Has anyone received their fosgate FAP-T1+ from woot? Any answers to all the pending questions? Pics of packaging? Inital thoughts? Internal pics to compare to outlaw?

I was just going to ask the same question. I can't wait to find out. I went back and forth two weeks ago between theParasound 7100,ADCOM GTP880 and the FAP T-1+ and ended up with the Parasound. I am interested in what people thing of the FAP T-1+ though. J.H.

Mine is in transit, expected to be here on wednesday but probably will not be able to do anything with it except plug it in to verify that it power's up due to my theatre is in the "build" process and I am also going away for a few days on vaca. Hope others are getting there's soon too.

I hope someone responds. I'm curious to hear impressions of it. J.H.

I ordered mine on Thursday from Woot and it showed up Friday afternoon via Fedex. It was double boxed and arrived in perfect condition. I was replacing a Sherwood Newcastle AVP9080 pre/pro, but I run my front L-R out through my Air Tight tube pre-amp to handle my two channel sources, so I have a pretty good reference to compare two channel sound against. I bought the Fosgate of course due to the great price, but was looking for transcoding to composite (one video cable out), mutiple crossovers, multichannel bass mgmt. Set-up was pretty straight forward. I am quite please so far with the performance.
Enjoying Neo6 and PLII-K for music sources. I find from a musical perspective the unit does not seem to have any strong character or fingerprint it lays on top of the music. Pretty transparent. I am withholding final judgment as I am fully aware that most audio components take a while to fully break in. Oh and the front LCD is cool or at least everyone who has seen it think so.

I too will be receiving mine on Wednesday...im currently using an Acurus ACT 3 as my pre. Im anxious to see how the FAP-T1+ handles two channel music via its internal dacs. The Acurus sounds very good. Im also looking forward to listening to my Marantz DV8300 via the analog bypass...A full report will follow.

Regards,
Ricky

Good lets us know I can't wait to know what this thing sounds like just because of the price. J.H.

i get 2 today. I already resold one, that gets shipped out tonight. The other will get connected to my system this weekend, since I don't have time to resetup everything until friday...

Can anyone recommend a good 7 channel amp (or multiple units to achieve 7 channels) to pair up with the FAP-T1+. Looking to stay in the $1600 - $1800 range (or lower). Speakers will be Paradigm Studio 100's. Thanks.

Can anyone recommend a good 7 channel amp (or multiple units to achieve 7 channels) to pair up with the FAP-T1+. Looking to stay in the $1600 - $1800 range (or lower). Speakers will be Paradigm Studio 100's. Thanks.

Yes - the Sherwood Newcastle A-965 is a winner, and streets for about $1k. I have this 7 ch amp and it holds up surprisingly well compared to my reference Innersound ESL.

Mine arrived toady. It looks great. It came double boxed and in perfect order.

I hooked it up to my 2 channel system in place of the PS Audio pre-amp (modded PCA-2 with external HCPS external power supply) and I have to say that I am impressed with the sound quality. It sounds comparable on 2-channel to my PS Audio stuff which cost $3500+ .

I understand that the old version of this pre-amp (the FAP-T1 -- without the "+") was similar to the Outlaw and Sherbourne units. One the main differences being the color LCD monitor (which is quite useful), the other differences, I understand are some differences in the specified components and the software. In virtually all respects the original FAP-T1 was superior to the similar Outlaw unit. The new FAP-T1+ is redisgned and improves on the orginal in many respects. The new FAP-T1+ is NOT the same as the Outlaw unit (even the connections on the rear are different) with significant upgrades that are evident in the sound quality and noise level, and with all the latest software processing.

Not only is it superior to the Outlaw, it is superior in features and specification to the $2400 Adcom GTP-880 preamplifier-processor, the $1700 Rotel RSP-1068, and many other preamp-processors selling for $2000 and up. If you were lucky to get one of these at the give-away price, you got a real deal. They would be clearly worth it at twice the price.

Is it me or does it sound like folks are treating this preamp as if it were a $800 component? Lets not forget that prior to the corporate descision to sell off the Fosgate Audionics division the FAP-T1+ was selling for around $2500 +/- . The retail was $3000+! As such, it should perform similar to other preamps in this price range...just my 2 cents.

Regards,
Ricky

I second pairing a Sherwood A-965 with the Fosgate.

You'll have the quality of a $5-7K system for under two grand.

Well, I got mine tonight... FedEx came right at 8:00pm (as I was giving up hope that it would make it's scheduled delivery)...
Only got a chance to play with it a little bit. From what I can tell the SQ on the unit is really good...

One issue that I have is that it seems that my unit was taken out of the box (original tape was cut and a single newer piece you can tell was put back on). Has anyone else received their units like this???

A little more important thing is that the cross hair buttons that are used to navigate through the menu system seem to be not too sensitive. Also, when I hit the monitor button to turn off the LCD screen, usually the first time I hit it the screen turns off then back on right away. Then the second hit pressing it I am able to get it to turn off.... Really like that button is too sensitive.

Currently I have it hooked up to my old receiver's amp section (lucky that the receiver had RCA jumpers that allowed the receiver to act like a Pre/Pro...
I can tell that the FAP-T1+ is a huge improvement over the old Kenwood....
Still have to try inputting a video source to the unit and it's LCD screen.

Now I need to get my amp from AV123 which will probably be 2 to 3 months before it comes in :( ...

Yes, mine also had new tape on the internal box for the preamp. I think that Woot opened them to paste a single little sticker in the back of the manual, a notice about the one-year-only warranty from Fosgate that covered the previous five-year-warranty text.

Everything inside that box was in pristine condition from the unit, itself, to the boxed remote, right down to the nasty little wire and RF connector antenna (about the 5th or 6th of those damned useless things I have sitting around here.)

FWIW, this replaces an Outlaw 950 and I can tell you this chassis is clearly NOT based on the Outlaw. The sound profile is quite different, too, but I only received it today and had time for VERY brief listening after a quick install and calibration. In general, less pushy on the high end than the Outlaw and an overall mellower timbre.

In surround modes, more expansive and solid soundstaging. In stereo, a generally deeper soundstage but, again, not lacking in detail. Listening to a solo piano on the DirecTV classical music service (this was a VERY non-critical listening/sampling session) I was struck that the piano sound had more timbral variety than I'm used to hearing from the Outlaw 950.

Mine arrived last night - double boxed, everything inside plainly new. Inside box was retaped, presumably to change the warranty statement in the manual.

I'm replacing a Marantz AV9000, which is a fine unit, but some of it's idiosyncrasies were starting to annoy me. Sound quality of the Fosgate so far seems excellent, although it does seem a bit 'brighter' on first impression than the Marantz. Amplification is a stack of LINN LK240s (driving LINN speakers).

The only oddity I've seen so far is a tendency for only the audio to switch (not the video) when switching between video sources with the onboard LCD turned off. very odd. The onboard LCD is a huge boon for us CRT projector users - now I can tweak the unit without having to either fire up my projector or hook up another external display.

when I hit the monitor button to turn off the LCD screen, usually the first time I hit it the screen turns off then back on right away. Then the second hit pressing it I am able to get it to turn off.... Really like that button is too sensitive.

Regarding the monitor button.. You do realize it's not just on/off right? I had to dig in the manual to figure this out, but it's actually cycling between the current source, the zone 2 source, and the security input (and then off), so if you're watching the current source you actually have to hit it three times to turn it off (holding it may also work, I forget).

Regarding the LCD Display, has anyone been successful getting it to display via component if the source is anything other than 480i? When I hook my HD Tivo via component, the display is blank unless I switch the output to 480i on the Tivo. It's doubtful than any of my component inputs will be 480i, so I was hoping it would work on 720p or 1080i.

Regarding the LCD Display, has anyone been successful getting it to display via component if the source is anything other than 480i? When I hook my HD Tivo via component, the display is blank unless I switch the output to 480i on the Tivo. It's doubtful than any of my component inputs will be 480i, so I was hoping it would work on 720p or 1080i.

I read somewhere that the display supports only 480i on component. This makes sense, since the device also cannot overlay text on anything but 480i, so you wouldn't be able to see any menus. You'll need to bump the tivo down to 480i long enough to see it on the display, since the Tivo also (annoyingly) blanks out the svideo and composite outputs when in hi-def.

D

Regarding the monitor button, I was figuring that might be the case as it was consistantly doing that...

What about the cross hair buttons that are used to navigate the menu system... Is it just my unit where it seems like they are not too sensitive, meaning that sometimes it requires pushing the button a couple of times for the unit to take action.

I haven't noticed a problem, but I didn't use them much. I'll watch for it.

Hi All,
Received my FAP T1+ tonight and like others have noticed its been opened probably, as Boblinds has already mentioned, to change the 5-yr warranty moniker with the new 1-yr warranty sticker...otherwise everything was pristine. I had enough time to wire in my Marantz DV8300 universal dvd player and sample some 2-channel audio using the internal dacs of the FAP. Compared to my Acurus ACT3 preamp the overall sound was laid back...definitely in the upper frequencies. Bass extension is as good and as tight. Mids about the same. The soundstage is about as wide with vocals dead between my speakers (NHT 2.5i), btw, I was listening to Nils and Manhattan Transfer. Overall, im pleased with the sound.

My dvd player can simultaneously drive all video outputs so I hooked up composite to the FAP and progressive component to my dlp fp. I didnt have an s-vid cable handy or a second set of component to test the video passthrough/switching on the preamp. Although, we only watch movies on the fp so its not an issue. However, we may at some point wire in an HD ota receiver. Pretty funky watching the opening scene of Star Wars simultaneously on the 7" lcd AND 108" dlp fp! Very cool...:)) Any changes like volume +/- brings up the osd overlay on the the 7" lcd...nice!

Ive got tomorrow off so im gonna be spending some quality time properly setting everything up and really put it through its paces with dts5.1, dd5.1, dvd-a, sacd and plII. More to come...but bottom line so far im very pleased that I got this incredible deal!

Regards,
Ricky

ps I didnt notice any stickiness in the navigation buttons on the unit...only had to press once to either select or highlight selections.

I had a chance to do some critical listening today with my vinyl system and some VERY familiar recordings.

I'm very impressed with the two-channel performance in Bypass. Lots of nice detail, particularly in reproducing timbral subtleties. You're gonna hear the delicate little overtones, for instance, in cymbals and bells. A practiced percussion ear, for instance, may be able to tell the different between Paiste and Zildjian with this preamp.

Imaging is expansive but precise. That timbral reproduction gives instruments a fullness and reality superior to my Outlaw 950. I actually found myself hearing new refinements in a couple recordings that I've known intimately for 30 years. That's saying something.

The high end isn't aggressive, as rchcah notes, but on two-channel it isn't lacking when needed. Listening to a jazz vocal, the voice was very forward and mellow, but the brass section really cut through when required.

I'm a bit less thrilled at this point with the surround performance. In Dolby modes -- particularly DPLIIx, the highs seem rolled off when reproducing Dolby Digital 5.1 and the dialogue (in the DirecTV Dolby tracks of "Darkness" and "Exorcist:The Beginning") was simply not as distinct as with my Outlaw. I also have a vague sense of dynamic compression going on in that center channel. It may be the case that I can adjust delays and fine-tune performance for my listening room; but this is an issue.

In other ways,however, the surround performance is very good: BIG but not flabby bass, solid surround imaging. The surround modes are numerous and complex, a bit hard to understand, actually, since there seems to be some interaction between the PLIIx music mode settings and some of the cinema modes. (I need to re-read the manual to check the truth of this.) This system will take some time to suss out as a home theater preamp.

Prompted by a private message from another forum participant, I verified his discovery that there may be a software anomaly in the system. Unless we're missing something in the interface, it appears that the preamp doesn't save the default settings for audio-only inputs like Tuner and CD, even though those settings are available in the interface. I have a query in to Fosgate regarding this.

Bob

Upon inspection, my remote seems to be missing. Any idea who to contact? Fosgate or Woot?

I would call Woot first...

regards,
Ricky

Is it me or does it sound like folks are treating this preamp as if it were a $800 component? Lets not forget that prior to the corporate descision to sell off the Fosgate Audionics division the FAP-T1+ was selling for around $2500 +/- . The retail was $3000+! As such, it should perform similar to other preamps in this price range...just my 2 cents.

Regards,
Ricky
Actually, I don't think they were 'selling' too many of them at that price or they wouldn't have wooted them for $800.

I took a look this morning at the four that are on eBay and one of them that was above $1,000 had two bid retractions and is now at $960. Two others were languishing a few dollars above the original $800 and I forget where the fourth was at.

A couple of you guys who are trying to pump up the excitement to pump up your eBay profits are not doing so well. I think it is a very solid component and I am happy I bought it for $805 but also happy I didn't buy two or three. This is definitely not like flipping Rolling Stones or USC-Notre Dame tickets.

Hi All,
I sound calibrated my system w/sound pressure meter and slapped in Dire Strait's Brothers in Arms dvd-a...OMG!!! What a fabulous sounding high resolution surround sound! Im at a loss for words right now...I'll get back to guys shortly...

Hi All,
slapped in Dire Strait's Brothers in Arms dvd-a...OMG!!! What a fabulous sounding high resolution surround sound! Im at a loss for words right now...I'll get back to guys shortly...
That Dire Strait's Brothers in Arms dvd-a and the SACD will sound fabulous in most systems, it is a top-notch mix & recording. ;)

Here are some of my thoughts on this preamp so far:

Setup:
Fosgate FAPT 1+
Optoma H27 fp
NHT 2.5i (mains)
NHT SC2 (center)
NHT SB3 (surrounds)
B&W ASW 650 (sub)
Acurus A200 (2x200wpc to mains)
Rotel RMB-1066 (bridged 3x150wpc to rears and center)
Marantz DV8300 Universal player (dvd, dvd-a, sacd, cd)
Monster HT5300 (?) surge protector
Blue Jeans video and audio interconnects
Transparent PDL-1 digital cable
Monster THX 12-gauge speaker cables (shotgun run for mains)

The Fosgate replaced my Acurus ACT3 preamp.

Setup/Use
Im not using any video switching since this rig is only setup for movies and music. Im using conponent from the dvd player to the fp and a composite from the dvd player to the Fosgate. Very simply plugged it in and the osd worked great as well as the image from the dvd player. The first thing I did was assign the audio input from the dvd player to coaxial1. I also have 5.1 channel audio analog input from the dvd player to the preamp. Next, I setup the bass management to my speakers as follows: front-large, center-small, rears-small, sw-on. I set lf cutoff at 60hz. I purchased a sound level meter from Fry's and setup my speaker levels and placements. I used the remote for all of my selections and am very pleased with the way the keys are laid out. Selections were instantaneous with no delay or second tries on the key pads. Now off to the listening auditions.

Listening
Im a big fan of 2-channel music and my Acurus ACT3 was very musical in this mode. First in some Acoustic Alchemy. The acoustic guitar sounded very clean, detailed but not too bright. You can hear the musician's fingers working the nylons. Midrange was good...not as full sounding as the Acurus but nice none-the-less. Bass was tight and well defined, not loose. Again, compared to my Acurus it didn't sound as "in your face". Overall sound stage is as wide as the Acurus with focus dead between the main speakers. Overall a very nice sounding preamp in 2-channel mode.

Next, I used the osd to navigate the processing to PLII-M. In a word..."nice". This is my first experience in PLII and I must say it sounded very good. My Acurus had a few surround dsp modes for cd but none were to my satisfaction...too much echo effects that detracted from the music. The Fosgate PLII-M mode sounded very natural with no over emphasis of music from the surround channels...just enough to give you the feeling of being in the middle of the music.
Vocals were very natural in all modes...Basia sounded very nice and smooth...no scratching of her voice. Now onto some sacd and dvd-a sources.

This is where the Fosgate rocks! I tossed in my Keb Mo 2-channel sacd and was blown away. The laid back bass I had experienced above was no longer there...it was "IN YOUR FACE"! Instruments were so crisp and clear again without sounding too bright. Soundstage was a bit wider and focus was still very good. Nice! Next up Dire Strait's Brothers in Arms dvd-a multichannel. Again, I was floored by the sound...this time in surround!

Movies in dts and dd were very good. Im not an overly critical listener when it comes to movie surround tracks. The Fosgate sounded the equal to my older Acurus. Note: The Fosgate automatically picked out the correct processing mode when movies started.

Overall, im very happy with the FAPT1+...its gonna be staying in my rack for awhile. Its definitely worth the $805 payed. Is it worth $1500??? I'd say yes because it offers as much in and in some cases more (7" lcd) than what the other companies are offering. Is it worth more??? Probably not...there's no future upgrade path and maybe after the one warranty is used up no place to repair the unit if it fails.

Best Regards,
Ricky

Prompted by a private message from another forum participant, I verified his discovery that there may be a software anomaly in the system. Unless we're missing something in the interface, it appears that the preamp doesn't save the default settings for audio-only inputs like Tuner and CD, even though those settings are available in the interface. I have a query in to Fosgate regarding this.

Bob

Any word on this yet???

I am trying to determine if I have a problem with my FAP-T1+. My system is currently the fosgate pre amp connected to a Lexicon LX-7 which is biwired to drive my Revel Studios. My previous pre-amp was a two channel Bryston. I notice that I really have to crank the volume up to get to a reasonable sound level for listening (~-20dB). This seems really high considering I am putting 400W per channel into my speakers.
I also that when I switch to the tuner mode the volume is about 10dB louder than any of my external inputs.

Has anyone noticed a similiar issue with their unit, or is mine messed up?

Ok, I talked to Fosgate regarding the issue of the pre amp not saving the surround sound setting. They stated that they know of the issue and said that that's the way it is. They are not going to offer a software fix for it. (Or probably anything else). :mad:

I wonder since they are abandoning this thing, if they would be willing to make available the pre amp software code so it would be possible to get someone versed in the coding to offer fixes.

I got in on the woot deal, but I haven't been able to use it much (have to wait another week until I move into my new place), the only thing I've done is check to make sure it isn't DOA.

I'm a little confused about the problem people are encountering with the audio-only inputs; is it failing to save settings, or what? From the way I understand it, the firmware won't save any settings for audio-only inputs (cross-over points, preferred inpt jack, surround mode, etc); if that's the case (and I hope it's not), that seems like a mega pain-in-the-a$$, and it'd make the pre-amp darn near unusable for me.

I'd have to agree nmuntean that is a royal pain if it doesn't save setting and really stupid thing to do on Fosgates part. No wonder they were giving these things away for free almost.One of the most important things about my Parasound 7100 is the setting are saved. By the way the Parasound 7100 sounds incredible. J.H.

I'll have to check mine. Settings are saved using the dvd input. Also, someone was having problems getting the Fosgate preamp to automatically switch processing modes when either dts or dd was present. I can say that mine has had no problems.

alright, so, rather than sitting around and freaking out, i decided to get all proactive and fish the sucker out of my closet and plug it in.

here's what I found (caveat: this is just the way it is on my unit, and I tested it without having any other devices -- cd player, speakers, etc -- actually plugged into it). basically, the audio channels will remember everything (treble/bass levels, type of input, and gain level), but they won't remember the surround mode you want. On my unit, it was reverting to Dolby PLx2 Cinema every time I turned it on. Not a huge deal, IMO, as all I have to do is hit "surround mode" a couple of times on the remote, and I'm done. (if i recall correctly, my old marantz 7300 was also unwilling, or unable, to remember which surround mode went with what input).

the video units seemed to remember everything, and fortunately, the processing on the 7.1 inputs (which I'll use the most) is controlled via a hard switch on the back of the unit, so I can't imagine that will be an issue (hope I didn't just jinx myself).

before checking my unit out for myself, i was worried that the FAP-T1+ forgot EVERYTHING about the audio inputs (input, gain level, etc), but that doesn't seem to be the case.

Gah, now if I could only USE all the equipment I've bought, instead of letting it collect dust in my closet. (Fosgate FAP-T1+, Anthem PVA 7, Infocus SP 4805, PSB Image T55 fronts, PSB Image C60 center, PSB Image B25 surrounds, REL Strata III sub, SACDmods-modded Sony CE775 SACD player, Cambridge Audio Azur 540D DVD-A player, Audioquest Type 4 speaker cable, Analysis Plus Super Sub Interconnect, Bluejeanscable interconnects, Exodus JR power filter, and Asylum PCs all around). GARHHH!

Watch out for late-in-the-day tech support guys at Fosgate.

I talked to them earlier this afternoon and got a very thoughtful tech guy who sent me back to my system for a couple more tests regarding some surround sound performance. I spent a couple hours checking various things with a variety of source material.

When I called back after 4pm PST, that tech guy was gone and I got a guy named Steve who answered the phone as Rockford/Fosgate (the auto sound division). It was a real Three Stooges experience -- two to three guys all chatting among themselves -- during which it became clear that these guys knew nothing -- NOTHING -- about DPLIIx. They kept telling me that I needed 5.1 input or DVD-A input -- not 2-channel input -- to get surround sound out of DPLIIx.

It was both a frustrating and infuriating experience and whoever runs CS at Fosgate should be ashamed to have people manning the phones who know so little about their HT product.

In related news...

The first guys I spoke to confirmed what a previous poster has indicated: The no-saving-surround-mode issue is a problem with the ROM and they're not going to fix it.

Also, in the composite and svideo content I switch through the T1+ I have a faint grid of thin lines (variations in luminance, actually) running through the picture. Has anyone else experienced this? What it looks like is what happens when the dot clock is maladjusted on my front projector.

Regarding saving the surround mode, I have noticed that it will save the video settings...

BUT if you select the video input via the input buttons on the receiver, the surround sound mode gets reset...

Can someone else test this???

I have spent the last several days configuring my FAPT1+. I think I've got the same audio problem.

During setup, I can program all the setting. Everything holds except the surround mode. It resets - usually after I switch between input devices - to a default of PLIIx-c. It doesn't matter whether I switch devices on the chassis or the remote - I always get the PLIIx-c setting when I go back to the original device.

I'm annoyed but not totally bummed about this - the WOOT price was superb.

This is my first experience with a learning remote. Shouldn''t it be possible to write a MX-500 macro to set the correct surround setting for a device when picking the device off the FAPT1 sub-menu? Can anyone give me some pointers on how to do that?

Everything else works fine. I replaced a Krell HTS with this and think it has comparable audio and better video.

I just did some research on the MX-500. It's actually pretty easy to program a macro associated with each input devlce. I just configure my AM/FM tuner to come up in stereo.

You can go to the FAPT1+ setup menus, which is about 15 keystrokes - mostly <enter>, <menu>, <up> and <right>. You can also go to the second FAPT1 menu and pick the "bypass" option.

The only annoying part is that it takes the FAPT1 about 5 seconds to step through the macro. It also displays on your TV if you've got OSD enabled. I'm going to disable OSD - I can live with programming through the FAPT1 monitor.

On an unrelated topic has anyone used the security monitor input yet? I could put a camera in my bedroom and set up a record macro? Weird stuff here.

Me again. I've talked to a few other people and think I know what is happening. The audio problem only seems to affect analog inputs. If you use optical or coax digital inputs the "stereo" setting works fine. Analog always reverts to PLIIx-c.

I found a better macro to resolve the problem. From the T1+ menu on the MX-500, link the macro <page><bypass><page><page> to the analog device button. This selects the device, flips to the second page where the bypass key is, selects bypass and takes you back to the T1+ main menu. The macro takes about 2 seconds to execute.

This isn't a big deal for me. I prefer to do digital decoding in the preamp - I think the decoders there are better than those in most of my gear. I only run analog out for a few devices that I want to listen to in Zone2, which only takes analog input.

Does anyone get "pop" sound from sub woofer when increase / decrease the volume? After using about an hour, whenever I increase/decrease my volume, I always got the pop sound from the subwoofer. Can anyone help?

I used mine all afternoon today and no popping sound. I'm using a non-amped SVS subwoofer with a Samson amp.

Unfortunately, it appears that my video interference grid is something in the T1+. I'll have to call Fosgate tomorrow. Sigh.

I have now spent a fair amount of time tweaking the settings and, I have to say, I'm finally quite pleased with the sound. I did discover something that some of you may want to try: Use DPLIIx-M mode while disabling your center speaker. That is, use the system with a phantom center channel. In my system, the front soundstage really comes to life that way, plus there is a 3-4dB increase in volume.

Anyone know to get the rs232 codes for this preamp?

I read in other thread someone got the RS232 codes directly from Fosgate after emailing them.

my email to support:

I own a FAP-T1+ and was curious about the software upgradability. It has become quite apparent that Fosgate will not be supporting any sort of software upgrade on these units down the road, so I was curious about upgrades for things like DTS-HD. I have been very pleased with my unit thus far, and would love to know that I can rely on it for many years to come. If Fosgate has no intentions of releasing an sort of update, would they consider releasing the code to the firmware as an opensource application. This would bring Fosgate great publicity for supporting the Opensource community, as well as allow owners the ability to fix what Fosgate decides no to fix.




It would be very cool to see fosgate do something like this, however I HIGHLY doubt they will

I am trying to determine if I have a problem with my FAP-T1+.
I notice that I really have to crank the volume up to get to a reasonable sound level for listening (~-20dB). This seems really high considering I am putting 400W per channel into my speakers.
I also that when I switch to the tuner mode the volume is about 10dB louder than any of my external inputs.

Has anyone noticed a similiar issue with their unit, or is mine messed up?
Hi steinway, welcome to the forum!

In my FAPT1Plus I ether noticed the tuner volume is about 10dB-12dB higher than all the other outputs, also the volume from analog inputs in Plus (on a verge of clipping) seems to be about 3-5dB lower than from digital inputs.
Anybody else can confirm that?
I used analog output from CD player with high output voltage. The Volume is about - 35dB at normal listening level. Try to change your analog source and check again.

Fosgate support emailed the codes to me. I have gotten most of them to work. Some don't seem to work right. I can't get the mute/unmute codes to work. The reciever doesn't respond. Power on/off works, as well as all of the inputs. The RS232 is nice, as it is 2 way, and also provides feedback when requested. I can't post the codes now, as they are on my home pc. One odd thing, was that there was not code for Vol+ or Vol-...however, one can set the volume to any specific level via one RS232 commnad. I 'm betting Vol+ and Vol- are availiable, but just not listed. If anyone figures them out, please let us know.

Thanks for input on the rs232 codes...ive emailed support today but have yet to hear back. If I cant get them from Fosgate any possibilities of posting them here at some later point?

Thanks Much!
Ricky

I received the Fosgate about a week after my Woot order and hooked it up that night. It worked "fine" for about 5 minutes and then completely died on me. No joke.

I was doing a comparison test. It is replacing a Lexicon MC-1 (am I crazy?). I was playing various scenes from movies on the MC-1 and then on the FAP T1+.

The second time I switched to the FAP, it just died and I couldn't turn it on anymore. I've since sent it to Fosgate and they are fixing/replacing it. :(

What I did notice (didn't get MUCH of a chance to compare sound yet) was that it wouldn't automatically select DD or DTS when input from my DVD player. This is probably because the unit was on its way out. I also noticed that using S-Video inputs/outputs (I was testing sound not video), the picture was TERRIBLE. Fuzzy, noisy and the colors were completely off. I'm hoping this was all because the unit was about to die. Anyone else have problems with the S-Video switching?

The sound (when compared to my Lexicon) was a bit brighter but not too much. In Dinosaur when we first meet the monkeys (lemurs?), there is a tiny bit of clipping when the son says something. I noticed the clipping only with the Fosgate, it was very pronounced. But then I hooked up my Lexicon and it was there, just not as obvious. I'm hoping that's because the Fosgate does a BETTER job of reproducing the sound (including the bugs in it). I need more time with the unit to test the sound. I hadn't yet calibrated it for my HT.

So my experience so far has sucked. :( My unit is in the shop being repaired, and I'll get it back with replacement parts. I hope it'll work a lot better this time around.

My setup:

Fosgate FAP T1+ (currently a Lexicon MC-1)
Marantz MA-500 monoblock amps x 7
Mirage M7Si fronts
Boston Acoustics VR-MX rears and sides
Definitive C1 center
Mirage FPS240 subwoofer

P.S. I'd also be VERY interested in getting the RS232 codes for this unit.

Forgive my ignorance, but what do you do with the RS-232 codes? I thought that was for firmware updating. Can you actually do something constructive with them?

jdurbin,

You're on the woot forum too :)

With RS232 codes, you can do anything you can do with the remote but hardwired from a computer. You can usually do more also... but I don't know what the capabilities of the Fosgate's RS232 input are. I'm curious though!

Back to the issue of the surround sound settings on the analog ports. I wrote Fostgate and got this reply:

David,

Unfortunately that is a known bug with the software. We do not have a fix for it, so if it is something you cannot use as is, you can return the unit for a refund. Sorry for the inconvience.

Rockford/Hafler Technical Support
(480) 967-3565

At least they're polite about it. I'm keeping mine - I just programmed around the problem with macros.

Looking at FAPT1 remote, I've realized Fosgate actually included MX-600 remote with FAPT1+ and not MX-500 as stated everywhere.
The MX-600 is more advanced device with RF capabilities just add receiver and flashers. WOW!

http://www.universalremote.com/products/

Not to be the nay-sayer, but...

Since the remote was OEM'ed for Fosgate, it is always possible that the RF capabilities aren't implemented in the unit, even though it does look like the MX-600 (the button layouts of the 500 & 600 are almost identical). It could be the 500 "guts" in the 600 "skin".

If some adventurous soul wants to spend the $40 to buy the MRF-100 base station just to test the theory....

It would be cool, though.

So does anyone have the RS232 codes and want to share? :)

This thread has been going on forever does anyone have a definitive answer on how this sounds? If it sounds good or not? Comparing it to other processors? Anyone? J.H.

JH:

I made some comments on the sound quality earlier in this thread.

After spending time tweaking (since my previous posts), I've become very satisfied with the sound. Using NHT speakers (2.5 & 1.5) and Aragon and Carver amps, I don't hear the edginess described by some. The sound is full and detailed but not pushy at the high end. Very solid and tight bass reproduction.

It excels in surround sound imaging. The soundfield is much more cohesive than my previous Outlaw 950 (which used Cirrus chips like the Fosgate, but an earlier generation of them).

I'm not thrilled with DPLIIx in music mode, unless I use a phantom center channel (not just setting the music mode center channel setting to 7 but actually disabling the center channel). With a phantom center, the sound is full and forward with nice but not overwhelming surround ambiance (I don't use Panorama mode). With a center channel activated, DPLIIx-M loses decibel output and generally shoves center channel content into the background. Not good, IMO.

I use Bypass mode for vinyl playback and the Fosgate sounds clean and faithful as a "straight wire with gain." To my surprise, I heard relatively small differences when running analog LPs though the D/A convertor in Stereo mode (at least less than in the Outlaw). That's a good thing.

FWIW, I spent a lot of time fiddling with the distance/delay settings and eventually settled on something that had more to do with my ears than with my tape measure. In my room, at least, the delay settings were really critical to achieving satisfying fundamental sound quality -- not just the surround imaging -- much more touchy than the Outlaw setup. (But I should add that my prejudice is that I think too much delay is usually applied to home theater setups which creates a wide-open but diffuse quality of sound. That was, to my ears, the result when I set the Fosgate strictly according to the tape-measured delays.)

In short, the FAP T1+ is a very high quality piece. It's too bad that it appears to be Fosgate/Audionics' swan song due to corporate repositioning.

First thank you for that definitive report on the sound. Second I don't understand this company at all. The guy Jim Fosgate is a surround sound genius and they are not going to make digital surrounds sound HT processors anymore? Does that make sense to anyone? I know hes getting mega rich with his deal with DOLBY and DPLII but I still wouldn't think he would want to get out of Digital processors all together. I just don't get it I guess. J.H.

JH:

Actually, from what little I've gathered reading online info, this isn't a decision that Fosgate is making. Rather the executive staff of the Rockford Corporation -- which acquired Fosgate Audionics in 2001 -- has decided to shift all the company resources to the their auto sound product line and away from the home theater products.

OK, here is my take on FAPT1+ stereo/bypass performance:


After the some break-in period (~25 hrs) I've inserted FAPT1+ in place of my tube preamp to do some critical listening.
I tried analog and digital outputs off tubed CD player using PLUS as analog/digital stereo preamp. Tested it in Bypass mode, DSP Stereo mode and using its internal DACs.

Most of my impressions are:
air, soundstage and imaging are equal or better than in my tube preamp. Very impressive!
Overall the sound it is very detailed with excellent resolution. However, I found Plus to be on a forward sounding side with somewhat hard leading edges and slightly pushed mid-highs. Bass is great with good definition and control.
Internal DACs in Plus are very close in sound quality and resolution to Burr Brown DAC in my CD player.

Surprisingly I liked sound going thru Plus DSP in Stereo mode more than in Bypass mode.
It has more air and dimension, soundstage is wider and deeper in Stereo mode than in analog Bypass. This is true and for the tuner section of FAPT1+.
In Bypass mode tuner sounds a little bit flat with lack of bass. In DSP Stereo the sound improves in bass department, but not enough to even match radio in my car. :)

Without adjustments Tuner sounds about 10dB louder than analog inputs on Plus and I suppose that's made on purpose. Some stations with weak signals need to be amplified more. There is a setting for analog gain for tuner in the Configurations menu, so everyone can adjust the level to match analog inputs of Plus or to their liking. I set analog CD input to -4dB to avoid clipping and tuner input to -6dB.

As a pure preamplifier FAPT1+ is about as good as any standalone SS preamp up to $1500 MSRP. Tubes are another matter. If you want tube sound Jim Fosgate has tubed FAPV1 for you at $13000. ;)

In stereo preamp category I do believe Fosgate Plus is one of the best sounding pre/pro under $6K. It's about equal in sound to Krell ($4K) which I think is the best in this category.

--

If I understand it ir remotes require line of sight operation while rf does not. If this is the case then my FAP T1+ remote has rf capabilities since im able to make changes to the volume and other settings w/out having line of sight. The preamp sits behind me.

If I understand it ir remotes require line of sight operation while rf does not. If this is the case then my FAP T1+ remote has rf capabilities since im able to make changes to the volume and other settings w/out having line of sight. The preamp sits behind me.
Theater Master remotes have very powerful IR beam. The IR beam reflects from the walls and furniture in your room and goes to pre/pro IR sensor. To operate as RF wireless remote MX-600 need RF receiver/repeater like MRF-100 base station or higher.

--

I am trying to determine if I have a problem with my FAP-T1+. My system is currently the fosgate pre amp connected to a Lexicon LX-7 which is biwired to drive my Revel Studios...
I notice that I really have to crank the volume up to get to a reasonable sound level for listening (~-20dB). This seems really high considering I am putting 400W per channel into my speakers.

Has anyone noticed a similiar issue with their unit, or is mine messed up?

Let's get this question answered...
I too have to crank the volume to around that for listening levels. I will admit that I have a weaker amp and I was thinking that that was the reason...

I have a Lexicon MC-1 as a pre-processor (my FAP-T1+ is in the shop), and Marantz MA-500 monoblocks and in order to watch TV shows, or movies, or listen to music, I set it to around -13db... So -20db is actually pretty good.

Let's get this question answered...
I too have to crank the volume to around that for listening levels. I will admit that I have a weaker amp and I was thinking that that was the reason...

Those are just numbers that have no universal meaning. On my FAPT1 (not plus) my normal listening level for movies and music is -15 to -20. If my GF's around, then it might be more like -25.

When I had my Citation 5.0 set up, it was more like -30.

What really matters is getting the thing calibrated correctly, and you use the SPL meter for that. I've got the $30 Radio Shack one, and it works just fine. You can use it to measure the actual sound in the room and determine which number is appropriate for normal listening, usually 75dB.

Once you find that your system outputs 75dB at -15, or -5, or -19 or whatever, you'll always know where to set your volume control to achieve that level. When you get a new pre/pro, or a new amp, or new speakers, do it all over again, because things will change. For example, with more efficient speakers you might find that you achieve 75dB at -20 whereas it was -14 with your old speakers.

Tubes are another matter. If you want tube sound Jim Fosgate has tubed FAPV1 for you at $13000.

Actually, according to a email I just received today. You can now get a new FAP-V1 for as low as $3000. And $10K off, is one hell of a big discount.
So it looks like Fosgate is "clearing out" on those also now.

Actually, according to a email I just received today. You can now get a new FAP-V1 for as low as $3000. And $10K off, is one hell of a big discount.
So it looks like Fosgate is "clearing out" on those also now.

Is this thru a dealer?
Are you a dealer Johnla?

Hope Woot will sell those also... :D

From FAPT1+ User Manual (page 25):

"You can adjust the main volume level from -80dB to +10dB.
0dB corresponds the approximate level you would hear in a properly calibrated movie theater."

Is this thru a dealer?
Are you a dealer Johnla?

Hope Woot will sell those also...

Yes it is through a legit dealer in California that has been in the business for 25 years. They just sent me a email about it a few hours ago.
And no, I am not a dealer or even in the AV business at all.

But I doubt you will see those sold through Woot.
Because it appears they were basically hand made, and pretty much to order only as needed. And so they never really had a real stockpile of them sitting around. So it looks like only few places that ordered them for stock, still have a few of them and are now discounting them. And it must have been only a very limited amount of dealers that did order them in advance just for stock.

Are you sure you're not a saleman Johnla? It seems quite a bit of info for a sales email. Mind telling us who this dealer is? I would like to inquire, maybe they could use some business.


...

Are you sure you're not a saleman Johnla? It seems quite a bit of info for a sales email. Mind telling us who this dealer is? I would like to inquire, maybe they could use some business.


First of all. I am NOT going to get in one of your childish pissing matchs with you, that you seem to love so much!

Second of all. I get sale emails like that all the time.

Third of all. Anyone that ever really looked up the FAP-V1, knows it was a VERY limited production product!

Fourth of all. I sure as hell would know better than anyone else here, and that even includes you! If I am in the A/V business or not, and I am definitely NOT!

And fifth. That dealer that is selling them, is also about 2000 miles away from me here in Chicago, so it sure as hell is not anyone that I would be working for even if I was in the A/V biz, which I am not.

And last but not least.
No posting of dealers is pretty much the rule around here. But I really doubt that you have any real interest at all about buying one anyway.

Ok! Chill out! Just inquiring... Seems like a good deal that should be shared.




...

Ok! Chill out! Just inquiring... Seems like a good deal that should be shared.

I doubt that you have any real interest in one.

Well why post and tell people that you can get a good deal then? That's not helping a bit. Anyway, never mind, their loss is somebody's gain.


Chill
...

I got that email to for the fap-V1 I never heard of the company. Its a tube preamp I guess. I don't get the email though are they selling them? Is it just like a regular preamp just a tube? I have heard of tube AMPs but not tube processors. Interesting though if its usually $13,000 it must be insane sound! J.H.

Well why post and tell people that you can get a good deal then? That's not helping a bit. Anyway, never mind, their loss is somebody's gain.


The why not, is because of YOU!

I got that email to for the fap-V1 I never heard of the company. Its a tube preamp I guess. I don't get the email though are they selling them? Is it just like a regular preamp just a tube? I have heard of tube AMPs but not tube processors. Interesting though if its usually $13,000 it must be insane sound! J.H.

Look here, it's more than just a regular preamp.

http://www.fosgateaudionics.com/newsreviews/2003_CEDIA_FAPV1.asp

http://www.fosgateaudionics.com/products/FAP-V1.asp

http://www.fosgateaudionics.com/products/images/FAP_V1_closeup.jpg

And for anyone that's really looking for them at the $3K range, just look on audiogon. Because they are now showing up there also.

Thanks for the info Johnla. I saw them on Audiogon but never thought of a dealer at that price.

I've downloaded the user manual for FAPV1 and it looks like there is no DD/DTS processor inside.
Basically this is a multichannel tube preamplifier combined with PLII in analog domain. It's more like ARC MP1 and McCormack MAP1 units with surround sound processing. It's good for managing analog outputs of CD/ DVD-A/ SACD players

The User Manual is the piece of art by itself with personal guidance to multichannel audio by Jim Fosgate.

Well, they responded...

As you said in your email Rockford will not be doing any upgrades for the FAPT1+. This unit was developed by a third party and we do not have the availabilty to write code for this unit. I also asked our engineers about open source code and that is also not available from us as we did not develop it.

Sorry we could not be of more help.

Chris Nelson
Rockford Corporation
Sales Support

Okay, so Fosgate Audionics is going away again. I wonder if anyone will pick it up. It seems to find a way back each time it disappears.

It's a shame that Jim Fosgate's pioneering work never had a stalwart brand name that got broad penetration into the market.

Of course, his ideas are everywhere, but somehow the FA name never prospered like the (Rockford) Fosgate car audio gear did (and does).

At some point, I'll ty to post some of my impressions on how the FAP T1+ improved on the original FAP T1. However, I'm in the initial listening phase now, so that'll need to wait a little longer.

There are many nice improvements, however, and I can only imagine how wonderful the product might have been had it been through a couple more production runs and a couple of software fixes. But, it appears it will be what it is, and for a $1000 or less, it's the deal of the year on PLIIx pre/pros. Even if you pay $1200-1500, it's a terrific deal.

I'm enjoying mine, for which I paid less than half of what I paid for my heavily discounted FAP T1 a couple of years a go. It's a decidedly better performer, and I'm glad I got the chance to grab one while I could.

So long Fosgate Audionics. I hope to see you again soon. :)

I just noticed that on my FAP T1+ remote control, that the PLIIx button does not work. I know it used to work and would switch between (what is it) 3 versions of PLIIx (it never did all the surround sound modes). I am pretty sure I did not de-program something. Just in case if I did, how do I reset the remote?

Also, does your remote cycle through all the surround sound modes, or just the PLIIx ones?

Mine only cycles through the modes that are operative for the current input signal. So, for instance, if the signal is not Dolby Digital, then the preamp won't include any of the DD modes when cycling through.

If, in fact, you're not seeing all the appropriate surround modes, I don't think it has anything to do with the remote. (If it's cycling between ANY modes, it's working.) The surround modes reside ENTIRELY in the preamp and, as a result, you may need to reset your FAP T1+ using the recessed button on the rear panel. (But I would do a little more exploration and, then, contact Fosgate support before taking that step.)

Could you have disabled your back surround speakers? It's possible that DPLIIx will not come up unless you have the system configured for side surrounds and back surround speakers.

Sorry. Am back from travelling. Will post the rs-232 codes today. Andrew

Okay, so Fosgate Audionics is going away again. I wonder if anyone will pick it up. It seems to find a way back each time it disappears.

It's a shame that Jim Fosgate's pioneering work never had a stalwart brand name that got broad penetration into the market.

Of course, his ideas are everywhere, but somehow the FA name never prospered like the (Rockford) Fosgate car audio gear did (and does).

So long Fosgate Audionics. I hope to see you again soon. :)

But let's be honest, there doesn't seem to have been a lot of evidence that Jim Fosgate had anything to do with the design of the T1 or the amp (V1 is a different story obviously). The T1 was outsourced with some amount of tweaking by FA. T1+ was also outsourced but it's unknown what participation FA had in the design. The amp was different I think (wasn't it some well known amp designer that did that?). But, from what I could gather, those 2 FA products had little to do with JF other than to slap the name Fosgate on them.

At this point I would have to think that this was a lot of JF's choice. Maybe he doesn't want to be in the business of designing HT preamps anymore? I mean, a LOT of us would have taken a closer look at the line if it was known that at least the analog section was a homegrown Fosgate design.

But this all could be JF's commentary on the state of the current surround sound market. He developed PLII and now that it is a software implementation, many processors can use it with acceptable results. You are less dependent on the hardware. Just a thought.

This isn't to knock the FA line BTW, they have gotten some great feedback. I just never percieved them as having much to do with JF. Maybe I'm wrong in that reagard but I'm been keeping up with these products since they were released and haven't seen anything to suggest otherwise.

Hi guys,

I have the RS232 codes, and tried to post the links but the system isn't letting me -- I'm a newbie here. I'll post another couple messages until I've got a total of 5. I hope the moderators don't hate me.

Hi guys,

Fosgate sent me the RS232 codes as well. They came in two PDFs. I have put them on my server. Here are the links:

RS232 Manual (http://www.robertcotran.com/files/FAPT1plus_RS232.pdf)
RS232 Volume codes (http://www.robertcotran.com/files/FAPT1plus_RS232_volume.pdf)

Enjoy!

Robert

Thanks, Robert. A nice T-day gift for us fellow Fosgaters.

Happy Thanksgiving,
Bob

Last night while I was calibrating the PreAmp, I turned the input to a non used input (video 3).
Turned the volume to 0 db to match the speakers using the test tones on the receiver, I could faintly hear the radio on the speakers. At least when I was not using the test tones.
What might this be??? Am I getting cross talk between the inputs?

Thanks.

Just curious...who is Woot? I wondered where the FAP T1+ is available at this point, if at all? Anyone know how many of the units that Woot had for sale, and where he may have gotten them??

I checked EBAY and there are none for sale at this point.

Thanks!

woot is a website that offers one product (usally a very good deal) per day. If an item doesn't sell out, it may be offered again on another day. The FAP-T1+ did sell out....but they may have it back as it seemed to be a big hit . If I remember right, there were 250 of them sold.

Found It..... Thanks!

Just curious...who is Woot?

It's woot.com, basically they are liquidators. The likely bid on purchasing case lots or pallets of buyout products from various places, and then resell them singly. So everyday they may have something new and different to sell, and often what they do have, maybe is also all that they will ever get of that certain product.

Thanks again indeed....

I suspect you are correct, that the buyout of the +'s was just that...and that there are not likely to be any more in the hopper....

I finally received my replacement FAP-T1+. This one works! And the sound is AMAZING. It is replacing a Lexicon MC-1 which was already awesome, but I really think the soundstage is bigger with the Fosgate. I haven't watched or listened to much yet, but I'm really enjoying it. In a couple days, my Lexicon will hit eBay. :)

Congrats on getting it back! Is this a replacement or they fixed the original one?
How is the sound compared to Lexicon, do you find it on bright/forward or warm/laidback side?

Have you checked analog inputs default settings?
It's strange, but my Plus now defaults to "Stereo" not to DPL2x on analog CD input... Actually, I did reset the processor two times and after that it remembers "Stereo" setting.

On the sound side... I hear some improvements in the sound after ~ 50+ hours of playing time.
Past weekend I did the A-B-C listening test of FAPT1+ internal D/A converters on Red Book CD performance. I used my tubed Vincent CD-6 player as a digital transport, Burr Brown converters in CD player and standalone Number Cruncher 205.2 DAC from my other room audio setup.
Will report on this later.

Thankfully, they replaced the unit with a brand new one. I would have been upset to have my brand new unit repaired. Who knows if there would have been ripple effects from the repairs.

To be honest, I've only watched two movies on the unit so far. That and played a stereo PS2 game on it. I found it to be on the fright/forward side, not warm side. For example, in one movie "Dinosaur", a tiny clipped part of the soundtrack (a bug in the original soundtrack) is more pronounced with the Fosgate. The 2-channel Pro Logic PS2 game sounds MUCH better in Pro Logic IIx. The Lexicon only had Pro Logic or LOGIC7, the Lexicon proprietary 2-channel surround effect.

Overall, I'm very impressed. Not being able to see the component feeds on the screen is VERY annoying though. Will the Fosgate display the feed if it is simultaneously fed in through SVIDEO? Will it smartly display the SVIDEO on the LCD screen, but feed component through the monitor out?

If you are talking about this, Plus is able to feed simultaneously two screens - its own LCD and outside screen. Only one video input at the time can be assigned to one source.

Give it some time to break-in. Hi-quality components used need at least 48 hrs to settle-in. I noticed significant part of digital glare gone after about 40+ hrs of playing time and it continues to improve.

Thanks again indeed....

I suspect you are correct, that the buyout of the +'s was just that...and that there are not likely to be any more in the hopper....
Go to wootswap.com because there was one wooter who decided to get rid of his after doing a test for a few days. I was also thinking of doing that but I managed to get a Rotel amp from eBay.

There were a dozen or sold on eBay for about $1,000 - $1,100 new when they were first wooted. That's a decent markup for an $800 purchase. The wootswap one, if still available, should be less than $1,000.

So I have had my FAPT1+ for the past week or so, but I am having a strange problem when listening to CDs using Stereo Mode. Stereo mode seems to turn off my sub. Is there a setting I am missing or do I need to use a different surround mode?

My Setup:

Pre-Amp: FAPT1+
Amp: FAA1000.5
DVD: Sony DVP-S7700
Front Speakers: B&W 603s3
Center Speaker: B&W LCR600
Surround Speakers: B&W DS6
Sub: B&W AS650

This is as it should be.
The Stereo is 2.0 by default if you use the Analog input of Fosgate. If your feed is digital it may be 2.0 or 2.1 depending of soundtrack encoding.

Choose 5.1 Stereo mode and set center and surround speakers to 'none' in Config menu if your want the sub enabled. A wish they include 2.1 Stereo mode as well.

Gavrilych,

Thanks for the information! My old Marantz SR-880 always used the sub unless I turned it off...I was just expecting this unit to work similarly to that. Regards, I am very happy with the performance of this unit, the sound is incredible! Now I just need to really finalize my settings and get things perfect. Thanks for the input.

Donald,

This is all true if your main speakers are set to 'large' in Speaker Config menu (your B&W 603 are the LARGE speakers) and that's bypassing bass management.

You may try to set front speakers to 'small' and its xover to 40Hz and see if Plus will turn the subwoofer output 'On' in Stereo mode.

When I was calibrating the PreAmp, I turned the input to a non used input (video 3). as recommended by the manual.
As I turned the volume to 0 db to use a SPL meter to match the speakers using the test tones on the receiver, I could faintly hear the radio being played on the speakers. At least when the test tones were not active.
What might this be??? Am I getting cross talk between the inputs?

Thanks.

Naimbeg,

Probably not crosstalk, rather the combination of wire and electronics in your system may be receiving the radio directly. This happens sometimes. Are you close to a transmitter? You may be getting spurious RF interference.

Has anyone used the SVIDEO inputs on the Fosgate? I am using one for my PS2, and honestly the quality isn't fantastic. I'm up-sampling to component. A direct svideo-svideo link to the TV is much better. Does anyone have any input with regards to this?

Has anyone used the SVIDEO inputs on the Fosgate? I am using one for my PS2, and honestly the quality isn't fantastic. I'm up-sampling to component. A direct svideo-svideo link to the TV is much better. Does anyone have any input with regards to this?
Are you using a HDTV? The TV probably has better scaler than the Fosgate.

The Fosgate has no scaler in it. Video conversion/transcoding is not the same thing as scaling, and it will also not do anything to improve picture quality.

Go to wootswap.com because there was one wooter who decided to get rid of his after doing a test for a few days. I was also thinking of doing that but I managed to get a Rotel amp from eBay.

There were a dozen or sold on eBay for about $1,000 - $1,100 new when they were first wooted. That's a decent markup for an $800 purchase. The wootswap one, if still available, should be less than $1,000.


Thanks for the info. I was just curious what happened to the FAP T1+'s at this point, and whether the company is dumping any others on the market.

I've spoken to Fosgate and I'm ONCE AGAIN getting my unit exchanged. I'm having three problems with my unit and I just won't tolerate them. So I'm shipping it out tomorrow and should get a new one by the end of next week I hope. We'll see... ARGH!!

The S-Video up-sampling to Component should be crisp and it isn't. I have other problems as well, but they are not normal, so Fosgate is replacing it for me.

what problems are you having. I guess I need to hook mine up and check it out. Thanks - Andrew

Here is what I wrote to Fosgate with a description of the problems I'm having:

1) When the unit is first turned on, the video screen shows nothing but noise. It's like tuning an old television to a TV station that doesn't exist. It's white noise. The on-screen display TRIES to display on top of the noise but it too is noisy and unreadable. This continues for a few minutes until the unit "warms up". I DOUBT very much this is normal. Sometimes, the only way to get rid of the noise is to select a different video input and switch back to the one you want. This is annoying as I cannot select my inputs properly because I'm not sure if it is being selected as all I see is noise.

2) The S-Video display (being upsampled to component) is fuzzy. When you first turn the unit on, the video output is HORRIBLE and unusable. Eventually, it gets better, but it is still fuzzy and annoying to use. The component->component switching and video output is crisp and perfect, no problems there at all. So it seems the unit has a defective s-video circuit or something as at first, as I said, it's VERY fuzzy, and then it sorta settles at minimum fuzziness, but it's still annoying. I've had high-end video switching processors before (Lexicon MC-1, high-end Yamaha) and never had this problem.

3) When I am on an S-Video feed (in my case, I'm playing Playstation 2), the on-screen display will occasionally randomly POP onto the screen for absolutely no reason. I will be playing along and there won't be any change in the video or audio feed, and the OSD will just POP onto the screen for about 10-15 seconds and then disappear for no reason. This happens at any time and for no reason. This, of course, is very annoying and can't possibly be normal. I can't imagine connecting a high-end unit like the FAP-T1+ to a home theater projector and have the OSD pop on to the screen randomly during the viewing of a movie. Granted, this only happens on the S-Video feed, but it is still very frustrating.

What do y'all think. :)

Don't use the S-video! :rolleyes:

Seriously, though, it obviously shouldn't behave like that. Mine works perfectly, although I must say I've never used the S-video and don't plan on it. I don't get the video noise at start up like you do, so clearly that's a defect. However, if you get another unit and it exhibits the same problems, you'll have to think about your set up to make sure some odd circumstance isn't the cause.

I have a video problem, too. There is a "grid" over the output from all sources -- svideo/component/composite. (The "grid" is actually a variation in luminance that creates little squares with dots in them.)

And, at random, there is pixillization in my video which is most visible in any onscreen text -- such as TiVo menus -- in the form of broken lines and letter forms. A power off/on will eliminate it but I have to do it a few times on occasion and it will return at random. Sigh.

Suggestions from Fosgate CS haven't resolved the problem so I'll have to call them about a repair.

Don't use the S-video

:D What is S-video???

Have not used it in years and not planning on using it on the Fosgate, so I will never know if I have a problem.

Well, the only source I'm using S-Video for is my Playstation 2. I have Xbox, Satellite and DVD all coming in on component, but the Fosgate only has three component ins, so I gotta use S-Video for the PS2.

I was doing S-Video switching (not upsampling) with my Lexicon MC-1 and the picture was crystal clear. I would expect the same from a unit that is 5 years younger.

When I told Fosgate about the problems I was having, the techs agreed immediately that it was a defect in the unit and agreed to replace it without a question (for the second time). I might have it by the end of the week, so I'll get to try my THIRD T1+. I hope it works perfectly this time around.

On a side note, I also purchased the Rockford Fosgate RAVDVD2 from woot. I spent 5 hours doing a crazy install in my girlfriend's car. When we finally went to play with the unit, we realized that the power button and the forward-tilt button for the screen didn't work. Since I now have a contact at Fosgate customer support, she was nice enough to give me an RMA immediately for the DVD2 unit. I gotta say that the whole experience has left a bad taste in my mouth with respect to Rockford/Fosgate products. :(

boblinds, I kinda noticed the grid you are talking about also. But I only saw it on the S-Video up-sampled source. The component switching was CRISP on my unit. It almost looks like the image is being badly compressed and decompressed or something.

Thanks for the info. I was just curious what happened to the FAP T1+'s at this point, and whether the company is dumping any others on the market.
I might sell mine. I've had it in the box ever since purchasing it until this past weekend when I finally got a used Rotel RMB-985 power amp. The power amp was slightly damaged so that put a bad taste in my mouth. I am trying to work through eBay to get it returned. I think I may just sell the Fosgate and buy an Outlaw receiver.

I've got all of about 2 or 3 hours on this.

Has anyone had problems with DTS decoding? I have had the Eagles Hell Freezes Over DVD for years and I always listened to it in stereo because my old HK receiver didn't have DTS. Now I have an OPPO DVD player connected to the Fosgate with coax digital cable and I could not get the DTS to play. It defaulted to Dolby ProLogic of the stereo output. I don't know if the issue is with the OPPO or the Fosgate. I tried cycling through my surround modes but it wouldn't even touch DTS.

jeff,

On my first FAP T1+, it wouldn't recognize the audio data stream from the DVD properly... maybe your unit has a similar problem? The replacement to my first one did recognize the stream properly though. Unfortunately my DVD player (a 1st gen progressive from Toshiba) doesn't play DVD-Audio or DTS CDs so I can check it out. The thing is, I've never heard of a DVD-Audio with DTS encoding. I've heard of DTS CDs of which I have a few, but not DVD-Audios encoded in DTS. But I could just be inexperienced. :)

This is not DVD-A. It is the actual video DVD. It was first released as a DTS encoded / PCM stereo encoded DVD and then I think they also released a Dolby Digital version as well. Like I said, since I never had a DTS-capable receiver I never experienced the surround effects of it. I have to admit that the ProLogic adaptation of the PCM stereo signal was very, very impressive but I am still disappointed that I still have never experienced DTS even now that I have all the right equipment. :(

Wow, I'm surprised it's not doing DTS automatically. Are you sure your DVD player is outputting DTS? Does the DVD player mention it anywhere on an OSD or something? It would suck if your FAP had the same issue as mine. Then again, I've been unlucky and had two defective units so far... ARGH.

Be sure your DVD player has the DTS output capability turned on. By default, most don't, and you have to turn it on in the set up menu.

Then again, I've been unlucky and had two defective units so far... ARGH.

Mee too.....I got a defetive unit, I swaped for a second one. It was defective as well......I am working on swaping it again :mad:

I guess Fosgate need to improve their quality control.

Fosgate doesn't care they are out of the HT business! J.H.

Well, I think they should care a little bit since they are still the parent company Rockford Fosgate and I doubt they'd want audiophiles spreading bad customer service messages around.

I hope my third unit, which is sitting at a UPS depot around the corner, is going to work properly. That would be AWESOME. Up to now, I'm not sure I want to get rid of my Lexicon MC-1...

Does anyone have a T1+ which has NO problems?? Just wondered whether the exchanges result in trading in one problem for the same or another problem.....

I'd be curious to know this too... it'll help me decide whether or not to keep my Leixcon...

Just wondered whether the exchanges result in trading in one problem for the same or another problem.....

I had different problem from both units. My first unit had poping sound from my sub whenever I increased or decreased my volume. It did NOT produce the annoying poping sound when playing movies/music (only when I increased or decreased the volume).

My second unit failed to change it's volume after 15 or 30 minutes of usage (everytime). For example, I set the volume to -20 initially, after 30 minutes, I changed the volume to -90, but it still had the volume of -20. In order for me to change the volume again, I had to turn it off and on again. Bad bad bad !!!! :rolleyes:

I am considering other pre/pro right now becuse I am tired of swapping my unit again and again.

"Does anyone have a T1+ which has NO problems??"
---------------------
Bump for an answer...please. Are there still happy owners out there that are enjoying their units?

I don't want to jinx myself, but I haven't had any problems with the unit. I've used it daily since mid-November, and it seems to work just fine. Granted, I only have one source running into it (a marantz dv9500), and i let the marantz do most of the processing (the most the fosgate has to do is apply plIIx to an analogue redbook source, or decoding dd or dts), but still, haven't had any problems.

Customer service seems to be a bit flaky, but well-meaning. I got a bit confused trying to do volume punch-through on the remote the other day, and called fosgate support; while the guy who answered my called couldn't help me out, he put me in touch with the guy who did the programming for the remote, and he helped me out.

Sorry to hear that people have been having problems...it's a nice sounding unit when it works!

Are the problems that most people are having mostly related to video input/ processing(of video)? Because if it is, I will probably never know if I am having problems. I have not started using my T1+ due to the fact my new theatre is not finished (but soon will be).

Well, I got my third FAP T1+ and it ALSO had problems. So I've gotten a full refund for my unit from Woot. I am not replacing it with a pre/pro but instead an all-out receiver. The Pioneer Elite VSX-74TXVi. It gets tons of great reviews and it is feature PACKED. Does HDMI switching, composite/svideo/component upsampling to any higher protocol. iPod control, XM radio, etc... the list goes on and on and all reviews I've read about it rave about the sound. It uses Burr Brown DACs like high-end equipment like Lexicon. My brother who works at a high-end audio/video store highly recommends it. I will not be using the built-in amps. I will instead use my 7 Marantz MA-500 mono amps.

Sorry to leave the Fosgate family, but I had the unit for a total of a week or so (after months in RMA), and it never fully worked properly.

what problems did you have with your 3rd FAP T1+?

With the third one, when I'd turn it on, I'd have no audio from the current source. I'd have to switch to another source and then switch back. Also, while I was watching Sat or DVD (on component), I'd get audio and video glitches. Also, the S-Video upsampling was dismal, fuzzy, un-watchable. All in all, I just don't trust the quality of the unit. I think I'll be happier with the Pioneer. I got it at a very good price.

I paid like $2300 when all is said and done on my FAP-T1+. I bought T1 and waited and waited for the upgrade. When it was finally available I had to pay $500 to upgrade my T1 that was still factory sealed. Updated to FAP-T1+ and got slammed at work. Never opened the T1+. Got new ger while I waited for the T1+ to come out.. so had no need for the T1+. Put it up for sale a bunch of times and nothing ever came of it.

Not only did I have buyers back out.. one day someone emailes me and tells me about woot.

Long and short of it... nearly 4 years and not using the Fosgate at all. But paid $2300!

Time line...
Got one of the first ones made the FAP-T1
Unit had issues so Fosgate swapped it.
FAP-T1+ mentioned err annouanced...
Left it at the dealer hoping he would sell it for me.
Waited for the trade up program to be announced.
FAPT1+ got delayed for like 2 years.
Finally got released.
Had to wait for them to get around to upgrades.
Paid for upgrade as I knew the T1 was worth nothing at that point.
Once the Unit came back I put it up for sale.
Months went by.
Woot kills the market for this one.
Now I still have it sitting around in the living room.

If I had it all to do over again I would have stayed with My EAD Ovation Plus and PowerMaster 2000 20 amp. Had the best sound of all the stuff I have had over the years.

Updated the Ovation Plus to the Signature-8 and I would have loved to have taken that one back.

Figured I would move to the FAP as I was so dissapointed with the Sig-8 compared to my beloved Ovation Plus.. well that and the fact that EAD was on the way out.

My Cinepro amp is a AWESOME AMP! I love it... I miss the PowerMaster 2000 thou... not like the loss of my Ovation Plus.

Aside from the other huge F'UP of the FOsgate stuff..

I gave up my dream of years to have NHT 3.3s. I had finally made it up to the 2.9s and they were the best of what I could afford. I sold/updated to the T6s as I was working for a dealer at the time and he wanted me to keep my rig current.

My T6s have sat there for over 2 years and I rarely turn them on at all. I used to sit and listen to the 2.9s everyday and just loved them. Wishing that one day I would save enough to get a set of 3.3s and kick the 2.9s to the back.

Hind site...

NEVER WOULD HAVE BOUGHT THE FOSGATE STUFF AT ALL AND GIVEN UP FOOD TO GET THE 3.3s I CAN'T GET NOW!

:(

I agree. I'm never buying Fosgate Audionics or Rockford Fosgate again. Not after this experience.

I guess its good they got out of the HT business. Bad experience with this huh? I'm glad I didn't go and get one I bought the Parasound 7100 instead and I am very happy. It cost me quite a bit more but it was worth it. J.H.

Couple of things here (not trying to defend Rockford Fosgate)...

Rockford is not the same company it was 10~15 years ago (selling high quality amps etc) They got into the selling at big B&M stores like BestBuy... That forces you to change your D&E and manufacturing philosophies towards low cost production… It’s working good for them because they are still coasting off of the reputation they had years ago, but now you are starting to see the effects.

The FAP-T1+ was designed to be high quality (and it is for the most part) (along with the intentions of other HT pieces RF was offering), unfortunately this is a direction the company just isn’t going in any more.

What I think happened, the FAP-T1+ is the result of nearly finishing a product then deciding that FR was going to scrap it. Well a order had been placed to produce a certain number of units, and a good number had already been made. So a good amount of design and engineering had already gone into it. At the end when it was nearly done, the project lost support, leaving a couple minor quirks like the sound fields resetting when the audio channel is switched (Something easily fixed in the firmware if they wanted to or if they released the machine code to us)…
If RF was keeping their home theater division, I am sure these quirks would have been ironed out and they would have had a great pre-amp… But in the end allot of us got a great pre-amp with some quirks and a good price.

i have been using mine daily without any issues. I just ordered a MX3000 remote. Anyone else using this remote?

i have been using mine daily without any issues. I just ordered a MX3000 remote. Anyone else using this remote?


MX3000 is above my budget, but am using the MX850 with the RF repeater and works fine but have a question (before I call Fosgate for tech). Has anyone been able to use the IR 1/8" mini jacks on the back of the FAP-T1+ with success? Mine do not function at all and need to use an IR mouse on the front for remote control.

Thanks

Couple of things here (not trying to defend Rockford Fosgate)...

Rockford is not the same company it was 10~15 years ago (selling high quality amps etc) They got into the selling at big B&M stores like BestBuy... That forces you to change your D&E and manufacturing philosophies towards low cost production… It’s working good for them because they are still coasting off of the reputation they had years ago, but now you are starting to see the effects.

The FAP-T1+ was designed to be high quality (and it is for the most part) (along with the intentions of other HT pieces RF was offering), unfortunately this is a direction the company just isn’t going in any more.

What I think happened, the FAP-T1+ is the result of nearly finishing a product then deciding that FR was going to scrap it. Well a order had been placed to produce a certain number of units, and a good number had already been made. So a good amount of design and engineering had already gone into it. At the end when it was nearly done, the project lost support, leaving a couple minor quirks like the sound fields resetting when the audio channel is switched (Something easily fixed in the firmware if they wanted to or if they released the machine code to us)…
If RF was keeping their home theater division, I am sure these quirks would have been ironed out and they would have had a great pre-amp… But in the end allot of us got a great pre-amp with some quirks and a good price.


And some of us got F^(#$D hard for about $3000.

And some of us got F^(#$D hard for about $3000.
And you are right to be pissed...
I would be really pissed off if RF told me that they were not going to correct the glitches in the FAP-T1+ after you paid retail....

And you are right to be pissed...
I would be really pissed off if RF told me that they were not going to correct the glitches in the FAP-T1+ after you paid retail....

I doubt they talk to you about this product at all.

I have an odd problem, and I wonder if anyone else has similar... Randomly, the DACs in my T1+ like to go all fuzzy when it has been off for a while, sometimes it does it sometimes it doesn't. It can be very annoying because I basicly get full amplitude white noise at whatever volume its at, and most of the time it seems like its even louder than it should possibly be. To fix it, I turn it off and cycle the master power on the back, and it always comes back fine. I think it was probably at least a month and a half old before it started doing it, and it hasn't gotten any worse or better. I figure that I just need to call Fosgate up, but I'm curious to see if anyone has had the same problem.

Ian

Ian,

I am familiar with that loud white noise issue.

After I received my FAPT1+, the first couple of days I played with it and it was performing flawlessly.
Then as all the other owners, I stumbled across the fact it does not hold the analog input and decided to reset the processor.
I used the Reset button on the back to reset the DAC's. After that in the next several days, occasionally I heard that white noise you talked about. I reset the FAPT1+ three more times, twice in the ON mode and once in Standby mode.
After that the white noise issue has gone completely and since that I haven't had any issue with FAPT1+ whatsoever.

In fact, I've been using it for several months now, and it sounds AMAISING.
I have never expected a solid state multichannel preamp to sound so good and I have some gear to compare it to. See my previous posts.
I feel sorry for the folks who had bad experience with this A/V processor. It was probably some bad bunch from the factory.

Gavrilych, I've only once reset it when its been on, I always put it in standby first. I suppose I'll try your method. I've been very happy with it except for this issue :)

Mine's been working fine since day one. After reading some of these posts, I just keep my fingers crossed and hope for the best--and so far that's what I've gotten.

I'm keeping my Citation 5.0 in reserve just in case, but I'd hate to go backward. The FAPT1+ is just too good when it's running right as it has been for over six months now. If I get a year out of it, everything after that will be gravy, especially considering how often the upgrade bug comes around.

Is there any support for this preamp anymore? Been a while since I checked on it.

Also I have upgrade instructions and ahex file. I have no idea if it is most up to date or what. Also the directions make referance to "Flash Magic". Anyone have the program?

My understanding was Fosgate didn't support any upgrades on this unit anymore. They will replace or repair under warranty though.

What upgrade are you talking? could you elaborate more on this?

Flash Magic (http://www.esacademy.com/software/flashmagic/)

BTW, I'm still having the static issues, hopefully I can RMA it soon and get it fixed.

Mine is running strong, no issues so far.

I wonder if Darian was able to do any magic upgrade to FAPT1+ with that Flash Magic?? :)

Any who know where i can buy a fap t1+ used? i live in Norway btw..

Best regards

Any who know where i can buy a fap t1+ used? i live in Norway btw..
1. eBay. com
2. audiogon.com / videogon.com

:) ;)

Actually I checked with Fosgate this week. They said that all units in the field have the most current firmware. There were no updates available...

I will send them a copy of what I have and see what they say.

Here is what I have.. I have no memory of where or when I got this doc...
Fosgate Audionics FAPT1+ Software Update Instructions

To upload new software to the Fosgate Audionics FAPT1+, you must follow these instructions exactly. Remember that you’re changing the programming backbone of this device, and mistakes can turn your preamplifier into a paperweight!

I.Connect your PC’s serial port to the T1+ using a male-female DB-9 RS232 cable. (Radio Shack Part 26-152 or equivalent) NOTE: USB to Serial adaptors can be used if your PC does not have a serial port.
II.Reset the T1+ using the rear panel “Reset” button
III.Launch “Flash Magic” by double clicking on the “Flash Magic” icon
IV.An error message may come up on screen when you launch Flash Magic. If this occurs, click on “Cancel”
V.Set the following parameters in the Flash Magic software:

Section 1:

COM Port: Set to the appropriate port number for your serial port

BAUD Rate: 9600 Baud

Device: 89C664

Oscillator Frequency (MHz): 18.432

Section 2:

Click on “Erase all Flash + Security

Section 3:

Use the Browse function to locate the FAPT1+ Hex file on your PC

Section 4:

Check “Verify after Programming”, and “Execute”. Leave all other boxes unchecked

Section 5:

Verify all settings are correct and then click “Start”

The Flash Magic software will now erase the programming on the T1+, and replace with the updated HEX file. During programming, the front panel of the T1+ will be dark. When programming is finished the “Standby “ LED will turn on (solid blue).

Anyone know what happened to this? Was an updated HEX file available for download from somewhere that fixes these issues?

Yep, I'd like to know this also.

Have no problem with FAPT1+ but I wondering is there a way to enlarge the screen fonts. On its 7" screen volume digits look a bit too small to see from a distance...

I really doubt that you will ever see a updated firmware being made for these anymore.

Sure, I'm not expecting Fosgate to update the firmware. :) Some handy fellow owner/ programmer can do that. ;)

Sure, I'm not expecting Fosgate to update the firmware. :) Some handy fellow owner/ programmer can do that. ;)

Yeah, but does anyone have the hex file of what is currently on the reciever?

If so, speak up so it can be distrubited to people who would be willing to take a look at it...

Sorry to go off the track here...
Can anyone post or better yet PM to me some good pics. of the FAP T1+
I looked all over the web and cant find any! only the FAP T 1 with no {+}
Thanks

I just got a Fosgate FAP-T1+ which is beyond awesome, except for one strange side-effect:

I first noticed it when I plugged my Nintendo 64 into the Video 2 input. The audio is just fine, but the video is rolling vertically downward. When it hits the bottom, it shows right back up at the top and continues to roll down. It takes about five seconds for the whole screen to do one full revolution.

Here's the weird part: when I hit the menu on the T1+, the menu text (or volume text, or any other text on the T1+) rolls with the Nintendo video. So, it's not just the Nintendo video that's screwed up, something's affecting the processor's video feed.

Notes and Troubleshooting:
The effect manifests on the T1+ internal screen as well as on the main external video screen.
When plugged directly into my projector, bypassing the T1+, the Nintendo video works fine.
My Sony VCR has the same problem, but not on the cable-tv connection, just on the VCR's RCA inputs. The VHS player is broken. I just use it for a cable tuner, which plays fine without the video roll.
I have tried two different Nintendo 64 video cables, RCA and S-Video. No difference.
I have tried a few different video inputs on the T1+. No difference.
I have other RCA and S-video devices (including a PowerMac G4 with an ATI 9200 PCI card [s-video], and a Powerbook G4 with the RCA/s-video adapter) plugged into the T1+ and they work fine. I even tried them in the inputs that weren't working for the N64. The source device seems to be the problem.
I want to try my neighbor's Playstation 2 soon. I also have a digital camcorder that I can try.

So far, the only commonality is the age of the source device. the VCR and N64 are both about 10 years old. The others are more like 4 or 5.

So, can anyone explain this? Is there any solution? Is it a malfunctioning box? Please help! I gotta play my N64!

Thanks!

Oh yeah, I have the manual for the T1+ in PDF format if anyone wants it.

The problem definitatly seems to be with the Fosgate FAP-T1+...
One quick thing you can do is to Reset the Fosgate FAP-T1+.

Allot of people who posted on this tread received their Fosgate FAP-T1+ through a site called Woot who was blowing these devices out for Fosgate. Basically Fosgate decided get out of the Home Audio dept and the Fosgate FAP-T1+ unit was nearly completed.
The key word is nearly completed, there are a few bugs in the unit and Fosgate took the position of not bothering to fix these which is too bad. But then again they sold off their stock for ~$700 when if the unit was ready it would have sold for + $2000 so I can't complain.
You notice that if you do not use a optical or coax feed, the unit will reset to PIIx-C (I believe)..
Another thing you might try (although I hate to say this) is wacking the unit on the side (like you used to have to do with old TVs when they would lose their horizontal sync.) Not too hard though.
Good luck and let us know.

I read all the post a while back, and someone did mention having the hex file.

Hi.

I've been using my FAP-T1+ for about two years now without problems. I've been using it primarily as processor/controller for my DVD-based home theater and multi-channel music system, and found that my Denon universal disc player sounded better when listened to through the 6 channel analog bypass inputs.

Recently I upgraded key components in the power supply and analog audio line stage with top quality parts and found it improved the sound so much that the DSP- processed audio sound quality is now comparable to the analog bypass, making the connection simpler (S/PDIF vs SIX RCA cables).

All in all, I think that these Fosgates are a steal at anywhere near $1000(even used), and one would have to spend 3-5x as much to approach the performance (especially with a parts upgrade). I've compared to a friend's AVM20 and I prefer the Fosgate's surround modes(esp. PLII/IIx/M) and LCD display,which makes navigating DVD and DVD-A menus simple.

My system can be seen at:
http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?vhome&1178578531&read&3&4&

It's been a while since I looked at this thread, and here is a new post by you. :)

So my question, if you're still around, is do you have more detailed info on your mods and how you accomplished them? Unless I missed something, the AudiogoN post doesn't add any info.

TIA.

Sorry for the long delay to reply (We moved in Jan/Feb and I've been occupied with basic housekeeping and work-at the expense of audio matters... until now).

A local fellow who works as an electronics technician had recommended the mods and performed them while I watched. They took a few hours, cost less than $500 including parts & labor, and brought the unit up to a whole new level of sound quality. I don't think I've ever seen another multi-channel processor(even used), that can touch it for even twice the <$1500 I've invested. I'm VERY pleased with the results.

For details and photos, visit diyaudio.com and do a search for "fosgate mods".

-chas

I don't think I've ever seen another multi-channel processor(even used), that can touch it for even twice the <$1500 I've invested. I'm VERY pleased with the results.

For details and photos, visit diyaudio.com and do a search for "fosgate mods".

-chas

Thanks for following up. This looks like an exciting project. I'm looking over your mods now.

I have been using my FAP-T1+ for the past 2 years or so and have been quite pleased with it, other than the occasional time when you have to manually turn it off from the rear switch to reset it when the microprocessor seems to lose it mind. The reason for my post here is to ask if anyone has compared the Fosgate to the newer Integra DTC-9.8? I was thinking it would be nice to get the HDMI switching and the ability to support MCH SACD via HDMI along with the Audessey EQ. Most have been raving about the performance of the Integra for an "all-digital" input system.
I have my Fosgate integrated with my 2-channel tube pre-amp (Air Tight) so pure stereo analog input performance is not a concern as I do not use the Fosgate for that.
I appreciate your feedback. Thanks

I just had to replace my FAP-T1 under warranty and I was sent an FAP-T1+, which is great but now I don't have the right Manual. I saw where you had a manual in pdf. I would love it if you could send me a copy. My e-mail address is FastBrad@aol.com. Thanks in advance for the help.


I just got a Fosgate FAP-T1+ which is beyond awesome, except for one strange side-effect:

I first noticed it when I plugged my Nintendo 64 into the Video 2 input. The audio is just fine, but the video is rolling vertically downward. When it hits the bottom, it shows right back up at the top and continues to roll down. It takes about five seconds for the whole screen to do one full revolution.

Here's the weird part: when I hit the menu on the T1+, the menu text (or volume text, or any other text on the T1+) rolls with the Nintendo video. So, it's not just the Nintendo video that's screwed up, something's affecting the processor's video feed.

Notes and Troubleshooting:
The effect manifests on the T1+ internal screen as well as on the main external video screen.
When plugged directly into my projector, bypassing the T1+, the Nintendo video works fine.
My Sony VCR has the same problem, but not on the cable-tv connection, just on the VCR's RCA inputs. The VHS player is broken. I just use it for a cable tuner, which plays fine without the video roll.
I have tried two different Nintendo 64 video cables, RCA and S-Video. No difference.
I have tried a few different video inputs on the T1+. No difference.
I have other RCA and S-video devices (including a PowerMac G4 with an ATI 9200 PCI card [s-video], and a Powerbook G4 with the RCA/s-video adapter) plugged into the T1+ and they work fine. I even tried them in the inputs that weren't working for the N64. The source device seems to be the problem.
I want to try my neighbor's Playstation 2 soon. I also have a digital camcorder that I can try.

So far, the only commonality is the age of the source device. the VCR and N64 are both about 10 years old. The others are more like 4 or 5.

So, can anyone explain this? Is there any solution? Is it a malfunctioning box? Please help! I gotta play my N64!

Thanks!

Oh yeah, I have the manual for the T1+ in PDF format if anyone wants it.

Just wanted to update-

My (modded) FAP-T1+ is still running fine after two years, other than the occasional re-boot when the GUI freezes up.

Anyone else ?

chasmo, what mod was done to your FAP-T1+ ???

My Fosgate is developing an intermittent problem where the source Video 1 (most commonly used) will "crash" cutting out both audio and video. If the flip to another source and come back to Video 1 start working again for a while. Sometime the video will flicker terribly but the audio will be fine.

Anyone experienced something similar, any suggestions on fixing this problem? Is it a firmware issue?
THX
Franck

I have a FAP-T1 that I am not using. If anyone is interested, make me an offer.

I have a FAP-T1 that I am not using. If anyone is interested, make me an offer.
You should probably post it in AVS Classifieds forum.

I'm not going to sell my FAPT1+... :) It's terrific sounding processor for the price! I paired it with OPPO BDP-95 and do all the HDMI switching thru an outside switching box. The next step is to mod its 7" display to act like a touchscreen with wireless connection to my home A/V server... :D