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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
ryder OP
1,690 posts
 

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.

petg60
1,486 posts
 

Your question has two extremes in pricing, TCS31 and Nanoflux, though all wire thickness range lies between 11-12awg. My understanding for the sweet spot would be the DPS 4.1, but also that finished cables sound better. The other issue is that wire material is different, ranging from OCC, DUCC OCC and Triple C, all having different characteristics, and depending on application, you could try before buy, since plugs are the same.

digsmithd
913 posts
 

Ryder...when i was constructing power conditioner cable with 28 r's i was considering pretty much the same wires.I was pleased enough with 28's having a cable with the 50 ncf i felt the 28 was enough of a slice of that tone/timber in my system to sit tight with 28...i asked douglas audio who do make there own furutech wire what wire was preferable.I had raw 2mtr alpha 3 from them and was looking at the 3ts762, 55,ect...he said in his opinion that the alpha 3 and the dps 4.1 would be his choice.Glad i listened.

I think your wire needs to sit for months not weeks to really know what you have...got a feeling you know that.I can appreciate the feeling of what am i missing.I am quite content with ts20 (source) and alpha 3 (amp/cond) tone timber in my system...keep us up to date.

ryder OP
1,690 posts
 

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.

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