First Impression Music is the passion of Winston Ma who’s commitment to produce the best sounding discs has earned him international acclaim.

First Impression Music (FIM) are only mastered by the industries top engineers, either in 88.2kHz 24-bit HDCD (High Definition Digital Compatible) format, XRCD (Extended Resolution CD), Surround Sound or even the latest DTS (Digital Theatre Sound). All these formats are known to be the latest technology and the best available in the market.

A normal mastering process often results in five generations of transfer from the original master to the glass stamper. FIM ensure only one generation is made. Winston Ma believes that with each generation of transfer, loss of information and distortion increases.

The final step is extreme quality control. One of the ways is to ensure CDs sound as good as they can is to keep the Block Error Rate (BLER) as low as possible. The industrial norm is around 200, however, F|M CDs average just 10. This means technically they are 20 times better than an average CD. To assure customers of this FIM provide copies of the certificate of authenticity on request for every CD sold!

In a nutshell, purchasing any FIM CD is a guarantee that you’ll own the best possible reproduction, the most involving and beautiful music manufactured to the highest quality.

Patricia Barber: Cafe Blue

Without question, Cafe Blue is a ‘classic’. Not just in the sense that it is a break through collection of inventive arrangements of songs from Bobbie Gentry, Miles Davis, Luis Bonfa and Frank Loesser, but also because it is a phenomenal recording in terms of sound quality. What better way to hear Patricia Barber than on this incredible 24ct Gold, 24-bit version which features all her signature elements, the spare electric atmosphere, the haunting voice, the wry, and witty songwriting. Voted ‘Best of the Year’ 1997 by Audio Land, and ‘Record To Die For’ in Sterophile magazine, no recommendation is to small for the brilliant album.

D-FIM-FIMCD-010 £24.95

Please call 0870 241 2469 to order

The Sheffield Lab Drum & Track Disc

How would we sum up this album; dynamics and sheer energy at their best! The Sheffield Lab pioneered the highest recording quality and this reissue onto high quality XRCD (playable on all CD players) does nothing to disapoint. Drum and Track Disc is a classic audio reference CD ideal for testing all kinds of sound systems. As its title suggests, it begins with two incredible drum improvisations -- by Jim Keltner and Ron Tutt, respectively -- before offering up instrumentals like Le Ballade, Wise to the Lines, and James Newton Howard's Amuseum. Drum and Track Disc is essential for wowing your friends or just testing out your Hi-Fi.

D-FIM-LIMXR-005 £24.95

Please call 0870 241 2469 to order

Espana

Espana is a truely great classical album, it’s easy to enjoy, even if you are not normally into the genre. The album features works by Rimsky-Korsakov: Cappricio Espagnol, Op.34, Granados: Andaluza, Danza Espanola No.5, Op.37, Chabrier: Espana, and Moszkowski: Spanish dances, Book 1, Op.12. The London Symphony Orchestra shine under the artful conductor: Ataúlfo Argenta who is at the top of his art. His command of the Spanish rhythms, innate sense of orchestra colours and intense lyricism infuse this flamboyant music with an irresistible spirit. Recommended.

D-FIM-LIMXR24-016 £24.95

Please call 0870 241 2469 to order

FIM Super Sound Vol. 1

This collection of audiophile favorites includes artists such as Jacintha, Gary Karr and the Tsuyoshi Yamamoto Trio. It's a compilation of both classical and jazz music and it features hits such as I Am A Fool To Want You, A Song For You, and Amazing Grace. Winston Ma, First Impression Music comments, “I compiled this special edition with meticulous care for both qualities in sound and music, and music and sound.” This is a great way to get into some of the excellent recordings the FIM catalogue offers, as well as experiencing the astonishing recording quality.

D-FIM-FIMXR24-066 £24.95

Please call 0870 241 2469 to order