I have this unit. I did few things to improve the SQ. I replaced the volume pot with a TDK unit, put Schottky diodes in the rectifier, and put a Jung type super regulator in place of the 3 terminal LM units. The clones are known to have a small amount of noise when using the RCA outputs and are totally silent with the XLR outs. I also bought the FM155 for another room and in stock form the 155 sounds better. The Chinese forums also say the clone quality of the modules in the 155 is perfect whereas the modules in the 255 are slightly noisy in single ended.
Hi Thanks for the info on the possible upgrades for the 255, (I bought a FM244 also which seems ok). back onto the FM255 i Need XLR input for my active monitors and in my system the FM255 is a pretty good unit, did the upgrades you made make a worthwhile difference to SQ?. I suppose "worthwhile" is a bit subjective but I am after your thoughts.
@ Yes it is subjective and the mods are cumulative although the power supply was the most worthwhile and the most difficult. The TKD pot is superb and I used a 10k which is even better SQ than the 47k factory unit. It is not something that can be motorized though. Diodes are in the front behind the power indicator and were simple. Be careful to not strip the hex head screw when working on these. You can get them from China with the upgraded regulator and I would recommend that to the novice. FM also has a 100k RF filter that can be ordered as deleted and that gives a more open sound but can sound harsh if you have RF interference. I have some VERY expensive gear and many have been sold but I have not had any desire to sell the FM 255. It is a unique piece of gear that seems to do everything right and have an ability to consistently sound beautiful. There are a few companies making clones and the TaoBao site has reviews of the different clone makers. Weilang gets good marks on TaoBao so stick with that maker. These are definitely an incredible value.
@@FineArtPrintmaker Thanks for the info, i need to expand my knowledge in this area so i will try the upgrades you suggest. The FM255 is replacing a Mark Levinson 326S atm. But i havent sold the 326S yet. Hifizone has been good re cables i didn't have good cables especially power cables before but .... now I do. The investment in the cables has made a huge difference.
Thank you! I will send you an email with links for the black version FM255 that i have and the tube preamp that i plan to buy. So far the Master FM801 sounds a little cleaner and refined than D9 but i can't say i like one more than the other. I will have to listen to it a little more and maybe experiment with my power cables. My guess is that at this level amplifiers sound more similar than different because they do fewer things wrong if that makes sense. One thing that i must add is that while FM801 gets hot it is not as hot as D9.
Thanks for your assessment! I have a D5 Pro and was about to pull the trigger on the FM801. As much as I appreciate the D5 it feels a tad leaner in the mids and vocals. How are the mids on the FM clone?
@@MidFiGuy I never thought that the mids of D9 are lean and it is the same as you amp just with an extra XLR input. You do not need to change amp. The problem is elsewhere in your system IMHO. I can tell you that the FM255 preamp that i have (not the one reviewed here) is a great match. The sound is smooth liquid with great mids and non fatiguing highs. I also use R2R dac and that also contributes greatly to mids quality over what you usually get from D/S dacs. Cables matter too but that is another can of worms that i will not open here. I hope that helps.
@@calaf_725 HI which FM255 do you have? mine is the same as the review model, but i am happy to upgrade to a nicer version. I see there are some models around the USD 2k level. they have signed components and extra parts. i have been considering one of these as i liked my current FM255 so much, but i guess i am worried if i invest more am i going to get anything better? its this worry that has held me back.
@@mthorby1 I've been using one of these 99% clones of the FM255 MK2 for about 10 months now, which I purchased for around $1,500, and I must say, I'm very happy with it. Contrary to some concerns mentioned about clarity or details, I haven't experienced these issues with my unit. However, I do agree that the clone is sensitive to noise in the signal. To get the best performance, you really need high-quality cables and effective RF filters. I am using only XLR in my whole system. Once this is sorted, the performance is remarkable-it has elevated my system significantly. In comparison to the built-in preamp of my R2R DAC, the clone has added one or two layers of transparency, and the soundstage has opened up considerably. The result is a three-dimensional and holographic sound with more depth and width. For the price, it's an impressive piece of equipment. If you're curious, here's the link to the version I bought: www.aliexpress.com/item/1005005357406289.html?channel=twinner
4:48 Application of a tiny amount of liquid Turtle Wax to the rubber o-rings may eliminate the stickiness and the problem you experienced. Worth the experiment.
Hi Thanks for the review, i have a FM255 same as your no remote, it works well with my active studio monitors. (RL901k). I especially like the bass and I need XLR input output, which will rule out the Cary as an option. As these pre-amps are not expensive (in the scheme of things) I will keep watching your channel for any opportunity to upgrade or at least get another pre-amp. Many Thanks.
Hello. Thanks for this review. It's always a pleasure to discover your new vidéo 🙏 After watching yours videos, i have baught the D5 Pro (perfect experience for me), I have bought alimentation sector cable Odin=Perfect experience too, I have received too RCA connection Audioquest fake Well Signature (just waouh!) Now, i am waiting for delivery preamp MBL6010D 9.3 for my D5 Pro, As soon i receive it i will write here my feeling 👍 NB: My DAC Streamer is Eversolo DMP A8. My speakers are Cabasse Murano Alto. Have a good day and please continue yours videos 😊
Thank you for this great review. How sound the FM 255 compare to the C-245? I bought the C-2860 pro plus. This sounds fantastic, but only if you use bass and trebe controls! If you use the direct mode it sound very warm and not kristall clear. For your review of the C-2860, how do it sound compare to the C-245?
Accu clones are about great SINAD, if properly crafted, with good low-noise PSU. This preamp is different: it's about coloured, distorted sound, but such way, that it sounds sweet, warm and airy, just similar to old tube gear.
I agree that the bass/midrange borders on loose, but not actually bad. Just kinda full and bassy/smooth If you hit the -20db gain button, the sound tightens up and becomes a little more disciplined and analytical I did not see you try the switch during the review - far right button on the unit 😊
"With this preamp, I lost some details, but earned the timber and musicality" The sign of a high THD; the microdetails are just lost in the harmonics, but due to a specific for the class A spectrum of harmonics, it sounds airy, warm, sweet. Similar to some tube amps, or the British Quad amps. Today, to get that kind of sound, one doesn't need to buy an expensive preamp or even its clone. Just download the VST plugin, that mimics the tube preamp. Use your favourite search engine, to get the number of the free, as well as paid choices
Hi Tom, So nice Video in Ur style 😊. I don't like these preamplifiers that are built today like they were in 1970. Nowadays you can switch the inputs with a remote control via relays or remotely control the volume, you can use the circuit layout if you like, but you don't have to install switches and potentiometers that always caused problems in 1970...and the Chinese definitely don't use rhodium or gold-plated contacts here 😅...
It is interesting that you say it would not be a good match with a warm power amplifier because that is exactly what the FM711 is. I wonder if FM Acoustics voices their amps for ultrahigh end speakers as, from what I have read, are often excessively bright. It is really interesting to look at high-end speaker frequency response graphs in reviews because they often seem to be emulating a profile of the alps.
Sounds like a good allrounder for the living room all day listening if you can prevent noise issues. The split RCA/xlr circuitry would be an issue for me, because I'd want to use RCA to my sub woofers.
If you’re talking about the outputs, run the RCA outputs to your amp and then buy a pair of XLR to RCA adapters for less than $10 and run that to your subs.
I have it and love it, but a damn hiss noise come from it. I have very sensitive speaker like 93db. I using this in bi-amping mode with open baffle full range speaker and a woofer. If I can find a way to remove the hiss. Probably like you say it's because of the High Input sensitivity of the amp....
@@osezchanger1596 the modules are not perfect in these. The RCA noise is a known issue. XLR is dead silent. The FM155 with RCA’s sounds better to me with zero noise.
Perhaps the word phase is correct with the argument that it refers to bass frequencies which tend to be recorded in mono so that's probably why the word phase got popular in use with relation to speakers anyway..
Let's show real support for this channel! It has refreshing positive energy even in the comments. The more beer we buy Tom, the more likely he will test those next level clones we are all curious about. Skal brothers
Great review, great comparisons with the best on the channel, you provide gold insights, nowhere to be found around. Channel made of gold.
I have this unit. I did few things to improve the SQ. I replaced the volume pot with a TDK unit, put Schottky diodes in the rectifier, and put a Jung type super regulator in place of the 3 terminal LM units. The clones are known to have a small amount of noise when using the RCA outputs and are totally silent with the XLR outs. I also bought the FM155 for another room and in stock form the 155 sounds better. The Chinese forums also say the clone quality of the modules in the 155 is perfect whereas the modules in the 255 are slightly noisy in single ended.
Hi Thanks for the info on the possible upgrades for the 255, (I bought a FM244 also which seems ok). back onto the FM255 i Need XLR input for my active monitors and in my system the FM255 is a pretty good unit, did the upgrades you made make a worthwhile difference to SQ?. I suppose "worthwhile" is a bit subjective but I am after your thoughts.
@ Yes it is subjective and the mods are cumulative although the power supply was the most worthwhile and the most difficult. The TKD pot is superb and I used a 10k which is even better SQ than the 47k factory unit. It is not something that can be motorized though. Diodes are in the front behind the power indicator and were simple. Be careful to not strip the hex head screw when working on these. You can get them from China with the upgraded regulator and I would recommend that to the novice. FM also has a 100k RF filter that can be ordered as deleted and that gives a more open sound but can sound harsh if you have RF interference. I have some VERY expensive gear and many have been sold but I have not had any desire to sell the FM 255. It is a unique piece of gear that seems to do everything right and have an ability to consistently sound beautiful. There are a few companies making clones and the TaoBao site has reviews of the different clone makers. Weilang gets good marks on TaoBao so stick with that maker. These are definitely an incredible value.
@@FineArtPrintmaker Thanks for the info, i need to expand my knowledge in this area so i will try the upgrades you suggest. The FM255 is replacing a Mark Levinson 326S atm. But i havent sold the 326S yet. Hifizone has been good re cables i didn't have good cables especially power cables before but .... now I do. The investment in the cables has made a huge difference.
Yes...this FM255 is noisy. The old version without remote control is better.
Yes. I’ve been waiting for this review. Thank you sir!
Thank you! I will send you an email with links for the black version FM255 that i have and the tube preamp that i plan to buy. So far the Master FM801 sounds a little cleaner and refined than D9 but i can't say i like one more than the other. I will have to listen to it a little more and maybe experiment with my power cables. My guess is that at this level amplifiers sound more similar than different because they do fewer things wrong if that makes sense. One thing that i must add is that while FM801 gets hot it is not as hot as D9.
Thanks for your assessment! I have a D5 Pro and was about to pull the trigger on the FM801. As much as I appreciate the D5 it feels a tad leaner in the mids and vocals.
How are the mids on the FM clone?
@@MidFiGuy I never thought that the mids of D9 are lean and it is the same as you amp just with an extra XLR input. You do not need to change amp. The problem is elsewhere in your system IMHO. I can tell you that the FM255 preamp that i have (not the one reviewed here) is a great match. The sound is smooth liquid with great mids and non fatiguing highs. I also use R2R dac and that also contributes greatly to mids quality over what you usually get from D/S dacs. Cables matter too but that is another can of worms that i will not open here. I hope that helps.
@@calaf_725 HI which FM255 do you have? mine is the same as the review model, but i am happy to upgrade to a nicer version. I see there are some models around the USD 2k level. they have signed components and extra parts. i have been considering one of these as i liked my current FM255 so much, but i guess i am worried if i invest more am i going to get anything better? its this worry that has held me back.
@@mthorby1 I've been using one of these 99% clones of the FM255 MK2 for about 10 months now, which I purchased for around $1,500, and I must say, I'm very happy with it. Contrary to some concerns mentioned about clarity or details, I haven't experienced these issues with my unit.
However, I do agree that the clone is sensitive to noise in the signal. To get the best performance, you really need high-quality cables and effective RF filters. I am using only XLR in my whole system. Once this is sorted, the performance is remarkable-it has elevated my system significantly.
In comparison to the built-in preamp of my R2R DAC, the clone has added one or two layers of transparency, and the soundstage has opened up considerably. The result is a three-dimensional and holographic sound with more depth and width. For the price, it's an impressive piece of equipment.
If you're curious, here's the link to the version I bought: www.aliexpress.com/item/1005005357406289.html?channel=twinner
😁
Thanks!
4:48 Application of a tiny amount of liquid Turtle Wax to the rubber o-rings may eliminate the stickiness and the problem you experienced. Worth the experiment.
Hi Thanks for the review, i have a FM255 same as your no remote, it works well with my active studio monitors. (RL901k). I especially like the bass and I need XLR input output, which will rule out the Cary as an option. As these pre-amps are not expensive (in the scheme of things) I will keep watching your channel for any opportunity to upgrade or at least get another pre-amp. Many Thanks.
Hello. Thanks for this review. It's always a pleasure to discover your new vidéo 🙏
After watching yours videos, i have baught the D5 Pro (perfect experience for me),
I have bought alimentation sector cable Odin=Perfect experience too,
I have received too RCA connection Audioquest fake Well Signature (just waouh!)
Now, i am waiting for delivery preamp MBL6010D 9.3 for my D5 Pro,
As soon i receive it i will write here my feeling 👍
NB: My DAC Streamer is Eversolo DMP A8. My speakers are Cabasse Murano Alto. Have a good day and please continue yours videos 😊
Thank you for this great review. How sound the FM 255 compare to the C-245? I bought the C-2860 pro plus. This sounds fantastic, but only if you use bass and trebe controls! If you use the direct mode it sound very warm and not kristall clear. For your review of the C-2860, how do it sound compare to the C-245?
+1 here! after watching this review I started to think that maybe the accu clones are better options?
Accu clones are about great SINAD, if properly crafted, with good low-noise PSU.
This preamp is different: it's about coloured, distorted sound, but such way, that it sounds sweet, warm and airy, just similar to old tube gear.
I agree that the bass/midrange borders on loose, but not actually bad. Just kinda full and bassy/smooth
If you hit the -20db gain button, the sound tightens up and becomes a little more disciplined and analytical
I did not see you try the switch during the review - far right button on the unit 😊
I had that rubber feet ring issue on another amp so I put a small amount of Super Glue in the groove before refitting the rings.
I always enjoy your reviews l would like your opinion on pairing the Cary SLP 90 preamp with the Dartzeel D 9 pro thanks and have a blessed day
"With this preamp, I lost some details, but earned the timber and musicality"
The sign of a high THD; the microdetails are just lost in the harmonics, but due to a specific for the class A spectrum of harmonics, it sounds airy, warm, sweet. Similar to some tube amps, or the British Quad amps.
Today, to get that kind of sound, one doesn't need to buy an expensive preamp or even its clone. Just download the VST plugin, that mimics the tube preamp. Use your favourite search engine, to get the number of the free, as well as paid choices
Hi Tom,
So nice Video in Ur style 😊.
I don't like these preamplifiers that are built today like they were in 1970. Nowadays you can switch the inputs with a remote control via relays or remotely control the volume, you can use the circuit layout if you like, but you don't have to install switches and potentiometers that always caused problems in 1970...and the Chinese definitely don't use rhodium or gold-plated contacts here 😅...
It is interesting that you say it would not be a good match with a warm power amplifier because that is exactly what the FM711 is. I wonder if FM Acoustics voices their amps for ultrahigh end speakers as, from what I have read, are often excessively bright. It is really interesting to look at high-end speaker frequency response graphs in reviews because they often seem to be emulating a profile of the alps.
Sounds like a good allrounder for the living room all day listening if you can prevent noise issues. The split RCA/xlr circuitry would be an issue for me, because I'd want to use RCA to my sub woofers.
If you’re talking about the outputs, run the RCA outputs to your amp and then buy a pair of XLR to RCA adapters for less than $10 and run that to your subs.
@@sean_heisler my amp only has xlr inputs. I would need an XLR to XLR+RCA splitter. Or split xlr and use rca to xlr adapter to hook up my LFE cables.
@@D1N02 Maybe I missed it in the review. Doesn’t it have one set of XLR outs and one set of RCA outs?
@@sean_heisler yes, but XLR output will only output XLR input. Same for RCA
@ aha! That’s what he meant. Ok. Well, that sucks. I gotcha, sorry!
Question. Have you ever tried bi-amping your Martin Logans or any speaker. I am thinking of bi-amping my Dunlary SC-5s.
I like the cat very much ❤❤
I have it and love it, but a damn hiss noise come from it. I have very sensitive speaker like 93db. I using this in bi-amping mode with open baffle full range speaker and a woofer.
If I can find a way to remove the hiss. Probably like you say it's because of the High Input sensitivity of the amp....
Are you using RCAs, or the much better XLRs (quality necessary)
@@roberthart9886 RCA input and output
@@osezchanger1596 the modules are not perfect in these. The RCA noise is a known issue. XLR is dead silent. The FM155 with RCA’s sounds better to me with zero noise.
@@osezchanger1596 Definitely go t XLR. Why do you think they made it XLR dominant?
@@roberthart9886 I will try the xlr. Bit have to buy cable :)
Can you tell us whether the RCA inputs and push-switch mechanisms are magnetic?
I have one of these. The switch mechanisms are not magnetic on mine and the RCA’s are brass, non magnetic.
Hey, please stop spending my future money! 😂🎉 I am not going to buy any more amps, every attemp is futile! 😊❤
Finally a xlr balance preamp. Is it truely balanced?
Looks nice,but for that money i rather would go vintage.
PHASE is a misnomer. The correct word is POLARITY
Perhaps the word phase is correct with the argument that it refers to bass frequencies which tend to be recorded in mono so that's probably why the word phase got popular in use with relation to speakers anyway..
🙄🤔fill it with alubutyl and you have the weight of the original...🧐🥱trash
Thanks!
Let's show real support for this channel! It has refreshing positive energy even in the comments. The more beer we buy Tom, the more likely he will test those next level clones we are all curious about.
Skal brothers