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NEW P4 PREAMPLIFIER: MY FIRST IMPRESSIONS REVIEW

Massimo

Member
As i have already mentioned in other reviews, I don’t consider myself a purist audiophile. I’m simply a music enthusiast. I have a small home recording studio where, besides composing and recording, I enjoy listening to good music, something I also do through the various audio systems I have around the house.

I’m not willing to spend exorbitant amounts on my audio devices and I demand high- quality sound reproduction at a fair price. Unfortunately, many renowned companies set prices far above the actual value of the equipment they offer.


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Fortunately, i discovered Fosi Audio products, which have solved several issues, both in terms of space and sound quality. Little by little, I replaced most of my amplification with Fosi Audio devices: well built, aesthetically pleasing, and, most importantly, compact without compromising sound quality relative to their price.
Fosi Audio products have allowed me to achieve excellent power and sound quality in a small space, with discretion and a pleasing design.
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The Fosi Audio P4 is a preamplifier that allows you to connect up to three audio sources. It is well built, compact, and extremely versatile perfect for those who want to enhance their listening experience without excessive clutter. With dimensions similar to the V3, it integrates easily with other devices from the same lineup, allowing for convenient vertical stacking.

As for me, I felt the need for a device that would let me connect multiple sources to a single amplifier without constantly swapping cables. I had been searching for a compact, well-built, and transparent-sounding solution for some time, but I couldn’t find a high-quality option at an affordable price.

I must say I’m happy that Fosi Audio has created this device, as it fills a gap for me. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the company and its team for allowing me to test it before its official release.
On that note, I want to clarify that my review is entirely objective and based on my personal experience, without any compensation or financial obligation.

The preamplifier arrived in the well known essential Fosi Audio packaging. Inside, I found the P4, protected by a plastic bag a 12v power adapter, the remote control with requires two AAA batteries (not included) and a simple manual in English and Chinese. I must say that using the

P4 is so simple that the manual is almost unnecessary. Accessing the controls and managing audio sources is immediate.

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The build quality of the preamplifier appears excellent, featuring a brushed aluminum chassis that ensures solidity while adding a touch of elegance. Its compact design makes it ideal for any audio setup, helping maintain a clean and organized aesthetic.

The front panel is equipped with a button for RCA input selection, two potentiometers dedicated to high and low frequency control, and an orange colored volume knob operated by a motorized potentiometer. This can be conveniently adjusted using the

included remote control. Additional, an IR sensor is integrated for remote signal reception, ensuring a smooth and intuitive user experience.

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The rear panel includes 3 RCA input, one RCA output, a lever to bypass the tone control for neutral playback, a pre out with a 3,5 mm jack, a power input DC 12V and a 3 position gain selector (3 - 6 - 9 dB).
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Musical listening:
One of the most appreciated features of this device is the total absence of background noise: there are no hums, discharges, or interference when switching inputs, which indicates excellent electrical management. Additionally, the presence of a bypass switch allows for the exclusion of equalization, maintaining an original, pure sound ideal for those who prefer faithful reproduction.

The bass control is well balanced a non intrusive, making the device particularly suitable for bookshelf speakers that may need a slight boost in the lower frequencies. The treble control offer a range that appears slightly extended, yes it does not compromise the naturalness of the sound.

The pre-out output adds extra flexibility, allowing for the connection of an amplified subwoofer (tested with my Velodyne VX Series II) or even – as I did – a pair of separate amplifiers, such as two ZA3 for a four speaker setup (2 controlled by the V3 mono amplifiers and 2 by the ZA3 mono selected)

I consider the choice of a pre out output rather than a line out to be very valuable, as once the correct volumes are set on the ZA3, you only need to use the included remote control and magically the potentiometer adjust itself and stops at the desired volume I assure you that the effect is very pleasant. On the note, the orange known, in perfect harmony with the Fosi Audio design, is a perfect choice, as it stands in contrast to the cold digital display found in other products. Maybe I would have liked to see a small LED light on the volume knob.


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As I already mentioned, the Fosi Audio P4 is equipped with three stereo RCA inputs, allowing for easy connection of multiple sources. For my part, I connected my CD player, the MD recorder, and my Universal Audio Apollo Twin audio interface connected to my Macbook Pro. Finally, with the remote control, I was able to listen to them through the same system without having to unplug cables, simply by using the included remote. Not only that, I used the bypass while listening to the audio from the interface, so I could use the various plugins without worrying about interference, while I activated the tone control for small adjustments when listening to a Mini Disc. A truly useful tool, especially since it maintains the transparency of the source.

Later, I will make a comparison with the previous P3, with will definitely remain useful due to the presence of bluetooth and with a digital connection using an SK02 and I will take this opportunity to complete this review of mine after a prolonged and thorough listen session.


CONCLUSION

The Fosi Audio P4 is an elegant, functional, and well-built preamplifier, perfect for those looking for a compact device. Its impeccable sound management, absence of unwanted noise, and the flexibility offered by multiple inputs, customizable adjustments, and a pre-out output make it an excellent choice not only for any home audio system but also for small home recording studios that need to control various devices.

I would like to thank the Fosi Audio Team once again for allowing me to try this preamplifier and for giving me the pleasure of sharing my impressions with all enthusiasts through this review.


Massimo Mazzara​
 

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