Fosi Audio P3 Hybrid Tube Preamp Review – Let Your Soul Glow
In this Article
INTRO
Fosi Audio has been pumping out desktop audio gear like mad and the new Fosi Audio P3 preamp is designed to fit with many of their desktop amplifiers like the TB10D, or their well received V3 amp.
It is a bit of a conundrum to pair the P3 with the V3 given the V3 was marked an audiophile piece, but there are audiophiles that also believe only the best sound comes from tubes. There is room for all types in this hobby, and priced at $79 this is a low entry fee for hybrid tube preamps.
THE EVALUATION
The Fosi Audio P3 is not a tube only design relying on solid state to drive the output. The tubes are only injecting colorful fun. Despite the Fosi Audio P3 measuring flat, it does impart a sonic signature due to harmonic distortion components.
Low end is warm, and the treble becomes vivid. The midrange has some additional tone weight and separates from the homogeneous exactness of a solid state amplifier. Some staging separation is condensed, but at the expense of drawing out some depth components.
Analyzing the features of the Fosi Audio P3 I appreciate the tone controls have detents for the zero position. This was something that bothered me on the TB10D and BT30 Pro. The tone controls allow a 10dB boost in the bass, and 6dB in the treble.
These features are similar but not exactly the same as the Ampapa A1 that has detents for all positions. The knobs feel solid and are tapered to allow your fingers to turn the knobs without hitting the table. They are dainty in size, smooth and solid. The Ampapa A1 are more substantial and retro feeling.
The tubes used in the Fosi Audio P3 are the same GE JAN 6594 tubes, they both have a headphone output, but the secondary input is where they differ. The Ampapa A1 offers a phono input while the Fosi Audio P3 provides bluetooth.
There is also an Auxiliary output on the P3, but it is redundant to the RCA connection. This extra connection is tied to the volume control unlike the auxiliary output of the V3. Inside the Fosi Audio P3, the blueooth chipset supports up to AptXHD and AptX Low-latency but not LDAC. Range is good with the external antenna.
The headphone output is strong and capable or perhaps sufficient to power my Drop Sennheiser HD6XX however there is a limit where there could be more control. You can tell it poops out just as you get to the good stuff and the specs indicate why with only 32mW of power at 300ohms. The headphone output is not the star of the show, the SMSL HO100 and JDS Labs Atom have more bottom end control and the tube coloration also changes the treble and midrange clarity and separation.
Fosi Audio P3 uses a logarithmic taper volume POT for more even volume control. Linears POTs jump to fast in the low to mid volume section. Another potential downside is the use of the 3.5mm jack instead of the larger 6.35mm. While the majority of headphones use 3.5mm, a 6.35mm with an adapter can help improve longevity. If the adapter fails or gets worn, it is easier to replace.
Other observations, there is a 15 second turn on time most likely to allow the tubes to warm up. I also again appreciate the Fosi Audio P3 includes a UL listed external Nationally Recognized Test Lab 12V 1.5amp power adapter. For me this is important so as to not have self certified power adapters plugged into my home.
WHAT’S LEFT?
The compact size and form factor fits in line with their TB10D, and the V3 and their K5 DAC (not tested). The finish is more satin/matte than the TBD10D, but matches the V3 aesthetic. The tubes fit snugly into the sockets.
For someone looking for an inexpensive hybrid tube solid state preamp, with a semi-powerful headphone output and bluetooth support in place of a phono input, the Fosi Audio P3 is a good contender. It adds a little harmonic punch, midrange pop and treble glisten to butter up your music.
Disclaimer: Sent to me gratis for an evaluation. We appreciate Fosi Audio for allowing us to pick and poke at their products from time to time.
Purchase Links (non-affiliate/no commisions earned):
https://fosiaudio.com/products/fosi-audio-p3-tube-preamp
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_ok91hH7
https://fosiaudio.com/pages/preamp-p3#g-szpTrknv
https://www.ebay.com/itm/296013294697?nordt=true
SPECIFICATIONS
https://fosiaudio.com/pages/preamp-p3
Headphone Output Power:
250mw @16Ω；150mw @32Ω
32mw @250Ω；20mW @300Ω
Headphone Impedance: 16-300Ω
SNR: ≥103dB
Dynamic Range: 104dB
THD: ≤ 0.02%
Noise Floor: 64uV
Crosstalk: 95dB
Frequency Response Range: 20Hz-20kHz(±1dB)
Bluetooth Chip：QCC3031
Bluetooth Version：5.1
Bluetooth Range：≥10m
Bluetooth Codecs：SBC/AAC/aptX/aptX HD/aptX LL
Power Input：DC 12V/1.5A~3A
DISCLAIMER Fosi Audio P3
Our generic standard disclaimer.
