FM Acoustics FM255 preamplifier clone first look - all that GOLD!

Did I miss it, but what are the black boxes? I don't like those push switches, as they are problematic in the long term for maintenance or replacement. Nice case though.

Can you open the black boxes? I'm guessing they are not parts from Switzerland

I wish these chinese clones would be with remote for on/off and volume and that they would include 12v trigger in and out.

Whats the difference between the Noratel and block transformers?. Seeing you choose the Noratel.

I got the simplified version .. ad the button of the push switches flies out and need to catch it quickly ..extra bonus ...need to use super glue ..

thank you

Curious how it compares to c245, because both are balanced.

I’ve been looking at this clone for a while. There seems to be several versions available with different transformers. How does this sound? Im very interested in your sound review. I have heard some complain about a hissing noise. Thank you for your review!! Have a great day sir!

What does the “tape” button do since there’s no tape in/out connectors in the back?

looks great, looking forward to the full review, you should test it out with the fm300a, see if there's any hum

Power coat finish. I wonder if the finish last, especially the oft-touched ones.

I've been looking at this for years on Ali Express but never pulled the trigger. Looking forward to the in-depth review!

Please comment on the choice of transformers

My Audionote Phono clone cost 312 GBP. Buy its xcellentThe closest t this in the UK wud b the fag packet size Project valve Phono 350GBP

hi this time the situation is more complex I do not think that they have been able to look inside the original black boxes
So call it a clone is a leap of faith because the full schematic is an industrial secret i suppose
I remember another preamp with black box modules like this They could be extraced because connected to the mother board with pins A company was selling a pin compatible upgrade done with just a smd opamp and few passives around it
If the upgrade is real i am impressed

Grazie per il lavoro che fai, video sempre interessante

What a great piece of equipment again. This morning I pulled the trigger for the Dartzeel D5 Pro and the Cary SLP-90 tube. Also based on your review (and some others). Thank you for that ❤
I’m so exited.
Also thinking about upgrading the tubes in the Cary. Do you have any suggestions? I like a clear and full sound to the warm side. Maybe the PSVANE 12AU7-S?
Rest of my setup is the Node with LPS, Denafrips Ares II dac and Linn Nexus loudspeakers. Hooe to hear and keep up the great reviews. Kind regards Olaf

How much did you pay? In Europe its about 500 and 100 for post. Plus the importation taxes. So, the final price it is about 800

Looking forward to see your review off this one, because a friend of mine, bourght it some time ago. It was very noisy and was very forward up in your Face sounding, and to much output, so that 9 o’clock position on the volumenob was all to loud. He sold it again after 1 month.

I'm not sure if the caps are original Elna ones. The heatshrink on each part has slightly different margin size. The color is also somewhat different.

Remember the Chinese can't invent anything, just copy

I have a cheaper version which is single ended only . I like it a lot with my FM301a, but it has a very slight amount of noise/hum on the left channel

I have one and it has been a problem. One of the large modules failed and it too 12 months to find two replacements. I replaced the faulty module and it turned out to be a different output!!! So I fitted the other one and I had a balanced sound again. I problem at the moment is the phase switch that only works in on position. When it works it sounds good. Again parts are the big issue.

nice! so is 110V for certain incompatible w 120V used in the states? thank you for any insights

Would be fun if you check out the mbl6010d clone. I ordered it yesterday. Will upgrade all op-amps in it too. :)

😮why Balance Inputs? Output makes Sense for amplifier.

If this is true balanced why is there just a 2 gang pot?

Does anyone know anything about the Accuphase C-2860 Plus clone? I don't see that model anywhere else. What is it based on?

I don't understand why I'm building an old preamplifier without new technology. Why am I installing old switches instead of relays or why there's no remote control, not even for adjusting the volume!? There's enough space inside for that! I also don't understand how you can build a proper preamplifier (not a passive one) with just one(!) input and who in China decided that you have to stop thinking when you have 4 (inputs)?

Hi i bought the same version as far as i can tell. Its run in now and sounds fabulous. Great bass and treble as far as i can tell in my system. There is no hum or any noise that is not supposed to be there. I reckon its pretty good. I bought because i am waiting on my mark levinson 326s to come back from repair. I think this pre amp is probably just as good will wait and see after itu comes back i will compare

Im looking for a clone to drive my b&w 683 s2, what do you recommend? Is this clone good enough? Burmeister 933 my be better? Budget is like $4-600. Open for advise. Thanks

Update : fm255mk2 +300a + NHT two ..the bass is good just enough for me .. just listened to the new Transformer the score sound track CD .. feel the drum bass is real sound from the drums.. still try to figure out how to improve the 3d feeling ..

Nice preview. When will the full review come out? I know you have lots ro review. Thanks for the great work!😊