September 2017


Best Of 2017 Blue Note Equipment Awards

Furutech DIY Power Cable And Power Outlet
Featuring Furutech's FI-50 NCF, FP-TCS31, FP-209 10R, FI-50M NCF, And GTX-D NCF(R)
Price: See review for details.
Click here to read the complete review.

  Furutech has long been known as a premiere manufacturer of high-end audio connectors and power outlets. Founded in 1988, much of their range of A/V cables is made with extremely high purity OCC single-crystal oxygen-free copper. In addition, their IEC and specialized power outlet receptacles have a loyal following. All metal components all treated with Furutech's proprietary Two-Stage Alpha Cryogenic and Ring Demagnetization Process during manufacture that "ensures the lowest achievable levels of distortion and noise" says the company. As a guy whose first day job was working for Heathkit Electronics, all the tools to make the cables were already here.

Their FP-209 10R spades are crimped to the FP-TCS31 wire. These α (Alpha) pure copper spades are cryo'ed, and you can either crimp, solder, or a combination of both. They fit perfectly into their power and IEC cord end connectors of course. Speaking of cable, Furutech's FP-TCS31 power cable is of course high purity 99.996% oxygen free copper OFC, and it undergoes variable high-pressure forging and folding. Conductivity is measured at 101.5 IACS%, it has a tensile strength of 250 MPa, and elasticity of 35%. It can handle 20 Amperes @ 125V or 16 Amperes @ 250V. Furutech's proprietary forging process applies variable high pressures, which is said to essentially be the same as folding the metal tens of thousands of times (akin to making a Samurai sword, which I just so happen to have an extremely high quality one of those here).

Furutech's AC receptacle is excellent, with easy installation and solid grip on even heavy AC power firehoses, I mean snakes, make that cables. The excellent grip and big surface area ensures there is an abundance of material making contact to deliver power. If you're seeking a real upgrade and still using lousy bone stock outlets, you definitely want Furutech's GTX-D NCF(R). This is their very best unit and we gave their Nano Crystal² formula connectors an award earlier this year during AXPONA. The DIY power cable may be a bit of a project for some, and I'm always cautious to recommend a power cable as a first-timer project due to the fact if you get things wrong, a very bad outcome is a distinct possibility. If you are handy with stripping wire and crimping a connector, plus know how to use a meter for continuity testing then you're all good to go.

Overall high quality of each Furutech product is unquestionable. They are among the best-of-breed and incorporate solid engineering and design. Lifespan should be, well, virtually forever. One thing I did not write about is aesthetics, and here is where Furutech's parts shine. The craftsmanship is beautiful, especially the silver colored carbon fiber IEC and wall end power connector. Also of note is that the earth/ground jumper system connects the securing screws to a ground terminal within the plug. This is said to eliminate the field disturbances as stray fields are grounded by a series of interlocking parts within the connector that attach to the ground conductor. So go ahead and have fun building their impressive power cable. Guys like me love audio projects, and this is really a simple cable to build. Note that Furutech does offer five distinct factory-terminated power cable lines that are for sale to those who do not want to roll their own. They are the Evolution II, the Reference II, the PowerFlux, NanoFlux, and the NanoFluxNCF. Retail prices for those are $835, $1533, $3000, $4395, and $5800, respectively. This fun-filled DIY cable project is a wonderful bargain!

Click here to read the complete review.

Previous Annual Blue Note Awards

Product of the Year Awards 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002, and 2001.