Love to see the same opamp testing with the new V3 Monos. Also compare Sparkos and original to the free bonus Muse opamps that are shipping with the V3.
Funny enough I have a v3 video coming out within the month. I have sparkos installed... it takes 6. I'll talk a bit about it in the t1 pro preamp video which will come out first.
@@intoitreviews I guess at that point you're doing nothing but paying a lot of money for the hobby of tinkering and trying things out. If 2xV3 mono plus 6x opamps = 700 moneys, it's comfortably within "ridiculous, just for fun" territory. You know very well that kind of money can get you a nice 2x250W hypex amplifier for example. 😂
@ropeburn6684 yeah I pointed out in my original review that a sprout 100 would best the za3, and that would also be similar money compared to za3 and sparkos. Za3 has more power for those who need it, but sprout 100 performers better in most situations. The v3 monoblocks are better than the za3, and op amp swap out isn't required as much, but they do still benefit. I got a lot of hate for this viewpoint in my first video, so I'm glad to see someone else speaking too this point as well. Thanks for your comment, support, and subscription to the chabbel!
@@intoitreviews Yes indeed, it's just like that. There's nothing inherently wrong with this "opamp rolling" thing that seems to have become rather popular, as long as people are aware it's little more than a fun hobby. The only point where it gets silly is when people claim it "can get you high end performance for low end money" or anything like that, which it simply can't. You're still running the same cheap power amplifiers, which are really good value for the money, but aren't magical. Using (for some people) prohibitively expensive opamps for "fixing an inherent problem" with the amplifier simply means you should've gotten a better amp in the first place. Glad to see you're pointing these things out, so inexperienced people don't get fooled, and don't develop unrealistic expectations about what they'll be getting for their money.
I used for few months the Fosi ZA3 with sparko op amp as mono blocks and lately I switched to the V3 mono block (2x48V power supply) that was a nice upgrade the sound is more spacious and crispier. I definitely enjoyed the ZA3. You give a nice description on how the op amp should be installed for people who wants to experience the upgrade.
Yeah the v3 monoblocks are definitely an upgrade, reviewing those with sparkos in them now. Will also be getting some burson op amps for test with them as well. Make sure to subscribe with the bell on to get alerted that video. Thanks for your feedback and kind words.
@@intoitreviews I currently have two ZA3s run as mono with RCA imput. I was just watching this video and thinking about ugrading the op amps. This comment is making me wonder if I should hold off, and switch to the V3s for mono application (adding sparkos ops amps later) and use the ZA3s in stereo mode elsewhere in the house. I also have the Geshelli Labs J2S on my list, to get the balenced imput. Would need to add a way to control volume somehow though. Looking foward to that video, as it might answer this question.
Thanks! I have some Burson Op Amps coming in soon for testing as well... supposedly. Burson logistics has left me off the shipment a few times, but hopefully next week. Thanks for subscribing, every subscription I appreciate!
Congrats to Sparkos for beating out the most inexpensive op amp on the market for audio. I would like to see a comparison to anyone of the higher quality op amps offered by Texas Instruments or Analog Devices. Such as; Mfr. Part # OPA2134PA Mouser Part # 595-OPA2134PA and Mfr. Part # OP275GPZ Mouser Part # 584-OP275GPZ @ under $7
Excellent suggestion, please make sure you have liked the video and subscribed. Hopefully someone can send these op amps into the channel for review and comparison. The channel looks forward to more support and funds to complete such a review. Cheers!
I have a very specific question. I'm using ZA3 as a stereo amp with XLR inputs and subwoofer. I am changing now the default left and right channel op-amps with muses02. 1. Is there a benefit from changing the XLR input op-amp? Why is it only 1 if there are 2 channels (L&R)? 2. If I am to change the op-amp of XLR inputs can I use a different one from the one used for stereo outputs. Let's say I updated the main op-amps with Muses02, can I use 1 OracleII for the XLR inputs? 3. Let's say I have already replaced the default L&R output op-amps with Muses02 and the XLR inputs with 1X OracleII. Now I'd like to update the subwoofer out (I have connected a subwoofer) - there are 2 of them - can I replace them with the ZA3 default ones that used to be mounted on the stereo outputs (ones that have been replaced with the Muses)? I assume that the cheapest default op-amps were used for the subwoofer out so this should be an upgrade... or? Thanks for your work! Regards!
It's not very good without sparkos. Better with them for sure. Idk if pointing this out makes me a salesman. If you think so, I think you're listening to the wrong people and focusing on things that won't help you get good sound. Best of luck to you still, and thanks for watching and commenting!
@@intoitreviews at lot of peaple are enjoying ZA3 as is. Ss3602 is expensive than the amp itself, doesn't make sense. Why not buy a better amp with the total amount of ZA3 + ss3602.
@fredreadrick people that enjoy the za3 as is likely don't understand they can do better. Perhaps watch my full za3 video as well, I mention some other amps to consider there. Considering them vs za3 with sparkos could be an option, although I'd ultimately recommend v3 mono blocks with burson vivid op amps in most cases if you're going to spend big money. Sparkos are actually an economical option for many people on a budget considering that. Also maybe some people have bought the za3, and are probably disappointed. Op amp upgrades can be helpful fore them to consider for sure. Unlike other channels, this channel only has the agenda of telling people the truth about sound outcomes.
Yeah but using it in mono mode doubles the price ... which already changes dramatically the value for the money ratio. ;) I never intended to use it as mono block.
For the cost that's OK, you'll just be missing out on performance. If cost weren't an issue something like a sprout 100 for stereo is much better in most set ups. Costs more but much better sounding. You can get a sprout 100 refurbished for 499. Three sparkos and 48v power supply with a Za3 is approaching that and the sprout 100 has other features like a built in phono, dac, stepped volume, etc.... and if one doesn't need the extra power, certainly sounds more hifi than the stereo za3, even if you run the za3 balanced and Sprout100 unbalanced. Best of luck!
@@intoitreviews exactly! Thanks for the recommendation. I haven't heard of Sprout 100. Interesting indeed. I'm building a system and experimenting so I included other components such as DAC, tube preamp etc. but if I had known for this all in one product I'd have probably chosen such an option as it it's AIO, compact and looks great. I see you can order also wooden case. Price is not much at all for all the features.
Overall, the China Hi-Fi products are cheap but poorly designed. There are some winners out there (Topping)...but the misses outnumber the hits by a wide margin. Unless a person like modding and doesn't mind the time and cost losses...better to buy something else...overall. great video.
Love to see the same opamp testing with the new V3 Monos. Also compare Sparkos and original to the free bonus Muse opamps that are shipping with the V3.
Funny enough I have a v3 video coming out within the month. I have sparkos installed... it takes 6. I'll talk a bit about it in the t1 pro preamp video which will come out first.
@@intoitreviews I guess at that point you're doing nothing but paying a lot of money for the hobby of tinkering and trying things out. If 2xV3 mono plus 6x opamps = 700 moneys, it's comfortably within "ridiculous, just for fun" territory. You know very well that kind of money can get you a nice 2x250W hypex amplifier for example. 😂
@ropeburn6684 yeah I pointed out in my original review that a sprout 100 would best the za3, and that would also be similar money compared to za3 and sparkos. Za3 has more power for those who need it, but sprout 100 performers better in most situations. The v3 monoblocks are better than the za3, and op amp swap out isn't required as much, but they do still benefit. I got a lot of hate for this viewpoint in my first video, so I'm glad to see someone else speaking too this point as well. Thanks for your comment, support, and subscription to the chabbel!
I also have some burson vivid op amps on the way... even more $$$ but could fix the za3 treble issues??? TBD!
@@intoitreviews Yes indeed, it's just like that. There's nothing inherently wrong with this "opamp rolling" thing that seems to have become rather popular, as long as people are aware it's little more than a fun hobby. The only point where it gets silly is when people claim it "can get you high end performance for low end money" or anything like that, which it simply can't. You're still running the same cheap power amplifiers, which are really good value for the money, but aren't magical.
Using (for some people) prohibitively expensive opamps for "fixing an inherent problem" with the amplifier simply means you should've gotten a better amp in the first place.
Glad to see you're pointing these things out, so inexperienced people don't get fooled, and don't develop unrealistic expectations about what they'll be getting for their money.
I used for few months the Fosi ZA3 with sparko op amp as mono blocks and lately I switched to the V3 mono block (2x48V power supply) that was a nice upgrade the sound is more spacious and crispier.
I definitely enjoyed the ZA3.
You give a nice description on how the op amp should be installed for people who wants to experience the upgrade.
Yeah the v3 monoblocks are definitely an upgrade, reviewing those with sparkos in them now. Will also be getting some burson op amps for test with them as well. Make sure to subscribe with the bell on to get alerted that video. Thanks for your feedback and kind words.
@@intoitreviews I currently have two ZA3s run as mono with RCA imput. I was just watching this video and thinking about ugrading the op amps. This comment is making me wonder if I should hold off, and switch to the V3s for mono application (adding sparkos ops amps later) and use the ZA3s in stereo mode elsewhere in the house.
I also have the Geshelli Labs J2S on my list, to get the balenced imput. Would need to add a way to control volume somehow though.
Looking foward to that video, as it might answer this question.
Thanks! I have some Burson Op Amps coming in soon for testing as well... supposedly. Burson logistics has left me off the shipment a few times, but hopefully next week. Thanks for subscribing, every subscription I appreciate!
@@farklek you will be able to control the volume through the Geshelli Erish 2 which is wonderful
Congrats to Sparkos for beating out the most inexpensive op amp on the market for audio. I would like to see a comparison to anyone of the higher quality op amps offered by Texas Instruments or Analog Devices.
Such as;
Mfr. Part #
OPA2134PA
Mouser Part #
595-OPA2134PA
and
Mfr. Part #
OP275GPZ
Mouser Part #
584-OP275GPZ
@ under $7
Excellent suggestion, please make sure you have liked the video and subscribed. Hopefully someone can send these op amps into the channel for review and comparison. The channel looks forward to more support and funds to complete such a review. Cheers!
The ZA3 already sounds great and measures well. No need to waste money on these changes.
I'd recommend investing in V3 monoblocks instead if you are after truly excellent sound from a Fosi product. Best of luck to you!
I have a very specific question. I'm using ZA3 as a stereo amp with XLR inputs and subwoofer. I am changing now the default left and right channel op-amps with muses02.
1. Is there a benefit from changing the XLR input op-amp? Why is it only 1 if there are 2 channels (L&R)?
2. If I am to change the op-amp of XLR inputs can I use a different one from the one used for stereo outputs. Let's say I updated the main op-amps with Muses02, can I use 1 OracleII for the XLR inputs?
3. Let's say I have already replaced the default L&R output op-amps with Muses02 and the XLR inputs with 1X OracleII. Now I'd like to update the subwoofer out (I have connected a subwoofer) - there are 2 of them - can I replace them with the ZA3 default ones that used to be mounted on the stereo outputs (ones that have been replaced with the Muses)? I assume that the cheapest default op-amps were used for the subwoofer out so this should be an upgrade... or?
Thanks for your work! Regards!
1) yes, 2) yes, 3) it uses the same stock op amps for all 5 chips, so you would need to change from these to upgrade the subwoofer section.
@@intoitreviews great answer, thanks.
The title say as if the ZA3 is crapped without the sparkos.... You are a sparkos salesman. 2:39
It's not very good without sparkos. Better with them for sure. Idk if pointing this out makes me a salesman. If you think so, I think you're listening to the wrong people and focusing on things that won't help you get good sound. Best of luck to you still, and thanks for watching and commenting!
@@intoitreviews at lot of peaple are enjoying ZA3 as is. Ss3602 is expensive than the amp itself, doesn't make sense. Why not buy a better amp with the total amount of ZA3 + ss3602.
@fredreadrick people that enjoy the za3 as is likely don't understand they can do better. Perhaps watch my full za3 video as well, I mention some other amps to consider there. Considering them vs za3 with sparkos could be an option, although I'd ultimately recommend v3 mono blocks with burson vivid op amps in most cases if you're going to spend big money. Sparkos are actually an economical option for many people on a budget considering that. Also maybe some people have bought the za3, and are probably disappointed. Op amp upgrades can be helpful fore
them to consider for sure. Unlike other channels, this channel only has the agenda of telling people the truth about sound outcomes.
Yeah but using it in mono mode doubles the price ... which already changes dramatically the value for the money ratio. ;) I never intended to use it as mono block.
For the cost that's OK, you'll just be missing out on performance. If cost weren't an issue something like a sprout 100 for stereo is much better in most set ups. Costs more but much better sounding. You can get a sprout 100 refurbished for 499. Three sparkos and 48v power supply with a Za3 is approaching that and the sprout 100 has other features like a built in phono, dac, stepped volume, etc.... and if one doesn't need the extra power, certainly sounds more hifi than the stereo za3, even if you run the za3 balanced and Sprout100 unbalanced. Best of luck!
@@intoitreviews exactly! Thanks for the recommendation. I haven't heard of Sprout 100. Interesting indeed. I'm building a system and experimenting so I included other components such as DAC, tube preamp etc. but if I had known for this all in one product I'd have probably chosen such an option as it it's AIO, compact and looks great. I see you can order also wooden case. Price is not much at all for all the features.
Overall, the China Hi-Fi products are cheap but poorly designed. There are some winners out there (Topping)...but the misses outnumber the hits by a wide margin.
Unless a person like modding and doesn't mind the time and cost losses...better to buy something else...overall. great video.
Thanks for supporting the channel and subscribing.
JacknJesus you have no clue what you are talking about!
@@jamesswilleyamericasaudito7017 All you have to do is look at the data...and ignore the marketing. Try it sometime. A lot of garbage out there.