Has anyone got exp of gato fm-50 speakers, have home trial arranged

[alboy1975]

Hello lovely hifi people

I am currently trialing a pair of quite expensive speakers, of which I find to be horrendous, for myriad reasons. I will not state name, as personal opinion, and more importantly, my retailer has gone to extraordinary lengths to help me. My trial is to potentially replace my ProAc D20r, powered by a GATO Amp 150. I am potentially going to trial GATO FM-50s, as an alternative to my current test speakers, but cannot find any meaningful or, most importantly, truly independent reviews (I have found only a screen-shot of a very superficial two page magazine article.)

Has anyone here had experience of the FM-50s, will they meet my expectations after 30+ years of scrimping and saving to round off my system? Neither my current test speaker or the FM-50s are produced by companies with decades of heritage, there are few to no reviews, making me think that depreciation will be disproportionately high, and ultimately it may be difficult for me to 'shift them', should I choose to in the future.

Hifi for me is all about heritage and nostalgia, those 70s and 80s heydays. I seek that vintage feel without the vaguers of actually owning 'vintage', or the muddiness that frequently came with speakers of past generations. I like richness, bias towards warm, whilst retaining defined mid and, non-intrusive, sweet highs. My intention over the next decade is to work towards pure class A amplification, sub 30 watts. Due to my physical impairment, and required frequent maintenance, this is unlikely to be tubes and more along lines of 1st Watt or a Sugden A21 SE. If I plump for the FM-50, at 88db, this avenue is blocked to me, unless I also replace speakers.

I trust my retailer, they have an exemplary reputation that I have seen in action, but I worry that if I take the FM-50, lacking pedigree, I could be storing up issues for the future. If honest, I never saw myself rounding off my hifi with ultra-modern speakers, rather 12-15 inch paper cones of my youth, but with better defined mid and upper as experienced as a kid.

I have a few hifi mates, one with KEF 105 MKII and the other with Mission 770s. I have yet to hear the former, but have heard the 770s. Famously, the 770s are coloured, but there is something lovely about the sound. I worry that modern speakers are all about clarity and marketing speak, but may potentially lack soul, feeling, umami.

I have found this review of the FM-8, which gives hope, but will appreciate your feedback:

 

[Nopiano]

With what sounds like a good dealer - Elite Audio seems a distinct possibility? - I wouldn’t worry about pedigree of the type you describe, unless you actually want, say, some vintage Tannoys. The main thing is that you can listen at home and return if not liked. That’s the essential point.

I‘m pretty sure Hi-Fi News tested some Gato speakers, but I’ll need to look tomorrow, unless you can find it on their website.

 

[Nopiano]

https://www.gato-audio.com/pub/media/content/reviews/FM-50_20180316_UK_hifinews.pdf

Gato claim various upgrades since this review was published.

 

[alboy1975]

https://www.gato-audio.com/pub/media/content/reviews/FM-50_20180316_UK_hifinews.pdf

Gato claim various upgrades since this review was published.

Brilliant, thank you. Typical, just as I start this thread, my current test speakers (anon) have started to develop some cohesion, although top end still at bit much. I've literally been running 24/7 for 3.5 weeks and nothing has improved...but it ****ing happens now! The top-end however is still an issue. This is painful in a bdsm kinda way, lol

 

[alboy1975]

With what sounds like a good dealer - Elite Audio seems a distinct possibility? - I wouldn’t worry about pedigree of the type you describe, unless you actually want, say, some vintage Tannoys. The main thing is that you can listen and home and return if not liked. That’s the essential point.

I‘m pretty sure Hi-Fi News tested some Gato speakers, but I’ll need to look tomorrow, unless you can find it on their website.

Yes, Elite Audio. They are bloody brilliant and doubtful I will go anywhere else in uk for my gear. Highly recommend!

 

[alboy1975]

With what sounds like a good dealer - Elite Audio seems a distinct possibility? - I wouldn’t worry about pedigree of the type you describe, unless you actually want, say, some vintage Tannoys. The main thing is that you can listen and home and return if not liked. That’s the essential point.

I‘m pretty sure Hi-Fi News tested some Gato speakers, but I’ll need to look tomorrow, unless you can find it on their website.

The 30 day trial is really useful, but have to feel guilty about returning, when guys put in so much work.

My Dad had a similar business, installing slate snooker tables, fruit machines, arcade machines and jukeboxes into people's homes (my childhood was full of 7 inches with the hole cut out, lol). When I told him that I might need to return, he said in his business he'd have told me to...after so long.

 

[simon g]

I shouldn't worry about reviews. These are just other people's opinion, based upon different components and room to your own. The only opinion that counts is yours. If you don't like the test speakers then return them; that's the whole point of a home dem.

Yes, it may be difficult to privately sell tne FM50 in tne future, but if you're sticking with Elite then they'll also give you a decent trade in deal, when tne time comes.

As to having to change speakers because of a move to a A21SE, then I wouldn't be somsure of that. That amp is quite different to an A21a. The A21SE is a very vivid amp; make sure you dem first. It also has greater drive capability than an A21a.

From your post, I think you should also be looking at the likes of Harbeth, Spendor, etc. Your present path is towards a very modern, clean type of sound, which would appear to be not your desired direction?

However good Elite are, this is obviously a significant purchase for you, so don't necessarily limit your choices to those brands offered by Elite.

 

[Southeastern]

Yes, Elite Audio. They are bloody brilliant and doubtful I will go anywhere else in uk for my gear. Highly recommend!

Seconded for Elite Audio. Probably best dealers in the UK with their no hassle returns policy. Dont worry too much about returning, they just sell them off as ex-demo and still more than likely make something on the sale and have a bigger customer base for them seeing as they will be heavily discounts. Elite got the marketing right with this approach, other dealers should really follow suit instead of being stuck in the 90's.

 

[alboy1975]

I shouldn't worry about reviews. These are just other people's opinion, based upon different components and room to your own. The only opinion that counts is yours. If you don't like the test speakers then return them; that's the whole point of a home dem.

Yes, it may be difficult to privately sell tne FM50 in tne future, but if you're sticking with Elite then they'll also give you a decent trade in deal, when tne time comes.

As to having to change speakers because of a move to a A21SE, then I wouldn't be somsure of that. That amp is quite different to an A21a. The A21SE is a very vivid amp; make sure you dem first. It also has greater drive capability than an A21a.

From your post, I think you should also be looking at the likes of Harbeth, Spendor, etc. Your present path is towards a very modern, clean type of sound, which would appear to be not your desired direction?

However good Elite are, this is obviously a significant purchase for you, so don't necessarily limit your choices to those brands offered by Elite.

I agree,that ultimately the only opinion that matters is my own, but reviews inform whether or not to ask people to go to hassle of arranging a trial. This is why I will not name the speaker which I'm trialing. My experience may not reflect that of others and the retailer has the stock and relationship with supplier to maintain. The only instance in which I would 'call out' a speaker would be on objective things, example 'build quality not at expected level', this kind of thing. The build quality of trialled speakers is fantastic.

Re pathway, to be honest, I'm not sure if I'm in love with an idea, desired feeling, rather than reality of what I like, if that makes sense. I am 95% certain that the currently trialled speaker are not for me, but are the FM-50s? In two places now I have seen it written that speakers should be a minimum of 18 inches from wall (i'm assuming back of speaker). I am not able to move speakers beyond 9 inches, due to room. I have, because of this factor, been limiting my choices to forward of downward ported speakers.

I think that, ultimately, I'm scared of making the wrong, expensive choice, that cannot be easily fixed. I like to characterise speakers as the lungs of a system, and an amp as the heart. In this analogy, if you have lung disease, no amount of designer clothing, fresh hair cut etc, is going to disguise or delay eventual outcome.

 

[Cambs12]

I would echo what Simon G says above, in particular regarding adding Harbeth & Spendor to your list. If I was in the same situation, I would go and audition a number of speakers at a dealers, before arranging for a favourite to bring home to trial. You are limiting yourself to one speaker only, and while I'm sure the Gato FM50 will be a very nice loudspeaker, there is absolutely no guarantee it will suit you.

Another option is to go to a few shows around the country. They are not always ideal for a full audition, due to setting and other folk in the room, but they can give you an indication of what sound & brands may be towards your taste. Cranage, The National Audio Show and also the Wam show in Stoke in October are all available to attend.

 

[Lawrence001]

It's not clear why you want to try the Gato speakers, from what you said you don't have much hope in then, not the best start to a demo. Maybe because you have a Gato amp and assume the synergy will be better? The sound will still be ultimately defined/ limited by the voicing of the speakers regardless.

If you like the heritage idea, why not look at the Wharfedale Linton Heritage, the new Mission 770, or look at heritage Tannoy and new Fyne audio ranges. This is a great period in Hifi to be looking at getting speakers that hark back to your youth.

 

[hiesteem]

Hifi for me is all about heritage and nostalgia, those 70s and 80s heydays. I seek that vintage feel without the vaguers of actually owning 'vintage', or the muddiness that frequently came with speakers of past generations. I like richness, bias towards warm, whilst retaining defined mid and, non-intrusive, sweet highs.

Sounds like I have a similar taste to you. Detailed, textured, warm and dynamic, whilst being able to listen for hours. Which I do all the time.
I think certain Sugden amps will give you this, but again take your time to get the right one for you, as they do have different presentations.
I use a pair of Ruark Equinox on the end of my Restek electronics. I have had this system for decades because it gives the above sound presentation.
However I often think about what I would change, to compliment what I have, and the tannoy Eaton often feels the right way to go for me.
So what I am suggesting for you to try are a Sugden amp with Tannoy, as they will most likely give you that texture and detail presented in a very enjoyable and engaging listening experience.

 

[Nopiano]

Brilliant, thank you. Typical, just as I start this thread, my current test speakers (anon) have started to develop some cohesion, although top end still at bit much. I've literally been running 24/7 for 3.5 weeks and nothing has improved...but it ****ing happens now! The top-end however is still an issue. This is painful in a bdsm kinda way, lol

I’m afraid no speaker like that would ever stay with me, because if it takes a month to sound good how do you know that in another month it’ll sound terrible again? Much is made of running-in, and I acknowledge that some speakers seem to need a few days to loosen up and ‘relax’. But anything that needs weeks is defective in my book. The only product that seems proud of that defect is Boenicke, but they aren’t my cup of tea anyway, nice as they look.

 

[CnoEvil]

I really like the combination of Gato/Harbeth - albeit with the DIA 250S. I suspect the Amp 150 might be even better.

If you want to stay with Elite - maybe try Audio Physic.

As somebody who cut their HiFi teeth in the 70s and 80s, I think I have a similar preference in sound signature......and I really like what Kef are doing atm. IMV. Some LS50 Meta with their tiny but mighty KC62 Sub is the Left Field choice and would take a lot of beating at anywhere near the money. The "R" and "Reference" Series are also worth a listen.

BTW. What size is your room and how are your speakers placed in it? ie. Distance from walls and corners. Is your seating position away from the wall behind it?

 

[Southeastern]

Sounds like I have a similar taste to you. Detailed, textured, warm and dynamic, whilst being able to listen for hours. Which I do all the time.

So, basically, Q Acoustics Concept 300.

 

[JANDL100]

Given your professed love for the 70s 80s vintage sound, I would definitely get a listen to your friend's KEF 105ii speakers.
I strongly suspect it will be like returning to a much loved home, and will help a lot in defining your viable choices.

I'd certainly be very wary of 'going modern' until you properly check out the 'vintage sound' path.

 

[CnoEvil]

So, basically, Q Acoustics Concept 300.

The Concept 300/500 is a great shout.

 

[hiesteem]

So, basically, Q Acoustics Concept 300.

Not heard those, although I like the design and they look like they will throw a wide and involving soundstage and presentation.
They certainly fit the profile of speakers I have owned and really enjoyed in the past. Ie, Celeston Sl6s, Epos es 14 and my Ruark Equinox. All stand mounts that have been designed with different ideas and utilised to compliment the sound presentation
I like the open frame of these Q acoustics and they look like they are part of the sound presentation.
Very interesting design indeed.

 

[George 47]

You may need to be a bit more methodological in your approach. There are hundreds of speakers out there and you need to narrow down your choice to 2-3 by reading reviews (Wam ones are great, but I am biased ) What can also help is looking at specs to make sure you can use whatever amplifier you want, look at reviews that describe the sound, beware of the ones saying the best, you should be able to read them and get a good idea of what they sound like. Visit a few shows and also see if anyone in your area is having a bake-off as that will give you a better idea than most shows. Once done you will get a reasonable idea of what you are interested in and then talk to a good dealer. You have done that first.

Be up front and tell them you have narrowed it down to a few speakers and want to hear them at home. Most good dealers will do that for you. They will lend you speakers already burnt-in so they will work at their best straight away. If new then they must allow you to burn them in but make sure that it is agreed.

Then borrow them and enjoy the experience and with everything clear and understood no one will be under any pressure. If the dealer can't do that, although they may want a deposit/money to make sure you do not run off with them, go elsewhere.

I know this can be a nervous time as you are making a big decision but the process should be smooth and easy and hopefully fun. Elite are one of the good guys, there are others.

 

[alboy1975]

Cheers guys...a lot to think about.