FIM Gold: Flexible Alternatives.


I have tried so many hi-end and some ultra expensive power cords over the last few years. They all had their strong points but none never seemed to justify their price. Most lowered the noise floor others hi-lited parts of the frequency response etc. But nothing made me stop and say "WoooooooooW, now that is a big difference that is undeniably better in terms of micro-macro dynamics, apparent super speeding up the presentation (sort of like going from conventional dynamic speakers to the Avantgard Duos (you know what I mean if you have heard those horns properly set up)" when I hooked FIM Gold Power Cords to my amp and preamp.

BUT....they are the biggest pains in the behind to work with. Like bending a relatively thick, solid metal rod. If you used them you know what I am talking about. Has anyone done extensive comparisons to other cords and come up with alternatives that bring the same level of musicality (blinding speed, power, black noise floor etc). I have used these cords with a variety of equipment and they always do their trick. Otherwise I would not put up with their Ironman ways. These are incredible incredible cords and will keep them unless there are REAL alternatives.
nanderson

Showing 3 responses by brianw

I've been using the FIM Gold series for a few years without any problems, what so ever. The first day, I spent about 3 to 5 minutes bending the cables so that they would not have extensive strain on any connector. Once bent into shape, they stay in place. My Gold power cords used on my amplifiers have stayed exactly how I'd bent them the day that they were installed, over 2 years ago.

I, too, love the Gold series resolution, micro/macro dynamics, transient response, focus and darker background around each individual instrument/vocalist. Have you tried a Gold PC to your digital source yet? If no, you'll be suprised.
Winston Ma of FIM sold off his share of FIM cables to his business partner and Garth Leerer of Musical Surroundings. Their new name is Cable Research Labs. This took place about a year ago.

I'll note that it took less than 1 hour for a Musical Surroundings employee to install a complete system with Cable Research Labs Gold at this last years' CES show. Many of you may remember the room layout; Over 8 power cords, 6 pairs of interconnects and a pair of speaker cables. I'll add that the speakers used were the wonderful Vandy 5's which require additional cabling to the amp section of the active sub. I guess it takes a longer amount of time for some, but 6 hours for one pair of speaker cables may be an exaggeration. Sean at Musical Surroundings must be a super athlete!

I'm sure that you can buy less expensive cables than the CRL, but I haven't heard anything that costs less that has its' transient reponse/dynamics/focus.
The FIM Gold, now Cable Research Labs Gold, is the micro dynamic champ. Period. It also is great at macro dynamics and transient response.