Fosi Audio Gr-40
All In One
Allow me to divert from the world of audio for a few moments to another exciting world such as the automobile, GR40 reminds me of one of those legends in the history of the automobile as the Audi RS6.
A versatile vehicle with high performance, valid for everyday use and that without being a specific model such as a sports car, a utility car or an SUV allows you to enjoy driving in all environments
Why?
Because we would all like to be able to enjoy our music in any space without having to give up quality and limited by the physical space or necessary connections.
How can something similar be achieved?
With a Preamplifier-DAC with USB-C function, Coaxial, SPDIF, headphone output and tubes, in the V3/P3 size format, called GR-40.
A listening enthusiast's dream for everyday life without compromise, in a compact size, with good performance.
This time the heart is an ESS 9028Q2M, a safe bet that offers about >103 dB of S/N and is capable of decoding sound up to rates of 32 bit and 384 Khz and DSD 256.
For Bluetooth management we find a QCC3031 that will allow us aptX transmission, for fast device connections.
Although Bluetooh is comfortable I use it sporadically, I see how the devices implement different encoding, but I still bet on the simple physical cable for the transmission of information.
Figures that allow us to enjoy our music with a high resolution using each source.
It is difficult to find recordings with samples greater than 192 Khz .... Although don't forget that after D/A decoding, the signal will pass through a JAN 5654W tube before the RCA output.
One front with headphone connection with 3.5 mm. 32-300 OHM. and power from 250 mW to 32 Ohm,
Active source indicator LEDs, tone controls (bass and treble) and volume potentiometer with on/off function by press, this time you won't have to worry about turning off the screen as some LEDs indicate which source is selected
Presiding over the GR40 chassis, JAN 5654W valves and at the rear, source input and RCA line output connections.
The GR40's numbers on paper may not surprise the most demanding but once in operation, its performance and functions prove the opposite as an RS6 does.
In the first song it will sound very flat, but the sound will begin to take shape after a few hours of operation and running of the valves.
You'll find the typical analytical ESS sound with a warm touch of the tubes.
The pitch regulation will allow us to smoothly adjust the sound if necessary in a natural way without eccentricities.
In certain cases, a slight adjustment can transform the sound of the boxes or headphones, adapting it to our preferences and transforming the listening experience
Is the GR40 recommended? The answer depends on the following question.
Would you like to have multiple audio sources, headphone connection, and the warmth of the tubes, in one device that fits in the palm of your hand?
If the answer is YES, the GR-40 is an option, both for day-to-day use and for configuring different systems, I have to admit that I have placed it next to the bed using an Android device as a source, because the USB-C connection allows its use from PC/Android.
When I refer to the day-to-day it is the environment where you spend more time, work, study, home or where you prefer to have a moment of relaxation allowing you to bet on a quality fountain with versatility.
Having a dedicated room for audio allows you to enjoy your star component but conditions listening to that environment, the size of the GR-40
The GR-40 gets the functions of the P3-SK02-ZD3 without a specialist like them, but integrating them into a single chassis.
You just have to choose who you will work with as a team, V3-ZA3, active speakers...
This allows many people to access a sum of functions whose sum exceeds what is expected.
It is very rewarding to build a Hi-Fi system, but more rewarding is to be able to enjoy that feeling in different environments on a daily basis and that is what the GR-40 allows us.
Perhaps some of you may need a remote control or an informative screen, it is a matter of taste, but it is a device that offers high-level performance in a balanced way.
