Would Fosi T20 Tube Headphone Amp work as a sort of PreAmp to V3?

[Fred Brown]

Novice here. Getting my new Wharfedale Diamond 220 in the mail in a few weeks. I have a very small and bright apartment. I also have tinnitus, so am sensitive to too much treble. I am considering a cheap AB amp with warm emphasis, but since I move around from country to country a lot, a much smaller amp would be so much better.

I do all my listening from my PC. I don't have a turntable or CD player.

At the moment, I am mostly thinking about the Fosi V3. I already have the Fosi T20 tube headphone amp. I wonder if I could hook that up to my V3 in order to soften the sound of my Diamond 220s. Is it even possible to do this? I guess it might be, but I'm not certain. Of course, if it isn't possible, I could buy the Fosi P6 preamp. Finally, to add a bit more warmth, I thought the SMSL SU-1 DAC might be a good choice.

Any insight, primarily on weather my idea to use the T20 tube headphone amplifier as a sort of preamp to my V3 is viable, but also on any other suggestions for a warmer sounding, but fairly portable system, would be much appreciated.

Finally, I should add that I am in Taiwan these days, so whatever I get either has to be available on Amazon with shipping (the Denon PMA 600NE, for example), or else available here in Taiwan (but even if so, almost always way overpriced).

Thanks in advance for any responses.

 

[nopiano]

Welcome to the forum, Fred.

Pretty hard to advise when your options are so different from what I’m used to. However, I think a conventional amplifier with tone controls is likely to be more versatile for sound tailoring and various sources, and easier to ship around than an assortment of mini boxes. As you can source a Denon I’d not hesitate, and don't forget to keep the packaging! Just make sure you can connect your PC as you wish to.

I also suspect you’ve got conflicting needs which ‘adding warmth’ doesn’t solve. Besides, decent Hifi does nothing like that, because fidelity - or truthfulness, or accuracy - is the purpose. If the sound it too bright, just pop a towel over the speakers!

 

[Al ears]

Welcome to the forum, Fred.

Pretty hard to advise when your options are so different from what I’m used to. However, I think a conventional amplifier with tone controls is likely to be more versatile for sound tailoring and various sources, and easier to ship around than an assortment of mini boxes. As you can source a Denon I’d not hesitate, and don't forget to keep the packaging! Just make sure you can connect your PC as you wish to.

I also suspect you’ve got conflicting needs which ‘adding warmth’ doesn’t solve. Besides, decent Hifi does nothing like that, because fidelity - or truthfulness, or accuracy - is the purpose. If the sound it too bright, just pop a towel over the speakers!

I would suggest if sound is too bright the OP bought the wrong speakers.
However, I dont think that headphone amp could be used as a preamp as it is a 50wpc integrated amp so shouldn't need the fosi v3.

 

[Fred Brown]

I don't know if the speakers are too bright yet as I don't have them. I read and watched videos about them very carefully. They are said to be slightly warm. but my rented apartments will be very bright. Yes, I think the Denon would be a great choice except for the size and weight. I don't ship things. I carry the general allotment of two pieces of luggage when I move from country to country, and the speakers alone will take up most of one. I just don't think carrying around a large amp as well is the best idea, otherwise, I would go for the quality A/B amp for sure ( and still may, in fact). So thank you for that suggestion, nopiano.

As for the T20 Headphone Amp being capable of powering the Wharfedale 220s by itself, I guess that is a possibility, but it was my understanding that it might be a little underpowered. I will probably just try that first when I get the speakers. So thank you for that, Al ears. As to whether the T20 could function as a sort of preamp, I'm still not clear on the answer.

 

[Al ears]

I don't know if the speakers are too bright yet as I don't have them. I read and watched videos about them very carefully. They are said to be slightly warm. but my rented apartments will be very bright. Yes, I think the Denon would be a great choice except for the size and weight. I don't ship things. I carry the general allotment of two pieces of luggage when I move from country to country, and the speakers alone will take up most of one. I just don't think carrying around a large amp as well is the best idea, otherwise, I would go for the quality A/B amp for sure ( and still may, in fact). So thank you for that suggestion, nopiano.

As for the T20 Headphone Amp being capable of powering the Wharfedale 220s by itself, I guess that is a possibility, but it was my understanding that it might be a little underpowered. I will probably just try that first when I get the speakers. So thank you for that, Al ears. As to whether the T20 could function as a sort of preamp, I'm still not clear on the answer.

Don't think it can as no pre out sockets on it that I can see.
It appears to be an integrated amp with headphone section, don't think it can be anything else.

 

[Fred Brown]

Thank you, Al ears. Now I know that idea is not going to work. Easiest thing would be to just see if my Fosi T20 can power the speakers for awhile. Have to play them at very low volume in my small apartment anyway. Then take it from there. If the Denon goes on a big sale during Black Friday, I might even try it, but it would be almost impossible to take with me when I go in a year or two. Thanks again.