Better than my Linn power amp

[dogtanion]

Just to share my experience, I've been using Linn amps for years and drive a very demanding pair of Neat Motive 2s with 4 channels of a Linn av5125, essentially 1 amp per driver (500w).

Having watched a VirtualHifi youtube video comparing the ZA3s to a Naim Nap250,
I've now replaced the Linn amp with 4 ZA3s running as monoblocks with 4 Burson Vivid V7s and 4 Aiyima 48v 10a psus. It gives a very musical powerful sound, with strong tight bass and powerful vocals, but with more refinement than I got with the Linn.

Bearing in mind the Linn amp new would have cost roughly 3 times the cost of this setup, I am very pleasantly surprised with what these little amps can do. Highly recommend the Vivid V7s for their timing and detail. The 10 amp power supplies give that extra bass solidity and vocal dynamics.

If your looking at these amps, I found VirtualHifi really helpful with their videos comparing op amps, the different fosi amps and the sound of a Naim Nap250.

e,g,

 

[Massimo]

From what I’ve heard, I agree, but based on my tests, the two ZA3 are greatly outperformed by two Fosi V3 mono. Even more so if two Sparkos are installed in each.

 

[WΞS...]

Just to share my experience, I've been using Linn amps for years and drive a very demanding pair of Neat Motive 2s with 4 channels of a Linn av5125, essentially 1 amp per driver (500w).

Having watched a VirtualHifi youtube video comparing the ZA3s to a Naim Nap250,
I've now replaced the Linn amp with 4 ZA3s running as monoblocks with 4 Burson Vivid V7s and 4 Aiyima 48v 10a psus. It gives a very musical powerful sound, with strong tight bass and powerful vocals, but with more refinement than I got with the Linn.

Bearing in mind the Linn amp new would have cost roughly 3 times the cost of this setup, I am very pleasantly surprised with what these little amps can do. Highly recommend the Vivid V7s for their timing and detail. The 10 amp power supplies give that extra bass solidity and vocal dynamics.

If your looking at these amps, I found VirtualHifi really helpful with their videos comparing op amps, the different fosi amps and the sound of a Naim Nap250.

e,g,

Why would a 10a PSU make any difference if the amp is only rated to pull 5A max?

 

[WΞS...]

From what I’ve heard, I agree, but based on my tests, the two ZA3 are greatly outperformed by two Fosi V3 mono. Even more so if two Sparkos are installed in each.

I am considering a op amp upgrade. Sparkos vs Burson is where I am at now.

 

[Massimo]

it would be very interesting

 

[Blahfkbkah]

Well I will add my 2p to this conversation. Middle section, Naim NSC222 streamer/pre amplifier (£6,250). Top shelf, Naim NAP250 classic (£6,250) and bottom shelf 2x Fosi ZA3 in mono with Bursen V7 newest op-amps.
NSC222 has a Vertere Redline power cable (excellent) and it is linked via XLR, also Verter Redline power cable. That’s £1,600 approx for the two cables. Here’s the truth. When using the 2x Fosi amps in mono, which cost £150 each with the 48volt power supplies, including one Bursen V7 dual audio op amps that are £150 for two (one in each za3). There is ABSOLUTELY NO COMPARISON. 2 za3’s upgraded total cost £450, against my New Classic Naim NAP250 that cost £6,250, THERE IS NO COMPARISON, the ZA3’s are 10 times better, it’s that simple, and I don’t say that lightly. Having spent so much. Don’t get me wrong, the NSC222 is just brilliant, but the NAP250 is really crap. Yes crap I said. I’m selling it soon to buy some better speakers. The soundstage is great on the NAP250, but against the ZA3’s in mono UPGRADED! There is no contest. NAP250 @ £6,250, take off the wet tea-towel and you then have 2x Fosi ZA3’s with Bursen V7’s.

 

[Blahfkbkah]

I am considering a op amp upgrade. Sparkos vs Burson is where I am at now.

Bursen V7

 

[WΞS...]

From what I’ve heard, I agree, but based on my tests, the two ZA3 are greatly outperformed by two Fosi V3 mono. Even more so if two Sparkos are installed in each.

I have the exact opposite experience, my 2 ZA3s crushed my V3 monos.

 

[WΞS...]

Well I will add my 2p to this conversation. Middle section, Naim NSC222 streamer/pre amplifier (£6,250). Top shelf, Naim NAP250 classic (£6,250) and bottom shelf 2x Fosi ZA3 in mono with Bursen V7 newest op-amps.
NSC222 has a Vertere Redline power cable (excellent) and it is linked via XLR, also Verter Redline power cable. That’s £1,600 approx for the two cables. Here’s the truth. When using the 2x Fosi amps in mono, which cost £150 each with the 48volt power supplies, including one Bursen V7 dual audio op amps that are £150 for two (one in each za3). There is ABSOLUTELY NO COMPARISON. 2 za3’s upgraded total cost £450, against my New Classic Naim NAP250 that cost £6,250, THERE IS NO COMPARISON, the ZA3’s are 10 times better, it’s that simple, and I don’t say that lightly. Having spent so much. Don’t get me wrong, the NSC222 is just brilliant, but the NAP250 is really crap. Yes crap I said. I’m selling it soon to buy some better speakers. The soundstage is great on the NAP250, but against the ZA3’s in mono UPGRADED! There is no contest. NAP250 @ £6,250, take off the wet tea-towel and you then have 2x Fosi ZA3’s with Bursen V7’s.

Well now you have me wanting to swap out my NAP200 for ZA3s to see how they compare

 

[Barbabravo]

I have the exact opposite experience, my 2 ZA3s crushed my V3 monos.

Hi, can you please do a quick comparison based on your experience? Thanks