3 reasons You NEED a Phono Preamp! Pro-Ject Phono Box S2 Ultra, Fosi X2, Uturn Pluto 2 Comparison
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- Опубліковано 16 чер 2024
- Fosi Audio Box X2 Phono Preamp amzn.to/3KXBICD
Project Phono Box S2 Ultra amzn.to/34mbj0s
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Recommended Speaker List
Around $100 (These prices will fluctuate between $75 - $150)
Sony SSCS5 - Lively amzn.to/3pZNnGk
Pioneer AJ First Gen - Laid Back
Neumi BS5 -Neutral amzn.to/3q0SR3B
Around $200
Emotiva Airmotiv B1+ - Crystal Clear and Punchy emotiva.com?aff=9
Elac Debut b5.2 - Neutral amzn.to/2WPNQxw
Wharfedale Diamond 11.2 (In and Out of Stock) - Laid Back/Bassy/Detailed amzn.to/37W8hPA
JBL Stage A130 - Neutral/Great All Arounder at $179 the best value amzn.to/3t7gOHe
Around $400
Klipsch RP600M - Neutral amzn.to/3pBoXCf (This speaker’s price can fluctuate between $440-630 which is really dumb)
Jamo C93ii Bit - Boosted on Top amzn.to/3beIG6F (Can also be found cheaper at Crutchfield)
Q Acoustics 3030i - Neutral with Punch - amzn.to/2OQkpLo
Around $500
SVS Prime bit.ly/2LozJgF
Wharfedale Diamond 12.2 bit.ly/2ZckoD9
Around $600
Elac Uni-Fi UB5.2 - Neutral amzn.to/3s3srPG
Elac Debut Reference - Buttery but Detailed amzn.to/39bt6WC
Polk Reserve R100 - Neutral
Aperion Novus - Neutral and probably the best desktop speaker one can get $599 bit.ly/2Q1H9rW
Aperion Novus Open Box $449 bit.ly/3us8zGx
Wharfedale Diamonds Lush and Detailed amzn.to/3aBAso0 Come as singles
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Under $100
Aiyima A07 - Neutral and Full amzn.to/3g9YLNf
Around $130
SMSL AD18 - DAC/Amp Lively on top but solid tone controls amzn.to/3rVZxkN
SMSL SA300 $140 amzn.to/3u83oLs
Around $250
SMSL DA-9 Balanced Amp amzn.to/34SdbLs
Around $400
Emotiva TA-100 - DAC, Phono Stage, Pre Outs - Balanced and Tasty emotiva.com?aff=9
Vista Audio Spark www.vista-audio.com/products.htm
Recommended DACs
Ifi Zen DAC amzn.to/2T3wuyY
FX D01 amzn.to/3d9GY6U
SMSL SU8s amzn.to/2SWTGiw
Denafrips Ares 2 www.denafrips.com/ares
Subs
Emotiva SE8 emotiva.com?aff=9
Emotiva SE12 emotiva.com?aff=9
SVS SB1000 Pro bit.ly/3scmwsc
Fosi Audio Box X2 Phono Preamp amzn.to/3KXBICD
Project Phono Box S2 Ultra amzn.to/34mbj0s
Uturn Pluto 2 amzn.to/3IPETuc
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hi, how do you hook up the Fosi X2 preamp to your receiver? I have tried a few inputs on the back of my Marantz but no sound! Everything works fine without the preamp installed, however I m looking for a little more volume. Thanks, Gary Cole
You always bring me back down to earth when I’m on a audiophile rampage. Thanks. Helps my OCD majorly.
Awesome channel, so helpful in so many ways. I truly appreciate all the content and opinions you provide Randy. I was in the middle of your 9 Circles podcast interview when this notification popped up. Good stuff
Thanks for the shootout and thanks for including the iFi Zen in the comparisons. Cambridge also has some not too expensive phono preamps that might be just what someone is looking for. I've got an older Cambridge Azur 651P-B that I recently updated to the iFi Zen.
I agree about the Fosi. I have one and used it to replace a Cambridge Audio solo. I actually use it with the Nagaoka MP 110 but I have very neutral speakers so that changes things a bit. I upgraded the tubes a year later and that was a big improvement as well. I love it.
Glad to hear you like the Fosi. I just ordered 1 from Amazon after spending 4-5 months deciding between the CA Solo, IFI Zen and a few others. I was leaning towards the CA Solo just because my Amp is a CA Topaz AM10 mated to a CA Topaz CD 10 with a Fluance RT82 TT. I could not justify spending $250 more to go with the CA Solo.
Very good video. I use the Schiit Mani myself. The Fosi looks like a fun preamp to try out.
Hey Randy! Just got my Fosi Box! Love it!!! It really fills out the bottom end so much nicer than the built in preamp on my AT-LP120BT, and definitely better than the preamp built into my Yamaha receiver. Thanks for the advice! 🤘🏻
did u get x2 or x4
Every single piece of my setup has been based on your recommendations; Sony speakers, Cambridge Audio amp, schiit dac, Fluance TT and echo link and I already own the Fosi preamp. Thank you for providing excellent choices at affordable prices.
What cambridge amp?
i never saw a Fluance turntable ,maybe because in the U.S. people buy fluance and in Europe they buy pro-ject, but for what i´ve seen in the web the fluance did seem to have a nice series of turntables, allthough in reality i never tested one
@@RUfromthe40s I got the Fluance RT82 and love it.
Update: the Fluance has speed issues.
I got my Fosi Box X2 today. The unit has no buzz or crackling noise unlike the DJPre-II it replaces. However the highs are flat and there is no low-cut filter to get rid of the pronounced lowes. Is the sound supposed to be like that or do I have a faulty unit? DJPre-II sounded much better but the buzz and crackling persisted and I could not get rid of it so I sent it back. BTW, I tried two copies of the DJPre and they both had the same problem. Any help would be appreciated.
Schit
I got the fosi now. Perfect with the orofon Red. It sounds really good together, just the kick the sound needed. Very good recomendation.
Love the channel. I'm one of those guys who got the dream vintage system I couldn't afford when I was young. Pioneer SA9500 with it's tuner TX-9500 running the CS-99A speakers. Also, I love vinyl ...I bought the Fosi Box X4 phono preamp. I'm using the tubes that came with it. What would be an affordable alternative (tubes) I could try?
Keep up the good work. Problem with this hobby (love affair!) Is that there are few people in my day to day life I can really talk too and share it with. Oh sure, everyone thinks it's cool, but their eyes glaze over when the fun details are discussed. Thanks for being there and sharing the eye glazing details I have always been into.
I would like to see more vintage analog audio discussions, I love learning.
I Recently Added the Fluance PA 10 external phono preamp to my RT81 I love it! I am amazed at the difference in detail versus using the built-in preamp on my turntable.
Ordered my UTurn turntable with the Pluto 2 phono preamp built in. Sounds great and allows me to use it with any receiver or preamp. I can simply turn it off if I want to try a supposedly better built-in phono preamp. Will say a good rule of thumb is to keep these away from other devices and to properly ground them. Good video! Note that if you want to digitize your vinyl albums there are some phono preamps that have a USB out. Are they good? You'll have to decide.
Cheers good sir! Always a good viewing. Im running a modern turntable to a vintage receiver with a decent phono section. The table has an integrated phono preamp, but it sounds better clicked off and run straight to the receiver. Cheers. If i ever want more, i will look back to this vid. Cheers bud!
Randy the MANdy, I've been wanting to add phono to my hifi setup and been wondering about pre amping what I already have. This is helpful
The fosi x2 definitely boosted my system!!! I have a yamaha integrated 301 and this blows away the internal preamp. I went through your link so I hope you get credit for it
I paired the Fosi Audio Box X2 with upgraded tubes( GE NOS) and the Fluance RT85 with vintage Infinity RSIIIbs and love the results. Buy the Fosi, you can beat the sound stage for the cost of entry.
Hi Randy, love your videos, this one brings back a topic that i kinda left for a time, my turntable has a built in phono preamp (ATLP60xusb from Audio technica) and bought an external Phono premo NFJ&fxaudiomodel Phono Box02, and I used it with my onkyo 5.1 AVR that I had back then for music (no phono stage on it) and I did feel the soundo improved alot. With time as many of us I jumped into the interest of purchasing better components for music enjoyment, so i called Emotiva Audio I purchased the BASX PT100 pre amp (Phono preamp built in) that runs into a BASXA2 power amp, so I just simply removed the external Phono box out of the equation and pluged in the turn table line mode to the Emotiva phono stage, sound is good but i think it could be better when listing to my records. Do you think I can pass by the turntable and the PT100 phono stage to put back in action that external phono pre amp? been thinking on this for some time now, a bit of a worry because I don´t whant to cause any electrical damage to my PT100 or anything on my system.
Thanks in advance for your help, cant wait to here from you
Ray.
Ray, I tried the Fosi Box X2, Art DJPre-II, my Audio Technica LP3 built in and my Onkyo receivers phono input and non of them sounded great. I finally ended up getting the Schiit Mani 2 and the difference in sound is very noticeable. With all the others, the highs were missing or the base was so muddy and boomy. With the Mani 2, the highs are beautifully defined the voices are clear and base is tight and accurate. The Mani 2 also has customizable switched at the bottom to allow you to shape your sound even more. I figured I will update my turntable or at least the cartridge at some point but I highly doubt I will have a need to go beyond Mani 2 for a preamp. It is a little pricy compared to the others I mentioned but not so much that it could not be justified as a long term investment. Buying new records is the budget drainer in the long run!!!
I've watched many of your videos, and today decided to subscribe.
Zoes might have gotten me into audiophilia but I wish you were around when I was getting into the hobby. You make it so easy to know what one should get if they’re just starting out or need affordable gear.
Great video. I ended up buying the Ifi Zen and it did a huge improvement over the one built in in my Pioneer SX550, cartridge is an Ortofon 2 Blue on an old SL-D2 and Klipsch RP600M complete my very modest vinyl set up. Those speakers were the biggest surprise, for the longest time I didn't like the sound and then, once the 2 months free return expired I just kept them and the sound improved quite a lot. Break in period? My ears?..Who knows, but now I"m glad I have'em especially considering I bought them heavily discounted a year and half ago and I haven't seen that price ever since.
what cartridge did the blue replace. i have SL-D3 having sold D2 in mid 80s.
That Fosi looks impressive with those tubes, the possibility to switch tubes to get a better sounding pre-amp is interesting as well but how much will you win with other ones? interesting test! Thanks in advance Cheapaudioman!
Bought the Fluance RT85 and their 6" (6.5"?) speakers. Deal at the time was their PA10 phono amp for free ($100 normally). Have not yet had the opportunity to set it all up! Can't wait!
There is a tendency to assume that the more you spend, the better sound will be the result…and most of us cannot afford to system/equipment swap to figure all that out for ourselves.
That has been (IMO) the tremendous service your channel has always provided. Thanks again for solid recommendations and doing the heavy (and expensive) work for us. Our ears are the benefactors.
thanks, Don!
@@cheapaudioman What kind of preamp would you recommend to someone with Yamaha R-N602, Ortofon Concorde, Technics SL-1210MK2, ELAC Debut B6.2, ELAC Debut SUB 3010? I do not know how to choose a best piece of kit without listening to it. Each purchase must get through scrutiny of the boss etc. Good staff that she get Tom Waits LP at each birthday ;). I bought Elacs after watching your reviews in Dec 2020. Then Subwoofer controlled from the phone is a masterpiece. My first ever sub did show me very quickly how different records are and ability to adjust bass on the fly is a God. I just went back to listen to good Saturday speaker shootout and I must say that the quality of your videos have improved a lot. The narration is great throughout. I do miss shaky table with blue cloth and a piece of paper with specs. Can you feature the table in one of the next videos?
Hi! I just order a Fosi preamp Box X3 tube type.. Excited already to test it. Would like to test, if the tube would enhance the sound, on my Marantz amplifier. Thanks for your sharing review. Have a great day.
Hey Bro! So check it out, the 3.5mm input on the front comes in handy actually for streaming off a computer and or just taking the output from the computer right in to integrate sound from you tube and stuff like that. I like it and use it often. Keep up the good work good man!!
Excellent reviews like always, thanks for that! I was seriously considering that Fosi Audio Box X2, just curious is that a true "tube phono preamp" or is it what they call a buffer?? I trust your judgment as far as sound quality & at that price, you can't go wrong! Thank you in advance!
Just looked for inside pics of the fosi... Definitely tube buffer with opamp driver, phono section all opamp. Switching power supply.
Cool as always. Love my rt85 with ifi zen preamp super combo. May try the fosi for some tube fun
I think you'll dig it. sounds great with my orto blue
85 / Zen for the win!! I have them running into Freya +
Just a thought... It would be VERY helpful to mention potential separate component upgrades/comparisons when reviewing an intagrated amplifier i.e. Emotiva T1. (Many of us own per your recommendation) This would be both helpful and interesting, allowing upgrades from a point of reference. Keep up the great work sir!
I love you too.
I have the Fosi X2, actually I have 2 of them, I really like the thing, one thing I gotta warn people about is the RCA connectors on the rear, they break easily, so if you have those old Monster Cable or THX ultra tight heavy duty gold connector cables, they will break the RCA inputs immediately when you try to remove them, only use standard cables with this thing, I ended up buying a new Fosi X2 and I also purchased shielded RCA cable from Amazon with normal (not tight) connectors on it and my turntable sounds perfect with the thing, absolutely no hum even with volume turned up very high. I have it paired with a matching Fosi T20 amplifier. Also the front Aux input on the Fosi X2 is actually useful, I use the X2 and T20 with my Turntable, and Schiit Modi DAC and my PC, the RCA to Aux cable that comes with the X2 is perfect for connecting my Schiit Modi to the X2 when I want to listen to CD or my PC, which sounds ridiculous, but the T20 only has one RCA input so having the front input on the X2 makes it possible to connect more devices to my small amp without removing cables on the back.
As far as repairing the one that broke, it’s not easy to replace the RCA connectors on the PCB, I tried to desolder and re-solder the connections on the board, but it turns out the actual pins on the connectors broke, so the ground has to be desoldered and the entire back plate had to be removed to take the old RCA connectors off the PCB, I’m waiting for the replacement parts to arrive but in short, don’t use tight cables on this thing, it will break it.
I love your channel man. Thank you for reviewing attainable audio equipment and providing me with a little humor and entertainment😂😂😂
Randy, when are you going to review the integrated tube preamp a/b amps that look interesting and affordable on Parts Express? This is right up your alley dude!
I have two very basic phono pre-amps, one is a real cheap PYLE I got years ago and lost the DC adapter to but what I did use it, it worked just fine though nothing too crazy good and didn't amply that well compared to most receiver phono inputs. The other is a much better Bozak Madisson CLK-PH8 that I got for about $20 on Ebay back maybe 6 years ago and it's really good, at least as good as any phono pre-amp that was on any receiver or pre-amp I ever used.
Hi Randy. When I 1st watched this review in 2023 I purchased the Fosi Audio Box X4 Phono Preamp. It was a newer version of this one reviewed here. It's connected to my Fluance RT85 and feeding into a set of powered speakers. I've been very happy with the sound, but can't help but wonder if changing the GE vacuum tubes with Voskhod Rocket 6J1P-EV / 6ZH1P-EV tubes is worth trying. Have you any experience testing these tubes?
I have a 40 year old JVC S44 which I use solely for phono, to me it sounds awesome with Acoustic Energy Evo one speakers . The mm on the Audiolab is the only pit fall it's ok but average at best . Good to know some options are available at not crazy price's .
Hi Randall - I really am enjoying your vids man. Great stuff. I am have settled on getting one of the Fluance turntables. RT85 or RT85N, but have a question. I was thinking for with the RT85 because it has the more expensive Ortofon 2M Blue. Figured I could try the Nagaoka MP110. However, from what I read about the two on Fluance Support is the RT85 ..."with a height of 18mm and a 20° Vertical Tracking Angle" while the RT85N..says "This series of turntables have a tonearm 0.5mm higher to accommodate the larger vertical tracking angle requirement (31°) of the MP110". So how are you switching out these two cartridges? Do I need a different tone arm?
Thanks for the review. I have been browsing preamps for my AT LP 60x. I have the Sony STR-DH190 paired with the Sony CSS 5 speakers. Do you know if the "Phono Offset" feature on the Sony amp is a gain control for the internal preamp or simply a volume offset? Thinking it was simply a volume offset I cranked it to the max level 6. Now, wondering if it may function more as a gain control I lowered it back to 2 and the records sound much better to me - less harsh in the treble, less forward in the mids and the bass is tighter. As you said the CSS 5's are lively and setting the offset to max was just way too much, I think. I'm very pleased with the sound. It all seems to jive smoother together, now. Think I will sit tight on what I have and enjoy it. 🙂
Hi man, this is great stuff. What's your view on the Fosi vs. The Schiit Mani 1 in your view?
I’m brand new to go-fi and am flabbergasted at the casual eloquence with which Randy described the varying sound characteristics.
I think I have a good enough idea of when audio equipment is unimpressive and definitely know when I’m moved by audio equipment but I couldn’t put those opinions into any significant amount of detail, and certainly not to the depth and breadth of what I just experienced.
Listening to this video has made me more excited than ever to learn to enjoy music recordings at a deeper level.
Hey! Big of your channel! Just wondering if you tested the phono input on The Nines. I’ve heard mixed reviews, but wanted to hear it from the man himself. I found a killer open box deal on a pair and they should be here sometime next week. Just wanted to know if I should maybe still invest in a decent preamp or roll with the phono input
Check out the Schiit Mani preamps. Don't get a turn table with a built in preamp. I also use two Adcom preamps. I bought the Adcoms, used on Ebay. They are GTP-500's. I have a lot of equipment because I have different stereo systems in different rooms in the house. It's been a life long hobby. Make it stop! That Nagaoka cartridge is very nice. I love it.
I'm currently running an AT LP7 turntable / Ortofon Bronze cart with a Schiit Mani and Loki into a Yamaha receiver. The combination is quite good but I have been itching to try a different preamp just to see if there is any difference. Coincidentally, prior to finding this site, I had been considering this Fosi as well as the ifi Zen. Great minds think alike I guess. Lol. Keep up the GREAT work.
I just recently read a review where somebody had the s c h i i t and change to a project tube box s and said the difference was jaw dropping with increase in sound quality. I have a project tube box s and love it but I have nothing to compare it will accept the solid state that was sent along with it for comparison. Solid state got sent back. Can't remember which one it was but it was a great name brand and rather large. Just something about that project tube box s that brought the magic out in vinyl. I am considering upgrading to the next level project 2 box that has all the switches and controls on the front, no dip switches on the bottom. Not fond of small dip switches on the bottom, and I hear reviewers saying you can even get better Sound by changing the wall wart power supply. I don't know, I'm leery of changing power cords for Better Sound.
@@Drivehead103 I'd love to try the Project or Schiit tube preamp but right now, in this economy, it's going to have to take a back seat for a while, but I am not ruling it out. In regard to your comments on wall warts, I totally agree with you. I have the two Schiits plugged into a quality power block with no issues. The turntable, also on a wall wart, is plugged into a seperate line. Again no issues. Edit: I might try that Fosi though...
I would also try out the puffin dsp. Game changer
Hey, Love your Videos, finally got myself a Fluance RT-81+ Elite, wondering if I'm better to use the internal pre-amp on it or continue using the Fosi Audio BOX X1 I was using with my vintage turntable?
I'm running a Art DJ II right now which is a great unit for what it is but I'm really wanting to try the Fosi for the tubes
Bought the Fossi Tube Phono amp a year ago when I was trying to troubleshoot a couple old Technics turntables that were having problems with distortion…trying to bypass the phono amp built into the receiver.
Threw it into the mix between the new Willsenton amp, and the Goodwill Onkyo turntable with Grado Black cartridge…just to see what full analog sounded like.
Fantastic is what it sounded like.
At some point will drag the Fluance RT85 downstairs to try it with the Fossi/Willsenton/old Technics towers.
I was surprised how good it was
May I ask which Willsenton you have? I have the R8, have the schitt mani working with that.
Me too, I got the Fosi in 2020, I was really impressed with the sound. I'm going to replace the tubes with a pair of Riverstone (they're usually linked on the Fosi product page) this year to see the improvement. But even with the factory tubes it sounds great already and I have the Nagaoka MP-110.
On a Technics Q303, I run it at 42db gain
For the price, the improvement in sound quality is (nearly) unbeatable.
One thing I don't like though: that stupid blinding blue light on the power adapter, but you can use another one
The fosi there is the same one that I got, except I upgraded the tubes to some vintage Siemens tubes. Also got a Fosi amp. It sounded good to me, but I always wondered what an expert would think.
Thank you for this. I just bought a 1210gr and have a high end receiver with a phono stage, but I read that I may still need a preamp. Been doing my research all day and decided to go with your recommendation of the Fosi. I will also be adding a 2m red so this all worked out for me.
I'd ditch the 2M Red if I were you.
@@svenschwingel8632 I’m going too. Once it wears a out.
@@vagrantsneaker6514 that GR deserves something that adds to its qualities. The 2M Red isn't bad (I have one myself) but it's totally overpriced for what it delivers in comparison to other bonded elliptical stylii. I'd look for a cartridge in the 300 range like the 2M Bronze (I got that one and it's absolutely stunning on my PLX-1000) or a Nagaoka MP-150. Hell, that deck is good enough even for a Shibata like the 2M Black.
@@svenschwingel8632 Nice. Thanks for the advice. I’ll look into those. 🙏🏻
Hey Randy, will you be reviewing Fluance’s PA10 Phono Preamp in the near future?
I have an old mid 70s Sanyo turntable with a built in preamp....what a concept.
Great summary Randy
Newbies, don’t forget to plug your external phono preamp into the aux or CD rca input of your integrated if you’re not using its onboard preamp.
ie: don’t use the phono input
Hi a bit confused. I have an avr and wanted to use a tube pre amp for my left and right speakers - I'm very sensitiveto Treble. Prefer warm and rounded off. Cinema processor 》tube preamp》Solid State amp 》 speaker. Ate you saying this isn't possible? (I'm now realising they are technically both pre amps ) is the issue just because the cinema amp will colour the sound then the tube does so again as I can disable this in the cinema processor?
@@dfalekulo9138 Turntable -> tube preamp-> Cinema processor -> power amp -> speakers.
Yea , try it and see if you like the sound.
@@labernese cheers, will have a go tomorrow
Another newbie question. I have an integrated amp and I know to ground my tt to the Fosi. Do I need to run another ground from the Fosi to my integrated? Thanks.
@@brandonwinstead5128 just RCA out of the Fosi to the integrated and you’re good to go 👍
I just spent a few hundred on my Favorite albums from my childhood. I started with a Original 1985 1st pressing of the Scorpions Worldwide Live and Savage amusement and the 50th anniversary reissues and pre-orderd Rock believer Deluxe album. 50 years since their 1st album released. 💯🔥 so now I have to buy a Turntable!! Lol
🔥 I also bought vinyl first
One thing that' was not discussed was that the reason you need a Phono preamp of some sort is to decode the RIAA curve that's a standard on how grooves were cut into records. It was a standard introduced into producing records during the 1950s that attenuated the low frequencies in order to be able to cut shallower grooves in records for lower frequencies increasing play time.
If you don't include a RIAA compensating preamp the records will sound horrible.. Also, you don't want to have two phone preamps in your circuit because you will be applying the RIAA decoding process twice which will boost the bass far too much and attenuate the highs too much. If your turntable has some kind of phono preamp (RIAA decoder) built in, and you want to use another in addition you'll either need to be able to bypass the internal preamp, or apply some kind of equalization to the signal to get the frequency levels back to where they belong.
My advice would be to familiarize yourself with the RIAA curve if you're going to try that.
not shallower grooves... it allowed them to create less WIDE grooves, also allowing more time to be recorded because the side to side movement is more limited. The needle doesn't really track the vertical movement but rather the horizontal side-to-side movement.
I needed this video, thank you! I was considering a phono preamp upgrade from my Pro-Ject Phono Box... the Fosi X2 or the Pro-Ject S2 Ultra
I have a Fluance RT85 with Ortofon 2m Blue cartridge it came with
The pro ject is going to be quite a bit cleaner. Also consider the ifi zen phono
@@cheapaudioman so you do recommend the S2 Ultra over ifi zen phono than the Fosi X2 for my fluance rt85 and ortofon 2m blue setup?
@@MedalionDS9 think the zen phono is a good match for the blue.
The pre-amp is one of the most neglected items in the vinyl chain. They aren't fun to buy. They aren't interesting to talk about but they affect the sound probably as much or even more than the cartridge itself. While it hurts to pony up some cash for something so mundane, it's worth it. A real plus is a good one will last a lifetime.
very accurate statement. anything built in is basically sub-par.
I change My preamp from a project phono box(pretty cheap) til a micro mega (220$)and it made a big difference! Much cleaner and black background =) have the 2m blue as u and project 1:2 tt. Hegel h90 and DLS/diy speakers.
Got to say I am with RP below. I
Am a believer in hifi the cheapaudioman way. I picked up a Fosi pre-amp, but bought a power supply separate from
Amazon. I am getting a little buzz in the background when not playing a record. Do you think it could be that very inexpensive power Amazon power supply? If so, do you have a recommendation?
Hey Randy. I get the Fosi and it is very very good. But let me tell you that the 3.5mm input for me was Great, because let me use my Fiio M6 player on my main system. Let me explain. I have two DACS . FX AUDIO D01 and SCHITT MODI 3+, none of those accept USB from my Fiio, so I can't play it trough my LOKI ( I use it a all the time ), so the only way was plug the Fiio into one of the inputs of my amp, SONY STR-DH190. and it really sounds good but not exiting for me, not as the sound that you get from the DACS I mentioned before. I use an RCA switcher to compare the sound from Amazon Music from the FIIO M6 (it has wifi) and from my apple laptot, and I realized that The FIIO ( 3.5mm line output ) plugged to the Fosi ( 3.5mm input ), then to LOKI, and finally to the amp, can sounds sometimes even better that, my computer (Via USB) to the SCHIIT MODI 3+, to the LOKI , and finally to the amp. I think that sometimes you can get surprised by the good combinations that you don't expect, and this FOSI gets my Fiio back to life. Because I was just using it outside with headphones, (Fiio M6 is a very good cheap player DAC for headphones) BT, Wifi and you can play amazon Music, and others, it is very good, Maybe slow in software response, but very good sound out of that little thing. And with the FOSI used as "tube" preamp for that little FIIO, the sound was AMAZING. And of course the difference between the sony amp integrated phono preamp with this Fosi was incredible, Improves a lot!!!!. I'm waiting for the SCHIIT Mani to compare both phono preamps, "tube" and solid state, but for now I'm very happy with this FOSI BOX, and specially because I bring mi Fiio M6 back to life with that weird 3.5mm input used as a "tube preamp". Thanks a lot Randy for your videos!!
Thank‘s a lot as for that shootout… funny enough I had just bought an aiyima phono pream and it looks EXACTLY like the fosi. And I mean exactly like it
Because Fosi, Suca etc are all the same manufacturer. It's just a different name slapped on.
My amp doesn't have a headphone input so reason why I'll need a dac and very grateful for this video
Really been enjoying your reviews! I am super green to all this audio equipment but I’ve been saving my money and I’m building a system. So far, I’m looking at a Pro-Ject Debut Carbon Evo, ifi Zen phono preamp, and Q Acoustics 3050i…. So I’m looking at amps now too… There are so many selections and I only have maybe 500 left in my budget before pulling the trigger on all this gear. Wondering, what would you recommend for an amp that would be killer for me as a beginner running this set up? I have heard good things about the Cambridge AXA35…. as well as IotaVX SA3…. Wondering if you have any other recommendations or thoughts about either of the 2 mentioned? Seems like the Iota is a couple hundred more. Penny for your thoughts?
I have a debut carbon and after by art 2 (?) stopped working i ordered the pluto 2 and the fosi x2. I am returning the pluto 2 cause the fosi sounded so much richer to my ear
@@flaviantropy my Pro-Ject is shipshape. I went w/ the IotaVX SA3. Sounds great and my ifi Zen preamp is doing its job and clears up just enough noise to make it shine. Next upgrade…. Maybe a platter, a stylus, or just more vinyl. Good times.
Pro-Ject Phono Box S2 Ultra and the other Pro-ject's and EAT phonostages are made in Slovakia, by Canor. Which itself is a renowned hi-end tube based equipment producer.
oh...the Fosi. I use that in my setup to get a signal from a ifi Hip Dac 2 that is streaming via a Android Lenovo tablet with USB Player Pro for Tidal Playing and Spotify. the ifi HipDac II is now a full MQA decoder and beefy innards compared to original hipdac. Anywho...the Fose aux in defeats the Phono Pre-Amp circuit and sends the AUX through the tubes and op amps. I sounds like it avoids RIAA circuit. So it works well for me because I have just the one input to my tube amp. So the FOSI works like a mixer of sort. To use the Phono...I just unplug the AUX and its all connected still. I put GE tubes in and it really sings.
Comprehensive, informative, & easy to listen to.
My turntables have preamps, but I've been wondering if an external would help with sound. You answered my question.
The main reason i would use a phono preamp is to extend the placement capability of the turntable.
Once your at “line level” the cable effect is mitigated so if wanna out the table 3 feet away from the amp it gives you that flexibility.
It looks like that 3.5mm is an input so you could go from a phone or a DAC potentially and use this as a sort of pre-amp. However it doesn't quite make sense as you wouldn't have any volume control if you just went from the Fosi into a power amp. Maybe just to warm up a digital signal?
Good info if I ever go back to vinyl. Just curious, have you ever used Grado cartridge's? They have a whole line up from affordable to wholly hell.
I haven’t but they are definitely on the list of things I want to check out
I need your help, I have the RT85 and was gifted a pair of Brand new speakers,
Klipsch
RB-61 II
What else do I need Sir? Thank you and KEEP UP THE GREAT CONTENT!
I have the FOSI audio X2. IMO, the aux input is only useful if you have a music player. In my case, I am using the zishan z1 which is connected to my FOSI Audio X2 Pre amp.
I have the fluance RT81 with cartridges AT-VM95ML and AT-VM530EN and they both sound amazing with my Fosi audio with GE tubes. I also have the Ifi Zen phono but I prefer the fosi, maybe with a moving coil and a better turntable it might be another story.
Hi! May i ask you about the gain control? You set up the same gain number always, or you change it acording to the music?
@@bobbyhill1156 it depense on the cartidges, I have six cartridges, the Nagaoaka MP-110 and Ortofon 2m blue which I used 39 DB, and then I have three Audio Technica VM95ML, VM95SH and the VM530EN they have a lower voltage therefore I use 42 DB. As far as the music it's really a personal choice, you could keep the same DB gain and adjust the volume or if you want to keep the same volume so you adjust the DB based on the cartridge voltage.
@@ferdi9554 Great answer. I wasn't thinking in the relation with the cartdrige, wich makes total sense.
Thanks!
Hay dude good morning coffee in my hand now. I have a great cartridge Grace F-9 new Safire cantilever and new hyper nude Elliptical stylus. I have a York Phono stage. The Fosi looks like fun . What are your thoughts ?
Great and cheap options, thanks!!!! 👍
so with the Nagaoka MP-110 goes quite well with the Pluto 2? the detail doesn't overtake the smoothness of the Nagaoka? it balances well? thank you for all your advice, very insightful!
I am just learning about the input capacitance because my cartridge the AT VM530 is very picky with the input capacitance and the Pluto is at 100pF and so many say the AT is best with 100pF and under but it made me thing maybe Ortofon's sound high because they start at 150pF to 300?
* I have to make an update. I just got the Pluto 2 and there is nothing bright about it because I made sure the cables IC that connect from the turn table to the the Pluto's 2 would not go over the required 100-200pF(not much room) by AT and it is smooth and almost warm. If there was not such an uproar with the AT sounding so bright I would have not looked into it. So I think with these fixed phono amps IC getting the right IC makes a world of difference.
Just bought the Fosi looking to see if I can hear a difference between that and my schiit mani. I been rocking the Sonos AMP to power my Fluance reference tower speakers while using my Fluance RT85 with the ortofon 2m blue cartridge. Don’t know if this a good setup to be honest. Wouldn’t mind any feedback.
Try the Fosi T20 amp….it’s bloody amazing
I’m cheap but happen to have gotten a great deal on a McIntosh MA5200 integrated amp a few years ago when it was retailing for $4500. Do you think there’s any value in getting a separate preamp or do you think the onboard one might be hard to top?
just coming across this vid because i am in the market for a phono pre-amp. i have a 1976 rotel that has a neat little MM/MC switch. I bought a AXA35 and OMG only does MM. my turntable is a Garrard 5-300 from some decade before most people were born. why not spend 300 on a fluance ? well ... the garrard cost me less than 100 shipped and makes NO NOISE. NADA. had a new needle installed before shipping and is mindblowingly good. So unless it goes tits up, i am most likely going to run it a few more years. so getting a MM/MC preamp to me makes a lot of sense for when i eventually get a Fluance 82.
I'm getting back into vinyl and came into a Bang and Olufsen Beogram RX from the mid-eighties, courtesy of a neighbor. Any recommendations for a good preamp for this model?
Great comparison, but wish you would have had the Mani in this mix.
Just discovered your channel and I love it! Now that you’ve mentioned it, why would anyone use a MC cartridge? They are way more expensive, less S/N, and more demanding in respect to preamps. Anyone?
@@summerforever6736, good point. But one might have a few subjective reasons…
Hey Cheap-audio-man, are you going to do another phono stage shoot-out?
Great Review and the project tubebox s2 sounds superb for the money 😊
What would you recommend as the ideal setup: A turntable, stereo receiver and speakers or A turntable, pre-amp, amplifier and speakers?
the problem in my case with using a vintage preamp (Onkyo p-304) is the lack of subsonic filter. What's my best option in your opinion?
I'm trying to decide if I should get a stand alone phono preamp. I currently have a Cambridge Audio AXR100 which does have a phono preamp and I have the Audio Technica AT-LP120XBT-USB turntable which also has a preamp but I keep seeing stuff about a mod that disables it improves the sound. The main reason I am considering a standalone phono preamp is because when playing records I have to turn the volume up significantly more to get the volume where I want it than I do for other sources. Would it be worth trying to mod my turntable and get a phono preamp?
I purchased the Fosi Audio tube preamp so I could use it instead of the built in preamp on my Teac TN-350. Connected it to the Ayima a07. The built in phono on the Teac sounds flat. The Fosi audio preamp sounded great BUT Teac was a bunch of idiots and did not put a ground screw for when you are bypassing the internal phono preamp. I had a constant hum when plugged into the external phono preamp with the built in phono off. I’m not sure why Teac allows you to bypass the internal phono if you can’t ground it. Maybe I was doing something wrong, idk.
Randy, Why did you exclude the Schiit Mani? I use it my Audio-Technica ATLP120XBT-USB TT with an upgraded Cartridge VMN95 EN connected to the Schiit Mani for a great sound through my Denon DRA-800H Receiver. The Schiit Mani did improve on the sound of the LPs compared to the Denon's internal Phono Preamp.
I may experiment with the Fosi for the helluva of it. I have other cartridges which I never really Tested for variances in sound. I will use Born in the USA as the test LP .
Per my earlier post, I conducted a Mini test using the AT TT noted above with The VMN95 EN Cartridge (Headshell) vs a Nagaoka MP-110H cartridge (Headshell) that I had - but was not using. Playing Born In The USA (Springsteen) on the same equipment : Mani Phono Preamp with my Denon DRA -800H Receiver , whoa the Nagaoka was Fuller, richer sounding with lots of detail. Definitely better than the AT Cartridge. I kept all setting the same (of course rebalancing the TT tonearm). The difference is night and day. I am not a audiophiliac or audiophile to a any great extent (except as a retirement Hobby looking for great sound & music). I never really "played" with the use of different cartridges. I am going to try this with my Tried and True LR system which has a Dual CS5000 TT (need the RCA connectors replaced, hey, it's 35 Years Old ).
Love the fosi
Is the Fosi Audio better than the Ayima T3? I saw a thread on Reddit that mentioned these two being the same product only rebranded. What are your thoughts?
Did you review Fosi Audio P2 Amp? I would like to know if it works for turntables and headphones
Have you tried the updated version the Fosi Audio Box X4 Phono Preamp?
I’m in the market for a Phone Pre-amp. I have a pre amp in an old vintage Realistic from 1984 and then I have an Audio Technica LP120 that has a phone stage. I can’t tell the difference between the two.
I’ve heard good things about Ifi and the Mani. It is on the trial list I guess.
Try ifi zen phono. Great for the money.
Psst...I've been using nobsound amps and preamps for the last 5 years on and off and their very similar to fosi, their really really good, even compared to much higher end stuff on high end speakers, very good bang for the buck, can't be beat for the money, if u don't believe me, just go give it a shot...or go buy a McIntosh...whatever flex works for ya.
Does using a tube phono preamp give the same benefit while listening to vinyl of having a hybrid integrated that has tubes in the preamp and solid state for amplification? I'm interested in the tube sound but only with vinyl, not CDs.
And what about the Fluance preamp? I want to buy a RT85 and i'm guessing that their preamp should be the choice to go with.
00:40 your explanation is partially correct. If it was only a matter of amplitude, you could just crank the volume to 11 and you can play a record. However, plug your turntable into one of your line level inputs and see how it sounds. It's a tinny sounding mess. A phono preamp has to equalize the sound to work with the RIAA curve used when cutting records. So, how well the phono preamp does this is every bit as critical as the correct amplitude. Some phono preamps actually have a selection of equalization curves to pick from in order to match a certain labels selection of equalization as produced through the decades.
Man, I would have to know a lot more about the circuit in the Fosi. I am a big tube fan but in the phono stage my theory is that the low voltage swing especially in the first stage is so small that transistors should have no problem doing a good job. I can see a real reason to use tubes as the final gain stage due to the greater voltage swing but a lot of companies use the tubes as a marketing gimmick using them as pointless buffers.
Your description as having less than stellar detail makes me think that they may in fact be of the latter type as a half way competently designed triode gain stage should have exemplary detail and clarity.
It would be very interesting to see the schematic.
I have the Fluance RT81, although it has a built-in preamp, i wonder if an external preamp will make it better
Also, phono cartridges have a very specific and well defined frequency response. So, you can't just amplify the phono level signal using just any any amp with enough gain to achieve a line level signal and expect to get a anything resembling decent tonality. No, you need a phono specific amp to recover the recording's tonality. Pretty much any vintage stereo preamp or integrated amp will have a phono preamp inbuilt, connected to the phono specific inputs. Some of which will have among the most amazing phono preamps made at the time.
The bottom line is, we are talking about a source that makes signal by scraping a needle through a groove that is often worn and full of dust, some of which has become welded into the vinyl track. There is just a high noise floor anyway. Records were always a con, why do you think that master recordings were preserved on chrome tape? Because tape provides far higher audio fidelity and lower noise floor, that's why.
Lol