Any experiences with FM Acoustics Preamps

Hello Gregm:
In another thread, I read you mentioned - "I got a 'Kraft' class A and control it with a transformer volume. So, I still use SL amplfication!"

I would like to ask you that you went from RG3 with full PS, then to FM Acoustics & then to Transformer volume (passive). Why and what were your findings when you went from RG3 to FM and then transformer?

Also, as you used the FM with the Kraft, did you find he Gain of the FM acceptable or too much that you may have had to keep the -20dB attenuator pressed-in all the time?

Sorry for asking so many questions but the pricing of the S-L RG3 with Turbo PS and the FM-155 are practically as par so its very difficult making the choice. Technically, it seems the FM preamps are a notch above their power amps and this interests me to look into their pre for a perfect match with the Kraft.

Arupg:

Why and what were your findings when you went from RG3 to FM and then transformer?

The FM was far better than my RG3 -- which was really good, all things considered. The over-driving wasn't a problem, the FM unit had been already used with a medium sensitivity amp & it sounded fine on mine (~1,2 v I think).
The reason I moved to a transformer is financial: I unfortunately needed to downsize my system and had to let the FM go. I tried a used Goldmund ("7") which was also very good on the Kraft -- but had to let that go too.

As to your conundrum between the RG3 & 155: the latest RG3 is reportedly better than previous versions, but I don;t really know it (my story goes back 3yrs). The point with the THEN rg3 was a slight instability in the high register -- which didn't exist with the FM.
Another advantage for the FM is the unit's size: it's tiny & light compared to the RG3 which is seriously bulky. Also I didn't have any remote for the FM (is there one now?).
Regards

Gregm:

Thanks for your feedback. None of the FM preamps are remote. The RG3-MK4 is with remote. Probably you may have used the RG3 which could be the MK3 version considering it was 3 yrs back. I've come across some Kraft owners who are using Sym-Line preamps - either the RG3-MK4 with the full Turbo Power Supply or the Tube pre called Erleuchtung. Some are using the CAT SL1.

Yes - the RG3-MK4 is quite a bulky unit and equally similar is their Turbo Power Supply unit. The FM is practically 25% of the entire RG3-MK4 + Turbo outfit.

I guess the only way to get to know now is to buy the FM-155 and pair it with the Kraft keeping fingers crossed and hoping it would be a superb synergistic match. If not, it will be for sale soon with a lot of investment loss !!

Regards

I really don't think you would be risking much with the FM -- in my time it really sang with the Kraft.
The CAT also sang beautifully with the Kraft... admittedly, in tubes I preferred the CAT to the Erleuchtung (but the Erleuchtung phono is, perhaps, slightly better than the CAT's). Regards

Gregm :

That's a nice assurance !! I appreciate it.

By the way, someone mentioned to me today that the best ever preamp he'd experienced with the Kraft was the hyper-expensive & exotic Dynaudio Arbiter preamp but this is not in my league.

Anybody has any experiences with the Arbiter ?