TEST OF FM ACOUSTICS (RESOLUTION SERIES) FM 255 MK2 PRE AMP (CLONE)

[♔Chello]

FM ACOUSTICS (RESOLUTION SERIES) FM 255 MK2 PRE AMP (CLONE)

Manufactured by Lyele Audio DIY, China
Price including TAX and shipping: $779.59
Norwegian import tax: $51.11
Norwegian VAT: 25% of $830.70 - $207.67
Total cost: $1,038.37
The price of the original amplifier was about $45.000
Carrier: DHL Express
Delivery time: 16 days

This amplifier exists in several original versions, and countless copy versions.
I chose the so-called Version 4, which is the most expensive.


Technical data:
Input and output fully balanced line preamplifier

● Gain / Maximum Input Level / Input Impedance: 20dB / 9V / 67-100-150kOhm
● Maximum output level/recommended load impedance: 19.5V / 600Omu
● (Phase, Stereo): Balanced (XLR) x 2, Single-ended (RCA) x 3
● Band input and output (stereo): Single-ended (RCA) x 1
● Output (stereo): balanced (XLR) x1 with single-ended output option
● Frequency response: 20HZ-40kHZ
● Power: 30W AC, 110/220V 50/60Hz
● Power consumption: 10W
● Profile size: 446 W × 92 H × 280 D mm
● Weight: 8kg with packing (!)


Original version
   

Lyele version
   

Clone inside look
   

Pure copper gold-plated RCA sockets
   

Japanese original ALPS remote control volume potentiometer
   

Imported original power transformer
   

Audiophile-grade audio array capacitors
   


The FM Acoustics FM 255 MK2 is said to be one of the best preamplifiers in the world.

FM Acoustics is known for using large resources to measure up to identical values on all components where many components must have the same value.

Lyele Audio DIY has really done everything to recreate everything as authentically as possible, and some components are actually better than the originals.

This clone has received absolutely fantastic reviews from many independent owners, who are used to very expensive equipment - it is often compared to the Mark Levinson ML-7A, and many believe that certain sessions are better reproduced with the FM 255 clone.


* I have tested FM 255 with the power amplifier FM Acoustics FM 300A.


THE TEST:
IMMEDIATE IMPRESSION DESIGN/BUILD QUALITY:
This amplifier immediately impresses out of the box; everything appears extremely well made - it is understandable that it cost $45,000 as a new original.

Everything LOOKS fantastic, but the RCA connectors are of variable precision; some are very precise, while others give a slightly looser contact - not good.

In addition, the amplifier requires that ALL other amplifiers be OFF when it is turned on, because there was a loud bang in the subwoofer because its amplifiers were on when I turned it on.
It is easy to forget this the first time, but I do not intend to make the same mistake again.

This also means that you have to be very attentive when sudden power outages occur, to remember to turn off the power amplifiers before the power comes back.

All switches and potentiometers are of the highest quality.


IMMEDIATE IMPRESSION SOUND QUALITY:
I hooked it up to the FM Acoustics FM 300A power amplifier.
EVERYTHING appears unusually clear:

Something completely new (and unexpected) is that there is ALMOST no digital noise with the DAC, even though I haven't connected the USB Isolator..!
For the first time there is almost no digital noise, which means that this amplifier is exceptionally well shielded from noise - I only hear it if I form funnels with my hands over my ears without music playing with the volume control at 12 o'clock

The sub-bass goes a lot deeper - I had turned the volume down a lot, but still low frequencies (10-20Hz) are MUCH stronger, plus there are new sounds I have never heard before
The bass from the bottom up is much more clearly resolved with precise touches

All instruments are better separated from each other

All instruments appear with more detail - I perceive new details in the entire frequency range

The perspective and three-dimensionality are much wider and more precise than before

The amount of ambience around each instrument is extremely higher than before

The dynamics are insanely higher; about the same as without a preamp - actually even better..!
All this happens even at very low levels, and I can play reasonably loud without the sound becoming shrill, which is typical of horn systems.

Another unusual thing is that there is zero need to adjust bass or treble via tone controls, which has always been necessary from time to time in the past.


CONCLUSION:
This is an insanely good preamp; far better than my previous MBL.

It is also proof that there is something to be gained from using matched amplifiers from the same series - this amplifier set is well known to be one of the best on the market, and these clones are no exception.

And even better:
I don't have to adjust the speakers' crossovers, which has always been necessary before - everything works (almost) the way I want.
Only a slightly higher crossover of the JBL horns can be usefully tried to dampen human voices a little.

Also, digital noise is almost non-existent for the first time ever - it will be fun to test the sound card and hear if the same applies to this.

It is incredibly rewarding to listen to music I have listened to for decades with all kinds of equipment, and experience that there are details I have never heard before - on EVERY recording..!

This also applies to the Kronos and Pa5X - they appear even more dynamic and alive than before; even more so than with the STAX headset.


DEFINITELY RECOMMENDED !!!