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OK, so I broke down and invested in one of these duplexes for my wall box that feeds my entire system.Out of the box I was impressed with the build quality. That this thing was made of high quality (mass anyway) copper and plastic (or nylon) was obvious. I also found it impossible to safely split the outlets with the breakaway tab (there's a discussion now on Cables about how and why, but that's that). I replaced the standard screw for the plate with a nylon screw, because it looked like it was either ferrous or plated metal and that is a no-no for me. I should also say that, despite the obvious copper and brass in the sideplates and their screws, one side did have silvery colored screws, which surprised me. But I guess Furutech doesn't read this board. LOL
Immediately upon installing the new Furu I got a noticable increase in bass energy. All to the good, as bass detail was tighter. Dynamics were livelier right away and both the bass increase and dynamics have stayed or improved over about 100-125 hours of burn in.
HF was also there with NO loss of detail that I could find. But there was a decrease in brightness. Mids - voices - were better. Again, this was quite good, especially for a cold start.
By about 50-75 hours the treble detail was improving and soundstage and imaging were getting much better by the day. There was more depth and dimensionality to the presentation. And it's smooth.
I'd installed a new DAC shortly after the Furutech outlet and had been concentrating on its performance. Didn't want to confuse the impact of either, so switched back to FM listening through my NAD receiver to eliminate effects of the DAC. Well, I gotta tell youse that the little Furutech really shone!
So now I know what the "high priced spread" is about. Yes, it's clearly superior in my setup to the tweaked P&S outlets I've been using. Just one made a significant difference to my sonics and I"m thinking of slowly replacing all the outlets in my system and maybe even upgrading the plugs to Furutech to match. For a cheapskate (read that as "wise shopper with champagne ears and lite beer budget") that's quite a statement. YMMV, of course.
Sooooo, would I classify this by the old cliche as "like an equipment upgrade"? Not yet, but it sure is substantially better. I DO believe that someone going from the usual contractor installed crappy outlet to one of these with no step in between would say that it was that good.
Follow Ups:
Good review bartc! I guess it was just a matter of time before you broke down and got one. I have 2 with a third burning in on my Fridge right now. I also have some of the FI-II M (cu)as well as some of the silver plated IEC by Furutech. I also have some of the FI-II F (cu)IEC burning in on the fridge as well.
I did it a little at a time as funds permited.
I use mine in a DIY power strip, so I didn't break the tab as I use Flavour #4 wire From VH Audio and went with 1 connector for each lug (4).
Yeah, Benie, thanks.I was considering the same route as you've taken, since I DIYed my own power strip and cords.
My strip is a classic design, like the Hot Box. I use cast aluminum (?) outdoor box, mechanical damping, ceramic cover, carbon fiber plate over the cover, carefully star wired and grounded per Al Sekela's instructions. The PC to the strip is Alan Maher's dual twist design in THHN with a P&S 5266x plug; outlets are P&S 5262A.
Was considering upgrading each of those outlets and the plug, plus maybe using CVH Flavor 1 config for the PC and a Furu copper plug. Not sure if I'd get the most bang that way or if I'd get it by going with a flavor 2 PC and Furu plug replacing my captive cord on my CDP. One or the other would likely happen next.
Since you pieced it out, as I'm considering, what/where did you get the most bang in sequence?
What is your specific strip design? Please supply details.
Well bartc:
"What is your specific strip design? Please supply details" It is the same one you have! Although I only post once in a while, I do pay attention and with certain things when I see yourself, Al, or Moray post, I read it with great interest. Because I have done alot of what has been posted about with the power strips and it works.
I use the aluminum outdoor box + cover with the damping and carbon paper (aka Moray James) with the design you and Al use (star ground + wired + nylon+ brass screw with spacer) using the CVH FL#4 wire + Furu copper plug.
I find the box design is the bigger bang for the buck as I was already using the Plug, wire,+ outlet in a bare aluminum outdoor box. It hard to say as they both make a good improvement, but it really surprized me how much improvement I got with the Tweaked box, who would have thunk it! It could be that for a simple little tweak. I was maybe more impressed because I didn't expect it. I resently got a couple of 2 gang boxes that are 1/8 plate aluminum, so some time in the future I plan to make a few with these.
My plan was always to replace the captive cord on my Sony DVP s7000 (transport) but just never got around to it and then I just got a Modded Parts Connection Music Hall CD-25 (super deal). So I guess the Sony will do Duty as backup and Stand alone DVD player, I still plan to change the cord, time will tell.I have heard others talk of very good (some big) improvements with changing the captive cord.
So being that you already have a tweaked out Power Strip Box which could be futher enhanced but which is giving you great benifits already. I think replaceing the captive cord with CVH wire might yeild you more benifits right now. ofcourse when you upgrade the power strip with CVH wire it will be a great match with even more benifits
If a Power strip is for your Amp you might consider using the FL#4 wire there. I have both #1 + #4 for Power Strip. I am also using the Vampire pure copper Gold PL. cryo spades for barrier Strips for connection from ( Take Five ).I was away for a bit but read that you now have a tweaked Carbon plate. That sounds very interesting and will have to go on my to do list ( list is getting long) first I have to do some room treatments and try some of the R-C tweaks for speaker cables and I just resently found out you can do the R-C tweaks for interconnects as well. I guess 2007 will be a busy year as well.
2006 brought me some great benifits audio wise.
Yep, done that on all but my CDP, which was why I was asking. Given the improvement levels each very different PC gave me over captive cords, it's a no-brainer for me to do the CDP next. Just was asking if you found more immediate bang from the Furu plug on the cord or the Furu outlet in the strip. One or the other will be my next step, I suppose...
one will lead to three, then 15 plugs like the guy below :(
The Furutech FI-11M (cu) plugs are a very good match for your
Furutech outlet.
I currently have 15 Furutech FI-11M (cu) plugs and highly recommend
them. They will continue to improve your system with the same sonic
attributes as the Furutech outlet.
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