I cannot answer your question because I have not played either amp, but I am curious how youve narrowed it down to these 2 amps? I personally had a lot of trouble deciding on which amp myself because I liked all of them HRM and non HRM based on sound clips. I ended up getting the FM50 which I will hopefully hear for the first time tonight. I chose that one pretty much by throwing a dart. The only amp I knew I didnt want was the S&M because I heard the switch from clean to OD was not all that great although each channel probably sounds great by themselves.
Anyways I think no matter which one you chose there wont be regret as they are all great amps.
The only thing is once you buy one Nik will release a newer better version right after LOL.

Big Morse fan myself, but the main reason I got this model is because it covers so many different sounds, its like a Strat, Tele and LP wrapped into one guitar. Plus I love the feel of Musicman necks.
I spent all of Sunday driving to different electronics stores to find this 10k trimpot ( no luck ) but I can list5 about 5 different places in the sacramento area that sell Linear pots. Where you at?

BTW what part are you waitin for?

I am in same boat. My amp is complete minus 1 10k trimpot that was supposed to be soldered to main component board by ceriatone. Any other part in this amp I could go to Frys and pick up, but apparently the type of 10k pot is not commonly used.
I asked Nik to send it but I also ordered one from Hoffman just to speed the wait.
I cannot answer your question though, I havent even gotten a tracking # for my parts yet. Someday

oops meant to say Hoffman not Hammond

FYI to any future builders
If you order a kit it may be useful to source your own RG-147. I scrapped about 10 inches trying to lead dress the RG-147 that came with kit and had trouble with the shield wires bunching up and breaking which left me short wire and had to order more. I ordered from Hammond and once received I had no problems stripping this coax and lead dressing.
I dont know if the coax that came with the kit was just a bad batch or what!

Thanks Sduck and boldaslove6789
very informative, wish I had an Oscilloscope and a weathergirl now LOL.
Since I do not have either I will probably just set it to 12:00 and then tweak it gradually by ear.
I did ask Nik this same question, his response was much shorter than the amp garage. But he didn't include pics of his weathergirl!

just set it to the middle.

This one, you wont kill anything, really even if set to extremes.

Then adjust it so that it's slightly off than each other, or to your liking.

Thanks again
Todd

Hello all
Almost finished with OTS FM50 build minus 1 part on the way ( internal pot ). Once received I will be ready to power amp up and start tweaking.
How is the internal pot on main component board setup ( Phase input pot )? In other words are there voltage readings to be achieved or is this adjusted via ears? Also is there a good starting point like ( set to 11:00 and then adjust from there )?
Also any other startup recomendations you can give this newbie will be very helpful!
Sorry if this is has been covered
Thanks

Todd

Thats funny, I ordered the kit because I didnt want to wait 2 months for my amp to be built. A little impatient myself.
Thank you
Todd

Thanks Soundperf
I figured if the watt rating was over the amps watts it would be fine, just wasnt sure.
One thing I noticed when on mercury magnetics site, is they only have 1 choke and it says its for the OTS50 but yet they have OT's and PT's for both 50 and 100 Watts but hey Im just a newbie who wants to make sure there is absolutely no smoke on startup.
By the way how is your build going so far, I think you said this is your first build as well right?

Hello all
I just noticed the choke that came with my OTS FM50 ( 50 Watt ) says 100 Watt on it.
Does this matter since this is just an inductor?
Thanks for any replies, I dont want to bug Nik every time I have a question if I dont have to.

Todd

Thanks for the fast response Hywelg.
I will try that.

Hello all
In middle of build and started to run the RG-147 mini coax only to find it is a pain to lead dress. Any tips or suggestions on stripping.
I read one post somewhere that says to strip about 2  inches then unbraid the shield. I cant get the shield unbraided without it getting balled up at bottom and then strands are breaking off. Another method I read was to solder a lead onto shield to extend it.
please help
Thank you
Todd

How bad does it sound without the c-lator? I plan on getting the C-lator lator after build?

Yeah the iphone does no justice to the pics.
I will try my wifes camera maybe it will work better
Also your not crazy I think they changed pics recently, hope the new ones are accurate. Will know soon enough