Furutech NCF Booster-Signal : High-end performance signal cable/connector holder & dampener
The Furutech NCF Booster-Signal is a multi-functional device:
– It lifts speaker/power cables off the ground, thereby minimizing electromagnetic/static interference and interaction with the surface of the floor/carpet. Lifting cables off the ground (or off solid surfaces) minimizes capacitance coupling between the cable and the surface; which would otherwise negatively impact on the capacitance of the cable and its sonic performance.
– It provides superior damping support (caused by electrical-, mechanical- and acoustic vibrations) for signal cables (HDMI, RCA, XLR, USB, etc) at points of connection.
You can expect improved clarity and detail in sound, extended bass and soundstage; and better musical coherency.
Furutech NCF Booster-Signal : High-end performance signal cable/connector holder & dampener
Features:
The Furutech NCF Booster-Signal is a multi-functional device:
– It lifts speaker/power cables off the ground, thereby minimizing electromagnetic/static interference and interaction with the surface of the floor/carpet. Lifting cables off the ground (or off solid surfaces) minimizes capacitance coupling between the cable and the surface; which would otherwise negatively impact on the capacitance of the cable and its sonic performance.
– It provides superior damping support (caused by electrical-, mechanical- and acoustic vibrations) for signal cables (HDMI, RCA, XLR, USB, etc) at points of connection.
NCF Booster parts are also sold separately, enabling a customer to “mix-and-match” the original NCF Booster and NCF Booster-Signal’s parts to build a NCF dampening solution that is tailored to his/her system.
The construction of the unit contains Furutech’s patented NCF* technology capable of eliminating static build-up and providing superior damping via nano-sized ceramic particles and carbon powder.
*NCF: Nano Crystal2 Formula, i.e. Nano Crystalline, Ceramic and Carbon Powder . Incorporated into select Furutech products, Nano Crystal2 Formula — NCF is comprised of a special crystalline material that has two “active” properties. First, it generates negative ions that eliminate static and secondly, it converts thermal energy into far-infrared. Furutech then combines this remarkable crystalline material with nano-sized ceramic particles and carbon powder for their additional “Piezo Effect” damping properties. The resulting Nano Crystal2 Formula is the ultimate electrical and mechanical damping material – only found in Furutech products! Nano Crystal2 Formula eliminates static, “interconverts” thermal, mechanical and electrical energy and damps vibrations – all for the finest Furutech Pure Transmission signal imaginable.
Meanwhile in Japan – The Furutech NCF Booster-Signal is awarded the prestigious Pure Audio Division Gold Award at the VGP awards and the Grand Prix Award from Audio Accessory Magazine!
Top Japanese Audio Commentators report on the NCF Booster-Signal performance:
Masamitsu Fukuda
…Blur and muddiness lifted, resolution improved
Chitake Inoue
…Improvement in the entire system
Masanori Hayashi
…Improved clarity and detail, depth revealed
Tomohiro Kaiyama
…Immediate stabilization of sound on fitting the NCF Booster, resounding improvement
Akira Sumiyama
…It doesn’t matter how many you use, a saturation point is never reached
In short, everything in the signal path does indeed make a difference. Hear and see the difference that the Furutech NCF Booster-Signal can make in your system.
Specifications
• All metal parts treated with Furutech’s Two Step Cryogenic and Demagnetizing Alpha Process
• Multi-material hybrid construction – a Furutech original design.
• Support unit: audio-grade ABS resin and NCF nylon resin to eliminate static charge.
• Top flat cradle construction: audio-grade ABS resin (base) NCF formulated nylon resin (cover), vibration transmission shaft, vibration suppression wall and air chamber.
• Overall dimensions: 94mm (W) x 99.7mm (L); Height base level 82.5mm / Height extended level 142mm approx
• Net weight: Base level 280 g approx / Extended level 340 g approx
Additional NCF Booster extension shafts sold separately (10pcs set)
Pursuit Perfect Systems – August 2018
“My advice is do not tarnish the Furutech brush with any negative preconceived ideas you may have built up from history about cable risers because the NCF Booster Signals effect on the sound of a system is quite profound. Where the NCF Booster improved leading edge clarity, sound stage and the overall focus of our reference review system the NCF Booster Signals added energy and sparkle to the sound, a very different effect. There was now more high frequency energy to the music which resulted in a snappier and more lively presentation. This was very welcome, I would have criticised my system for being a little dark and heavy sounding but the NCF Booster Signals had helped address that negative attribute and actually turned it into a positive, impressive stuff.”– Terry Ellis
The Audiophile Man – August 2018
“I learn more about hi-fi every time I hit the power button but this test was a real eye-opener in terms of how cables work, how and where noise affects cables and how you can change that. From this test onwards, I look at cables in a whole new light. Bottom line? The NCF Boosters need to be in contact with mains cables. They are way too muscle-bound for more delicate items like speaker cables. The NCF Booster Signals are just the opposite, they don’t have enough oomph and power to affect mains signals but are perfect for cables themselves. As a whole kit working together? They both reduce veiling noise, push back the stereo image and enhance the 3D effect of the same while encouraging the music that’s already there to come forth and be picked up by the ear. Job done, then!”– Paul Rigby
“With the NCF Boosters in place, I was simply happy with the way things were. The noise floor is lowered, allowing more music to flow from your system. Details in the music and clearer and more obvious. Imaging and soundstaging are more three-dimensional. Now that I’ve had the NCF Boosters in my system for a number of months, I don’t want them to go away.” – Marc Phillips
“I can say that their musical impact is consistently as startling as it is beneficial. My rule of thumb with devices such as these is simple: If I can demonstrate the effect to the missus, then I’m happy to write about it. The effect of the NCF Boosters is so dramatic and so out of proportion to their physical presence that I’ve gone way, way beyond that, demonstrating them to every visitor I’ve had through the house — and not a single one has failed to not just hear but be astonished by the results, including the painters and decorators who wanted to know what it was I did. With no hi-fi experience or sonic preconceptions to cloud their judgment, those guys got the musical impact immediately, recognizing both its scale and value without any need for explanation or justification. To them, it was simply better — and in many ways it really is that simple.” – Roy Gregory
“Life often contains hidden gems awaiting exploration. And if you’re an audiophile, like me, part of the “hidden” aspect is being willing to try different gear and accessories in pursuit of better sound quality and emotional connection to our favourite music. As an audiophile and later an engineer, I have tried to explore the many areas of sound capture and reproduction that result in the most satisfying and intense musical experience possible. Over the last 27 years, I’ve been lucky enough to keep testing different cables, audio and video gear, power supplies and filtration, and accessories in all areas; including wire management and system vibration tuning. This now includes cable Booster-Signal and vibration damping courtesy of Furutech of Japan.
Their attention to details that include field and proximity effects upon cable fidelity have lead them to develop materials (NCF – Nano Crystal Formula) and techniques (Cryogenic Temperature Treatment, Anti-Static, Anti-Magnetic, Anti-Vibration) that when used with most audio and video cables, not to mention power and data wires, make such an improvement in fidelity as to appear magical. Yet, they the effects are real and disappear just as fast when the Booster-Signal are all removed. What develops is an appreciation for what time and engineering in the hands of experts can do to make our daily listening a thing of beauty, again; worthy of taking time to savour and enjoy the experience of being an audiophile.
” – Jeremy Kipnis
“Hyperbole? You be the judge. But you must try the Furutech NCF Booster-Signal, then, and give them a real chance. If you hear nothing improved or changed to your liking, good for you and consider yourself lucky. Otherwise, you will quickly hear things you did not know were in your music library and that demand more and more of your attention to hear anew and (really) for the very first time!” And this is why Furutech’s NCF Cable Booster-Signal earns our Best of HIGH END 2019 award.” – Jeremy Kipnis
“If we’re talking about speaker cables that slither across the type composite parquet our landlord favored, I’m sold on Furutech’s concept/execution. To a lesser degree, this extends to power chords. Without competing cable lifts on hand, I couldn’t isolate what Furutech’s NCF inclusion might do beyond mere mechanics. After all, breaching the domain of noise-attenuating signal conditioners is how they’re marketed. For today, think of our Japanese nano-crystal Signal Boosters as the final polish of an already well-balanced mature system. That system’s combined cost should be sufficiently elevated to render the not inconsiderable fee of these Furutech a palatable percentage. In the never-ending quest for higher resolution, there’s removal of interference/distortion in the electrical and mechanical domains. Here cable elevators minimize or eliminate capacitance coupling with the floor. If a system is of sufficient resolution, that reduction in cable capacitance becomes audible. It manifests as reduced time smear which previously masqueraded as faux warmth and mass. In their places emerge higher clarity and speed. That equals better separation, more specific depth cues and a quicker leaner more energetic sound. If you call that a bit of sonic rejuvenation, I’d not disagree. ” – Srajan Ebaen