Furutech 4.1 Series Cables - Outstanding Performance and Value

@t_ramey - Yeah, I received two pairs of the Furutech Cable DAS-4.1 Alpha OCC-DUCC Balanced Interconnect Cables to try out, a 2M pair of RCA interconnects that were constructed to be directional (i.e., the shield is connected only at the source end), and a 1M pair of balanced interconnects terminated with XLR connectors.  The person constructing the cables used the Furutech CF-102 NCF RCA Connectors and the Furutech CF-601M and CF-602F NCF(R) XLR Connectors, so pretty much high end cable jewelry.

I am only able to use the RCA connectors because, unfortunately, I do not have a 1M cable run in my system.   I also have had too many system changes going on this past week and too little time to come to any meaningful conclusions other than that they do sound good.  My main comparisons so far have been a pair of Cardas Clear Reflection ICs and a pair of Cardas Golden Cross ICs, both that I own.  I have used the RCA ICs with two different DACs and they sound good on both.  First impressions are about what I expected, clear, smooth, maybe not quite the degree of "body" that I hear from the Cardas cables, but nothing really missing.  Considering the cost, and that I don't have any issues with the Cardas cables that I am using now, buying those Furutech cables may not be the best use of my money right now.  However, if I didn't already own the Cardas cables and I was in the market for cables, the Furutech cables would easily be on the list of contenders.

Speaking of speaker cables and the Furutech FS Alpha 36, I still own the former model FS Alpha speaker cables, which are almost identical to the Furutech FS Alpha 36 (OCC copper but no carbon layer) and I used them for years.  They hold their own and I still put them in the system from time to time just to confirm that I do not like them better than whatever is being used at the time.  Over the years, I replaced them with Harmonic Technology cables, DIY solid core copper in cotton (surprisingly good), DIY NOS WE wire cables (7awg), and the Cardas Golden Cross speaker cables I am using now.  I have used double runs of each of those cables to bi-wire, except for the Golden Cross, which are internally bi-wire configured.  I too wonder how much better the Furutech DSS-4.1 Speaker Cables might sound but, again, what I have now sounds good as-is so purchasing new Furutech speaker cables my not be my best option for right now.

I will find the time to do more critical listening of the Furutech IC cables and will report my impressions here.

@fastfreight 

I built a pair of Alpha 36 speaker cables just recently and really like them. Nice clean and articulate while being natural. I too would love to build the DSS speaker cables but that’s good chunk of change for an 8ft pair. Maybe someday …

+1 on Furutech and Chris at VH Audio!  I wanted an upgrade in my Family room second system, where the runs to my speakers is 24 and 33 feet.  Chris suggested Furutech FS Alpha 36 as a good choice for value and performance.  I built these with Furutech gold plated spades, and ran them to the high high level inputs, keeping the hand made generic 8 gauge OCC cables for the low end.  Huge uptick in performance!  I am sure the DPS 4.1's are great.

@mitch2 

Did you get the IC’s? I ordered some wire from VH Audio to make 1m length cables with some ETI rca’s. I have had two DPS power cables that are great so look forward to trying the IC’s. 

Any user updates on these cables? I know an equipment manufacturer who says the ICs are the best he has heard with his equipment.  I am scheduled to get a set to try soon.  I used Furutech OCC cables for years but have since returned to the more full-bodied sound of Cardas cables. 

Its starting to sound reasonable. Has changed a lot up to the 60 hr mark.

@qbitstate 

You have a Long way to go before it start showing a glimpse of its potential at 300+ hours... If you have an IEC adapter, put it on your refrigerator for 3 weeks...

Wig

I have a DPS-4.1 Power Cable (new) that i'm running into my leben tube amp.

Does the character change much during the burn-in process? So far i'm not impressed seems dark and lacking clarity.

Have abour 32 hours on it so far.  By 100 hrs should it be sounding reasonable ?

I received the DAS-4.1 interconnect w/Furutech top of the line rca termination.

More greatness!

While this line of cables is by no means inexpensive, it embarrasses more expensive competitors. 

I now have the DSS-4.1 speaker cable on order.

People, you need to try these cables!

@gita 

I know exactly what you mean 😁. I have owned too many exotic PC and my full loom of DPS cabling is just, Amazing...

Wig

I'm in the process. 

I had switched from a tubed integrated to a solid state integrated and found my loom of silver plated copper cables to no longer be synergistic.

After much research, I had a DPS 4.1 power cable built for me, with FI-50 NCF termination. After (necessary) lengthy break in on a cable cooker, I was surprised at the exceptional performance. Even though the parts seem expensive, and I paid a pro to build it, it's an extreme bargain. It outperforms other highly regarded, more expensive cables I had on hand.

I had another built. Same results. I now have on order a pair of interconnects using the DAS 4.1 and NCF RCA termination. I fully expect to buy the DSS speaker cables in the near future. I've been in the hobby for 40 years and I consider these products to be a steal with no downside, excepting the long burn-in.

Full loom of Furutech DPS 4.1 power cables.  They were always quite good, but at 500 hours they all woke up together.  It was like oxygen being pumped into the system.  Everything opened up:  Blacker background, wider sound stage, more dynamics, quicker attack and more space between instruments and vocals.

A wondrous cacophony of sound.  Cheers 

@gladmo 

I do and can't help from smiling each night I sit down for therapy.😁

Wig 🎶🎵

@wig Thank you!! You definitely know what I'm talking about 😁

@gladmo 

You knocked it out of the park with this sleeper Furutech DPS cabling...My whole system is outfitted with Furutech DPS variants except the speaker cables in which I'm using Furutech #2 FS Alpha 36 and it's playing Way above its modest pricing.

Wig 👍🎵🎶

I've done the same. I have two full range DPS-4.1 speaker wires on each speaker, (people comment that I shouldn't do that and use one pair only with jumpers) Why, because what I'm doing isn't any good, No other explanation!  I've built 6 DPS 4.1 power cords various lengths.
 

For my DIY IC's I'm using 20 awg (sourced from VH audio) silver helix, dac to preamp balanced, I think these can be better, see the threads on those, now these are really fun to build more so than the Furutech, Parts were over $900 for a 1 meter pair.  Could've saved some on that and probably had the same result. 
I'll be building a full set of helix but for now I only use a streamer so I don't need that many pairs other than a usb cable. Then I'll try a helix power cord. So I guess any of these cables we build are just temporary!