SUMMER/FALL	2001

SHOCKED

The title of this piece perfectly describes my reaction to the improvement afforded by replacing a very simple and inexpensive part of my system. In fact, so significant was the step up; I’d have a hard time equaling the upgrade at anything less than ten times its cost! 

Let me share with you the results of my experimentation with a device that surely ranks among the most mundane and unexciting parts of an audio system. Yet while the item itself lacks any sex appeal, I’ll bet your interest grows as you read on. 

Would you believe me if I told you that simply changing the wall outlet could result in an improvement similar to changing out a major component? Probably not, and that would be understandable. I would not have believed it either, had I not heard with my own ears. Here’s the scoop.

I had heard a few rumblings about a new outlet from First Impression Music; that it could offer sizeable sonic improvement. Maybe, but since I had good quality outlets installed here just two years ago when the rooms were constructed, I expected there was little room for improvement. But what the ‘hey, for $55.00, it was worth a shot.

T’was a warm spring afternoon that our experiments began. Rick, my trusty sidekick, squeezed himself into the limited confines behind the equipment rack in our front demo room. Simple tools in hand, he proceeded to extricate the two existing AC wall outlets; good quality, commercial-grade Pass and Seymour devices (certainly a far cry from the residential-grade “doo-doo” that is common fare in most every American abode). The electrical system was relatively new, the lines were dedicated, and the outlets in use were decent, so really, how much difference could the simple act of changing an outlet make? The answer came quickly.

It took only seconds after the music began to know that an incredible transformation had taken place. Huge, my friend, in my system the change was absolutely HUGE! What I heard on that day surprised, no, astounded me. The level of change was equivalent to that of replacing a major component. 

Clarity, in a word, best describes the enhancement I experienced. Every aspect of the recording was more accurately portrayed, with improved transparency, openness and detail. The Pass and Seymour outlets were pleasing enough when auditioned on their own, but had a softer more veiled character with significantly decreased focus when compared to the FIM. After experiencing the liberating effects of the FIM, there was no going back!       

Within the last few years, there has been an increasing interest in AC outlets. With the feeling that standard-issue residential-grade outlets, left something to be desired. Be sure of it, the electrician that wired your house looked for the least expensive parts he could find to fill the holes in the wall, which helps keep his prices reasonable. Hey, I am not knocking electricians; frankly, the lowly residential-grade receptacle is just fine for lamps, alarm clocks and other household appliances, but truly bad news for a high-end audio or video system.

  So, what is the story behind this outlet that makes it so special? I endeavored to find an answer to that question with a call to FIM’s head honcho, the inimitable Winston Ma. I was expecting Winston to unravel a complex tale of exotic materials, unusual processes, leading edge technology and proprietary techniques. Surprisingly, the explanation was disarmingly simple. Winston said he contacted a major outlet manufacturer and asked the question; “If cost were no object, what could you do to make your outlet better.” The answers came back equally simple, and appeared painfully obvious:           

• Greater contact pressure
• Increased contact surface area
• Higher tolerances throughout
• Less resonant housing
• Higher copper-content mating surfaces

Mr. Ma took them up on the idea and had the outlets produced. And aren't we all glad he did! 

So, for $55.00, you can snag yourself an FIM outlet. Will you experience the amount of improvement I did in my system? I honestly can’t say. More time and more trials in other systems will tell the tale. But I will say, that if you experience just a small fraction of the sonic enhancement I did, your sixty-five bucks would be money well spent.  

Read what others have said about the FIM Outlets:

"FANTASTIC! Your write-up was very accurate, but you neglected to mention the wonderful improvement it brought to my 32" Sony Triniton TV, about 7 years old. It is, Galen, almost like going from a very good TV to HDTV...clarity, color, depth, resolution all improved by 25 to 50%. Unbelievable!
Oh, I like the audio, too. Much more detail, blacker background, better focus for my Totem Mani 2s and the Marsh 400 amp. Voila!
Thanks so much for turning me on to this!" Jim

"Just installed the FIM outlet on a dedicated line. Wow, the difference is not insignificant !! I think this outlet (and IEC connector) business is totally under-understood and under-rated." T. G.

"...an obvious improvement. Clearly, it is the cheapest improvement I've ever made to my system."
A. B.

"I replaced the hospital grade outlet that I have on a dedicated line with the FIM outlet. I thought that I heard a nice improvement as i listened right away. But the more I listened, the more significant the improvement. Now I am just blown away at the difference and improvement that simple change made in my system. As i think that you said in your newsletter, this is a major upgrade to any system. The tax for a product that would produce this level of improvement would be more than the cost of the outlet. Thanks!!!!! for the tip. Next tip like that, just send it my way!"
Bob B.

"I had the FIM receptacles installed last week. They are amazing. Four years ago, I had two 20 amp lines and a 30 amp line installed off of a separate breaker. I thought that made a big difference, but to my ears the FIM products made a bigger change. THANKS!"
Ron T.

Note: be certain to replace all the outlets on a circuit as all are in parallel with one another, each adding resistance. A poor connection at any of the remaining outlets can introduce noise into the system. Further, try not to plug other devices into the circuit feeding your audio or video system. The system needs all the capability a typical 15 Amp circuit can deliver.

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