Dual mono amp trigger

[ccs-digital]

Thinking of adding a second Fosi Audio ZA3 amp to run in dual mono mode.

My Ultra currently triggers the single ZA3 I have, but is it possible to use a 'splitter cable' to trigger both amps, ie single 3.5mm from Ultra to 2x 3.5mm, one to each ZA3.

Anyone running such a configuration?

 

[rwilldare]

It might work, it is going to depend on the current draw from the Fosi amps and what the Ultra provides. You can always use something like this from Emotiva: https://emotiva.com/products/et-3

 

[Wosi]

Thinking of adding a second Fosi Audio ZA3 amp to run in dual mono mode.

My Ultra currently triggers the single ZA3 I have, but is it possible to use a 'splitter cable' to trigger both amps, ie single 3.5mm from Ultra to 2x 3.5mm, one to each ZA3.

Anyone running such a configuration?

I've just connected two ZA3 amps to my WiiM Ultra yesterday. On/Off trigger works great through a splliter (designed for connecting two headphones to a single outlet) and two 3.5mm stereo cables.

To my surprise, it also works well with all cables plugged in entirely. I expected I had to plug in the cables only halfway to the ZA3s as mentioned here but that is not necessary (though it also works when only partly plugged in).

 

[ccs-digital]

I've just connected two ZA3 amps to my WiiM Ultra yesterday. On/Off trigger works great through a splliter (designed for connecting two headphones to a single outlet) and two 3.5mm stereo cables.

To my surprise, it also works well with all cables plugged in entirely. I expected I had to plug in the cables only halfway to the ZA3s as mentioned here but that is not necessary (though it also works when only partly plugged in).

Good to hear.

A little research revealed that Fosi Audio actually have an FAQ about triggering two ZA3's from their ZD3 DAC/preamp and show a splitter cable as the solution. On the assumption that the Ultra will work in a similar way I ordered a cable which will be delivered today.

I was aware that stereo cables work as that is what I was using for the single amp trigger.

 

[ccs-digital]

It might work, it is going to depend on the current draw from the Fosi amps and what the Ultra provides. You can always use something like this from Emotiva: https://emotiva.com/products/et-3

The Ultra provides 12v at 200mA but can't find the spec for the Fosi anywhere.

 

[pieterv1]

Where did you source the splitter cable? Is it mono?

Firs thing that came to mind were these kind of stackable (mono) 3.5mm jack cables - used mostly with modular synthesizers

Tiptop Audio Stackcable Yellow 50 cm

Stack Cable Plug-in patch cable for modular synthesisers, Cable length: 50 cm, Socket and plug on each end, Colour: Yellow

www.thomann.de

 

[Wosi]

Where did you source the splitter cable? Is it mono?

Firs thing that came to mind were these kind of stackable (mono) 3.5mm jack cables - used mostly with modular synthesizers

Tiptop Audio Stackcable Yellow 50 cm

Stack Cable Plug-in patch cable for modular synthesisers, Cable length: 50 cm, Socket and plug on each end, Colour: Yellow

www.thomann.de

The splitter cable is stereo. The male end is plugged into the Ultra's trigger out. The two female ends of the splitter are connected to the two ZA3's trigger in via 3.5mm stereo cables. I've put the links to the exact cables I'm using in my comment above.

 

[ccs-digital]

Where did you source the splitter cable? Is it mono?

Firs thing that came to mind were these kind of stackable (mono) 3.5mm jack cables - used mostly with modular synthesizers

Tiptop Audio Stackcable Yellow 50 cm

Stack Cable Plug-in patch cable for modular synthesisers, Cable length: 50 cm, Socket and plug on each end, Colour: Yellow

www.thomann.de

This is the one I have ordered...

3.5mm splitter cable

 

[ccs-digital]

All set up now, pleased to confirm that the Ultra connected via splitter cable (link in my earlier post) to 2 ZA3's triggers both on and off successfully.

 

[ImNraged]

The splitter cable is stereo. The male end is plugged into the Ultra's trigger out. The two female ends of the splitter are connected to the two ZA3's trigger in via 3.5mm stereo cables. I've put the links to the exact cables I'm using in my comment above.

I bought a couple random 3.5mm stereo cables and a Y on Amazon and did this. Turns both ZA3 on like a champ. Side note, I have my TCL TV to HDMI Arc and the TV remote turns the entire system on/off and controls volume.

 

[robgnyc]

I bought a couple random 3.5mm stereo cables and a Y on Amazon and did this. Turns both ZA3 on like a champ. Side note, I have my TCL TV to HDMI Arc and the TV remote turns the entire system on/off and controls volume.

Any chance you have a link to the amazon cables you bought?

 

[Solfer]

This is the one I have ordered...

3.5mm splitter cable

Can I assume this worked OK for you?

I'm using a similar splitter, which does work but the ZA3s click/pop whenever triggered on and off.. Wasn't sure if it's the cable I'm using.

 

[robgnyc]

Simple test, try turning on/off manually without the trigger see if it sounds the same. Mine make a barely audible click. I'm using this cable.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CP74H8CK?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_2&th=1

 

[ccs-digital]

Can I assume this worked OK for you?

I'm using a similar splitter, which does work but the ZA3s click/pop whenever triggered on and off.. Wasn't sure if it's the cable I'm using.

Yes, works perfectly.

You should here a click (internally) when the ZA3's are triggered on/off but certainly not a 'pop' or anything audible through the speakers.

 

[EddNog]

The WiiM Ultra can drive a lot of 12V stuff. I have attached:
Topping D90 III Discrete DAC
SVS SB-3000 subwoofer
Two Topping B200 monoblocs
A 12V-triggered Panamax power strip (which activates the power supplies for my spectrum analyzer-related bits & bobbles)

-Ed

 

[Solfer]

Yes, works perfectly.

You should here a click (internally) when the ZA3's are triggered on/off but certainly not a 'pop' or anything audible through the speakers.

Thanks, yes it's an internal click, nothing through the speakers. I guess it's just louder than I was expecting. All good.

 

[pieterv1]

Rotel RB-06 working perfectly as well

 

[Solfer]

Simple test, try turning on/off manually without the trigger see if it sounds the same. Mine make a barely audible click. I'm using this cable.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CP74H8CK?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_2&th=1

Mine's definitely more than barely audible, but not something to lose sleep over, so I'll just put up with it..