Fosgate Audionics Launches
FAPT-1 AV Preamp Tuner
State-of-the-Art FAPT-1 Includes a
5-Inch LCD Video Display, Three HD
Component Video Inputs, and Decoding
Capability for Dolby Digital 5.1 and EX;
DTS ES 6.1; and Dolby Pro Logic II

Tempe, Ariz. – Fosgate Audionics has announced the launch of its new, state-of-the-art AV preamp tuner, scheduled to ship in September 2002. The FAPT-1, which retails for $2,995.00, includes a 5-inch LCD video display, three HD component video inputs, and decoding capabilities for Dolby Digital 5.1 and EX; DTS ES 6.1; and Dolby Pro Logic II. The FAPT-1 is also fully configurable for use in 5.1, 6.1, or 7.1 surround systems. Fosgate Audionics will be at CEDIA booth #SR23.

“The FAPT-1 preamp is what home theater audio is all about,” explains Brian Carlsness, Fosgate Audionics Managing Director - Home Audio. “The FAPT-1 will capture the attention of the home theater enthusiast by offering a cutting edge feature set and legacy features that Fosgate Audionics customers have come to expect.

“Additionally, this unit incorporates Dolby Pro Logic II surround sound decoding, created by the legendary Jim Fosgate,” Carlsness continues. “The surround experience of DPLII ranks as one of the industry’s finest accomplishments in the past 15 years. Besides the FAPT-1’s advanced technology, it includes unique features such as the 5-inch x 5-inch color LCD monitor on the front panel.”

Fosgate Audionics, a product development and engineering company created by industry legend Jim Fosgate, was acquired by Rockford Corporation in 2000. Mr. Fosgate continues to work with Rockford as an engineering consultant.

“Outboard preamplifier processors represent an important portion of the high-end specialty retailer’s product mix,” explains Charlie Wood, Fosgate Audionics executive consultant. “These units are equipped with all the pertinent features found in home theater today and typically perform better than even the most expensive conventional receivers and integrated amplifiers currently on the market.”

Wood adds that the FAPT-1 has a complementary list of decoding capabilities including Dolby Digital 5.1 and EX, DTS ES 6.1, and Dolby Pro Logic II, but it also includes the wide gambit of DPLII control features such as Dimension, Center Width, Hi EQ and a four-position application mode consisting of Stereo, Movie, Music and Panorama. The FAPT-1 also takes full advantage of the newest Crystal chipset for easy upgradeability and its component video inputs are designed to switch HD signals without loss.

Adds Carlsness, “The high-end consumer electronics industry is experiencing a trend where customers are favoring cosmetically appealing products that provide value, performance, reliability, confidence, and pride of ownership. The FAPT-1 is a perfect fit for all of these needs.”

Fosgate Audionics and MB Quart are divisions of Rockford Corporation and are based in Tempe, Ariz., a publicly traded company under the NASDAQ stock symbol ROFO. Company websites can be viewed at www.fosgateaudionics.com and www.rockfordcorp.com.