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Any experiences with FM Acoustics Preamps

I am interested to know whether FM Acoustics preamps - though technically specs perfect & meticulously executed have 'that emotional thing' we audiophiles look for? Or is it on the cool side.

Response from Forum members will be most appreciated. I'm considering the single-ended FM-155 to go along with the Symphonic-Line Kraft amp. Symphonic-Line recommends their RG3 MK4 as a perfect SS match or even their tube preamp Enlightment as a match. Nevertheless, FM Acoustics interests me but am not aware how it sounds & whether the integration will be perfect.
arupg
gregm
3,412 posts
 
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
arupg OP
42 posts
 
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

gregm
3,412 posts
 
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
arupg OP
42 posts
 
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 ?
greenfieldhk
1 posts
 
Hi Arupg & Gregm,

May I have your kindly advise whether the SL Tube PreAmp Ref or RG3 MK4 will be best matched with the KRAFT 300?

Many thanks for your help.
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