Fosi Audio BT20A MAX Its a CORKER! #hifireviewhub #beerfridays #bt20amax #fosiaudio
Craft Beer and Tech Review
Introduction to Craft Beer
- The speaker humorously greets the audience and mentions it's Friday, a day he enjoys having a drink responsibly.
- He shares a story about his daughter inadvertently signing up for a craft beer subscription service called Beer 52, which sends independent craft beers along with snacks.
- The speaker expresses excitement over receiving two cases of craft beer worth £60, as his daughter's partner does not drink beer.
Tasting the Craft Beer
- He describes the experience of selecting beers randomly from the box, likening it to a lucky dip.
- The first beer he tries is "Stormy Triple," a Belgian triple with 7% alcohol content. He notes his preference for glass bottles over cans due to concerns about taste and authenticity.
- After tasting, he praises the beer's smoothness and sweetness but cautions against drinking too many due to its high alcohol content.
Tech Product Overview: Fuzzy Audio BT28 Max
- Transitioning from beer tasting, he introduces the Fuzzy Audio BT28 Max product that will be available soon.
- He highlights its impressive features and mentions that viewers have been asking about it since an unboxing video released in December.
Design Features of BT28 Max
- The speaker discusses the design elements such as rounded edges, venting on each side, and an aesthetically pleasing top vent shaped like "Max."
- Key controls include an on/off button, standby button, mode button for input selection (RCA1, RCA2, Bluetooth), bass/treble adjustments, and motorized volume control.
Connectivity and Usability
- The remote control can operate multiple devices but has limitations regarding compatibility with certain models.
- On the back of the device are various inputs including RCA inputs and subwoofer output; features like staggered speaker binding posts enhance usability during setup.
Bluetooth Features and Amplifier Insights
Highpass Filter and Power Supply
- The amplifier features a highpass filter that cuts signals above 80 Hz, beneficial for subwoofer use.
- While the filter is fixed at 80 Hz rather than variable, the speaker expresses satisfaction as they typically set it to this frequency anyway.
- It includes dual independent power supplies: one for digital (Bluetooth) and one for analog components, reducing noise and interference.
Power Ratings and Specifications
- Advertised max power is 300 watts with a 48V 10A supply; however, it comes with a 32V 5A supply which works adequately.
- With the lower power supply, output is approximately 100 watts into 4 ohms, which is sufficient unless using demanding speakers.
- The amplifier uses TPA3255 chip and NE5532 op amps; signal-to-noise ratio stands at an impressive 112 dB with total harmonic distortion (THD) of just 0.003%.
Bluetooth Connectivity
- Equipped with Qualcomm QCC1395 chipset supporting Bluetooth version 6, enhancing connectivity and reducing interference.
- The speaker tested Bluetooth capabilities with a compatible dongle that supports various codecs including SBC, AAC, AEX HD, AEX lossless, AEX adaptive, and LDAC.
Sound Quality Assessment
- Overall sound quality is praised without resorting to typical audiophile jargon; described simply as "great."
- Comparison made to the Aappa D1 from Duke Audio indicates strong performance among recent amplifiers in the market.
Market Trends in Amplifiers
- Recent years have seen significant advancements in amplifiers from brands like Aima and Duke Audio; notable models include A20 and T20 preamp.
- Discussion on whether manufacturers can continue innovating or if they have reached a plateau in amplifier technology.
Amplifier Design Insights
Power Supply Considerations
- The speaker discusses the historical design of amplifiers from the 70s and 80s, where power supplies were integrated into the amplifier, allowing multiple components to be powered directly from it.
- A comment highlights the benefit of interchangeable power supplies for potential upgrades; however, the speaker argues this is a moot point due to limitations in amp chip capabilities.
- The maximum capacity of common amp chips (3255) is noted as 48V at 10A, indicating no further upgrade potential beyond this specification.
- The speaker questions the rationale behind upgrading from lower voltages when one can simply opt for the maximum output available.
Ideal Integrated Amplifier Features
- The speaker envisions an ideal integrated amplifier that incorporates existing technology without reinventing it, suggesting features like external phono stages and DACs.
- Desired features include balanced inputs/outputs, HDMI support, Bluetooth capability, tone controls (bass/treble), and a high-pass filter set at 80 Hz.
VU Meters: Aesthetic vs. Functionality
- A humorous analogy compares VU meters on amplifiers to unnecessary car modifications; while some see them as superfluous, others appreciate their aesthetic value.
- The speaker argues that just like alloy wheels on cars are often chosen for looks rather than performance enhancement, VU meters serve a similar purpose in audio equipment aesthetics.
Personal Preferences in Amplifier Design
- Emphasizing personal preference over necessity, the speaker notes that many people wear watches not for timekeeping but for style—drawing parallels with audio equipment design choices.
- Additional desired features for an ideal amplifier include a headphone amp with proper volume control and motorized analog volume pots.
Final Thoughts on Amplifier Development
- The envisioned amplifier would ideally use two amp chips (one per channel), reducing crosstalk and enhancing sound quality by incorporating a robust internal power supply.
- While acknowledging cost concerns associated with such designs, the speaker expresses enthusiasm about creating an all-in-one integrated amplifier that meets these specifications.