Seems you're not the only one out there wondering about this combo (ultra, fosi zd3 and za3), and if it zd3 in the middle is beneficial.
Looks like you'll be needing some more interconnects too
Let us know!
Which amp to match the Ultra?
- Thread starter Audioqueso
- Start date
Looks like you'll be needing some more interconnects too
Let us know!
is the fosi v3m too hot?
joostdh
Member
My experience: they are hot but not too hot.
That's exactly how I would phrase it.
Agree - not too hot.
Might be a bit out of left field for some but I'm using the Breeze Audio clone of Musical Fidelity A1 (driving wharfedale diamond 9.1 bookshelves). It sounds incredible, it's class A so gets warm to touch but wow is it good. I took the punt because it's also really cheap and I wasn't disappointed so if you're looking for the "warm" sound at low cost and don't need masses of power then it's a good option. Shipped to the UK in under two weeks (AliExpress).
good to know, then I will not order the kit with cooling fans. Thanks!
As WiiM continue to show no interest in producing a power amplifier matching the WiiM Ultra, I'd like to draw your attention to a forthcoming product, or to be more precise, a line of products. From December there will be a new competitor on the market, which isn't really all that new:
3e Audio have proven to produce some of the best measuring amplifier boards based on TI TPA3255 and TI TPA3251 amplifier chips. See e.g. the ASR reviews of their stereo and mono modules featuring Post Filter Feedback (PFFB):
www.3e-audio.com
All models come with a volume pot, which can be bypassed completely (switch on the back). RCA gain is switchable. No trigger input, but they all feature auto input sensing.
More detailed technical information is available in the preliminary user manual. Initially, there will be 5 distinct products, 2 of them based on the TPA3251 (A5se and A5), 3 based on the TPA3255 (A7se, A7 and A7 mono). All of them come with RCA connectors (single-ended, as ideal for the WiiM Ultra) and XLR connectors (balanced). So, don't be confused by the term "se" in the product name, it does not stand for "single-ended". The se-Models use one TPA325x chip per channel, while the models missing the "se" designation use two TPA325x chips in parallel bridge-tied load configuration. A5, A7 (and A7 mono, no se version for that product) provide slightly more power, slightly better measurements and are capable to drive loads down to 2 ohms. The "se" variants on the other hand are well suited for 8 ohms or 4 ohms speakers and are - naturally - more cost efficient.
This leads to another very interesting topic: The A5se is announced to be available for "< $200" and the A7se for "< 250$"! The fully fledged A7 (stereo version with 48 V/5 A PSU is announced for "under $300". That's a pretty attractive price point, no? My personal favourite is the A5, as I don't need the 2 x 250 W power out (at 1% THD+N into 4 ohms) for my speakers and room (and 2 x 150 W at even lower distortion aren't exactly shabby).
If you're not sold by the price yet: 3e Audio provide a poll form to collect information about demand for the different models. They offer the prospect of a discount coupon for those who take part in the poll.
forms.gle
Maybe this is still of some interest for @Jamesw72 or @Dan360, too.
To be perfectly clear: I'm not affiliated with 3e Audio in any way. I'm just personally interested in these products and I'm only posting this information since there is no competing WiiM product.
3e Audio have proven to produce some of the best measuring amplifier boards based on TI TPA3255 and TI TPA3251 amplifier chips. See e.g. the ASR reviews of their stereo and mono modules featuring Post Filter Feedback (PFFB):
- Stereo module: 3e Audio Amplifier Kit 260-2-29A (TPA3255)
- Mono module: 3e Audio Amplifier Kit 480-1-29A (TPA3255)
A5x A7x Series Next-Gen PFFB Amplifier | 3e Audio
www.3e-audio.com
All models come with a volume pot, which can be bypassed completely (switch on the back). RCA gain is switchable. No trigger input, but they all feature auto input sensing.
More detailed technical information is available in the preliminary user manual. Initially, there will be 5 distinct products, 2 of them based on the TPA3251 (A5se and A5), 3 based on the TPA3255 (A7se, A7 and A7 mono). All of them come with RCA connectors (single-ended, as ideal for the WiiM Ultra) and XLR connectors (balanced). So, don't be confused by the term "se" in the product name, it does not stand for "single-ended". The se-Models use one TPA325x chip per channel, while the models missing the "se" designation use two TPA325x chips in parallel bridge-tied load configuration. A5, A7 (and A7 mono, no se version for that product) provide slightly more power, slightly better measurements and are capable to drive loads down to 2 ohms. The "se" variants on the other hand are well suited for 8 ohms or 4 ohms speakers and are - naturally - more cost efficient.
This leads to another very interesting topic: The A5se is announced to be available for "< $200" and the A7se for "< 250$"! The fully fledged A7 (stereo version with 48 V/5 A PSU is announced for "under $300". That's a pretty attractive price point, no? My personal favourite is the A5, as I don't need the 2 x 250 W power out (at 1% THD+N into 4 ohms) for my speakers and room (and 2 x 150 W at even lower distortion aren't exactly shabby).
If you're not sold by the price yet: 3e Audio provide a poll form to collect information about demand for the different models. They offer the prospect of a discount coupon for those who take part in the poll.
A5/A7 series amplifier first release poll
collect which model you are interesting for us run first production as we will try best to provide enough stock for 1st release ordering.
forms.gle
Maybe this is still of some interest for @Jamesw72 or @Dan360, too.
To be perfectly clear: I'm not affiliated with 3e Audio in any way. I'm just personally interested in these products and I'm only posting this information since there is no competing WiiM product.
Last edited:
I'm using my Ultra with the Benchmark AHB2 and their RCA to XLR cables (which are not fancy, just engineered right). It sounds fantastic. Don't miss balanced output at all, particularly since I realized so many of them are sourced off the unbalanced anyway. Gain is more than enough on the Benchmark's highest setting.
These days it seems you can get similar performance for less, but 10 years ago I don't think you could. The AHB2 itself was not well known so I got it refurbished (perfect), maybe off of someone who wasn't impressed enough by the looks. It's really an endgame amp and I knew it right away. Such a relief. 10 years of peace and no more $$$ on that front.
The Ultra is starting to look like endgame for me too, after two decades of putting up with shoddy streaming.
I actually don't think WiiM has much business making a poweramp, any more than they would a passive speaker. They have no advantage in that space vs hundreds of others. Their strength is the software.
These days it seems you can get similar performance for less, but 10 years ago I don't think you could. The AHB2 itself was not well known so I got it refurbished (perfect), maybe off of someone who wasn't impressed enough by the looks. It's really an endgame amp and I knew it right away. Such a relief. 10 years of peace and no more $$$ on that front.
The Ultra is starting to look like endgame for me too, after two decades of putting up with shoddy streaming.
I actually don't think WiiM has much business making a poweramp, any more than they would a passive speaker. They have no advantage in that space vs hundreds of others. Their strength is the software.
Cool! Nice extra bit of confirmation with black friday around the corner
I'd be pairing my future Ultra with a Rotel RB-06. I also own the matching RC-06 preamp. I'm still unsure whether to keep it inbetween, because then I'd be missing out on some of the convenience that comes with using Ultra as a complete preamp.
Have you had any issues like sudden volume jumps or something?
I think I should have added one or two pictures at least to make my previous posting a little less boring. 
Here are renders of the 3e Audio case work:
(Source: http://www.3e-audio.com/finished-amp/a5-a7-series/)
According to 3e Audio's postings at ASR, mass production has already started, so we should be seeing real photos shortly.
This was a picture of the first sample unit:
(Source: https://audiosciencereview.com/foru...lifier-with-pffb-is-coming.54799/post-2090689)
I really like the clean, no-nonsense look!
Here are renders of the 3e Audio case work:
(Source: http://www.3e-audio.com/finished-amp/a5-a7-series/)
According to 3e Audio's postings at ASR, mass production has already started, so we should be seeing real photos shortly.
This was a picture of the first sample unit:
(Source: https://audiosciencereview.com/foru...lifier-with-pffb-is-coming.54799/post-2090689)
I really like the clean, no-nonsense look!
The power button looks like a volume knob, does it come with auto standby?I think I should have added one or two pictures at least to make my previous posting a little less boring.
Here are renders of the 3e Audio case work:
View attachment 14045
(Source: http://www.3e-audio.com/finished-amp/a5-a7-series/)
According to 3e Audio's postings at ASR, mass production has already started, so we should be seeing real photos shortly.
This was a picture of the first sample unit:
View attachment 14046
(Source: https://audiosciencereview.com/foru...lifier-with-pffb-is-coming.54799/post-2090689)
I really like the clean, no-nonsense look!
F1 Fan
Active member
My NAD c298 is fantastic via the Ultra
Yes, it does. The button acts as a volume knob (rotation, can be completely bypassed), as an input selector (RCA or XLA, short press) and as a power off switch (long press).
The default state when attaching the PSU is on. It will go into off mode automatically after 5 minutes with no input signal detected and return into on mode when an input signal is detected.
No issues at all. I used to run with a 75% limit because of toddler and volume wheel, but he doesn't seem interested. And ultimately 100% would be bearable for a few seconds. So now no limit but either way it's never jumped to where I don't expect.
My previous $$$ prepro also had software-defined volume, to do things like per-source or startup volume, so it's not like a firmware bug couldn't drive the analog volume to bad places. They had plenty of bugs but fortunately not in this area.
I would not keep a preamp in the loop unless I had very good analog sources that I didn't need to DSP, to skip the conversion to digital and back. But I for one am all digital.
As always, thanks for your clear answers.
For me the auto-standby is very attractive.
My Wiim companions r PrimaLuna DAC+PrimaLuna pre+Rotel power driving PMC Twenty 21
Seems like these have just dropped!I think I should have added one or two pictures at least to make my previous posting a little less boring.
Here are renders of the 3e Audio case work:
View attachment 14045
(Source: http://www.3e-audio.com/finished-amp/a5-a7-series/)
According to 3e Audio's postings at ASR, mass production has already started, so we should be seeing real photos shortly.
This was a picture of the first sample unit:
View attachment 14046
(Source: https://audiosciencereview.com/foru...lifier-with-pffb-is-coming.54799/post-2090689)
I really like the clean, no-nonsense look!
Great prices on their official AliExpress store. They'll be sold by Audiophonics as well.
Good news for everybody who did not buy a 3e Audio A5se, A5, A7se, A7 or A7 Mono right on Monday : Prices have dropped considerably right now.
Starting at 183 EUR for the entry level model A5se, going up to 344 EUR for a pair of A7 Mono amplifiers (plus shipping).
In case you are also active at Audio Science Review, make sure to also check out this posting by 3e Audio for a nice surprise:
audiosciencereview.com
In the meantime, famous audio blogger Archimago published his two part review of the A5 and the A7 Mono. He was more than happy with the results, but read for yourself:
archimago.blogspot.com
archimago.blogspot.com
Now, who will be next offering a matching power amp for the WiiM Ultra or other WiiM products? Let's wait and see. Interesting times for audiophiles on a budget.
for everybody who did not buy a 3e Audio A5se, A5, A7se, A7 or A7 Mono right on Monday : Prices have dropped considerably right now.Starting at 183 EUR for the entry level model A5se, going up to 344 EUR for a pair of A7 Mono amplifiers (plus shipping).
In case you are also active at Audio Science Review, make sure to also check out this posting by 3e Audio for a nice surprise:
3e Audio TPA3251 TPA3255 Finished Amplifier with PFFB is coming!
Although this is now listed in AliExpress I am unable to actually purchase: all sold out!
audiosciencereview.com
In the meantime, famous audio blogger Archimago published his two part review of the A5 and the A7 Mono. He was more than happy with the results, but read for yourself:
Part I: 3e Audio - A5 Stereo and A7 Mono Class D + PFFB, TI TPA3251/3255 Amplifiers - Features and initial measurements.
A blog for audiophiles about more objective topics. Measurements of audio gear. Reasonable, realistic, no snakeoil assessment of sound, and equipment.
archimago.blogspot.com
Part II: 3e Audio - A5 Stereo and A7 Mono Class D + PFFB, TI TPA3251/3255 Amplifiers - power, distortion, and the subjective. (And a few photos for Swifties.)
A blog for audiophiles about more objective topics. Measurements of audio gear. Reasonable, realistic, no snakeoil assessment of sound, and equipment.
archimago.blogspot.com
Now, who will be next offering a matching power amp for the WiiM Ultra or other WiiM products? Let's wait and see. Interesting times for audiophiles on a budget.
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