Swiss Digital Fuse Box Anyone?
- Thread starter MacF
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I have no afilition with Audiosensibility. I bought some Entreq grounding devices from Steve at the Montreal Audio show. I noticed the quality cables and parts. I reached out and after discussing with him, he made three adapters for me. I installed one. Very happy and thought I would share. I understand the two Furutech connectors are high quality, and expensive.
I am curious. I went this path because to me, adding cable to the SDFB could only impact sound quality. I wanted two connectors with ideally no cable. Others here seem to focus more on the piggy tail cable quality. Seems to me like no cable is better. Actually, I cheap-out with Steve at Audiosensibility when I found out the cost of potentially using the higher end NCF connectors. Also the current connectors can be assemble with almost no cable and still have rhodium connectors.
Republicoftexas69
Well-Known Member
And it drains warmth. I’ll take copper any day.
It is an option, Not sure what is the default. I selected it as I disagree with your statement. This is what makes this hobby fun, options.
My system is warm (actually fabulously sounding with vinyl, jazz and old rock) and I have a few rhodium parts. But that is my setting.
Republicoftexas69
Well-Known Member
One's definition or personal observations of what they perceive as warm, may not reflect that of others.
Tom
Exactly what I prefer to use. Differing blends yield differing results but the end result is fantastic. Especially that tone/timbre.
Tom
Republicoftexas69
Well-Known Member
Silver: Silver tops the list as the most conductive metal, both electrically and thermally. It has the highest electrical conductivity of all metals. This is because silver only has one valence electron. In addition, this single electron is free to move around with little resistance. Its conductivity (σ) is 6.30×107. Its unparalleled conductivity makes it ideal for high-performance applications such as electrical contacts, conductors, and advanced electronics.
Copper: The second most conductive metal on earth. Other than electrical conductivity it is widely used for its good thermal conductivity in coating high-end cookware and kitchen appliances for commercial applications. Its conductivity (σ) is 5.96×107.
Gold: Gold occupies the third most conductive metal on earth. It provides resistance against corrosion or getting or tarnish, unlike other highly conductive metals such as copper and silver. It is a very soft and pliable material, which can be easily drawn out into narrow wires or plated into thin coatings. Gold has played an important role in the electronics sector for decades. It is used in making connectors, switch, and relay contacts, connecting wires, and connection strips. Its conductivity (σ) is 4.11×107.
Aluminum: It has a low density so it is a lightweight metal and also has high corrosion resistance, this makes this metal perfect for the aeronautic and communication industries. This is the reason it is widely used in the long-distance supply of electricity. Its conductivity (σ) is 3.77×107.
Zinc: It is a moderately good conductor of electricity. At room temperature, zinc is brittle (hard but easily broken), but it becomes malleable at 100 C. Which means it can be bent and shaped without breaking. Zinc is much less conductive than the upper four counter members. Its conductivity (σ) is 1.69×107.
Nickel (Ni): Nickel offers decent conductivity and excellent corrosion resistance. It is often used in electroplating, batteries, and alloying with other metals to improve their properties. Nickel’s stability and durability are key factors in its widespread application.
Brass: An alloy of copper and zinc, brass combines the conductivity of copper with the corrosion resistance of zinc. It is widely used in electrical connectors, plumbing, and decorative applications due to its excellent machinability and attractive appearance.
Bronze: Bronze, an alloy primarily of copper and tin, provides good conductivity and resistance to wear and corrosion. Its applications range from electrical connectors and bearings to artistic and architectural elements.
Iron (Fe): While not as conductive as the aforementioned metals, iron’s structural strength and magnetic properties make it indispensable in electrical and industrial applications. It is a key component in transformers, motors, and various construction materials.
Platinum (Pt): Platinum’s conductivity, along with its exceptional resistance to corrosion and high melting point, makes it valuable in specialized applications such as catalytic converters, laboratory equipment, and certain electronic components.
Lead (Pb): Lead, though low in conductivity, is utilized in batteries, radiation shielding, and some types of solder due to its density and malleability.
Note: The values of electrical conductivity are compared at 20 °C/ 68 °F/ 293 K (S/m).
Rhodium is a Platinum element and Platinum is one of the worst conductors. Your system must sound like Hot Maple Syrup without the Rhodium...
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I’m not an expert on this topic, but I believe it is the underlying metal that determines the conductivity of a connector, not the minuscule amount of plating on top. The plating (gold, , rhodium) proctects and adds a “flavour” to the connection only (Gold warmer, richer, rhodium cooler, more detailed). Rhodium plated copper plugs will not limit the current draw on your power cables.
Maybe not.....but it has the potential to have a substantial impact on what you hear. Some systems may not have any difference at all. Other systems, the end result can be make or break. It simply depends on the system and the listener.
Rhodium is a very hard metal. That's great for longevity and constant plug ins and outs, but other than that?
Tom
Rhodium is a very hard metal. That's great for longevity and constant plug ins and outs, but other than that?
Tom
Alex at WyWires will make power cords with rhodium connectors only on demand, but doesn't offer them publicly because he doesn't like their sound. He uses copper. WW rhodiums on the used market sit there a long time.
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Yes I agree. Rhodium (and gold and silver and copper) all have a distinct sound. Depends on your system and what sound you like.
Furutech has been in business for a long time and has a massive catalog of high quality power products. They know what they are doing. They offer copper, gold, silver and rhodium plated terminations. But their top line NCF products (big bucks!) are all rhodium plated. I use their top line NCF AC receptacles in my distribution boxes and they are the best I have ever heard.
Rhodium plated terminations are not the horror people on this thread are making them out to be.
Maybe not the horror, but perhaps...not the preferred? Again, this is system and listener dependent.
Tom
Tom
Republicoftexas69
Well-Known Member
Since I am in Europe, and have to use a Extreme Piggy Tail to go into my Amplifier and Dac, I just ordered 2 SDFB AC Connector from Audisensibility. Let's see what they bring to the table, and compare them to the Extreme Piggy Tail. Currently have 2 SDFB and 1 is on its way. Later will order some more, for my receiver (HT setup) and switch (with external power supply). Love the SDFB (with Graphene Sluggos) in my setup.
Republicoftexas69
Well-Known Member
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