Fosi Audio TB10D Amp Review – That Much Power in That?

Fosi Audio TB10D

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Current testing methodology is v1.2

Release Date
April 27, 2021
Price
$79.99
Model:
TB10D-US
Weight
1.3 lb
Size
4.13 x 5.59 x 1.57 in

Fosi Audio just seems to go from strength to strength. The new TB10D has been updated, and I’ve been putting it through its paces with some of the Hi-Fi gear I have at home.

Like a lot of the Fosi Audio stuff, the TB10D is a small little unit. You really don’t expect much from it until you plug it in, and that’s when everything comes to life.

Budget Pick

Fosi Audio TB10D Stereo Power Amplifier

It’s incredible the quality and power that comes out of something the size of a McDonalds cheeseburger

4.5/5
Price Range: $
Brand: Fosi Audio
Fosi Audio TB10D front view

TL:DR;

The Fosi Audio TD10D is a little powerhouse. While the tuning is a little bit stoic and austere for me in the mid range, the bottom end is full and rich, plus the overall sound production is really nice.

I’ve used it on my Q Acoustic 3010 speakers and a set of tower energy speakers at 150 W per channel @ 8 ohms and it had loads of headroom left.

For the price – it’s top stuff and I’ll likely swap out my older Denon integrated amp for this in the future.

The Specs

  • Audio Input:  RCA Input
  • Power supply:  32V 5A
  • Power supply voltage range:  18V-48V
  • THD:  ≤0.3%
  • SNR:  ≥90dB
  • Frequency Range:  20Hz – 20kHz (±1 dB)
  • Input Sensitivity:  ≤600mV
  • Terminating Impedance:  2Ω-8Ω
  • Output Power:  300W + 300W

What’s in the Box?

  • 1 x TB10D amplifier
  • 1 x 32V/5A Power Adapter
  • 1 x AC Cord
  • User Manual
  • 18-month worry-free warranty

Stuff I like

  • Awesome power output
  • Very small footprint
  • Solid build
  • Impressive sound stage with full, rich bottom end
  • Nice adjustment options on treble and bass

Stuff I like less

  • Not many at this price point – some people might find a sound a little step oriented as it moves through the frequencies rather than a smooth linear output at times.
  • It’s hard to critique it with this much power and quality of sound for the price.

Comparable products to consider

AIYIMA A07
AIYIMA A07

Affordable and simple Class D amplifier yet powerful in setting up an audio system.

First Impressions

Fosi Audio kind of has a trademark design and build.

It’s usually just a gray or steel casing, with some decent, solid volume and EQ control pots. The switches on them are often reminiscent of things that you’d pick up at the local electronics store if you were doing a build-your-own.

But the Fosi Audio units are a far cry from a build-your-own and have continued to be pretty impressive over the years. I remember way back in the early days when S.M.S.L. and Fosi were both rising together through the budget HiFi space.

Having recently reviewed the Fosi Audio K5 Pro Mini Stereo Gaming DAC, and now the Fosi Audio TB10D, I’m impressed anew at their ongoing ability to produce really good-sounding Hi-Fi gear at very affordable prices.

Fosi Audio TB10D front view
Classic simple design | Make Life Click

Tech Specs

The Fosi Audio TB10D is a two-channel class-D power amp. It’s the class D that makes this perform so well despite its very small size.

Class-D amps have become increasingly popular, plus they are small, light, and don’t run too hot. They’re cooler than other classes of amps like A, B, and ABs, but they produce the same amount of power.

They’re certainly well-made for car stereos. But having run the TB10D through a couple of sets of different speakers, including the Q Acoustic 3010 and an Energy Tower set, this thing has enough power to make most speakers sound pretty good. 

If you’re thinking that this is reaching a little bit far to run into some floor-standing speakers, then the 600 watts of power output would say otherwise.

Fosi Audio TB10D back panel
RCA input which is compatible with most audio equipment | Make Life Click

Okay, admittedly, that’s 600 watts, which is 300 watts per channel at four ohms, or 150 watts per channel at eight ohms, but that’s some serious oomph for such a little unit.

There’s only one input on the unit, which is RCA, while the Fosi Audio K5 Amp DAC has RCA coaxial, optical, and USB inputs.

If there was anything that the TB10D could use, it’s possibly another optical input format. But the RCA was more than suitable for my use, and the initial testing I did was just using an Alexa Mini to play into the Fosi Audio directly.

This was actually a great combination. If you’ve got a small footprint to work with, then just taking a smart speaker like the Alexa Echo and running the 3.5-mill out to a stereo RCA into the Fosi Audio is easy and fun to control.

I also tested the Fosi Audio TB10D with a NAD CD unit, running into the floor-standing Energy speakers. While it didn’t have loads of headroom, it was enough to power them and make them sound pretty good.

Fosi Audio TB10D size comparison to other HiFi products
Fosi Audio TB10D size in comparison to other Hi-Fi products | Make Life Click

Comparisons

I have an old Denon amp at home, which you’ll see in the photos. It’s a DRA-37, and if my memory serves me correctly, it’s only about a 50-watt amp, but it’s such a warm, wholesome, and deep sound.

I’ve always held onto it because I appreciate how it can power a set of bookshelf speakers.

I attached the Q Acoustic 3010s to the Fosi Audio TB10B. After a few minutes of listening, and a little bit of tweaking with the bass and treble pots, I have to say that I was floored at how much more bottom end I could get out of my Q Acoustic bookshelves with the Fosi Audio, compared with the Denon.

It was full and tight, and the overall sound signature was really rich.

I find that the TB10D doesn’t have a particularly warm edge to its chipset and tuning, but I find it quite enjoyable to listen to. I even think I might have to retire the Denon and get another Fosi Audio TB10D.

When I say I need to get another one, I meant replacing my father’s NAD unit, which was a C370. It was an absolute giant in its time, which is about 20 years old now, and it did win the What Hi-Fi? Integrated Amp Award two years running.

Fosi Audio TB10D on top of Denon amplifier
Size comparison to Denon amplifier
Fosi Audio TB10D on top of an amplifier
Another size comparison to an amplifier

Unfortunately, being by the ocean, the C370 has given up and is no longer keen to play anything. So as a replacement, in the short term, which will probably end up being months if not years, the Fosi Audio is going to replace it.

If you imagine a C370 being replaced by something not much bigger than a couple of smartphones, it’s amazing to realize how far we’ve come in the last 20 years of Hi-Fi.

The class-D amp now has the ability to output such power at such a small size that even floor-standing speakers can sound full and rich from such tight little units.

The outputs on the TB10D are simply two stereo outs, and I would certainly say your life would be a lot easier having your speaker cable terminated with banana plugs, so you can simply plug in the Fosi in the back.

The other thing I like about the Fosi Audio TB10D is its compact form factor.

Portability

It’s definitely portable. If you’re thinking of taking the Fosi Audio TB10D on the road, it would fit neatly in a laptop bag, a carry-on, or a suitcase, depending on where you’re heading.

Where you’re going to take it and what speakers you plan to use it with is a different challenge. But it’s nice working with such a small unit if you don’t need numerous inputs and outputs, and are just happy to have a stereo unit with you.

Fosi Audio TB10D size comparison
Actual size compare to a phone
Fosi Audio TB10D width comparison
Thickness comparison

Conclusion

The Fosi Audio TB10D box has the slogan “Hi-Fi Made Fun” printed on it, and I think that Fosi Audio is certainly living up to it.

As a brand, they back their products with a 30-day return and an 18-month warranty, plus a lifetime of tech support.

They’ve been in the game long enough to know how to support their products. They also know that their products are good enough that it’s probably unlikely you’ll need a lot of tech support or warranty.

While perhaps not able to compete with my high-end Denon AVR4500X stereo-integrated amplifier, the Fosi Audio TB10D makes a perfect companion for bedrooms, offices, studios, or something to take on the road with you.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS ONE?
Fosi Audio TB10D 600W TPA3255 Power Amplifier Home Audio HiFi Stereo Class D Digital 2 Channel Integrated Mini Passive Speaker Amp
Fosi Audio TB10D

It’s powerful, it’s full and rich and warm, and the bottom end is really impressive. It’s a simple unit with a simple purpose, as a stereo power amp with a single RCA, and it does what it says on the tin.

While the tuning isn’t perfect, it’s hard to say anything too negative about the unit given its price.

I would highly recommend the Fosi Audio TB10D to anyone looking for a budget stereo amp, whose needs extend as far as having a source that can be put through a stereo RCA input.

Any questions, fire them away in the comments below.

What impedance is the Fosi Audio capable of?

The Fosi Audio TB10D is capable of two to eight-ohm impedance.

Why does the TB10D not work when in close proximity to the radio?

Class-D amps are known to have some serious issues when used in proximity to a radio. So it’s highly recommended that you keep them separated, or avoid using them altogether.

Can I run a phono turntable with the TB10D?

You can run your record player off the TB10D, but you will have to have an external phono preamp before you connect it. You’re going to need that extra power before putting it through the TB10D, to ensure the turntable is powered appropriately.

Can I use the TB10D with headphones?

No. The TB10D is only designed to support speakers.

Can I run my powered speakers off the TB10D?

No. The Fosi Audio TB10D is only designed to be used with passive speakers.

Are class-D amplifiers power-hungry?

No. Class-D amplifiers don’t consume a lot of power, so you can leave it plugged in all the time. But like all electronic devices, if you’re not using it, turn it off.

Can I bridge the TB10D to get 600 watts of power?

No. You cannot bridge the TB10D amplifier.

Can I play my television through the TB10D?

Yes. You can pretty much attach anything through the RCA input, which would include a TV.

Yes. You can pretty much attach anything through the RCA input, which would include a TV.

You need to buy one of the Fosi Audio 2.1 amps, or another amp that can support sub-output. The unit that I have is a two-channel amp only, and cannot power a subwoofer as well.

Fosi Audio TB10D left side view
Fosi Audio TB10D Amp
Sound Quality
Build Quality
Value for money
Reader Rating0 Votes
4.7

Endless hours of experimentation, professional work, and personal investment in Home Theatre, Hi-Fi, Smart Home Automation and Headphones have come to this.

Former owner of Headphones Canada, a high-end headphone specialty retailer.

This post was last updated on 2024-03-25 / Some images from Amazon Product API & some links may be affiliate links which may earn us a commission from purchases.


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