Furutech Gold and Copper connector

As response, Not Funny and So Ridiculous.

Thanks Bo1972, I exchanged a couple of email with Chris Vanhaus at VH audio. He had a kindness to replay and here is his answer:

[Chris VenHaus
replied:] I can't really answer about the connectors themselves, since I usually also need to take into account the burn-in of the cable. Cables are usually 200-400 hours, and receptacles are usually 200-300 hours, so I'd say probably about 200 hours or so should get you to a good place.

Chris is a gentleman and it is so nice to have his feedback.

Cheers,
Michel

As for power cords, based on my own experiences. I think AC connectors play a big role on the output sound. Obviously, there are plenty parameters to consider too, like cable materials, no. of gauges, device equipment (CD player, DAc, preamp, AMP), power conditioner(s), the interconnect cables materials, speaker cables and most importantly the SPEAKERS. Devices being Tube based or Solid-State could also play a role in term of overall dynamic and revealing different frequency ranges. One could use Rhodium connector for CD player or preamp and Gold for Amps. For example, I use Dynamic Design power cord with Rhodium for one of my power conditioners feeding my LCD TV and AMP, CD player with an excellent clarity and results. The Dynamic Design Challenger cable with Gold connectors are used on my CD player. On my second system, I use a DD power cable with Rhodium feeding my preamp/processor.

I am afraid there is no any objective way to make rules on using Rhodium or Gold on CD player or amp. It is a multi-dimensional problem without any theoretical answer. The best way is to try and test.

Beyond all of these, THE MOST PROMINENT PARAMETER is the PERSONAL TASTE on type of music (Classic, chamber, Jazz, Blues, Rock, Metal), preference of being a bass freak or not, preference to have a more lively midrange, preference on more articulated vocal voices and enjoinment of hearing more pronounced instruments on high frequency or not.
I tested and have a lot of power cords and put some for sale. Some present an excellent sound especially with big orchestra and some are more suitable for jazz or chamber music. Of course, some cables present a reasonable compromise between the two. One might also choose to have entire power cords sets for each of these configuration. Some are very good for power conditioner, some are better for CD player or preamp or amps.

Regarding expensive power cords (>$800 used!), I am not sure, the subtle improvement that they might bring to your system could be really justifiable. I don’t believe neither reviews on Magazines that could be biased. One could learn some notions from that but buying based on review is not recommended. Based on my experiences, buying a reasonable and not expensive cable and changing the nema/iec connectors would present a much better result. I think Rafael0054 did that too on his Purist audio cables.

B01972- You are right on Oyaide connectors. It takes forever to get a clear sound out of them. Pricewise they are more expensive. I hear they are good but never used them. On their descriptions it is mentioned they use brass. The dilemma is that usually brass electrical conductivity is inferior compared to Rhodium, Gold and Copper!So, how they do it to sound so good.

Furutech connectors are very good and present tones of sound details. I bought a pair of them (FI-iiMM/IEC) sometimes ago. Before purchasing more of them to make some DIY cables, I tested those on some of my cables. FI-11 Gold are very good but even after 3 days, it is still doesn't have too much of clarity that one would expect. It is compared to Rhodium version. The bass is much fuller, midrange is fantastic and a little bit of shyness on High frequencies. Hopefully after 200 hours I will get more clear sound and precision on different spectrum of frequencies.

Power cable choice is not an exact science! Besides, I found it is useless to trust reviews on power cables in general and from one system to another one could get totally different sound. I tried several cables along with different power conditioners. Each has its good features as well as its drawbacks. It is valid also for choice of connector, from Rhodium to Gold the difference is so audible. It is amazing to find out how a power cord could totally change the sound character of your system.

Next try will be to test Furutech copper connector which seems to be more neutral.

Sonic_genius , For break-in power cords, in some sites I saw:
“Appliances such as computers and refrigerators are ineffective for breaking in power cords because they have energy-saving modes. Using appliances such as heaters, air conditioners, and powerful fans for over 100 hours can save significant in-system break-in time. “

Last week, I made another experience regarding Rhodium vs. Gold Ac connectors. I put back again my AQ Volcano (Copper) speaker cables (instead of AQ Meteor Silver) and some copper interconnects (instead of AQ SKY silver) that I have. With Fi-11 gold AC connectors, the sound was kind of dark side of warm sound and lacks a little bit the high frequencies. Even though music was alive and resolution details were present and the bass was too much pronounced. Honestly I am not a Bass freak… I put back again my Dynamic Design power cords having FI-11 Rhodium and high frequencies opened up magically with Copper interconnect/speaker cables having wider soundstage. The sound was more neutral and one could hear tiny noises out of the records.

It was a pleasant surprise which confirms the AC connector needs to be matched also with interconnect cables materials and speakers cables. Gold connectors with Silver interconnect/speaker cables and Rhodium connectors with copper interconnect/speaker cables. I continue to be amazed how Power cords and related AC connectors would impressively change my system sound. Of course, AC receptacle play a big role especially matching it with power cords. I use Tesla AC receptacle.

I ordered some Silver and Gold “iego” set AC connectors that I look forward to receive them to make new experiences with Silver connectors and compared them with Furutech. I was told Silver connectors presents the best of Gold and Rhodium, let’s see ...

Michel