In case you haven’t heard, Fosi Audio has recently released its updated version of the original BT20A amplifier. The new Fosi Audio BT20A Pro currently retails at around $100, which is only about $20 above the original.
I reviewed the original BT20A last year and there are some notable differences between the two units that may just tip the scales in favor of you upgrading to the Pro version.
This post may contain affiliate links which allow me to earn a small commission which is used to buy more audio gear to review on this blog.
Fosi BT20A vs Fosi BT20A Pro Review: What’s the Difference?
So, what are the differences between the two? There are five major differences:
First Major Difference: Power!
If you are looking for a bit more “oomph,” then you’d be happy to know that the BT20A received a major power upgrade in the Pro version. The original model rates at 100 watts per channel into four ohms or 50 watts into eight ohms.
In contrast, the BT20A Pro comes in with three times the wattage! It has 300 watts per channel into four ohms, which translates to 150 watts into eight ohms.
The Pro comes with a larger power supply of 32 volts over 5 amps vs the original’s 24 volts over 4.5 amps. Please note, you may have to upgrade the power supply to reach the full power rating advertised. See the power rating guide in the Amazon listing for more info.
Second Major Difference: Op Amp Chip
Unlike the original, the BT20A Pro contains a socketed NE5532 op amp chip that can be replaced if you want to change the sound signature.
While I have never done this before, there are a lot of consumers who enjoy swapping out different chips to find the best sound signature for their system and the BT20A Pro will allow you to do so, while the original model would not.
Third Major Difference: Pre-Amp or Subwoofer Connection
The BT20A Pro has a 3.5 mm pre-out on the rear of the unit that is not found on the original. This means that you can use the Pro as a preamp or connect it to a subwoofer.
Fourth Major Difference: Bluetooth Volume Knob Connection
A handy and convenient feature that the BT20A Pro has and the original does not is its ability to clear a Bluetooth connection simply by pushing in on the Pro’s volume knob.
While not a vital feature, it allows you to disconnect a Bluetooth connection via the amp instead of having to do so by via the streaming device.
Fifth Major Difference: The Amp Chip
The original amp audio chip was a TPA3116, and the BT20A Pro has been upgraded to a TPA3255 amp chip.
With the addition of a new amp chip, we need to compare the sound between the units.
I used two different methods to compare the two—one being through Bluetooth and the other through my trusty turntable.
How Does the Fosi Audio BT20A Pro Sound?
Bluetooth Sound Differences
To compare the sound differences between both audio amplifiers, I connected each amp into my One Little Audio Bear audio switch and streamed via Bluetooth to both using Tidal on my iPad.
I listened to three songs for this comparison:
- Radiohead’s “Natural Anthem”
- Beck’s “Nicotine and Gravy”
- “No Excuses” by Alice in Chains
With each song, the original BT20A’s sound was a bit more forward—in your face—than the Pro. To be completely honest, that made it a little fatiguing to listen to. In contrast, the Pro was more balanced and laid back which made each song sound more at home in the mix.
Turntable Sound Differences
After listening to some songs using my vintage Pioneer PL-560 turntable, I was happy with how much better the sound quality was.
I listened to a lot of records when comparing the two Fosi amplifiers, but to keep it simple, I’ll just focus on two of them in this review.
The first album, The Rarity of Experience, by Chris Forsyth & the Solar Motel Band has a lot of great guitar playing throughout the album, and I found that the songs sounded really good on the original BT20A.
But once I switched to the Pro version, I noticed new things around the music such as extra reverb and different effects throughout the song, especially on Chris’ guitar playing, which were muted a bit in the original BT20A.
The next album I tested was the Acoustic Sounds reissue of Charles Mingus’ The Black Saint and the Sinner Lady. Track two on this album is called, “Duet Solo Dancers,” which has a lot of interesting horn interplay. It almost sounds like the different horns are trying to talk to each other.
The original BT20A, played the music fine, but the Pro model, with the updated TPA3255 chip, seemed to amplify these sounds, allowing me to hear so much more “texture” in the music.
Overall, the major sound difference between the two amps was more detail in the music, provided by the BTA20A Pro.
Should You Upgrade to the Fosi Audio BT20A Pro?
If you already own the original BTA20, you might be curious if you should upgrade to the new model. I would only suggest doing so if the below items are important to you…
First, you get three times the power with the BT20A Pro (provided you have the correct power supply). Also, if you want the ability to change out op amp chips, then you should definitely get the Pro. Lastly, you can use the Pro as a preamp or with a subwoofer if you need to.
Should You Buy the original BT20A or the Fosi Audio BT20A Pro?
If you are shopping for an amplifier and trying to decide between the two units, I would suggest upgrading to the BT20A Pro, for a lot of the added features mentioned above.
Also, even though the sound difference isn’t night and day, I did prefer the easy to listen to nature of the BT20A Pro versus the original model which, at times, could get a little fatiguing.
If you would like to also view my YouTube video comparing the two units, you can watch it below:
Purchase the Fosi Audio BT20A Pro via this Amazon affiliate link.
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