Furutech Mains Power Cables Hierarchy & Differences


My first experience with a newly fabricated Furutech mains power cable (FP-TCS31 + FI-28 (R) has proven to be extremely positive although the cable is currently still in the break-in process. There were ups and downs with the performance of the cable for the past two weeks but it’s a best sound reproduction I’ve experienced so far with the system. The Furutech cable is currently used in conjunction with other costlier (and excellent) Acrolink cords in my system.

I’ve barely warmed up to the sound of the new Furutech cable but I"m already thinking about the higher range alternatives. I noticed there isn’t exactly a hierarchy with Furutech cables but acknowledge that the DPS4.1 sits at the top of the ladder. Nevertheless, based on the price I presume the TCS31 is 2nd best, S032N 3rd and TCS21 / 3TS762 are at the 4th or 5th spot.

Since I now own the TCS31 I’m only interested in the comparison between the DPS4.1 and TCS31. Some say the DPS4.1 is a superior sounding cable while there are some comments about the DPS4.1 sounding too smooth or dark although it has more impressive bass than the TCS31. Has anyone compared the TCS31 to the DPS4.1?

As for plugs, there are many people who have compared the FI-50 (R) NCF to the FI-28 (R) and the consensus is the former is better so there’s no issue here.

The next question is on the finished cables NanoFlux and PowerFlux NCF. They are actually not within my budget but I’m curious if anyone has compared these with the DPS4.1 or TCS31 + FI-50 (R) NCF plugs. The NanoFlux and PowerFlux NCF also come with FI-50 (R) NCF plugs and I’m not sure about the difference between these finished cables and DPS4.1 and TCS31. However, there is a BIG price difference between them. If there is a difference is it a worthwhile night and day difference or a subtle one. Which is considered the best VFM cable?

Any thoughts or experiences would be appreciated.

ryder

Showing 7 responses by ryder

Thanks. Will have a tough time picking one. The current TCS31 with FI-28 (R) is already showing great potential and it's difficult to imagine how the others will sound like. In this hobby we pay a significant amount of money to attain a small but appreciable difference. Will decide when the time comes.

In summary, I’m interested in the comparison between these cables:

FP-TCS31 + FI-50 (R) NCF

DPS-4.1 + FI-50 (R) NCF

NanoFlux NCF

PowerFlux NCF

Which is the sweet spot which gives the best bang for the buck? The NanoFlux and PowerFlux NCF are significantly costlier than the other two.

Yes digsmithd there’s still ups and downs. It sounded great yesterday and today it sounds slightly muffled and shut-in. Perhaps DPS4.1 and FI-50 (R) NCF will do it. I’ve already overspent on cables as they now probably cost about 50% the total cost of the system, seriously.

FWIW I also own a Wireworld Silver Elektra 7 (upgraded from Elektra 7 last year), currently used on my less important component which is a streamer. Although I didn’t make any direct comparison between the Furutech and Wireworld (no intention to do that anyway), the Furutech house sound is surely different from the Wireworld.

In general:-

Furutech - full-bodied, natural tone, clarity, nuance and detailed
Wireworld - lean and thin, fairly detailed but a bit low in nuance

Thanks @audphile1. Your post is surely useful. I’ll surely wait for it. As the TCS31 / FI-28 (R) already showed a glimpse of brilliance on good days, I’m sure it would sound fantastic once it’s all over.

Currently I do not have any requirements for additional power cords but the DPS4.1 / FI-50 (R) NCF will surely be at the top of the list when the need for one arises. It’s a premium price to pay but good to know that the clarity, extension and purity of tone are all excellent with the cable. Also, useful to know the S55N comes close to the DPS4.1 at a fraction of the cost. I prefer the color of the S55N to DPS4.1 though.

Looking at most responses here, one thing is for sure. Although the costlier DPS4.1 / FI-50 NCF is undoubtedly better, the cheaper options (FP-S032N, FP-S55N, TCS-31 with FI-28(R) etc.) are still excellent and not severely outclassed. Will see if I can allocate a small fortune for the DPS4.1 / FI-50 (R) NCF perhaps sometime next year or when I have the itch, and then call it a day when it's all done. 😁

So nobody has experience with the Furutech Nanoflux NCF. I may have the opportunity to pick up a used one although at its current price it’s still significantly costlier than my new TCS31 / FI-28 (R), close to a brand new DPS4.1 / FI-50 (R) NCF. Decisions decisions. Do I continue to indulge in this cable madness.. will see how it goes.

It didn't happen as the sale looks fishy. 

The current FI-28 (R) and TCS31 surely require extensive break in. From poor to a glimpse of brilliance, the sound went back to warm and shut-in, and now it's improving throughout the weeks as the warmth and muddiness in the midrange and treble slowly changed to a clearer and more defined presentation with improved clarity, separation and detail. The clarity is close to optimal at this point but the notes still sound slightly restrained. I am looking forward to experiencing the optimal sound in its full glory when it's all over.