M

MrBoat

Audioholic Ninja
I like it. Didn't need it, but got it to replace the Arylic Up2stream mini I had in my garage system. There wasn't supposed to BE a garage system. Didn't need that, either, but when I was auditioning my ICEpower 1200AS2 kit amp, a lucky matchup occurred between it, some old 12" 3-way JBL floor-standers, and a diy tube preamp I had laying around.

This caused me to try a new Schiit Saga2 preamp I didn't need, as well, that is also a good match for the ICEpower amp. So why not try a different streamer with supposedly a better DAC? Anyway, I haven't bought any audio stuff in awhile, but sure have been listening a lot and a good part of that is out in the garage, all ghetto like. I have a comfy armchair/ottoman, a side table I built for beverages, the remote and such.

The streamer sounds (if it has a sound) great. Better than the Arylic? I believe so, but the system sounded so good before, too. I don't get all woozy over DACs. I swear that the one in my 1986 CD player sounds better than I could ever hear, and not once did I ever get curious about a DAC upgrade. Every DAC in my gear over the years, has been. . .adequate. I noticed an improvement by going USB out of my PC to a Topping DAC and that there was no longer a "hiss" from my speakers. But at that same time, I also did some changes to Windows audio and added Equalizer APO.

The Fosi app is ok, but I don't really use any of the apps much past initial setup. Not nearly as complete as the WiiM amp's app I have in the bedroom, but again, after initial setup I just use it at most for volume control sometimes. Otherwise I just control everything from my phone or the ipad. There is a basic EQ with 5 bands, IIRC, but haven't needed it.

The Fosi streamer is with the orange knob in the back left. Case is shaped similarly to one of the WiiM products.


Not much of a review. It's a streamer. It has the AKM AK4493SEQ DAC chip, if that means anything to anyone. The app is adequate.

For connectivity it has 1 set of analog RCA inputs for phono preamp, CD player etc., and for digital inputs, there's 1x HDMI eARC (for TVs), 1x Optical (TosLink), LAN (Ethernet), Wi-Fi (2.4/5GHz), and Bluetooth 5.3. For outputs it has Balanced XLR, RCA, 1x Optical, 1x Subwoofer, and a 12V trigger.

There is no bass management for the sub out.
 
M

MrBoat

Audioholic Ninja
I love 'cobbled together' garage systems :p
I think they sound better when expectations aren't so heavy. First time I plugged it all in, 20 minutes turned into 8 hrs of listening, and only stopped because it was 4 AM and I actually forced myself to go to bed. At that time, I only had a lawn chair in there. This happens a lot, with this system.

I have my reference system in the house, yet I am still compelled to spend time with this audiophiles visual nightmare.
 
M

MrBoat

Audioholic Ninja
I have enough parts for about 2 cobbled garage systems right now lol.
I think these are the most fun, especially since even budget hi-fi gear has gotten so much better. These random builds keep me from being curious of upgrades.
 
M

MrBoat

Audioholic Ninja
This is the Arylic Up2stream mini streamer/DAC that the Fosi has replaced. With all the hoopla surrounding DACs, I have to chuckle a bit. The little separate PCB to the right is a DAC, believe it, or not. I have a DAC built on some old Phillips chips from the '90s that is about as big as this combined set of boards, and it too sounds adequately and audibly. . .perfect?

 
j_garcia

j_garcia

Audioholic Jedi
Yeah, so when I had bought the house up north and wasn't taking the main rig over there yet, I built a super cheap system up there out of leftover bits mostly. I bought new speakers, but they were just the Andrew Jones Pioneer FS52s. An old Marantz receiver I had, a cheap BD player, old sub was added later, and that was it. I was very surprised at how good it sounded.

I think these are the most fun, especially since even budget hi-fi gear has gotten so much better. These random builds keep me from being curious of upgrades.
Yeah, it is like buying an older used car. It is new to you, so it is fun, like opening Christmas presents lol.
 
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