Pro are both with linear one. They should be a little bit better than the v3 especially in the bass but it would be interesting to try the ZA3 and probably the Aiyima will come up with something similar
I had the 101 but sold it as the VU meter only works when the volume is really loud . Too loud for me and the people in the flat above . I’ve now got a BT20A Pro . Fantastic sound at low volume.
Did you hook these up to your Heresy’s? I don’t need any more amps but I’m ordering a 101 just for the novelty factor. It looks cool for the price and I could use it in the office with my Klipsch RP160s.
Hello, I bought the Fosi MC 101 to use it instead of my Class D NÖRDIC SGM-175 amplifier. I saw later that the chips used in both units are identical: the TPA 3116. Do you think the Fosi will sound better anyway than the NÖRDIC SGM-175? The NÖRDIC SGM-175 looks identical as the Fosi Audio ZK-1002D. Only the volume button is on the top. Greetings from Holland Paul
Confused with the power ratings. How can either have so much power in such small boxes? And what kind of power rating - RMS perhaps with max beak power?
My understanding is because they are class D amps, they use chips for amplification which eliminates the need for a traditional heatsink allowing for smaller sizing.
Hi, Though I currrently own an Aiyima T9 pro which is not all that different from the Fosi I guess ( or the Douk St 01) I also still have an Arcam Diva A85 amplifier. I was wondering if and HOW I could use the Aiyima as a pre amp availing myself of the tube like quality and then run it thru the Arcam amp, I can go from the Aiyima out ( meant for going to a subwoofer I presume) would that be the right connection and where to go into the Arcam A85 ? Any help or advice much appreciated
All of these small Class D mini amps seem really cool and capable but they lack something. Inputs. Why can't they have more than one analog input? Great review and the lack of inputs is not your fault. LOL
