FM Acoustics amps

[LL21]

FMA amps with the big €320,000 Kharma Exquisite Grand Extreme speakers.

Thanks, Wizard. Are those 1811s? Have you heard the big Kharma Xtremes? Any thoughts about how they compare to big Rockport, Wilsons, Tidals, etc?

 

[Dave_A]

FMA amps with the big €320,000 Kharma Exquisite Grand Extreme speakers.

Thanks wiz! That's one Hell of a system. Which FM amps are those?

 

[Dave_A]

Two 1811's.

Nice! Thanks. I would be more than happy with just one 1811!

 

[Bruce B]

Please someone take that plastic sh*t off. Or does it hold the equipment together??

 

[djanggo]

Please someone take that plastic sh*t off. Or does it hold the equipment together??

Owners mostly get that privilege, not shops or dealers. Like when acquiring Patek timepieces, most buyers would usually prefer double-sealed items.

 

[Dave_A]

Owners mostly get that privilege, not shops or dealers. Like when acquiring Patek timepieces, most buyers would usually prefer double-sealed items.

Especially at the FM prices!

 

[bvdiman]

A 711II FS at Agon at a very low price - http://app.audiogon.com/listings/solid-state-fm-acoustics-711-mkii-2013-06-12-amplifiers-95620

The new price is $70000 - 711II was released in 2008 - it sells normally used for around $45-50000 - so this must be a scam.
But this could be a renamed older 711 from 1997.

Sweet deal! I'm interested if as spec'd ~ a genuine 9/10 condition FMA 711mkII from '08+. Few images of actual unit would help. What's quirky though is selling off from CA a 230v unit? Also, what 'remote control' for 711mkII? If seller could clarify here and proved to be a clean deal, I'll bite. My gut too says most likely a scam.

 

[Mike Lavigne]

Sweet deal! I'm interested if as spec'd ~ a genuine 9/10 condition FMA 711mkII from '08+. Few images of actual unit would help. What's quirky though is selling off from CA a 230v unit? Also, what 'remote control' for 711mkII? If seller could clarify here and proved to be a clean deal, I'll bite. My gut too says most likely a scam.

i'd ask for the serial number (including a picture of it), then contact the factory to verify the build date and model. then contact the distributor in Colorado Springs and see if they can switch it to 115v and how much.

 

[Dave_A]

A 711II FS at Agon at a very low price - http://app.audiogon.com/listings/solid-state-fm-acoustics-711-mkii-2013-06-12-amplifiers-95620

The new price is $70000 - 711II was released in 2008 - it sells normally used for around $45-50000 - so this must be a scam.
But this could be a renamed older 711 from 1997.

I see. Well, as Mike said get the serial #, clear and accurate photos, and someone reputable to change the voltage. Either Colorado Springs or the FM factory in Switzerland.

Better yet is to hop a plane and see this amp in person, and possibly audition it. At this kind of money I don't see why not. You know?

 

[LL21]

I see. Well, as Mike said get the serial #, clear and accurate photos, and someone reputable to change the voltage. Either Colorado Springs or the FM factory in Switzerland.

Better yet is to hop a plane and see this amp in person, and possibly audition it. At this kind of money I don't see why not. You know?

If someone is serious, either bring an engineer to check it out in person...or perhaps pay for the equipment to be shipped to FMA. If it is real and in good shape, buy it. If it is not, the seller can pay for it to be shipped back. For a few hundred bucks, that's good insurance.

 

[Dave_A]

If someone is serious, either bring an engineer to check it out in person...or perhaps pay for the equipment to be shipped to FMA. If it is real and in good shape, buy it. If it is not, the seller can pay for it to be shipped back. For a few hundred bucks, that's good insurance.

I agree with you. I never thought of that! Great idea!

 

[bvdiman]

i'd ask for the serial number (including a picture of it), then contact the factory to verify the build date and model. then contact the distributor in Colorado Springs and see if they can switch it to 115v and how much.

Thanks Mike..
The 230v is perfect for me actually (in Asia). Just find it a bit strange as usually units with such voltage setting would be shipping out from Asia or Europe, rarely CA.
And also its price..
Have asked for serial no.and photos but no response as yet. If seller happens to read this, do chime in and verify here under light instead. Admittedly this is my first time, have been buying only locally through dealer/importer for the last thirty or so years, hence all these caution and nervousness.
If all is good and genuinely spec'd as advertised, consider it sold.

 

[LL21]

Thanks Mike..
The 230v is perfect for me actually (in Asia). Just find it a bit strange as usually units with such voltage setting would be shipping out from Asia or Europe, rarely CA.
And also its price..
Have asked for serial no.and photos but no response as yet. If seller happens to read this, do chime in and verify here under light instead. Admittedly this is my first time, have been buying only locally through dealer/importer for the last thirty or so years, hence all these caution and nervousness.
If all is good and genuinely spec'd as advertised, consider it sold.

I have always found manufacturers to be very helpful in these instances. You pay for shipping to the manufacturer...so the seller knows you're serious because you wouldn't pay for the Seller to send it (insured) if you had no intention of buying it. If its real, you can wire the money knowing the unit is in good shape (and safely in the manufacturer's trustworthy hands before you wire money). If its not or if its damaged, the manufacturer is the fair arbiter and can estimate cost to repair which can be negotiated with seller.

The only alternative I've used has been having an engineer come with me to inspect and then help me take it back. I've done each twice and fortunately its worked out well.

 

[nirodha]

Thanks Mike..
And also its price..

Maybe someone with a technologicial / engineering background can explain to me why FMA is so damned expensive?
Wim

 

[Dave_A]

I have always found manufacturers to be very helpful in these instances. You pay for shipping to the manufacturer...so the seller knows you're serious because you wouldn't pay for the Seller to send it (insured) if you had no intention of buying it. If its real, you can wire the money knowing the unit is in good shape (and safely in the manufacturer's trustworthy hands before you wire money). If its not or if its damaged, the manufacturer is the fair arbiter and can estimate cost to repair which can be negotiated with seller.

The only alternative I've used has been having an engineer come with me to inspect and then help me take it back. I've done each twice and fortunately its worked out well.

Wow, I never thought of that. Because I wouldn't think the manufacturer would want to get involved. The other alternative is a great idea too.

 

[Dave_A]

Maybe someone with a technologicial / engineering background can explain to me why FMA is so damned expensive?
Wim

Heh eh, that's the $64000 (the price of an FM preamp) question...

 

[bvdiman]

I have always found manufacturers to be very helpful in these instances. You pay for shipping to the manufacturer...so the seller knows you're serious because you wouldn't pay for the Seller to send it (insured) if you had no intention of buying it. If its real, you can wire the money knowing the unit is in good shape (and safely in the manufacturer's trustworthy hands before you wire money). If its not or if its damaged, the manufacturer is the fair arbiter and can estimate cost to repair which can be negotiated with seller.

The only alternative I've used has been having an engineer come with me to inspect and then help me take it back. I've done each twice and fortunately its worked out well.

Thanks Lloyd.. But I somehow got the feeling that this ain't gonna be worth it ~ time, effort, money. FMA charges quite a hefty sum for services and the likes. By the time drill's done (even if deal genuine) price would have likely already escalated to point where its around the normal going market price for such units.

Wizard's last post is more like reality to me. Few years back, I've once offered $42.5k (shipped) for a very mint (as new) 711mk2 listed @$47.5k at Agon, and never heard back from the seller.

 

[Elberoth]

A 711II FS at Agon at a very low price - http://app.audiogon.com/listings/solid-state-fm-acoustics-711-mkii-2013-06-12-amplifiers-95620

The new price is $70000 - 711II was released in 2008 - it sells normally used for around $45-50000 - so this must be a scam.
But this could be a renamed older 711 from 1997.

It seems to be Alex Peychev's account (of APL fame). Noting easier than going to their website and calling him directly.

http://www.aplhifi.com/index.php?op=contact

 

[Dave_A]

Thanks Lloyd.. But I somehow got the feeling that this ain't gonna be worth it ~ time, effort, money. FMA charges quite a hefty sum for services and the likes. By the time drill's done (even if deal genuine) price would have likely already escalated to point where its around the normal going market price for such units.

Wizard's last post is more like reality to me. Few years back, I've once offered $42.5k (shipped) for a very mint (as new) 711mk2 listed @$47.5k at Agon, and never heard back from the seller.

Yeah, I would agree...

 

[MasterChief]

Have they stripped the amplifier from electronics? Or? I know nothing about amp electronics so I just compare it to how it usually looks like.