Fosgate Audionics FAP-T1 A/V Preamplifier Reviews

Bigbuck

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Used product for
More than 1 year

Visitors rate this review
4.25 of 5, 4.00 votes

Price Paid:  $1900.00 from Ebay

Summary:
The FAP-T1 has been a great processer! It sounds very good for both (2) channel as well as 7.1 surround! What i like is how easy it is to use, set up is a breeze! Very good all around performance comes from this processer. Very good value for a preamp that should cost much more! Give it a listen if you get a chance. I rate it with five stars!

Strengths:
SOUND,COST,LOOKS,SET-UP, Just all around great performance

Weaknesses:
NONE AT THIS PRICE POINT!

Similar Products Used:
Integra, Integra Research, Pioneer,Kenwood

Price Paid:  $0.00

Summary:
If you've heard other reviewers use words like "stunning," "a revelation," "unparalleled realism," and so on in reviews of audio equipment, then I don't know what to use effectively to describe the first time I fired this baby up and let her rip. How about "astonishing"? Bear in mind that this FAP-T1 replaced a Citation 5.0 with DTS card and 1.55 eprom. Both units have the stamp of Jim Fosgate, surround pioneer and patent holder, but the FAP-T1 is truly the newer and better implementation. The Citation is no slouch, but it's dated both aesthetically and technically compared to the FAP-T1. The FAP-T1 is a tiny bit less flexible, actually, but the 5.0 brought flexibility at the cost of mind numbing complexity and sluggish response. The FAP-T1 is simpler to operate, quick to respond, has better bass control, offers more surround options (including Fosgate's advanced Dolby ProLogic II), provides a real LCD screen to enhance programming and control, and includes an AM/FM tuner and headphone jack. Bravo! The key, of course, is the sound, and everything sounds noticeably better, even to my nonaudiophile ears. DTS programming is smashing; Dolby Digital EX is astounding, and the analog pass through on LPs is virtually perfect. With 1600+ Watts (4 stereo amps) attached to it, this thing can really drive speakers to maximum potential. There's not enough room to list all its virtues, but it is so much better than the Citation, I can't characterize the full scope of the improvement. I liked the Citation 5.0 A LOT, better than the Lexicon/Synthesis, the B&K 30, and the Parasound 1800, but the Citation is weak compared to the FAP-T1. If you get the chance to try this out, you MUST! At less than $3000, it has no current competition. Audio enthusiast's system: Fosgate Audionics FAP-T1 Pioneer DVL 700 LD/DVD Panasonic DD/DTS component DVD Panasonic S-VHS VCR Sanyo (yes, Sanyo!) LD Karaoke (love to sing) Carver CT3 (for phono stage only) Technics Direct Drive Turntable Monster HTS5000 Soundcraftsment PCR800 amps (4) JBL L7 speakers (4) JBL L5 speakers (2) JBL SVA1800 (for center) Fosgate Audionics THX Passive Sub SharpVision XV-120ZU LCD Projector +very understanding partner

Strengths:
Ease of programming Full programming LCD screen Ergonomics Flexibility Complete library of surround technologies Cirrus Logic Bass management Brilliant, wonderful, stupendous implementation of sound, both analog and digital Video switching, including component video

Weaknesses:
No phono stage (like anyone has this any more)

Similar Products Used:
Citation 5.0, Lexicon/JBl Synthesis, B&K, Parasound, Carver, Technics