We buy it expecting good sounding amp.
Also people are probably unaware of support problem as I, my self didn't know that this problem exists with FO at the time of decision to build one...
Unfortunately I have to line up with the rest of you unlucky DIY...
Had the modules playing, but a faulty DAC put out some DC and killed the modules. No support no repair, just boat anchors left. Had two more that got killed by a very short short circuit They are VERY sensitive to mishaps. No warnings , they just blow up immediately. CAVE MAXIMUM.
Had the modules playing, but a faulty DAC put out some DC and killed the modules. No support no repair, just boat anchors left. Had two more that got killed by a very short short circuit They are VERY sensitive to mishaps. No warnings , they just blow up immediately. CAVE MAXIMUM.
Hi guys
Thanks for all late relevant inputs. Let me try to clear misunderstandings concerning FO M modules. They've all been tested on specially made test jig before sending out, not even one shipped without QC passed.
Module's PCB is packed with SMD parts on both sides and was never intended to be repairable but replaced by new module only, it was always considered as a single part entity.
Any mishaps or inappropriate use in contrast to instructions, not falls into warranty approval terms. Also last FO M was delivered in 2016, meaning all of them are out of warranty.
New FO M modules will probably be sealed, poured, to clearly indicate that no repair is possible to perform.
What I could offer to all having broken FO M modules is to exchange them for new ones for a fraction of price. Hopefully that would compensate the anger and pressure built lately.
L.C.
Thanks for all late relevant inputs. Let me try to clear misunderstandings concerning FO M modules. They've all been tested on specially made test jig before sending out, not even one shipped without QC passed.
Module's PCB is packed with SMD parts on both sides and was never intended to be repairable but replaced by new module only, it was always considered as a single part entity.
Any mishaps or inappropriate use in contrast to instructions, not falls into warranty approval terms. Also last FO M was delivered in 2016, meaning all of them are out of warranty.
New FO M modules will probably be sealed, poured, to clearly indicate that no repair is possible to perform.
What I could offer to all having broken FO M modules is to exchange them for new ones for a fraction of price. Hopefully that would compensate the anger and pressure built lately.
L.C.
Well let me add my dissatisfaction to the list. I spent a considerable sum of money on the L modules / power supplies / heatsinks and all the rest. Having built everything I took them to friend of mine who designs and sells his own hi fi equipment so that he could check it out on his test gear. Whilst testing one of the channels smoke appeared from the L module and it promptly died. My friend, who is extremely knowledgeable about electronics and is more than competent, said that he had done nothing unusual to cause the problem. LC's initial reaction was, tough you'll have to buy another module. After more complaining on my part he agreed to repair the module, which I duly sent back to him. That was probably 6 months ago and despite him saying months ago that he would repair it very soon I've since heard nothing from him. 
Some have reported amp kaput after loosing "return" connection from source...maybe this is due to the amp recommendation of "floating" supplies for best noise performance...
(probably oscillation?)
Guys, tight your signal connections.
Good luck.
M.
he shared VSSA for free, not? you can build it, or any other free amp, there are so many options ...
I'm voting to make a quick pool to see how all you guys did your GND and correlation to burned modules.
So I'm starting - My Amp is built floating as in new manual recommendations.
I have ended with one module kaput
I think it would be great if someone could actually make a pool in this thread, of course if LC agrees!