Fosi Audio ZA3vsOldchen (Laochen) EL34-B
A detailed side-by-side comparison of the Fosi Audio ZA3 and Oldchen (Laochen) EL34-B — two popular amplifiers in the Chinese HiFi space.
Specifications
Spec
Fosi Audio ZA3
Oldchen (Laochen) EL34-B
Class
D
A
Chipset
TI TPA3255
—
Topology
Balanced Stereo / Mono
Single Ended Triode (SET)
Power
155W x 2 (4Ω)
10W x 2
Inputs
RCA, XLR
—
Features
Subwoofer Out, Trigger Input (dependent on revision), Op-Amp Rolling
—
Tubes
—
EL34 x2, 6N9P x2, 5U4G x1
Wiring
—
Point-to-Point (Hardwired)
Remote Control
✗
✗
Tube Stage
✗
✓
Price (estimated)
Price
~$132
~$170
Difference
~$38.00 cheaper (Fosi Audio ZA3)
Things to Know
Fosi Audio ZA3
- ⚠Frequency response is load-dependent (high frequencies may rise with 8Ω loads due to lack of PFFB).
- ⚠The subwoofer output is full-range pass-through on the main terminals; it does not filter bass from the main speakers.
- ⚠Volume control is defeated in Mono mode, requiring a preamp.
Oldchen (Laochen) EL34-B
- ⚠The '5U4G' rectifier is often wired in hybrid mode with silicon diodes, which purists dislike.
- ⚠Transformers run very hot, suggesting they are pushed near their saturation limits.
- ⚠Stock Chinese EL34 tubes can sound harsh compared to budget re-issues like Mullard or JJ.
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