Outlet shoot out

I have both ACMEs (4) and FIM 880s (4). I'm using the FIMs to run my two channel setup, and the ACMEs for my HT. The racks are co-located so it has been easy to compare the sound of the two outlets. The FIMs in my experience took nearly 5 weeks to run in, and from my point of view did not bloom harmonically and develop of good sense of PRaT until the ~4th week.

The differences between the two outlets is quite audible, although I can't adequately describe the differences for others to make a decision based on the usual disclaimers. I could live with either one. Having said that, I prefer the FIM over the ACME for the following reasons:

- More resolute and deeper bass
- Blacker, quieter background
- Details are more palpable
- Slightly larger soundstage
- Better sense of control
- Slightly richer, warmer, although every bit as extended as the ACME

One area where the ACME excels is midrange coherence. Bass and treble blend more seamlessly. The ACMEs are well run in, so perhaps the FIMs will get better in this respect over time.

Mike, I use the same dedicated room for my main HT and 2 channel listening. I have a front projector, and remove the screen and center channel out of the way when listening to two channel. The single ended inputs on my Classe Omicron are connected to my HT processor, and the balanced to a SF Line 3 preamp for two channel. I simply switch the selector on the Omicron to choose one or the other. All my gear is recessed into a 2x8 bump out with the outlets lined up behind the racks. It was fairly easy to unplug (all or some) my two channel components and plug them into the ACMEs for comparison. Each outlet has its own 20 amp breaker wired with 10 ga Romex. My main speakers are Thiel CS7.2s.

Hope that helps clarify how I was able to make such a direct comparison between the FIM and ACME.

Bob, I may be in denial on this one and wishing for something that won't happen. We'll see. I mentioned the ACME's superior coherent blend of lows/mids/highs since this is important to me as well, and the one area I find the FIM falls short. You're right, the bass is the culprit. As good as it is alone, it can sound disconnected and disproportionately large.