Overview
For over a decade, FIM has been unfalteringly and passionately dedicated to producing the best sounding music disc possible. We are proud of our successful track record in tackling the many shortcomings of existing CD production:
On the manufacturing front
Recording: We are consistently early adopters of the latest recording and mastering technology in the audiophile community; we use the best engineers and the finest equipment in the recording process.
Replication: We always use the highest quality replication plant to press our CDs to unusually stringent specifications. We guarantee the lowest block error rate; for the best reflectivity factor, we employ silver or gold foil for our CDs, instead of aluminum.
The Ultimate Disc: In 2009, we introduced special handcrafted CDs, known as UDs (Ultimate Discs), which have received overwhelming acclaim. For detailed information, please read the ensuing pages of this booklet.
On the consumer front
Resonance, Anti-Statics, and Damping Control: No matter how careful we are in our manufacturing process, our CDs may not reproduce the levels of sonority of which they are capable, due to varying factors in the consumer’s environment, such as the quality of the playback equipment used, including the power source; the setting and alignment of the system; the acoustics of the listening room; and the experience, knowledge, and reference standard of the consumer himself.
Thus, in our continuing pursuit of the best sound possible, we are introducing by stages some simple, no-gimmick, accessories and components to help our fans and customers achieve better sound reproduction in their home environment.
Some of these products are:
Formula Eight A/V Enhancement Disc
Formula Eight A/V Disc Enhancement Solution, consisting of two effective solutions: de-ionized water for absolute cleaning, and our own specially-formulated solution
Formula Eight Speakers, the reference monitor for FIM recordings
Other products are currently in the R & D process. Descriptions and specifications will be announced in due course.
Specifications and Directions for Use
Specifications
Material: Carbon Fiber and RCC (Resonance Control Coating)
Diameter: 120 mm
Thickness: 0.25 mm
Weight: 1.5 grams
Color: Carbon fiber side Black
RCC side Teal
Sonic character: Carbon fiber side Enhanced definition and dynamics
RCC side Enhanced harmonics and detail
Directions for Use
Align the CF–1 precisely on top of an audio or video disc, then insert normally into the disc player.
For better definition and dynamics:
Place the carbon fiber side facing down (toward the audio or video disc).
For better harmonics and detail:
Place the RCC side facing down (toward the audio or video disc).
Caution
When placing the CF–1 on top of the audio or video disc, ensure it is in alignment with the disc underneath. Dislocation may affect the sound, or cause other mechanical problems to the player.
In drawer-type players, tight mechanical tolerances may cause dislocation during the insertion movement of the tray. As a result, the drive may jam; turn off the player, and find a qualified technician or your dealer to open the chassis of the player and remove the CF–1. FIM does not provide warranty for this malfunction.
Top-loading machines are not subject to loading problems.
For more information, please read the preface of this booklet.
Thank you for your trust in FIM designs, and for using the Formula Eight; it will improve the sonority of the music you love, for years to come.
The Two Faces of Formula Eight
Like all audiophiles, I attach great importance to extracting the utmost sonic excellence from my system during playback of a CD or LP.
Over the decades, many devices have claimed to assist in achieving this goal. Most are various forms of damping mats, cleaning solutions, anti-static treatments, demagnetizers, and the like. I have tried many of them, with varying results. However, my anecdotal observation is that none achieve the all-round levels of improvement I am looking for in four parameters: definition, dynamics, harmonics, and detail.
Hence, I have for many years been looking into this area, in the hope that I might discover for myself a little bit of a breakthrough.
I knew that these four parameters were the essential and requisite qualities of a good reproduction presentation. Yet, I also realized that various factors can be reasonably expected to influence any device’s effectiveness with regard to certain parameters:
Type of music: classical, jazz, rock, vocal, chorus…a device may be ideal for an intimate jazz vocal, but inappropriate for opera.
Type of performance: a big orchestral extravaganza, a violin sonata…the former requires high definition and dynamics, while harmonics and detail are the beauty of a string sonata. Very few devices, if any, offer the best of both worlds.
Characteristics of the recording: “up-front,” or “laid-back”? Too bright, or too mute? Too aggressive or too soft?
Quality of the playback system
Room acoustics
The taste, preference, and sound reference of the listener
After struggling with these dilemmas for so long, at last I can say that I have succeeded in fulfilling the requirements of all these parameters in a single device: the FIM Formula Eight A/V Disc Enhancement, Model CF–1.
The Formula Eight is a unique mat-style device—user-friendly, reasonably priced, and most important, effective at improving the sound and video reproduction of your system!
The simple solution is to have two sides of different technical specifications:
The smooth carbon fiber side, marked “Definition & Dynamics,” produces significant improvement in these two parameters, as well as general improvement in the entire soundstage. This mat is particularly effective for big orchestral, or dramatic action movie, presentations, which rely upon definition and dynamics.
The RCC coated side, labeled “Harmonics & Detail,” offers noticeable improvement in these two parameters, in addition to general improvement of the tonal or color spectrum of the material you play.
No matter which side you use, you will notice improvement over your existing discs.
The directions for use of the Formula Eight, Model CF–1 remind you that the side you have chosen must be placed facing downwards, precisely aligned on top of the audio or video disc.
