Resolution Series 266 MK II
We are very pleased to be able to announce the "MK-II" version of the FM 266.
Who would ever have imagined what success the FM 266 would achieve in its 15 years (!) of continuous production? A unit perfected so carefully that it never required a single modification or correction, providing a performance so far ahead that no others even tried to challenge it. Never has there been anything comparable (of course with the exception of the FM 268, its larger companion with built-in Harmonic Linearizer).
Recently, new parts have become available that - together with advanced insights due to R+D - allow the first amelioration in 15 years. The refinement manifests itself in some smaller modifications but also some more substantial improvements - as described below.
New switchable true-impedance attenuators on balanced inputs I, II and III. These are very useful with some of todays high level components (CD/DVD players/converters etc.) that produce excessively high output voltages - often far above the standardized level ratings. Such excessive input levels can overload input stages (not the ones of the FM 266...) and they force the user to set the Level control on the line stage to very low settings, so low that it actually works as an attenuator instead of a preamplifier. The new input attenuators of the FM 266 lower the excessive levels whilst guaranteeing perfect balancing (not an easy feat). This in turn results in optimal Level control setting (around 12 o'clock position for normal listening levels).
To allow optimization of the total system gain - which differs widely from one system to another - further level switches allow tuning of the internal gain of the FM 266-MKII. This allows more flexibility in system gain optimization. Any system can be set to an optimal gain structure - which often improves total system performance.
The new HR modules (19510A) are used on the inputs. They help to achieve an astounding 100dB of rejection of Common Mode signals (such as interference, hum, noise etc.) making the FM 266-MKII immune against interference. This rejection is achieved not with cheap op amps but with fine-tuned discrete Class A circuit configurations guaranteeing the ultimate resolution in the unique FM ACOUSTICS way.
To avoid negative influence from spurious resonance and guarantee positive "connection" the FM 266-MKII employs FM ACOUSTICS unique resonance-eliminator supports. These isolate the unit from potential resonances which are absorbed and converted into thermal energy by the new supports.
The new "HR" type 19200 modules are employed for the true balanced outputs. These new HR modules are the result of a multi-year development. They achieve a superb level of reproduction and reliability. Never before has such a level of accuracy been achieved. Hand-selected precision Output Level and Balance controls in combination with interference rejection and shielding achieve the highest level of musical accuracy.
A small detail that improves vibration resistance and potential contact problems in harsh environments and transport mishandling: precision soldered flexible inter-pcb connections.
- Music reproduction to dream of...
- The only truly balanced preamplifier
- Proprietary enhanced Class A circuitry
- Absolutely superb CMRR (rejection of interference and non-music signals - CMRR of 100 dB - which is 100-1000 times better than other so-called "balanced" equipment)
- Unbalanced and pseudo-balanced signals are automatically balanced right at input
- All of the balanced input paths have precisely the same characteristics.
- Tremendous headroom and reserves in input signal handling capability (+21dBv!)
- Unique, true balanced outputs automatically optimize performance with balanced or unbalanced amplifiers
- Fully discrete circuitry using special curve-tracer analysed and listening-selected semi-conductors
- No overall feedback / feedforward
- Outputs drive any load and long cables with perfect reproduction
- No more matching problems between electronics and cables
- Precision Balance and Output Level controls guarantee absolute freedom from noise & interference.
- No stepped or inferior sounding digital or optical volume control
- Internal transformer utilises special shielding technology
- Extremely low impedance power supply
- Multiple on-board stabilisation and further stabilisation next to individual amplification stages
- Hand-selected and individually matched components of DIN, IEC & MIL standard
The Resolution Series ® 266-MKII is T H E ultra precision high-level pre-amplification centre featuring 6 true balanced high-level inputs and a precision buffered true balanced tape/auxiliary loop.
Copyright FM Acoustics of Switzerland Ltd. All rights reserved. Used with permission.