Which amp to match the Ultra?

[VladaJ]

Will do but it will be a long wait because the Ultra will be available (in the Netherlands) somewhere august i think? You also can get the V3 Monos only though the Kickstarter project and i don't know how that works (i have no experience with that).

I don't understand it either.
I think I've read somewhere that Fosi will begin selling V3 Monos through "normal" channels as well, sometime during the summer.
Otherwise, I don't really know how would I get them...

 

[D1N0]

Audiophonics already listed it: https://www.audiophonics.fr/en/power-amplifiers/fosi-audio-v3-mono-tpa3255-p-19171.html?search_query=fosi v3&fast_search=fs will be on Amazon. Can order from Fosi direct or via Aliexpress. But will be cheaper to get from Kickstarter now, you can still order.

 

[The Regal Beagle]

I’ll be going with the T-10 running as pre into 2 x A07 max for dual mono mode.

 

[eByGum]

2 x A07 max for dual mono mode

Doing the same here. Looking at fitting 2*A07 Max (muses02 opamps for warmer sound) into a single chassis with VU meters for cool looks . 2*48V 5A power supplies should give 120w*2-ish into 8ohms (aiyima seem to stretch truth with spec of the amp). Thinking solid state relays to have12v trigger function. Should be a fun project to time with Ultra availability in July.

 

[MaRsS72]

I am really glad to hear you've got a better sound with your budget gear.
Please let us know of your impressions of V3 Monos when you get them in. I am really interested in them in a combination with a ProPlus or a Ultra.
Cheers

Now I'm not sure if I should go for the V3 Monos or stick with the ZA3 and order one more to set them up in mono. I've read that the V3 Monos can get very hot, and I already know how the ZA3 sounds. The ZA3 doesn't have an auto mode and I don't need the volume knob. I'm also unsure if the V3 mono is significantly better in terms of sound, otherwise I might as well go for 2x ZA3 in mono setup.

 

[VladaJ]

Now I'm not sure if I should go for the V3 Monos or stick with the ZA3 and order one more to set them up in mono. I've read that the V3 Monos can get very hot, and I already know how the ZA3 sounds. The ZA3 doesn't have an auto mode and I don't need the volume knob. I'm also unsure if the V3 mono is significantly better in terms of sound, otherwise I might as well go for 2x ZA3 in mono setup.

Well, wouldn't I like to have such a dilemma

If you have time, take a look at this:

Don't know if you believe YTubers, but I know this guy personally and I do know he's trustworthy. Maybe this video could help you decide.

Cheers

 

[MaRsS72]

Well, wouldn't I like to have such a dilemma

If you have time, take a look at this:

Don't know if you believe YTubers, but I know this guy personally and I do know he's trustworthy. Maybe this video could help you decide.

Cheers

I will check it out

 

[Giro413]

Currently waiting for my two Fosi Mono blocks, from the Kickstarter. Looks like they will arrive before the Wiim Ultra. Hooking it all up to a pair of Dali Oberon 5's (and possibly a Argon S850 sub).

 

[Giro413]

Well, wouldn't I like to have such a dilemma

If you have time, take a look at this:

Don't know if you believe YTubers, but I know this guy personally and I do know he's trustworthy. Maybe this video could help you decide.

Cheers

Just love his reasoning for why two is always better than one

 

[VladaJ]

Just love his reasoning for why two is always better than one

Well, he's actually right, at least about the girls, isn't he?

 

[Steve Woodhouse]

If it's okay to link to a fred at another forum, here's one comparing all stats from several amps likely to be competing for your attention:

New Fosi Audio V3 Mono vs Topping PA5 II vs Topping PA7 (inc. 'Plus' versions)...and Aiyima A70

Someone in the new Fosi thread said a new thread would appear to compare models, so here it is. Links to Amir's reviews of the three: Fosi Audio V3 Mono Topping PA5 II Topping PA7 Aiyima A70 Prices are V3 Mono $260 (pair), PA5 II Plus $290, PA7 Plus $550, Aiyima A70 $220. Does the V3 match...

www.audiosciencereview.com

I would say the PA5 II looks like the best-measuring amp in a number of areas, given the price, but the Fosi monos have maybe twice the power. However, I suspect many won't need more power than the PA5 II. If they do, the PA5 II Plus may suffice - likely to be an extra 20 watts per channel.

As ever, you pays your money and you takes your choice. Nice to know there's a variety of options out there.

 

[pieterv1]

I'll probably pair it directly with my current poweramp: Rotel RB-06 since it seems to play nicely with the WiiM Pro's 12V trigger output.

So the WiiM Ultra will act as a (digital) preamp. I'm hoping the volume control will allow me to make fine adjustments. Probably I'll be able to set the maximum output voltage in the settings, just like on my WiiM Pro.

This should allow me to get rid of quite a few components: WiiM Pro (obviously), Rotel RC-06 preamp, external DAC (SMSL SU-6).
* If Plex support is ultimately added, I can also sell my Raspberry Pi and the automatic toslink switcher currently used to handle switching between digital audio from my tv, cd player WiiM Pro and RBPi... seriously streamlining my setup

 

[MaRsS72]

Well, wouldn't I like to have such a dilemma

If you have time, take a look at this:

Don't know if you believe YTubers, but I know this guy personally and I do know he's trustworthy. Maybe this video could help you decide.

Cheers

I see the V3 mono doesn't have a sub out. I know that the Wiim Ultra has one but i'm not sure if it will handle my subwoofer well. Didn't have a great experience with that on the Wiim Amp. At the moment i'm leaning more on the ZA3 (and then 2 of them in dual mono mode) because it has a subwoofer output and it handles my subwoofer well. If the Wiim Ultra also will handle my subwoofer well then i have the option to choose (sub on the Wiim or the ZA3).

Still kind of a dilemma for me haha

 

[pieterv1]

I see the V3 mono doesn't have a sub out. I know that the Wiim Ultra has one but i'm not sure if it will handle my subwoofer well. Didn't have a great experience with that on the Wiim Amp. At the moment i'm leaning more on the ZA3 (and then 2 of them in dual mono mode) because it has a subwoofer output and it handles my subwoofer well. If the Wiim Ultra also will handle my subwoofer well then i have the option to choose (sub on the Wiim or the ZA3).

Still kind of a dilemma for me haha

In what sense it didn't handle the subwoofer well? I'd definitely recommend using the WiiM's built-in subwoofer output because you can manage the cutoff point digitally. Then run this sub output into a separate (mono) amp or directly into an active subwoofer & you should be good to go!

I don't see how the ZA3 allows you to do this... Generally speaking: I wouldn't exclude any amp because the lack of a sub output because managing subwoofer output from the WiiM itself would be the way to go

 

[MaRsS72]

In what sense it didn't handle the subwoofer well? I'd definitely recommend using the WiiM's built-in subwoofer output because you can manage the cutoff point digitally. Then run this sub output into a separate (mono) amp or directly into an active subwoofer & you should be good to go!

I don't see how the ZA3 allows you to do this... Generally speaking: I wouldn't exclude any amp because the lack of a sub output because managing subwoofer output from the WiiM itself would be the way to go

Don't know how to explain but it sounded like something was wrong (with the output). When i connected the subwoofer with the ZA3 it sounded good straight away. I know you can't manage the sub with the ZA3 (but on the sub itself i can manage it myself). But i understand what you are saying, i'm just affraid that if i hook up my subwoofer to the Wiim Ultra the sound/output will be the same as what i've experienced with the Wiim Mini. It just wasn't right somehow. Better to have 2 options (subwoofer wise) then 1 (that may not be working out right for me).

 

[pieterv1]

I see.. I'd try buying both the WiiM Ultra & amps from a source where you can easily return one or the other.
Heck maybe even buy the V3 mono as well and try to compare both

 

[Steve Woodhouse]

Don't know how to explain but it sounded like something was wrong (with the output). When i connected the subwoofer with the ZA3 it sounded good straight away. I know you can't manage the sub with the ZA3 (but on the sub itself i can manage it myself). But i understand what you are saying, i'm just affraid that if i hook up my subwoofer to the Wiim Ultra the sound/output will be the same as what i've experienced with the Wiim Mini. It just wasn't right somehow. Better to have 2 options (subwoofer wise) then 1 (that may not be working out right for me).

In the many reviews I’ve seen, most of which have been good but the odd one has had the odd question, I’ve never seen the sub out criticised.

Far more chance you were just unlucky and had a dodgy unit, or something in the settings not quite right, than there’s something wrong with WiiM’s subwoofer outputs.

 

[harkpabst]

Don't know how to explain but it sounded like something was wrong (with the output). When i connected the subwoofer with the ZA3 it sounded good straight away

As has been mentioned on ASR before, just because something sounds appealing to you "straight away" and without any adjustments simply says nothing about better or worse. There are so many things that can be different and might need to be adjusted differently and that's particularly true for something like a sub out.

Technically, it's far less demanding than a good full range high level output. But there are more variables and if you're not willing to pay attention to them your results will always be random. Different filter slopes, different filter types (high pass for mains, yes or no), different levels, different polarity ... there are technical differences and without adjustment things can go wrong.

That's all technical stuff, no magic, no "music only" effects, that measurement can't cover

 

[Bozzz]

Since the Ultra will be a pre-pro, I'm curious to know what amp will everyone be matching the Wiim with.

I've been looking for somethings similar in size to the Ultra with at least 80w per channel (stereo).

Will be using my Willsenton r8. Just finished upgrading the tubes. Can’t wait to get it

 

[MaRsS72]

I see.. I'd try buying both the WiiM Ultra & amps from a source where you can easily return one or the other.
Heck maybe even buy the V3 mono as well and try to compare both

Yeah only "problem" is that you can only "buy" the V3 on kickstarter (with a discount) at the moment and what if there are problems with the V3, where to send it back? Also the Wiim Ultra would be my only "affordable" option for a pre amp with a display and HDMI Arc so I hope it meets my expectations, in terms of sound.