FM Acoustics Vintage

[Robertos]

This is the second one, they all have the same thing writen on front(FM 800a Laboratory power amplifier). I can post detailed photos later, sometimes next week, when ill be at my warehouse.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xap1/t1.0-9/534420_3460214501921_850680026_n.jpg

 

[zbub]

This is actually a 611X, which is longer than 611. FM Acoustics claimed the two to be identical in circuitry but differing in chassis size, but noting the larger 611X to offer slightly more peak output than the shorter 611. I am still using this amp in my system driving a pair of Wilson X2.2s.
Here's a picture of the interior.

 

[zbub]

Used to be a Lyra Connoisseur 4.2L SE, then choosing between Goldmund 22, FM 266 Mk II, and Soulution 721. Ended up with Soulution. In my system the FM pre/amp combo seemed to smooth everything out. Even though with the Soulution pre the sound is not as "fleshy" as the FM combo but I am hearing more into the music.

 

[bvdiman]

Used to be a Lyra Connoisseur 4.2L SE, then choosing between Goldmund 22, FM 266 Mk II, and Soulution 721. Ended up with Soulution. In my system the FM pre/amp combo seemed to smooth everything out. Even though with the Soulution pre the sound is not as "fleshy" as the FM combo but I am hearing more into the music.

+1 great pic!
I too tested Soulution 710+721 (KS Elation) years back.. Found them to be a tad cool and mechanical sounding in comparison to FM611+266mkII (FMA Cabling). Agree that FMA+Soulution combo could compliment each other quite nicely. Found that FMA strength lies more on their pre--ended buying the S710 then as 2nd amp.
Still, I thought the FMA combo pre/amp were better/more to my liking. However, whatever they are doing, new Soulution sound (711, 701, 725) is indeed progressing in the right direction, imho. What are you using for wiring---Look like Forceline3 SC and Crystal Cable IC there? …nice.

 

[bvdiman]

It is much neater under the hood of 611X, whereas kinda messy and a little cramped inside old (1993) 611.
Hence, its one drawback against X version is lower heat tolerance, causing shutdowns when overdriven--continuously.


Contacts cleaning and check (2012) - FMA 611

 

[zbub]

+1 great pic!
I too tested Soulution 710+721 (KS Elation) years back.. Found them to be a tad cool and mechanical sounding in comparison to FM611+266mkII (FMA Cabling). Agree that FMA+Soulution combo could compliment each other quite nicely. Found that FMA strength lies more on their pre--ended buying the S710 then as 2nd amp.
Still, I thought the FMA combo pre/amp were better/more to my liking. However, whatever they are doing, new Soulution sound (711, 701, 725) is indeed progressing in the right direction, imho. What are you using for wiring---Look like Forceline3 SC and Crystal Cable IC there? …nice.

When I was making the preamp decision, I remember it came down to the fact that I listen to more jazz than classical for the past 10 years, and the Soulution/FM combo gave me more "bite" to the music which I felt was essential. To make that effect even more pronounced, I added 6dB more gain on Soulution as well. If I listen to more classical I probably would have chosen 266 Mk.II instead.

Right now I have FM Forceline 3 SC and Crystal Dreamline IC. Used that combo for years until...

Last month I went to audition Transparent speaker cables. The system consisted of CH Precision digital or Clearaudio vinyl to the latest VTL 7.5/Siegfried to Wilson XLF. All cables were Transparent Opus MM2. I am going to try Transparent speaker cables in my system...

 

[LL21]

face plate is different color and the chassis top is 1 piece, vs top and side panels with separate screws?

 

[LL21]

The difference between the three are different top plates.
There's one 810 and two 811's in the pics above, but which ones?

Top photo is different from bottom two.

 

[zbub]

The one with the ventilation holes in the rear of the unit should be 811. Same arrangement as my 611X.
Interesting why 810 has ventilaton holes in the front... So the amp modules are in the front???

 

[Windy]

Some history - FM Acoustics stands for For Music and Acoustics.
The company was started in 1973.

800A - their first amplifier - released in 1975.
Power output was 300watt in 8 ohm and 400watt in 4 ohm with 0,01% distortion.
Damping factor 800, S/N 110dB, freq response 5-300k, weight 29kg.

Input impedance on 800A, 600A and 300A is 4-5k depending on level.

Transformer - 2500 VA.

View attachment 7436

View attachment 7437

View attachment 7438

View attachment 7439

From the 1997 price list

In CHF
800A Series III - 17250
800A LI Series III - 19800
800A ULI Series III - 22000

LI version drives down to 1,5 ohms, ULI version drives below 1,5 ohms.

2002 pricelist
800A LI Series III - 26000
800A ULI Series III - 28000

Thank you Wizard! I am a new comer here.
I can't see the attachments. Due to expired linkings?
Does anyone know the internal differences between Series I, II and III of 800A? Only knew that higher driving ability to speakers with low impedance for newer series.
Thanks