Opportunity to buy the best Preamp... but which?

Hi Dgob,

15yrs ago when purchasing my FM611, I was actually meant to pair them with an FM266. I didn't, at that particular point of time cos I honestly thought the 266 were 'bad' (for the $$$)--although open, fast, transparent, excellent micro-macro details, they also tended to be rather bright, with high listener fatigue and a touch on the clinical side of things. Thus, much preferred my moded VTL Ultimate and ARC SP11mkII back then.

Only recently (a couple of years ago), had I 'realized' that the FMs gears are actually the more superbly transparent to source, and that those tube gears I loved, kept and lived with then were just doing an excellent job of masking and giving CDs their much needed euphonic blankets, making them just that bit more pleasant and listenable.

Had cd players during those times (early 90's), matured to the stage where they are today, guess I would've raved about these gears (FM As) much much sooner. Well.. they are just ahead of time for me! =) Running FMs (amp & pre) now, the synergy is magical! Sold my ARC REF600 & REF3 3 months ago, do miss their presence and heat at times, still kept their pics though.. hAh!

Btw. coming from you, the Essential 3160 sounds an interesting piece too. Would appreciate if you could share some infos of them. Price? Website?? Thanks..

Hi Bvdiman,

Your amp's sound phenomenal and I'd love to hear that set up. The Essential 3160 is a bespoke phonolinepre and I believe that some technological aspects of FM Acoustic's approach influenced aspects of its designers' thinking. You can find out more about the Essential directly from a fellow audiogoner - Raul Ireugas - who you could contact off line at [email protected]. My mind boggles at contemplating its potential in your system.

All the best

Dgob,

Unfortunately, I'm currently residing on other side of the universe--S.E.Asia! But should you happen to come around, I'll be more than happy to have you. Can also show you few other spectacular set-ups here.

Thanks for link re Essential, will look them up. At the moment I'm just too excited, my FM268 has finally arrived! Still breaking them in, learning--fiddling with their built-in linearizer section and enjoying sooo.. much music while at it. I can attest as of now that it is already sounding better than my 'loaner'--as well it should?

Having had the FM266mkII for almost 3 months, and tested them in various highly regarded systems (in where they 'never once' failed to shine), finally got me convinced enough to take the plunge--all the way!! I'm a very happy but a very broke man now.. :')

Rgrds

Bvdiman,

I'll sure take you up on that offer the next time I come out to that part of the world. In the meantime, I hope you continue to enjoy your music as much as you should.

Dgob,

Thanks.. Happy listening to you too!