Evolution
The Birth of the fP Series
Between the LAB 4000 and fP Series 6400, Lab.gruppen engineers continued to advance and refine virtually every aspect of amplifier technology. The LAB Series was overhauled and augmented and subsequently became today’s fP range. fP designs were also upgraded to meet the stringent new EMC standards in Europe, and adoption of UL safety standards opened access to the US market. Standardization of internal components between models increased manufacturing efficiency to keep pricing competitive in all new markets.
Restructuring for Growth
In the late 1990s, Lab.gruppen founders Kenneth Andersson and Dan Bävholm evaluated the future options for their fast-growing company. As electronic engineers, their passion was directed toward advancing the technology and developing new products.
They had less interest in managing the daily operations of a sizeable business enterprise. The founders soon decided that the next stage of growth could best be realized with compatible new ownership as well as a new managing director. In July of 2000, Lab.gruppen was acquired by the TGI Group of the UK, and a few months later Tomas Lilja was chosen as managing director. In early 2002, the TGI Group — Lab.gruppen included — was acquired by TC Group of Denmark, the current corporate owner.
In 2004, the company moved to its new location at Faktorvägen. Both Andersson and Bävholm remained with the company following the acquisitions. And, although both have now left to pursue other interests, their legacy lives on…
A New Power Platform
In 1998, Lab.gruppen engineers undertook the long-term development of an entirely new power platform. The complete range would have four bridgeable amplifier channels and an integrated monitoring and control network. The basic technology of both the power supply and output stages was taken from the proven fP range, but with significant upgrades to reduce the number of components required. Output power per channel was again doubled.
The photos show the first breadboard layout for the new design, and two early design concepts. The prototype model was equipped with an early version of what later became the NomadLink network. Designated the C Series and targeted at the installation market, the first amplifiers of this design were shipped in the summer of 2005.