Fosi Audio T3 Tube Amplifier Stereo Receiver Bluetooth 5.0 2.1 Channel Class AB Hi-Fi Tubes Headphone Amp Home Audio for Headphones Passive Powered Speakers

I tend to think that many of you will agree that most of us tend to become absolutely delighted when we discover off-the-radar, inexpensive audio gems. For those of us who happen to be audiophiles, we know how expensive higher end gear can get.Since I have several Tube DAC and Headamp units, I began looking at Tube or Tube/Hybrid amps made by the likes of Nobsound, Douk, Aiyima, Breeze (BRZ), and Fosi. Depending on where you purchased them from, they could run you anywhere from $110 to $500 USD. I then happened upon one that I hadn't seen before - the Fosi Audio T3 Tube/Hybrid amp, featuring a class AB amp. The tubes are for the Preamp section, while the solid state class AB is for the back end. It is quite an attractive black unit with volume, input, bass, and treble knobs on the top (facing up). It uses 2 tubes and the ones that come with it are 6F2 tubes (there are a half dozen compatible tubes available to replace the 6F2 versions - just check eBay).I've been an audiophile for well over 55 years now and have gone through tons of gear over that time. However, recently, I transitioned to listening through gear on a desktop, near-field setting. I've also, recently, gone through dozens of inexpensive Chinese-made class D amplifiers - some being fairly good, while others were absolutely unlistenable. Prior to my class D experiences, I was solidly in the class AB camp (and still am) - read on...As I alluded to, when I saw the price of this Fosi Audio T3, I wasn't expecting much - but when it arrived, I was just not prepared for the audiophile-level sound quality emanating from this hybrid tube amp. Now don't let the unbelievably light weight of this device fool you because sound-wise, its audio results may leave you stunned (in a most positive way). Before I proceed, keep in mind that you would not be purchasing this amp for a large room, or with large tower speakers. This T3 is more designed for desktop settings. I have mine attached to the likes of the KEF Q150 and A350, along with the Wharfedale D320's.Now please keep in mind that my laudatory comments about this amplifier are the result of balancing the ridiculously low price you pay for this unit, along with the higher levels of music reproduction normally found in audiophile products. I am only comparing this T3 to the likes of similarly priced power amplifiers.Let's discuss the sound - nothing lacking at all on the bass end where true bass is reproduced with weight, authority, warmth and yes, air. On the other hand the mids and highs are reproduced with a 3D depth that defies logic when considering the low price you pay for the T3. Brass instruments come through with a realistic bite, yet not harsh-sounding at all. Stringed instruments are silky smooth with a sheen and air that makes you just smile. Sound-staging, 3D depth, instrumental placement, that uncanny ability to allow you to experience the ambience of the performing venue, and so much more, is more akin to what you might experience with far, far more expensive amplifiers, and I'm not exaggerating here. In short, this is a very immersive, inexpensive hybrid amplifier! Some people may refer to these qualities as sounding "musical" as opposed to just "high definition."The key here is that things get better as the amp warms up and is broken in (i.e. tube break-in). As most audio components do - both solid state and tube - as they have time to warm-up/break-in their sound qualities tend to improve (for most components, that is). So don't give the T3 your ultimate opinions until you've given it time (and the tubes) to warm up and break in.I tend to listen to classical music and big-band jazz because the more instruments that come into play, the better your abilities to truly review and understand an amp's capabilities. I just got finished listening to several classical pieces for large orchestra - Saint Saens Organ Symphony 3, Copland's Fanfare for the Common Man, and Mozart's Piano Concerto 9. In each instance, the music reproduced was airy, had exceptional weight, was not thin or cold sounding (like most - but not all - class D amps), had a consistently large sound-stage, and when called upon to do so, produced orchestral climaxes with clarity and authority - now go figure - again at that that low price? Note - the qualifier to this paragraph is "on a desktop or in a small room environment."Also, be advised that you have plenty of options with various tubes on the market. The stock tubes that come with the T3 are alright - but other tubes will give you more air, more clarity, and a warmer sound, so experiment all you can - I certainly have. I've now tried 4 different compatible tube types and I have my favorites.I've had the T3 now for close to two years and with regard to sheer musicality, it bests the likes of my SMSL DA-9 (class D), Cambridge AX-35 (class AB), Aiyima A300 and A07 (both class D), and several other amps that I own (both class AB and D). I now find myself often wanting to listen to this Fosi Audio T3. I can listen for hours and the music is so airy and revealing - all for that ridiculously low price!I'm giving this baby 5 stars and if I could give it more, I would. Again, my views are based on its performance levels vs its very low price - unbelievable! I am not comparing it to far more expensive audiophile level products. Remember, this T3 costs approximately $115 to $130 depending on where you purchase yours from - just think of that!I do realize that every review is subjective, and your experiences may vary. The gear that I used in evaluating this T3 amp comprised the following:1. Speakers: (as mentioned above) - KEF Q150's and Q350's bookshelf speakers, along with the Wharfedale D320 bookshelf speakers. Bass was supplemented by a Presonus 8" powered subwoofer under my desk.2. Various Cables used (RCA and USB) - Audioquest, World's Best Cables, and Mogami.3. DAC units used (both all in-one or separate DAC and Head Amp combos) - iFi ZenDac Mk II, Schiit Modi 3+ with Schiit Magni Headamp/Preamp, FX-Audio D01 Pro, JDS Labs Atom DAC X with xDuoo MT-602 tube Headamp/Preamp, Schiit Modi 3E with the Schiit Vali 2+ Tube Headamp/Preamp.So in summary:1. Look at this T3 primarily with the viewpoint of it being an outstanding small desktop amplifier, where it will shine in that environment. Again - like the Chinese typically tend to do (which is often misleading) - take what they advertise with regard to a given unit's power output and then cut it in half (for the lower distortion ratings below 1%).2. Given a desktop environment, the sound reproduction is highly musical and accurate, incorporating many sound descriptors normally reserved for far more expensive audiophile-level components.3. Like anything else, what you attach to this amp - that is, the quality of the interconnect cables, DAC's, and anything else within the audio chain, will either reinforce the T3's sterling sound capabilities, or detract from it.Good luck all...

I have a Fosi Box 4 preamp that is a hybrid with tubes and was curious about their hybrid amps. It has the look and feel of a well made unit. Their packaging is always good so you shouldn't have to worry about receiving a damaged unit. To start with the pros, I think this is a nice unit especially for the cost. I was impressed by a number of things , but mainly for the clarity in sound, and the separation of the channels. I'm trying to fully understand what people are referring to when talking about soundstage, but my immediate impression was that this amp was presenting a broader "soundstage" then what I was used to. The amp is completely quite without any background noise at any level. It does a good job reproducing digital sound. For somebody who was looking to put together a low cost or beginner sound system this amp would work fine.As others have mentioned, the output is not near what it is rated at. Nobody seems to follow a standard way of measuring. The power is adequate, but nothing to spare driving my Polk ES15's. The same thing for the bass, most of the time I needed the bass turned all the way up to get it where I wanted it. The treble on the other hand is on the heavy side. Using in conjunction with the Box 4, these problems are eliminated being that the Box 4 has its own controls and can pick up the slack. For whatever reason, I do not think the amp does a great job reproducing analog signals from my turntable, however. It just seemed flat and lost the WOW that I would experience from my vintage Scott amp. Which brings me to the point that this amp cannot be expected to compare or replace the vintage equipment still available. It should not be construed or referred to as audiophile. That being said, even on some lp's it has moments of brightness and clarity that make for enjoyable listening.

I am using this amp in a nearfield desktop setup paired with ELAC Debut B5.2's. The speakers are probably overkill, but I don't care, because they sound great! They perform well with this little amp, but I am sure they can handle more power. I will try a couple of other amps later to compare.I am using the Bluetooth connection at the moment. It seems stable and connected easily through my laptop.Amp settings: I am keeping the volume knob at 75% and using the volume control on the laptop. I don't hear any signal noise and it doesn't seem to over drive the speakers. Because I have the speaker behind my monitors, I have the treble turned up and the bass turned up to about 50%.I am pairing this setup with a Polk Audio PSW10 Subwoofer. (It hasn't arrived yet.) I will test the sub output on the amp once I have it.------------ NOTE: I am only a day in on this so far. If I experience any issues, I will update the review. ---------------- Update ----Several hours of listening now. This little amp performs well. I have the PSW10 paired with it now. Initially the subwoofer signal seemed a little slow, but it may have just been breakin on the sub as it now seems fine. This speaker and amp combination sounds great and can exceed most peoples requirements.