Furutech Reference Flux Series Lineflux XLR Balanced Interconnect   - $2,625  for XLR or RCA Version   Top of the Line for 2009! Furutech Lineflux Series Interconnects Refinement Personified All audiophiles search for the same qualities: Verisimilitude to the original event, a sense of engagement promoting suspension of disbelief, a visceral immersion in the audio video experience The dilemma faced by many is that poor recording values are more apparent as audio systems gain clarity, transparency and resolution Recordings that are acceptable sounding on a compromised system may grate as the bass, midrange and upper frequencies open up The wideband, smooth, extremely low noise and utterly musical presentation achieved by Furutech’s beautifully finished Lineflux cables is down to meticulous engineering and a careful audition of various suitable materials These results in the superb overall balance of qualities that Furutech is known for that allow you to feel, experience and communicate with music Furutech Lineflux interconnects feature solid-core a (Alpha) OCC conductor, double-layer shielding, and a high-grade polyethylene dielectric with insulating materials that further dampen the transmission line The substantially-built extremely nonresonant RCA or XLR connectors are finished in layered carbon fiber and stainless steel with rhodium-plated pins The results are extremely fine resolution down and through the very low noise floor, improved soundstaging and image palpability, a musical, attractive, “round” midrange, tight and controlled bass, plus power and dynamics to spare Specifications: Solid (Alpha) OCC Conductor Double-layer shielding for improved noise insulation Insulation/Dielectric: High-grade polyethylene Beautiful, hefty rhodium-plated carbon fiber and stainless steel CF-102R RCAs or CF-601MR / CF602FR XLR connectors The best damping and insulation materials available for improved frequency extension and smooth tonal balance Carefully engineered cable clamp improves grip reduces mechanical and electrically-induced distortion Dimensions: Cable diameter approx 130mm • Overall length: 12M/set Top of the Line for 2009! Furutech Lineflux Series Interconnects   Speakerflux speaker Cables- 2M $3539., 3M $4172.   Top-of-the-Line for 2009! Furutech Speakerflux Cables Comes Standard with CF201r Spades for the Amplifier and CF202r Bananas for the Speaker Other Combinations on Request The Effective Diameter of Your Music! The link between speakers and amplifiers is one of the most critical in a system Speaker cables carry high current and require low resistive loss to avoid turning part of the signal energy into heat; high performance construction techniques call for large cable diameters or bundles of smaller conductors for an effective large diameter Low resistance also keeps an amplifier’s damping factor high avoiding uncontrolled driver movements Furutech specifies (Alpha) OCC Pure Transmission conductors terminated with beautifully-engineered high-performance rhodium-plated nonmagnetic pure copper spade connectors for the amplifier end and rhodium-plated banana connectors at the other end Other connector combinations are available on request The substantially-built extremely nonresonant connector bodies are finished in layered carbon fiber and stainless steel The dielectric/insulation is high-grade PE reducing capacitance and improving mechanical damping for greater resolution, clarity, powerful dynamics, plus an ultra-quiet soundstage in which music develops more fully without artificial upper-frequency “presence region” glare The smooth, natural, utterly musical presentation is down to meticulous engineering and careful audition of various suitable materials These results in the superb overall balance of qualities that Furutech has long been known for that allows you to feel, experience and communicate with music Available Now in 2m and 3m Lengths The results are extremely fine resolution down and through the very low noise floor, improved soundstaging and image palpability, a musical, attractive, “round” midrange, tight and controlled bass, plus power and dynamics to spare   Specifications: (Alpha) OCC Pure Transmission Conductors Beautifully-engineered high-performance rhodium-plated nonmagnetic pure copper spades Type CF-201R Nonmagnetic rhodium-plated banana connectors Type CF-202R Dielectric/insulation: High grade PE reduces capacitance for improved vibration damping Results in greater resolution, clarity, powerful dynamics, and an ultra-quiet soundstage in which music develops more fully without artificial upper-frequency “presence region” glare   Jumperflux - $560     Top of the Line for 2009! Furutech Speakerflux Jumper Cables FP201R Spade Connectors and FB200BR Banana Connectors All audiophiles search for the same qualities: Verisimilitude to the original event, a sense of engagement promoting suspension of disbelief, a visceral immersion in the audio video experience They also know that everything in the signal path makes a difference, and that includes the jumpers used in biwired speakers system Most jumper cables supplied by speaker manufacturers are adequate for the job, but Furutech has never subscribed to being merely adequate Furutech Speakerflux Jumper Cables use high-purity large diameter 6mm-squared α (Alpha) conductor for minimal internal impedance Choose beautifully engineered FP-201R nonmagnetic pure-copper rhodium-plated spade connectors, or specify FP200BR nonmagnetic eutectic copper alloy rhodium-plated banana connectors The Jumpers feature an insulation/dielectric of high-grade PE that reduces capacitance and resonance The jacketing is RoHS-compliant PVC As with the Speakerflux, their use results in greater resolution, clarity, more powerful dynamics, and an ultra-quiet soundstage in which music develops more coherently   Specifications:  7 bundles x 68-strand α (Alpha) OCC conductor 0127mm, 36mm total diameter Insulation: High-grade PE 53mm diameter Jacket: RoHS-compliant nylon braid approx 62mm Connectors: Jumperflux-S with FP-201R spade terminals and Jumperflux-B with FP-200BR banana connectors       Piezo Powerflux Power Cord  - $2919       Cable Essentials: Powerflux conductors are 68-strand α (Alpha) OCC twisted around μ–conductor strands with a special-grade PE insulation or dielectric (Alpha conductors are fine OCC wire treated with Furutech’s Alpha Cryogenic and Demagnetizing process) The dielectric is surrounded by an inner sheath of RoHS-compliant PVC incorporating carbon powder that enhances damping, and that in turn is covered by a full α (Alpha) conductor wire braid shield Another flexible PVC outer sheath and a Nylon braid jacket finish the job Piezo Ceramic Series Connectors The extraordinary FI-50 series connectors are a result of the meticulous way that Furutech engineers examine and improve each and every element of signal transfer using breakthrough technologies to reach their Pure Transmission Technology goal Furutech’s beautifully-finished FI-50(R) IEC and FI-50M(R) Piezo Ceramic series connector housings are made of multiple layers of carbon fiber in a damping and insulating acetal copolymer, surrounded by nonmagnetic stainless steel bands The connector bodies combine two “active” materials: Nano-sized ceramic particles and powdered carbon Nylon and fiberglass are incorporated as well forming an extremely effective, mechanically and electrically non-resonant connector body that may just be the most sophisticated in the world Specifications: Fitted with Furutech’s top-of-the-line FI-50 Piezo Ceramic series connectors Furutech’s beautifully-finished FI-50(R) IEC and FI-50M(R) Piezo Ceramic series connector housings are made of layers of carbon fiber in a damping and insulating acetal copolymer surrounded by nonmagnetic stainless steel Europe version features FI-E50(R) Schuko Connector The connector bodies combine two “active” materials: Nano-sized ceramic particles and powdered carbon Nylon and fiberglass are incorporated as well forming an extremely effective, mechanically and electrically non-resonant connector body that may just be the most sophisticated in the world Piezo Ceramic series connectors feature α (Alpha) Pure Copper conductors equipped with Furutech’s advanced Earth/Ground Jumper System (US Patent No: 6,669,491) Patent-pending metal cable clamps improves grip and reduces mechanically- and electrically-induced distortion -- also features patent-pending specially-engineered pressure plates Cable features a full α (Alpha) conductor shield to protect the signal from radiated noise RoHS-compliant flexible PVC sheaths enhances vibration control Special high-grade PE insulation/dielectric reduces capacitance Enthusiasts know that everything in the signal path makes a difference and that what they see and hear is, in a very direct way, the AC power itself The sweeping way in which Furutech goes about thoroughly engineering and refining their products is a tour de force of detail and design work Rating: Extreme Performance Pure Transmission Power Cable Rating 15A 125V AC • 10A /250V Rhodium-Plated Nonmagnetic Conductors • Type: 2-pole + Earth Flux-50 Inline Power Filter - $1125.00   AC Power Can Make or Break Your System The audio you hear from your home entertainment system is essentially the incoming electricity itself, and the typically violent storms riding the AC line and its ground is very detrimental to the performance of your components The Flux-50 is a sophisticated, luxuriously made and finished inline power filtering unit that eliminates many common problems caused by contaminated electrical power lines It protects against distortion caused by ground noise, voltage spikes and sags, high frequency power supply noise from other components in your own system, plus high frequency digital noise from processors and digital interconnects You’re never alone when you take your seat; the residential AC supply is shared with other apartments, homes, and businesses on the same utility transformer explaining why many enthusiasts notice their systems perform to a higher standard late at night and weekends The Flux-50 features the Innovations Award winning FI-50 power connector They combine two “active” materials: Nano-sized ceramic particles and powdered carbon Nylon and fiberglass are incorporated as well forming an extremely effective, mechanically and electrically nonresonant connector body that may just be the most sophisticated in the world And it incorporates the AC-1501R EMI-filtering IEC connector The Flux-50 Inline AC Filter lowers noise on every component on which it’s used resulting in very natural and extremely fine resolution down and through the utterly silent noise floor It improves soundstaging and image palpability and creates musical highs, an attractive, engaging midrange, tight and controlled bass, plus you’ll notice power and dynamics to spare Specifications: Fitted with Furutech’s top-of-the-line high end performance Piezo Ceramic body rhodium plated α (Alpha) non-magnetic pure copper conductors FI-50R Connectors GC-303+EMI Filter AC-1501R Rhodium plated α (Alpha) non-magnetic copper alloy conductors Earth/Ground Jumper System (US Patent No: 6,669,491 )  Patent pending metal cable clamp improves grip and reduces mechanically and electrically induced distortion plus patent-pending specially engineered pressure plate Cable features an α (Alpha) conductor shield to protect against radiated noise RoHS compliant flexible PVC sheath improves vibration isolation Special high-grade PE Insulation contributes to a reduction in capacitance Dimensions: Outer Diameter 507mm max, Overall Length 30cm Approx     Evolution Series Evolution II Digi Cables   - $490 New for 2009! Updated Evolution II Audio Cables Pure Transmission Performance for Value Conscious Audiophiles Furutech’s Evolution Series was awarded The Absolute Sound Editors’ Choice Award in both 2007 and 2008 High Performance Addiction • Audiophiles Want What They Need All enthusiasts are looking for the same things: Verisimilitude, a sense of engagement promoting suspension of disbelief, a veritable immersion in audio and video experience To detach without effort from modern time’s exigencies requires meticulous preparation of the entire playback chain, especially cables, power cords and AC distribution Evolution II, an update of the extremely well received Evolution series, incorporates newly-engineered anti-resonance cable clamps as well as an upgraded dielectric/insulation of RoHS-compliant Pb-free PVC incorporating anti-resonance carbon particles in its manufacture Our Pure Transmission philosophy incorporates rhodium-plated pure copper conductors, even the IEC connectors of the Evolution II power cord No detail too small, every element of signal and power transmission engineered to within an inch of its life, treated with advanced processes, and turned out with beautiful design and build quality to enrich every music experience • Finished with beautifully engineered High Performance FP-110 (G) RCA connectors or FP-3-117 (R) BNC connectors or finished with High Performance FP-701 M (G) and FP-702 F (G) XLR Connectors • RCA center pin 24k gold-plated nonmagnetic a (Alpha)-OCC conductor with Teflon dielectric • RCA connector backbone composed of nonmagnetic 24k gold-plated eutectic cast copper alloy with beautifully finished nonmagnetic copper alloy outer locking shell • BNC connector FP-3-117 (R) has characteristic impedance of 75O ±5 • Shield: 012 mm a (Alpha) conductor wire braid • Cable insulated with polypropylene reducing capacitance and damping vibration • Results in greater resolution, clarity, powerful dynamics, and an ultra-quiet soundstage in which music develops more fully without artificial upper-frequency “presence region” glare Evolution II Digital (RCA) • 12m (39ft)   Specifications: 37-strand α (Alpha) -OCC Conductor・016mm, 115mm diameter Insulation-1: Specifically grade Polyethene Skin 117mm diameter Insulation-2: Air-formed PE(Inner)+ Specifical grade Polyethene Skin ,55mm diameter Shield: 012mm braided α (Alpha) Conductor ,63mm diameter Sheath: RoHS Compliant flexible PVC (Dark Blue) 8mm diameter  Jacket: Nylon yarn braid approx 95mm Connectors: FP-110(G) RCA or FP-3-117(R) BNC   Evolution II Audio (RCA and XLR 12m) - $825 RCA 1.2M Pair, $943 XLR 1.2M Pair   New for 2009! Updated Evolution II Audio Cables Pure Transmission Performance for Value Conscious Audiophiles Furutech’s Evolution Series was awarded The Absolute Sound Editors’ Choice Award in both 2007 and 2008 Specifications: (Type: Hyper-Balanced Interconnects)   High Performance Addiction • Audiophiles Want What They Need All enthusiasts are looking for the same things: Verisimilitude, a sense of engagement promoting suspension of disbelief, a veritable immersion in audio and video experience To detach without effort from modern time’s exigencies requires meticulous preparation of the entire playback chain, especially cables, power cords and AC distribution Evolution II, an update of the extremely well received Evolution series, incorporates newly-engineered anti-resonance cable clamps as well as an upgraded dielectric/insulation of RoHS-compliant Pb-free PVC incorporating anti-resonance carbon particles in its manufacture Our Pure Transmission philosophy incorporates rhodium-plated pure copper conductors, even the IEC connectors of the Evolution II power cord No detail too small, every element of signal and power transmission engineered to within an inch of its life, treated with advanced processes, and turned out with beautiful design and build quality to enrich every music experience. High performance beautifully engineered gold-plated RCA connectors [FP-110 (G)] or [FP-701M(G)/FP-702F (G)] XLR connectors RCA center pin 24k gold-plated nonmagnetic α (Alpha)-OCC conductor with Teflon dielectric RCA connector backbone composed of nonmagnetic 24k gold-plated eutectic cast copper alloy with beautifully finished nonmagnetic copper alloy outer locking shell XLR connector pins beautifully engineered copper alloy α (Alpha)-conductor with PBT dielectric XLR body and housing made of nonmagnetic copper alloy Shield 1 012 mm α (Alpha) conductor wire braid Cable insulated with polypropylene reducing capacitance and damping vibration Results in greater resolution, clarity, powerful dynamics, and an ultra-quiet soundstage in which music develops more fully without artificial upper-frequency “presence region” glare α (Alpha) Conductor Is Composed Of Fine OCC Wire Strands Treated With Furutech’s(Alpha) Cryogenic and Demagnetizing Process α (Alpha)-OCC Conductor wires are treated with the FURUTECH α(Alpha) to minimize transmission loss Finished with High Performance FP-110 (G) RCA or FP-701M(G)/702F(G) XLR Connectors FP-110 (G) non-magnetic 24k Gold Plated PCOCC central pin with dielectric Teflon Body made using non-magnetic 24k Gold Plated Eutectic cast Brass Non-magnetic Brass Housing (Black) The pin of FP-601M(R)/602F(R) is made using non-magnetic 24k Gold Plated Eutectic cast Brass with dielectric PBT Non-magnetic Brass Housing (Black) Shielded with 012 mm α(Alpha) conductor wire Braid realizing superior noise isolation Insulated with high quality Polypropylene which contributes to a reduction in capacitance “… wholeheartedly recommend these cables to someone looking for more from their present system” -- Brett Rudolf EnjoyTheMusiccom “Furutech’s cables offer great transparency and purity, plus an uncanny ability to block out noise and grunge” -- Chris Martens The Absolute Sound     Furutech (GT2 Type A/B) USB Cables  Reviewed from Positive Feedback! Length 0.6M $110.00 1.2M $132.00 1.8M $154.00 5.0M $264.00       Technical Data: Main conductor: Silver-plated a (Alpha) OCC Conductors Main Insulation: Special-grade high-density polyethylene 3-layer shield construction for improved noise insulation Connectors: Furutech-engineered 24k gold-plated USB series Connectors The best damping and insulation materials for improved frequency extension and tonal balance 06m (2ft) / 12m (4ft) / 18M (6ft) /  50m (165ft) Pricing  06M $110.00 In Stock!, 1.2M $132.00 In Stock  18M $154.00,  50M   $264.00   Technical Data: Main conductor: Silver-plated a (Alpha) OCC Conductors Main Insulation: Special-grade high-density polyethylene 3-layer shield construction for improved noise insulation Connectors: Furutech-engineered 24k gold-plated USB series Connectors The best damping and insulation materials for improved frequency extension and tonal balance 06m (2ft) / 12m (4ft) / 18M (6ft) /  50m (165ft)   The following mini-survey is part of an ongoing series of articles documenting my transition from a CD and LP based listener to computer based listener Computer based audio has been a part of my listening experience for years but mostly as casual background music Within the past eighteen months however, my appreciation for computer based audio has increased greatly due to recent experiences with outboard digital to analog converters In the ensuing months I reviewed a variety of USB DAC devices As a result, I sold my eight year old Magnum Dynalab 208 Discrete Receiver and upgraded to Magnum's new MD 209 with integrated USB DAC The focus of this article is USB cables I do not claim to possess intimate knowledge of the scientific laws or data to support my observations; however I can relay my observations on the effects of three different USB cables in my system Hopefully, some of you with similar situations may find my results interesting My method for evaluating the cables was uncomplicated Over the span of several quiet mornings with no one in the house but me, I listened to an iTunes playlist of music that I felt might reveal differences in sound among the three cables Then I crawled around on the carpet to reach behind the Mac Mini and Magnum to disconnect or insert cables and quickly return to the listening chair to repeat the playlist On many an occasion, by lunch time my knees were chaffed, but I had a solid impressions of the sounds of the cables In general, the most significant difference among the three cables was their ability to convey depth of perception Not surprisingly, this ability, and thus musical realism, was directly related to their cost. The first cable I listened to was a generic beige colored USB printer cable "Enterprising Young Men" from the 2009 Star Trek movie is dramatic piece of orchestral music with dynamic percussive elements and blaring brass The generic cable sounded acceptable but lacked specific details about the size and shape of the orchestra The overall perspective was "back of hall" where sounds tend to blend into an amorphous whole The leading and trailing edges of sounds were also somewhat muted To put it briefly, listening to music with the generic USB cable was like listening to an average CD player that sounded satisfying, though ultimately uninvolving Next I replaced the generic cable with Furutech's GT2 USB cable which is manufactured with higher grade materials and shielding The change resulted in a more refined musical perspective The orchestra could now be distinguished by its different sections with significantly more clarity and focus The vast dimensions of the recording hall also began to emerge The perception of depth and layering of instruments from front to back was also greatly enhanced in comparison to the generic printer cable On this basis alone, Furutech's GT2 USB cable garners a high recommendation for its value and performance" hen I switched to the Locus Design's Axis cable This cable is virtually handmade with select materials and individually shielded strands The Axis opened up spaces within the recording even more The lifelike orchestral image and depth of perception produced by the Axis was quite very impressive I could perceive sound reverberating into the far corners of the hall Musical details were now laid out in clear daylight French horns were now unquestionably muted The complimentary musical lines played by violins and violas were precisely rendered and engaging An assortment of rattles and shakers are used to great effect to drive the rhythm along and swell to a dramatic peak punctuated by sharply struck tympani drums  Next, I played to a favorite vocal selection to listen for any tonal anomalies or color shifts "Love and Happiness" by Emmylou Harris and Mark Knopfler from their CD All the Road Running is a very beautiful song I often return to this track because it combines the unembellished elements of Emmylou's plaintive voice and strummed acoustic guitar to great emotional effect The generic printer cable made tonal colors sound slightly faded and imprecise like a massed produced poster of fine art The Furutech cable afforded me higher contrasts and sharper images of the performer's voices and instruments The dimensions of the recording space were much better defined The Axis, however, rendered musical details and the illusion of space with absolute clarity The song begins with gently strummed acoustic guitars, one with capo around the middle of the neck Then Emmylou sings a verse followed by Mark's distinctive basso speak-sing style The drummer keeps time on a wooden block for a few measures like the tick-tock of an old grandfather clock before laying the stick sideways on the snare for a more metallic beat The Locus Design cable's accurate portrayal of these micro musical events greatly enhanced my appreciation of this and many other recordings Poncho Sanchez' latest recording is Psychedelic Blues on Concord I highly recommend downloading the song "Willie Bobo Medley" It's a three part medley of some of Willie's most popular tunes updated with Poncho's band in full funk mode and a tip of the hat to the late Willie Bobo The recording as played through the generic printer cable was enjoyable but images were flattened and space relations were ill defined The Furutech cable exposed more musical details and well defined images on a consistent soundstage The Axis cable dialed in resolution, space, and depth of perception to maximum degree Conga and cowbell were vividly portrayed with natural timbres and overtones and decays Trombone, sax, and trumpet retained their unique sonic signatures and location on deep soundstage Bass rolled along with firm authority Prior to my exposure to USB cables from Furutech and Locus Design, I was unaware USB could have such a significant impact on the sound of music given that all they do is transfer ones and zeros to the DAC However, I now realize that selecting a high quality USB cable for digital transfer is just as important as choosing an interconnect for analogue signals If you are currently using a generic printer cable between your computer and a USB DAC device, I urge you to upgrade to a higher quality cable such as Furutech's excellent GT2 The interval of performance between the generic cable and the GT2 was considerable Music sounded more alive and open For listeners seeking the highest degree of performance and the means to acquire it, the Locus Design Axis is highly recommended On a final note, wireless data transfer may soon make USB cables irrelevant In the meantime, however, seek out as high quality USB cable as your budget will allow" Technical Data:   Main conductor: Silver-plated a (Alpha) OCC Conductors Main Insulation: Special-grade high-density polyethylene 3-layer shield construction for improved noise insulation Connectors: Furutech-engineered 24k gold-plated USB series Connectors The best damping and insulation materials for improved frequency extension and tonal balance 06m (2ft) / 12m (4ft) / 18M (6ft) /  50m (165ft)

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