Win a phono preamp (2 of 3) - Fosi Audio Tube Phono Preamplifier, Can you hear the difference?

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Win a phono preamp (2 of 3) - Fosi Audio Tube Phono Preamplifier, Can you hear the difference?

Рет қаралды 13,683

Жыл бұрын

Please read... (thanks for watching and good luck!)
Disclaimer - The prizes for this competition were purchased by me and not provided by the manufacturer or any sponsor. The value of the prizes range between $65 and $150 USD. Opinions expressed in the video are mine, I was not compensated for this video.
Entry - Entry is free
Entry Deadline - All entries must be made before January 31, 2023
Prizes - Little Bear T7, Fosi Audio Box X2, Fluance PA10 (one per winner)
Example Entry - “My guess is.. ”
To enter please do the following:
1) Put your guess in the comments of all three video in this series.
Note: Liking someone else’s comment is not an entry.
2) A completed entry will be correct guesses on all three videos
3) Like the videos, please subscribe so you don’t miss the next video.
Winner selection:
1) Three winners selected at random from all complete entries (complete entries described above).
2) First winner will have first choice, second winner will chose from the remaining two and the third winner will receive the remaining item.

Пікірлер: 51

@tedburg6042 6 ай бұрын

I don't know how hot the tubes get in these little preamps, but in the old days we were told to wear gloves and not touch the tube. Skin oils on the outside of the tube creates a hot spot that shortens the life of the tube.

@prowlingfrost5588 11 ай бұрын

Fosi X2, Aiyima T3 & Douk Audio T3 are the same device. One tip more: if start to hear "crackling windy" sound on speakers, check the tube sockets for cold joints because putting the tubes on/off will strain the connections on PCB.

@miguelsalami 7 ай бұрын

Hello what OP amps would you recommend upgrading this unit to?

@lfcmarkeb7124 Ай бұрын

I've the Douk audio T3pro same unit i believe, changed tubes to GE ones seemed a little better, then a set of Mullard tubes, again a change, but one channel developed a strange noise, a tube failed. were vintage tubes so maybe that's what happened. i leave the gain at 30.

@bigwolf287 Жыл бұрын

I just bought this and I'm loving it

@leecooper8589 Жыл бұрын

I have recently purchased the Aiyima T3 (which seems identical to the Fosi unit you are reviewing here) and the difference is night and day over both the generic (and even cheaper) pre-amp I previously had (which looks rather like the Pyle you show here) and the built in pre-amp in my AT LP 120xusb. I've certainly not experienced the noise or distortion at higher gains that you (and others) have with the Little Bear, a unit that I also considered buying at nearly twice the amount I paid for the T3, a price I still considered as massively affordable compared with others on the market. £33 well spent....an absolute bargain for me, here in the UK. I am considering changing out the stock tubes but certainly not as a matter of urgency. IMHO it just goes to show that you don't always need to spend a fortune to achieve a vast improvement with your system; I doubt I would hear a significant improvement over the T3 without spending a few multiples of the amount I paid.

@prowlingfrost5588 11 ай бұрын

Fosi X2, Aiyima T3 & Douk Audio T3 are the same device. You should change the tubes to Russian (CCCP) made Voshkod's, the older you get the better (70-80's, maybe with "rocket" logo). Also changing the op amps and using better power supply (the more weight the better ;-) helps. Truly great devices with decent build quality for the price. I agree with you about spending the more money not always mean the sound quality will be radically better. Many times the expensive "HIFI" devices are expensive just because of the brand name. It can be the Chinese made electronics were poorer quality like twenty years ago, but today the quality is quite top.

@leecooper8589 11 ай бұрын

@@prowlingfrost5588 Thanks for that; I sort of suspected that they were the exact same device but it's nice to have confirmation. I can only say that since writing that comment the sound quality has improved noticeably as I suppose both the tubes and electronics have bedded in. Thanks for the suggestion for the tubes, however I'd appreciate it if you could endulge me even further; I'm totally new to this tube business so to the absolute noob it's a minefield just identifying what will fit because this technology predates the time when manufacturers, nevermind Nations agreed on standards (here in the UK they were called Valves rather than Tubes, nevermind consistent part numbers).Following your recommendation I've Googled what I think is a suitable fit, the Voshkod 6J1P-EV. It has the 7 pins so LOOKS like it would fit and is remarkably affordable but would you be so kind as to confirm that this is the part you were referring to and if not correct me? As for the power supply and op amps, I suspect they are less of a minefield to navigate. At this price, the manufacturer IS going to make sacrifices and we have to appreciate that they appear to have made them in places that the user can make relatively easy and effective changes like the Power supply, op amps and tubes that you mention. I sort of like that. Rather than being stuck with my purchase until I chose to replace it or it just stops working I have a pathway that may just extend my time with it and enjoyment of it. It's a hobby, after all. Thanks again for your comment.

@robertnoah6336 Жыл бұрын

Ok, I just changed the two stock tubes out and replaced with military grade JHS57050 6B6W...these tubes are 50 years of age and are brand new. OMG the difference is night and day, the lows are so much more quality it's unreal. If you have an opportunity to pick up those tubes, well, you'll thank me later.

@SickTheory Жыл бұрын

Where did you get them from?

@byronvisiado09 Жыл бұрын

Yeah, share the deets my guy.

@IvanITpro Жыл бұрын

Nothings comes up on Google my friend. Thx for nothing!

@businessgoose3725 Жыл бұрын

Those tubes are nothing compared to the JHs57050LOLS.

@robertkensler2156 9 ай бұрын

There is no such tube,,,nice try

@bearded_wolverine3503 8 ай бұрын

I have a fosi box x2, i use riverstone 5653w tubes but am curious your opinion on a different tube to try? I like the 5654 but wanted to upgrade the tubes to perhaps get a different experience in my listening

@budsmoker4201120 5 ай бұрын

Great video, I just got my buddy the pyle so he could get out of the internal one he has on his lp60 he seems happy, I have been looking at this fosi or jumping up to the ifi zen. I am currently using my built in phonostage in my DHSTR190 reciever which is decent but I would like to upgrade the phonostage. My source is a Fluance RT85 and my speakers are the SSCS5'S. I got the reciever and speakers for 200 bucks during black Friday, knowing I would upgrade later and that Santa was bringing me the 85 so I needed something to make it work. I think I did pretty good for 200 bucks but I would like to upgrade the phonostage and speakers currently looking at the Elac UB62's for me lext speakers. Anyways great video, very informative!

@crimsonghost6454 Жыл бұрын

I would be interested to see if it still passes sound with the tubes removed. I have said before that I don't think the tubes in these small preamps do anything or at least very little. Also I have experienced when using a large tool,everything is a tight fit....I got it. But seriously I can't really do the comparison as I watch on my phone. Still good videos and thanks for opening them up.

@frankdawsonjr Жыл бұрын

others have reviewed this and they said it does not work without the tubes plugged in.

@robertnoah6336 Жыл бұрын

I just purchased this unit(FOSIE) and can tell you music doesn't pass w/o tubes. I also suggest you use a higher end audio cable, size does matter! 😁 now my question is what IC's can be used to change sounds, better yet make a video with some exchanges, I know different tubes will produce different results, let's see what different IC's will add/subtract.

@SkyNoris Жыл бұрын

@@robertnoah6336 The best option would be to throw on a Dual Discrete Op Amp like a sparkos SS3602. But that would be super expensive. The IC's on it are a very old design. I think they sell for $1.5 each

@prowlingfrost5588 11 ай бұрын

Actually it will work withou the tubes ,but you should bypass them with wire. There's a modding video in youtube.

@prowlingfrost5588 11 ай бұрын

@@frankdawsonjr Yes, it doesnt work, but if you bypass the tubes with wire it will work without the tubes.

@Jil8840 9 ай бұрын

Confusing test. Number one, i hope . I like number one.

@cantpassthebar Жыл бұрын

Tight. I think the fosi is #2

@kappandrew1 Жыл бұрын

Hey there! you are the only participant who got all three correct! Which preamp would you like?

@cantpassthebar Жыл бұрын

@@kappandrew1 Well that is awesome! I am going to go back and re-watch the videos to help me decide. Will make my selection shortly.

@boristahmasian9604 Жыл бұрын

I have the Fosi. It sounds warmer to my ears. One of the one's you are showcasing is bright bordering on harsh. My guess, Fosi is number one. What is the final verdict? Thanks. I am getting ready to fork over twice as much for a Schiit Mani 2 to get better highs and more open sound compared to the Fosi. Anyone here tried the two side by side?

@bauertime Жыл бұрын

I'm thinking about doing the same. The bass sounds muddy using the Fosi in my headphones using an at440mla cartridge. Have you got the Schiit and how is it?

@boristahmasian9604 Жыл бұрын

@@bauertime After trying Fosi and another lower priced alternative, I decided to go for the Mani 2. It is the best of the bunch and the best sounding by a good margin. I figured it is a long term investment well worth the price.Mani 2 sounds neutral to my ears which is what I want. I do not like the sound to have high or low bias. It is well made with DIP switches to further customize the sound. Initially I got buzzing sound out of the Mani as well but the problem was that it was placed too far from the turntable. Once I placed it next to my TT and ran a nice insulated RCA cable to my receiver, the problem went away. I called Schit and was ready to return it thinking I had a faulty unit. But it turned out it was a placement issue. If you have the budget, go for the Mani 2. It is pricier than the low priced Chinese units but way cheaper than the very high end units costing well over $1K!

@bauertime Жыл бұрын

@@boristahmasian9604 OK thanks, I just purchased a $200 at150sa stylist and I need a good preamp.

@boristahmasian9604 Жыл бұрын

@@bauertime I got the Mani 2. Although it is more than twice the cost of the Fosi, DJ PREII and other Chinese made cheaper alternatives, I feel it is the best sounding with better fit and finish and warranty. It allows you to customize the unit more than the others. I think the Mani 2 is going to be the constant as I upgrade my turntable and my cartridges down the road.

@sqteamturkey2293 Жыл бұрын

Which is better X2 OR X4???

@kevinc917 Жыл бұрын

My guess is number 1 is the fosi

@joeclark5894 Жыл бұрын

My Guess is Number 2

@Parkhill_FC Жыл бұрын

I’m thinking it’s number 2

@luigigenoni5944 Жыл бұрын

my guess is number 2

@user-hf5tj8zn5d Жыл бұрын

My guess is № 2

@frankdawsonjr Жыл бұрын

my guess is # 2 .

@butstough Жыл бұрын

the fosi is #2

@kevinc917 Жыл бұрын

That stamping is called etching fyi

@frankdawsonjr Жыл бұрын

Have you drawn the winners yet? i might have missed it...

@kappandrew1 Жыл бұрын

No, regretfully I've been lazy. I'm working on it right now actually...

@frankdawsonjr Жыл бұрын

@@kappandrew1 Totally understand that..Right now i am a nervous wreck, i am waiting to hear if they have a kidney for my son...yhey are waiting for the tissue tests to come back to verify, I am a mess.

@user-xv5zr8jl7r 2 ай бұрын

Is there anyone experience the change of op amp?

@kappandrew1 Ай бұрын

I believe these are plug and play, you just need to pull the existing and drop in the new one. Pay attention to the direction of the notch direction.

@BenKash308 Ай бұрын

@@kappandrew1which op amps can be used in the x2 phono pre amp?

@coldginuk1 Жыл бұрын

I'm guessing the Fosi is number 2 seems a lot more open.

@hannah9418 Жыл бұрын

I hooked this thing up and all I get is crazy distorted horribly over powered sound. Like unusable. Its simple to install, is it just not compatible with my Technics SL-BD26U turntable and Onkyo TX-NR585. Am I like doubling the pre-amp up or something? I'm pretty positive neither have a pre-amp built in for the phono circuit.

@robertkensler2156 9 ай бұрын

If your turntable already has a pre=amp you need to disable the internal pre-amp!!