Some thoughts on FIM Formula Eight CD mat

Posted by Quint (D) on February 14, 2010 at 10:04:50

I received my FIM mat yesterday and have thus far used it on about 20 discs and have compared it to the Herbie’s Black Hole full-size mat and Marigo Signature. I sold my Millennium mat some time ago; I wish I had it on had to compare, since it seems the closest competitor to the FIM.

Anyway, I have to say that the FIM did make a significant improvement on every disc I tried it on. This was not the case with other mats I’ve owned—on my system, both the Herbie’s and Millennium seemed to close down the top end, making the sound less extended and with less “sparkle.” That’s why I stopped using them.

When I did my head-to-head comparisons, the Herbie’s still had the same problem I noted before; it closed down the top end. The FIM preserved all the air and made the treble even more extended. It also improved soundstage focus.

I didn’t get the chance to do an extended comparison with the Marigo, because the Marigo kept jamming in my Oppo. The transport couldn’t get a hold of it, and it would just keep spinning in the tray. It worked on only two of the six discs I tried with it. On those two, the FIM had the clear edge in every parameter I value most: resolution, soundstage focus, extension, and dynamics.

The FIM works as advertised. The Detail side did improve low-level resolution, while the Dynamics and Definition side made macro- and microdynamic swings more pronounced. Bass power and tautness were markedly improved on both sides.

I’m not sure why the designers separated the benefits onto two sides instead of just doing a one-sided disc like everyone else—I don’t know why we have to choose benefits—but, nevertheless, it does work. Anyone on the fence about the FIM need not be. It’s now my reference CD mat.

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