Fathom F-113 "auto on" = "on all the time"? Capacitor problem?
 

I recently moved into a new house and have been slowly getting all my audio equipment set back up. I still dont have a whole lot of my electronics unpacked, but I finally had a chance to get a couple of my Fathom F113's unpacked and I ran into a weird issue with one of them.

The subwoofer turns on and performs its bass functionality as it should. All the controls and lights work like they are supposed to as well. The only exception is if I place the sub on/off to "auto", the sub turns on and stays on all the time just like it was in the "on" position. Off still works. It also behaves this way when only power is hooked up (no inbound signal cables). The only other "symptom" that may or may not be related is there is a low transformer type hum coming from the sub when its turned on (even with only power; ground switch has no effect).

I know about the repair procedure for the capacitors on the power circuit, but not sure if a faulty capacitor could cause this behavior too so figured I would ask here as well as reaching out to JL Audio. Any ideas?

I had a similar problem with a F113v1 some time back. It started as you described. Next thing it did was a weird noise at all times. I shipped it to the factory and it was repaired under warranty. Had it not been under warranty, I would have tried the capacitor fix first myself. If you HAVE to send it to the factory, you should be able to ship the innards of the sub only and save on shipping costs.

Thanks for the reply. I havent heard anyone else mention the "auto" position making the sub always turn on in conjunction with the other known capacitor issues. Definitely good to know.

Mine is also humming. It seems this is not an isolated issue.

I have an F112 v1, but some of the tips I received from JL Audio may help others. I have ordered the capacitors and will replace them over the Thanksgiving week. JL Audio email below:

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Hello,

Thank you for your support of JL Audio and the f112v1. I own a pair of them myself. If the hum remains when the input cable is removed, the hum is self-generating from the backplate amplifier. If the noise abates when the cable is removed it could be one of a couple of conditions that is causing it.

If the hum is coming from the sub itself you have a couple of options. I will detail them for you here.

If your unit is within the warranty period we can work with you directly or through the dealer you purchase your Fathom from.
If past the warranty period we have a program in place for servicing and updating.

Option 1
JL Audio offers a flat fee service program for older Fathoms that are out of warranty. JL Audio will repair any electrical or mechanical defects, plus inspect the amplifier, the front mounted control panel processor and the driver. Any service bulletins and production revisions would be performed on selected parts, updating the unit to the latest version of the Fathom v1 subwoofer. If the driver needs attention it is either refurbished or replaced, at our discretion.

The flat fee cost is $400.

You are responsible for shipping the unit to JL Audio and we will return the unit to you at our expense. Your Fathom is then covered by a one-year parts and labor warranty.

JL Audio has two facilities that perform the flat fee service program; Miramar, Florida and Phoenix, Arizona; with the one nearest to you handling the servicing.

An original shipping container, with the black sock to protect the cabinet’s finish, is the ONLY acceptable means of packaging and shipping to insure the subwoofer arrives without damage. If you have discarded your original shipping container, they are available for $95 plus the shipping costs to you.

After inspecting your w7h 12 inch driver and finding it in good condition, you may decide to remove the electronics from the cabinet (backplate amplifier and control panel) and ship just these parts in for the Flat Fee program. The shipping costs are reduced and there is no requirement for an original shipping container.

If the above is agreeable, please provide the following information so we may initiate the service sequence for you.

1. Your name
2. Your shipping address
3. Serial number of the unit
4. A good contact phone number
5. Whether you will need a shipping container from JL Audio

Option 2
Should you choose to replace the capacitors that are either dried out or leaking yourself I will provide you with the part location numbers and the part numbers. These are not the original parts from production. JL Audio has been replacing these with units that have triple the life cycle and handle higher temperatures.

You may also find the backplate amplifier difficult to separate from the cabinet as the gasket forms a pretty tight seal between the two surfaces. We use a 6mm machine screw of 4 inches in length with a head that accepts a socket wrench to self tap into the hole of the aluminum backplate and leverage the plate from the cabinet surface.

I will be happy to discuss any of the options with you via a phone call.
You can reach the Home Technical Support team by calling our main line, 1-954-443-1100. Follow the appropriate prompts for Technical Support, then select Home. We are available Monday - Friday, 9:00am - 5:00pm EST.

The replacement capacitors are for C510 and C515 location in the power supply.

Fathom v1 cap models
C510 Nichicon 33uf, 400V, 20%, PTH, 7.5mm pitch x 16 mm D, radial, aluminum electrolytic, 105C capacitor
C515 Nichicon 100uf, 35V, 20%, PTH, 2.5mm pitch x 6.3mm D, radial, aluminum electrolytic, 105C capacitor

Respectfully,
Randy Wagner
Technical Support Specialist

What is the warranty on the JL subwoofers?

Not long enough! Capacitor issues seem to be a common problem after warranty expires. I read one too many reports of amp failures on the v1 fathoms. Anyone else think JL audio should step up and take better action on this?

I do. I’m really saddened they don’t. It’s a design flaw IMHO and they should offer the cap replacements free of charge. The fact they haven’t leaves a bad taste in my mouth.

I am not inclined to purchase another JL Audio product. I will get mine fixed but going forward they will fall to the bottom of my list for future products as my subwoofers are only a few years old. Unacceptable.

After 6 -7 years of operation both of my F110 failed for capacitor replacement, first I had both fixed at at local shop here in Toronto, but continued with problems, removed back plates and send to JL Audio for repairs. They are working really good now.
I also feel this an expensive repair and for a high quality product like Fathoms should not offer these expenses to owners.