Fosgate Audionics FAP V1, User Manual

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FFAAPP VV11
Calibration
2277
* System set up is very important. I recommend the purchase of a Radio Shack sound level meter, it seems to have become an
industry standard. I remember watching in amusement at a consumer Electronics show several years ago, as the THX guys
were using one to set up their system. Radio Shack makes an analogue or digital version, either will work fine.
To set channel levels set the meter to ------; play track 3 on the CD through the system; sit in the sweet spot; hold the meter
at ear level with the microphone pointing directly towards the center front of the room where the ceiling meets the front
wall. Observe the levels of the various channels as they go around in a clockwise manner. Adjust the appropriate output
level trimmer located the top of the unit until each channel reads the same level on the meter.
It helps speed up the process if one person watches the meter reading while another does the adjusting.
This is the place to start. I say this because after you spend some time listening you may want to "tweak" the channel levels
to suit your personal taste. The level of center front effects the width and depth of the sound stage. Raise the level one to
three dB to narrow the image, lower the level one to three dB to widen and deepen the image. I prefer mine to be adjusted
"dead on" with the meter, but my front speakers are all equal distant to the left and right front speakers. If your center
speaker is closer then the left and right, a lower level may be what it takes to sound the best. If your center speaker is
further away then the left and right fronts you may want to increase the level a bit. The level of the back channels will
control how big the soundfield is in the back and position the sidewall image closer or further away from the back corners.
I have an admittedly back heavy preference. I usually set the back levels two or three dB higher then the noise sequencer
will indicate. If your back speakers are positioned at a closer distance then your fronts, a lower level will probably sound
better. It has been my experience that people who are converting from stereo listening to surround listening prefer the back
levels set a little lower then the meter will indicate. Usually after a period listening and getting accustomed to surround, the
preference changes and the back levels go up.
For side channel adjustments I prefer to listen for a while with them turned off and get the main five channels balanced
properly. I turn on the side channels and set levels according to the meter. The sides are supposed to add a little fill not be
too loud so as to be overly dominant. I adjust the side levels up or down until they blend with the other channels. Check the
final level setting with the noise sequencer and meter to be sure the right and left sides are set to the same level. If your side
speakers are positioned at a closer distance then the other speakers, try laying them on their backs and pointed straight up
towards the ceiling. If you're listening room is that the back speakers must be positioned closer then you would prefer, try
placing them in the back corners pointing straight up towards the ceiling.
Owner’s Manual:
To view the owner’s manual contained on this disc insert the test disc into your CD-ROM drive of your PC. You will need to
have Adobe Acrobat installed to view the .pdf file of the manual.
Troubleshooting
The FAP V1 is designed to provide you with many years of trouble free operation. However, due to the high complexity of both
the FAP V1 and today’s advanced Home Theater and Audio systems, there is the possibility you may experience the occasional
problem with your surround system. Listed below are some of the more common issues you could encounter and steps you
can take to resolve them.
Always be sure to check all connections in your system when experiencing problems. You may find a simple connection issue to
be the root cause of your troubles. If you experience popping or crackling noises from selective speakers ensure the tubes are
seated properly in the sockets, if the noises persist, try exchanging the preamp tubes one by one with a known good tube.
This may direct you to a problematic tube that would need replacement. Whenever troubleshooting connections to or from
your FAP V1 take the time to ensure the power for the unit is turned off and ample time has been given for the unit to cool.
Symptom Possible Cause Solutions
FAP V1 does not turn on
No sound from FAP V1
Incorrect sound-field
placement from speakers
No AC Power
Thrown Breaker
Blown Fuse
Input not properly selected
Incorrect speaker wiring or
connections
Ensure AC plug is connected to live outlet
Ensure Power Switch is “On”
Check breaker box, reset breaker if needed
Check AC Line fuse located in AC socket
Ensure the correct input is selected for the input
source you are using
Verify the correct speakers are connected to the
corresponding outputs and amplifier channels
Continued.......