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Fosgate Signature Phono Preamp

Does anyone have any experience with the new Fosgate Phono Preamp? I'm currently using the Moon LP 5.3 with power supply upgrade which has been great, but I'm intrigued by the Fosgate. I've been auditioning one for the last few weeks and really like it. It has a very natural tone and listening to music with it is very enjoyable.

My one concern is that I hear much higher noise vs. the Moon when the needle isn't on the record. Not sure if this should be a real concern, given that I like what I'm hearing, but would like to hear other perspectives.
marlonrsmith
heyitsmedusty's avatar
heyitsmedusty
227 posts
 
@ffedde , how did it turn out??
ozzy62's avatar
ozzy62
3,151 posts
 
I know this is an old thread, but just wanted to post my comment.

I recently received a used Fosgate Signature preamp and I am very impressed with what I hear. It’s everything that it has been made out to be. And I want to thank @tablejockey for it was his enthusiasm that led me down this path.

Oz
raynhis65gto
4 posts
 

Good old threads should never die. 

I recently acquired a Fosgate Signature phono.  Was very disappointed at first because it was wrought with noise!  Humming, crackling, etc.  

Turns out that one has to perform simple maintenance now and again.  The tube sockets were cleaned and treated with Caig Gold.  No more crackling. 

The hum was very annoying and I was frustrated that I could not figure it out.  I finally pulled the bottom cover off and saw that the load selector switch has open air exposed contacts.  I cleaned and treated the switch and all noise was gone.  Absolute silence.  Now having fun rolling tubes. 

I agree with all of the positive comments - It really is a great stage.

heyitsmedusty's avatar
heyitsmedusty
227 posts
 

@raynhis65gto 

This is eye-opening! I have some noise coming from mine, so I'm definitely going to do a thorough cleaning of the sockets, and take a look at the exposed contacts beneath the base plate as well. 

I'll add that part of my noise issue is coming from a neighbor with a very serious ham radio setup, including a 30 foot transmission antenna in his back yard. It seems that V1 and V2 are very sensitive to microphonics and RF interference. Just walking around the room can change the way the interference sounds, as my location can either block or magnify the signal. Very strange stuff. I was able to eliminate 75% of the sound by forming some aluminum foil around the tube area, so I think I'll be pursuing a cleaner and more complete solution in the future with an actual Faraday cage.

tablejockey
3,916 posts
 

 'I was able to eliminate 75% of the sound by forming some aluminum foil around the tube area, so I think I'll be pursuing a cleaner and more complete solution in the future with an actual Faraday cage"

That's an interesting find and solution. I imagine if the Foz wasn't a price point unit, a few tweaks here and there, would have made it an even higher performing unit.

I had mine recently repaired and was thoroughly gone thru and cleaned. With that the unit is quieter than new. It's however, boxed up and listed for sale.

 

 

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