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Cable Asylum: REVIEW: Furutech Receptacle FP-15A (CU) Accessory by Zozo

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REVIEW: Furutech Receptacle FP-15A (CU) Accessory

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Model: Receptacle FP-15A (CU)
Category: Accessory
Suggested Retail Price: $30 in Japan
Description: Wall receptacle with copper (non-plated) contact surfaces
Manufacturer URL: Furutech
Manufacturer URL: Furutech

Review by Zozo ( A ) on November 21, 2003 at 07:47:41
IP Address: 210.253.202.209
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for the Receptacle FP-15A (CU)


I was hesitating to post this review here or at the tweak section. I believe that a wall receptacle is an organic part of the cable chain, so I decided to post it here.

Background to this review:

I recently bought an amplifier that “completed my system”. At the same time I promised to my wife that I would not change any major component in the system for the next five years. (I know, I know… ) Anyway, there are an infinite number of cables and tweaks I can still try…

A thing I had long wanted to experiment with was wall receptacles. About a year ago I changed the original receptacle to Hubbell 8300. I wanted to use 3-prong plugs (I am in Japan where living room receptacles are two prong only) to assure a reliable contact. I was hoping for some improvement in sound quality. There was some improvement, but I wasn’t sure if it was because of the three-prong audio grade plugs I was able to use now or because of the receptacle itself. I remember reading a post on the Asylum that somebody didn’t hear much difference with Hubbell (compared to the original), but they found a clear improvement with Wattagate.

Decision on the models:

I chose two new models from Furutech to try, the FP-15A (G) gold plated, and the FP-15A (CU) which is not plated, just copper with some corrosion treatment. The reason is that Furutech is cheaper than other big names: PS Audio, Levinton, Wattagate, etc. and I had had good experience with other Furutech products. I also found the pure copper-no plating idea rather appealing. In Japan, the catalogue price for the Hubbell 8300 is about $65, the gold plated Furutech is about $50 and the copper one is $30. You can get around 20% discount in most retail stores.

Set-up:

To make this test as simple as possible, I only used my CD player direct to the power amp (rather than through the preamp as I usually do) as the receptacles can only take two plugs. The receptacles were placed in the wall and the two components plugged in, no AC conditioners, power taps or anything else.

Construction:

The Hubbell uses nickel plated brass, the Furutech are copper bronze alloy with gold plating on one and no plating on the other. I think they all have isolated ground, but I don’t use the ground anyway. Inserting the wires and tightening the screws give a firm connection with both brands. The Furutech, however, gives a much tighter connection for the plugs. The plug on my amp is only two-prong, and when plugged in the Hubbell it was easy to move it with some minimal force on the power cord (although they would still remain in place). To push the plugs in the Furutech I needed considerable force and the connection is very firm after plugged in.

Listening:

One track from each of these disks:

Eric Clapton: Unplugged

David Benoit: Famous Composers of Jazz

Norah Jones: Take me away

Best of Kodo (Japanese drum concert)

Stereophile editor’s choice sample disk

First I listened using the Hubbell which I was used to, but just to have an immediate reference. Then I switched off the breaker, Hubbell out, non-plated copper Furutech in, breaker switched back. I was ready for my first “listening to a receptacle”; a nonsense I would have said a couple of years ago. I must admit I was worried that I would not hear any difference. This is not because the time/money/energy spent on the whole thing. Rather, if many others say they do hear a difference and companies specialize in their production, and I cannot hear the difference then that is worrying. …

I pressed “play” on the remote…What a relief! Eric Clapton’s guitar and voice sounded much sharper, clearer and more transparent. I listened to all CDs and all confirmed the first observation. Music sounded more dynamic and it was easier to hear each note, which gave the impression of less noise. On the other hand, because of the increased sharpness Norah Jones’s voice lost some warmth and silkiness. She sounded more like a real woman than an angel. It was easier to tell that she was about 23 when recorded the album. This was surprising first, but I guess this must be closer to her real voice. I can imagine though that some people would not like it and prefer a bit more warmth and silkiness in female voices. It was like removing your orange sunglasses, but some people prefer them on all the time. Japanese drums sounded more real (I heard them many times live) with more energy and rhythm.

Now, breaker down again, in goes the gold plated version of the Furutech (which otherwise is identical to the copper one). Press “play”… Some loss of attack on the guitar play on the Eric Clapton CD, “Straight no chaser” on the Benoit CD sounded more like the “chaser” than the “straight”, and Norah Jones was transformed back to the ageless angel. Japanese drums sounded softer and so did the violin on the Stereophile’s Mozart piece. The whole presentation was closer to the Hubbell with some refinement and a bit more coherence.

Conclusion:

I very much liked the transparent, clear presentation of the copper Furutech. Even if the price of the three models were the same, I would still choose this one. The fact, that it is the cheapest one just makes life all the better. I ended up using that one now. Between the Hubbell and the gold plated Furutech, the decisive factor is the much firmer contact the Furutech provides and it is cheaper too. As for the sound, if you like warm sound, or you have a “bright” sounding system, or you feel it is too “analytical”, you may want to try these to treat these problems. And of course some people may prefer Norah Jones as an angel…, just as all-time orange sunglasses.

With this limited experience I should not make a general statement, but in this case, the “best plating is no plating” is a thought difficult to avoid.

Happy listening !
Zozo


Product Weakness: Non I could find
Product Strengths: Transparent, clear, dynamic presentation


Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier: Accuphase A-50 amplifier
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): None for the test
Sources (CDP/Turntable): Accuphase DP-75V CD player
Speakers: PMC FB1 speakers with fully replaced external crossover.
Cables/Interconnects: Acrotec IC and Wire World Eclipse III spk
Music Used (Genre/Selections): see review
Type of Audition/Review: Product Owner




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Topic - REVIEW: Furutech Receptacle FP-15A (CU) Accessory - Zozo 07:47:41 11/21/03 ( 2)