Fosi Audio MC101 Bluetooth Stereo Amplifier Home Audio Component Mini Amp with VU Meter 2 Channel HiFi Receiver for Passive Speakers with Bass Treble Tone Control Vintage All Aluminum Alloy Build

I'm very happy with this little amp. I needed a simple single-source amp to amplify my laptop output to the Dali Zensor speakers in my little study - I use them for video conferencing and low-volume background music whilst working at home. I wanted to save desk space, as my old full-sized Cambridge amp took up too big a footprint. Also, the tiny little blue "on" LED on my Cambridge wasn't prominent enough, so I would often finish working and forget to switch it off - it wasted a lot of heat! I wanted an amp that made it very clear that it was switched on.So, from a practical point of view:- The Fosi has a prominent (and very cool) illuminated VU meter reminiscent of old 70's hi-fi - I can't fail to notice that I've left it on.- It doesn't get even slightly warm in use - and neither does the line lump transformer.- It takes up only about 5% as much space as the Cambridge.As an amplifier, it performs very well - the sound is clear, slightly warm and perfect for my purposes. I tried it powering some large transmission line speakers and it coped well, but don't expect it to perform at high volume in a large room, as it's quite low powered. It's nicely made, good-looking and the controls are smooth in operation.The Bluetooth works faultlessly and if anything sounds better than the line feed from my laptop.If I have a gripe, it's not with the machine itself, but the silly way the output power has been advertised. 200 watts - come off it! Even if we believe the headline figure, 200 is the power from both channels into 4 ohms. It's more common to state the power per channel into 8 ohms, which is the impedance of most home speakers. So, stated more honestly, the power is actually 50 watts per channel into 8 ohms. Even then, the blurb states "max power output" - amps are usually rated on RMS power which comes out MUCH lower. I've owned many amps, and I'd estimate from my ears that this one is around 20-25 watts RMS per channel into 8 ohms. Which is still amazing for such a tiny amp. Come on, Fosi - this is a good bit of kit, and we're not children to be impressed by big numbers. Give us honest specs, please!That said, I saw through the deception before buying and for my purposes this amp is perfect - hence not docking a star...

I love this amp, after getting a pair of small speakers, I needed I matching amp.Sound great, works really well.Only thing I’d like is twin RCA inputs, just to flip between 2 sources.

Bought this so I could go through my un-played and neglected vinyl collection. Sound is really good for the size and price, Bluetooth works well too. The VU meter is a bit of decoration as far as I can see, the needle hardly moves, but it looks nice.

I ordered this as a bit of fun. It is outstanding! It now drives my full home TV/movie setup. The Bluetooth is good and easy, tone controls are very effective, and the VU meter is just cool! It's the footprint of a coaster, but can power any speaker with enough quality to shame much more expensive amps I have in the house. Fosi, I'm now a fan! Highly recommend.

For less than £100, you won't get much better than this. Connected to my wiim pro via Bluetooth with no issues and my turntable sounds excellent through it (turntable has built in preamp). The unit is very well built and feels like it will last. I love the vu meter and it actually works.

Firstly the amp is really well finished and easy to set up . I bought this to replace an aging Yamaha and I’m so pleased I did . I’m no expert but to me , this amp with QED anniversary silver speaker cables and Dali Zensor Pico speakers sounds really good . Especially at low volumes which is important . My only grumble as other buyers have mentioned is the VU meter is set too low . You’ve really got to crank it to make it move.I’ve paired it with a DOUK VU22 which I’ll review separately.

Sound quality is comparable to my previous Marantz PM6005 and when considering this is only a fraction of the size and has built in Bluetooth, it’s certainly worthwhile.Although I doubt the Bluetooth codec is at the same level as “Lossless” audio, I have no complaints as it’s not a noticeable audible difference to the Lossless setups I’ve previously used. The Bluetooth connection is almost instant as soon as I switch on the device and I experience almost no latency when using the Fosi Audio MC101 with my phone.I tried several mini amplifiers before this one and they all generated significant static noise but could barely be heard with this.The aesthetics are wonderful with the VA meter providing a nice vintage touch to such a modern device.