AudioCircle
Other Stuff => Archived Manufacturer Circles => P.I. audio group => Topic started by: dpatters on 9 Jul 2015, 12:32 pm
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It sounds like a few of us have ordered the Furutech GTX outlets from Dave. I received an email from him
yesterday afternoon and he asked that we post our impressions here. I just thought I would start things
off as I await delivery. I will be upgrading from an Acme Audio silver plated cryo'd outlet - not from a standard
builder grade outlet. My power delivery will be as follows:
Furutech GTX-Gold
+7 TWL PC
UberBuss
monoblocks into Uber
Furman Elte 15pfi into Uber
Front end components into Furman
All other PCs are Cullen Cable Crossover
For a listing of components see my system page.
Hope to see other contributions.
Don P.
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CORRECTION: I ordered a GTX-Gold from Dave and it arrives tomorrow. I also made a spur-of-the-moment purchase of another Gold version which I'll install on the wall. I'll start with the wall install only so I can hear what each of the GTX outlets are contributing to the sound.
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I ordered a GTX-Gold from Dave and it arrives tomorrow. I also made a spur-of-the-moment purchase of a Rhodium version which I'll install on the wall. The gold version will go on the MiniBuss for the front end gear, but I'll start with the wall install only so I can hear what each of the GTX outlets are contributing to the sound.
You will find the different platings to have different sonics. These are the seasonings that we can use to voice a system. Kind of like the difference between cayenne and ghost peppers :o
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It sounds like a few of us have ordered the Furutech GTX outlets from Dave. I received an email from him
yesterday afternoon and he asked that we post our impressions here. I just thought I would start things
off as I await delivery. I will be upgrading from an Acme Audio silver plated cryo'd outlet - not from a standard
builder grade outlet. My power delivery will be as follows:
Furutech GTX-Gold
+7 TWL PC
UberBuss
monoblocks into Uber
Furman Elte 15pfi into Uber
Front end components into Furman
All other PCs are Cullen Cable Crossover
For a listing of components see my system page.
Hope to see other contributions.
Don P.
Hopefully other users will chime in, too.
As a recovering flat-earthed I can say that I had no idea wall receptacles could evoke the changes to SQ that they do. My journey on the power delivery hardware side (receptacles, plugs et al) started when I auditioned all of the available commercial receptacles to replace the Levity quad that was in the original MajikBUSS. I bought a couple of everything I could find. I took one of each apart to see how they are built and then listened to them in circuit on my old Cary system. To say I was shocked is a minor understatement. Who knew?
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You will find the different platings to have different sonics. These are the seasonings that we can use to voice a system. Kind of like the difference between cayenne and ghost peppers :o
Yeah, the GTX Gold on the MiniBuss will offer some options for determining which components are best suited for it. For now, I think I'll leave the Maestro unused on the wall. This will allow me to switch back and forth between the GTX and Maestro so I can hear the differences.
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Hello Everyone,
I'm new to AC and glad to be a part of this discussion.
I also bought a GTX Gold and will receive it on Monday. My plan is to install into the wall (on a dedicated circuit) where it will draw the most current during break-in. I will then experiment with positioning after that. Here's my setup:
- GTX-D Gold at wall (currently a Maestro)
- Mongo/MPC power cord from wall to UberBUSS (Neutrik Powercon)
- Two Maestro, Two stock P&S outlets in UberBUSS (Maestro's not yet installed, currently using P&S outlets)
- Baetis Music Server and a Schiit Gungnir DAC are plugged into a CyberPower UPS, which is then plugged into the 2nd wall outlet next to Mongo/MPC (bypasses Uber)
- Decware SE84CKCS amp and two Rythmik plate amps are plugged into UberBUSS
I will experiment with best positioning of Maestros and the GTX after I'm comfortable the GTX has settled in.
I was very, very reluctant to order the Rhodium version. I don't know what it was, but I once had Grover Huffman PCs that used Rhodium plating and I strongly disliked them.
Rob
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I prefer the rhodium version, people are scared of it because other companies' rhodium plated parts might not sound good. Now, if you're going with the FPX, which uses phosphor bronze, than the rhodium plating may be a little more aggressive sounding and I think the gold plated version is a little better. But for any of the "Alpha Copper" Furutech connectors, including the GTX, the rhodium plating ends up more neutral and resolving and the gold plating is more on the warm side. Adding warmth using passive parts does sacrifice resolution and I think you'll find the rhodium GTX a better overall performer vs the gold plated version. I don't even carry the gold plated version... But either way the GTX is head-and-shoulders better than any other receptacle and it makes a very noticeable difference in my system. I highly recommend getting at least one to put in the wall to feed your power distributor, and even better if you order the wall plate and stainless steel/carbon fiber cover for them too.
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The couple of GTX-D Rhodium receptacles I have inserted has actually taken away any glare or thin sound I might have had before. The amount of detail is amazing for "just" being a receptacle.
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Hello Everyone,
I'm new to AC and glad to be a part of this discussion.
I also bought a GTX Gold and will receive it on Monday. My plan is to install into the wall (on a dedicated circuit) where it will draw the most current during break-in. I will then experiment with positioning after that. Here's my setup:
- GTX-D Gold at wall (currently a Maestro)
- Mongo/MPC power cord from wall to UberBUSS (Neutrik Powercon)
- Two Maestro, Two stock P&S outlets in UberBUSS (Maestro's not yet installed, currently using P&S outlets)
- Baetis Music Server and a Schiit Gungnir DAC are plugged into a CyberPower UPS, which is then plugged into the 2nd wall outlet next to Mongo/MPC (bypasses Uber)
- Decware SE84CKCS amp and two Rythmik plate amps are plugged into UberBUSS
I will experiment with best positioning of Maestros and the GTX after I'm comfortable the GTX has settled in.
I was very, very reluctant to order the Rhodium version. I don't know what it was, but I once had Grover Huffman PCs that used Rhodium plating and I strongly disliked them.
Rob
Welcome to AC Rob!
Lots of great folks on this forum. I've learned a lot and have purchased quite a bit of equipment from the industry participants.
Don P.
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The couple of GTX-D Rhodium receptacles I have inserted has actually taken away any glare or thin sound I might have had before. The amount of detail is amazing for "just" being a receptacle.
I'm glad these have worked out for you. I'm anxious to get mine installed. I haven't heard anything negative on the Rhodium version at all. I decided to go with the gold after consulting
with Dave of PI. The UberBuss is probably one of the best investments I have made in my system and I put great faith in Dave's advice.
Thanks everyone for chiming in!
Don P.
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I prefer the rhodium version, people are scared of it because other companies' rhodium plated parts might not sound good. Now, if you're going with the FPX, which uses phosphor bronze, than the rhodium plating may be a little more aggressive sounding and I think the gold plated version is a little better. But for any of the "Alpha Copper" Furutech connectors, including the GTX, the rhodium plating ends up more neutral and resolving and the gold plating is more on the warm side. Adding warmth using passive parts does sacrifice resolution and I think you'll find the rhodium GTX a better overall performer vs the gold plated version. I don't even carry the gold plated version... But either way the GTX is head-and-shoulders better than any other receptacle and it makes a very noticeable difference in my system. I highly recommend getting at least one to put in the wall to feed your power distributor, and even better if you order the wall plate and stainless steel/carbon fiber cover for them too.
Thank you so much for your input, Dave. It would be smart of me to buy a Rhodium and listen to it before making assumptions. If you could hear that PC I had though, ice picks...
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Welcome to AC Rob!
Lots of great folks on this forum. I've learned a lot and have purchased quite a bit of equipment from the industry participants.
Don P.
Thank you Don! Purchasing is always the risk, isn't it? We play with fire knowing we'll get burned ;-)
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Here's a couple pics, I took some of the cover and plate but I'll spare you those! :green: The construction is very heavy duty and the plastic body has damping materials added to it. The pure copper contacts use a stainless spring to give the required clamping force on the male prongs.
(http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l318/davec113/Cables%208-14-13/09-Furutech%20GTX%20Horns%20Neotech%20Bolts%20012_zpssflqdsao.jpg) (http://s99.photobucket.com/user/davec113/media/Cables%208-14-13/09-Furutech%20GTX%20Horns%20Neotech%20Bolts%20012_zpssflqdsao.jpg.html)
(http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l318/davec113/Cables%208-14-13/10-Furutech%20GTX%20Horns%20Neotech%20Bolts%20013_zpsv52rytbp.jpg) (http://s99.photobucket.com/user/davec113/media/Cables%208-14-13/10-Furutech%20GTX%20Horns%20Neotech%20Bolts%20013_zpsv52rytbp.jpg.html)
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Nice. Can this GTX receptacle be modified and split in to two separate outlets? i.e. is there a removable common power connecting tab?
Thx
Kenreau
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The very similar Cooper 5252 can be split.
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Nice. Can this GTX receptacle be modified and split in to two separate outlets? i.e. is there a removable common power connecting tab?
Thx
Kenreau
Kinda. It is not for the faint of heart to do so. There is no exposed screwdriver tab to do this. I do it a lot, but it takes practice and a deft hand with a Dremel tool or a 1/16" or 3/32" end mill, which works the best. It can also be done with a 1/16" drill bit in a drill press and simply nibble the strap away. A man can do about anything given the proper incentive.
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The very similar Cooper 5252 can be split.
So can the Pass & Seymour and Hubbell devices and about any other commercial/industrial receptacle out there.
When it comes to metallurgy, contact pressure, plating and overall construction, not to mention SQ, there is no comparison. It is like a knock-off Rolex looks exactly like a Rolex does not make it a Rolex. When it comes to SQ? Worlds apart.
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Well, I just ordered a GTX-D (R) from Dave. Looks like I'll have a comparo with the Gold to share later! Quick shout out to all the enablers out there... ;-)
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Well, I just ordered a GTX-D (R) from Dave. Looks like I'll have a comparo with the Gold to share later! Quick shout out to all the enablers out there... ;-)
:thumb:
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(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=124557)
Received my Furutech GTX Gold Friday when I got home form work. Installed it on Saturday but since it
was Arts Festival weekend in State College didn't really get to do any listening. I've left the TV on to
help get things settled. I'll report back in a couple of days.
Don P.
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I received a burned-in GTX-D (R) from DaveC113 yesterday. I installed it pronto and I couldn't help but listen; got close to 3 hours in front of my stereo last night. It is premature for conclusions even with the burn-in provided, but I will say I liked what I heard. A lot.
I also received a GTX-D (G) yesterday from Cable Co. but haven't installed it yet.
Rob
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I received a burned-in GTX-D (R) from DaveC113 yesterday. I installed it pronto and I couldn't help but listen; got close to 3 hours in front of my stereo last night. It is premature for conclusions even with the burn-in provided, but I will say I liked what I heard. A lot.
I also received a GTX-D (G) yesterday from Cable Co. but haven't installed it yet.
Where did you install the GTX-Rhodium -- on the wall? On an Uber? Where do you plan to install the GTX-Gold?
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Blah, I meant to say where I installed it, but the command from my brain didn't make it to my fingers...
I installed it in the wall, replacing a Maestro outlet. That outlet feeds my whole system: amps (Decware SE84CKCS and two Rythmik plate amps) via UberBUSS and front end (Baetis Revolution II and Schiit Gungnir) via a CyberPower UPS. By the way, my speakers are Hawthorne Sterling Silver Iris Trios (whew, mouthful), with 15" drivers. The Rythmiks drive two bass augmentation drivers per channel, and the Decware drives the center-mounted 15" coaxial. Efficiency is 97db.
Tonight I will temporarily install the GTX-D Gold into the UberBUSS, and let it settle in while it powers the plate amps (which I can safely leave on all day). When I am comfortable with the sound of the Rhodium and the Gold has some of the newness rubbed off, I will switch the Gold into the wall. Timing is probably in a couple weeks until this happens.
Rob
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Blah, I meant to say where I installed it, but the command from my brain didn't make it to my fingers...
I installed it in the wall, replacing a Maestro outlet. That outlet feeds my whole system: amps (Decware SE84CKCS and two Rythmik plate amps) via UberBUSS and front end (Baetis Revolution II and Schiit Gungnir) via a CyberPower UPS. By the way, my speakers are Hawthorne Sterling Silver Iris Trios (whew, mouthful), with 15" drivers. The Rythmiks drive two bass augmentation drivers per channel, and the Decware drives the center-mounted 15" coaxial. Efficiency is 97db.
Tonight I will temporarily install the GTX-D Gold into the UberBUSS, and let it settle in while it powers the plate amps (which I can safely leave on all day). When I am comfortable with the sound of the Rhodium and the Gold has some of the newness rubbed off, I will switch the Gold into the wall. Timing is probably in a couple weeks until this happens.
Rob
Don't forget to unplug the Uber and let it sit for about 10 minutes before you swap the receptacles. Transfer over the Final Filters from the back of the receptacle and you are good to go >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> :thumb:
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Thanks Dave. I already swapped one P&S for a Maestro on Sunday. I have my amp plugged into that outlet. It sounds better, a little more open and mids slightly more forward. Very nice. Especially on my OBs which are more "laid back."
I was just thinking that since I only use 3 out of my 4 outlets on the UberBUSS, could I borrow a final filter and install it on the wall outlet? Any benefit there, you think?
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Thanks Dave. I already swapped one P&S for a Maestro on Sunday. I have my amp plugged into that outlet. It sounds better, a little more open and mids slightly more forward. Very nice. Especially on my OBs which are more "laid back."
I was just thinking that since I only use 3 out of my 4 outlets on the UberBUSS, could I borrow a final filter and install it on the wall outlet? Any benefit there, you think?
PM coming.
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I've posted my impressions re: Rhodium in Reply #12 of the "Hardware... Receptacles, plugs and power" thread.
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I installed the GTX R in the wall and one in the Uberbuss , so far I love what I am hearing
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=126293)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=126287)
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I installed the GTX R in the wall and one in the Uberbuss , so far I love what I am hearing
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=126286)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=126287)
Groovy. It (the SQ) and they will get better for a week or two...
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I've found the rhodium GTX takes a good long time to show what it can really do and changes from normal to closed-in and dark sounding and back again many times during the break in period so definitely give them some time.
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I've found the rhodium GTX takes a good long time to show what it can really do and changes from normal to closed-in and dark sounding and back again many times during the break in period so definitely give them some time.
Yeah, Dave. Me, too. I don't think I gave rhodium parts/pieces a fair shake in the past. In that regard, it is much like teflon caps. All over the place and we have to have the patience of a saint with them.
I think I am gonna go to rhodium power entries on my BUSSes. I need to listen and think a little (or a lot) more, but seems to be a good thing to do. :scratch:
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But no one should expect rhodium to out-surpass gold in sound. It should however retain it's finish much, much, longer than gold while being comparatively good.
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I've found the rhodium GTX takes a good long time to show what it can really do and changes from normal to closed-in and dark sounding and back again many times during the break in period so definitely give them some time.
For sure I will give it some time , I just replaced all my power cables ics and speaker wires so it will be a couple months before I know for sure .I have allot of breaking in to do
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Hi Dave and everyone ,
I recently installed two Rhodium GTX's and found the Grip Factor to be poor in my opinion.
The In-wall Cable is a 10 Gauge Stranded Cable from JPS Labs and the Power Cables from the wall to Conditioner are from Audio Magic. They are loose; if I held the outlet upside down with a plug inserted and shook it just a bit the cable would fall out.
I tightened the In-Wall cable very tight, do you think that could have damaged the outlets?
Had to twist the prongs on the plugs to form some type decent hold.
Appreciate any feed back. Complained to the company I purchased from and kinda got blown off, saying its is what it is. They said they would let the distributor know and I sent them an email prior.
Have not heard back. Disappointed to say the least.
Thanks.....Mike
PS...Wish I had known I could have purchased them from Dave, he has the integrity to stand by the products he builds and sells.
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Hi Dave and everyone ,
I recently installed two Rhodium GTX's and found the Grip Factor to be poor in my opinion.
The In-wall Cable is a 10 Gauge Stranded Cable from JPS Labs and the Power Cables from the wall to Conditioner are from Audio Magic. They are loose; if I held the outlet upside down with a plug inserted and shook it just a bit the cable would fall out.
I tightened the In-Wall cable very tight, do you think that could have damaged the outlets?
Had to twist the prongs on the plugs to form some type decent hold.
Appreciate any feed back. Complained to the company I purchased from and kinda got blown off, saying its is what it is. They said they would let the distributor know and I sent them an email prior.
Have not heard back. Disappointed to say the least.
Thanks.....Mike
PS...Wish I had known I could have purchased them from Dave, he has the integrity to stand by the products he builds and sells.
I am using a pretty heavy power cable but I have to agree the grip isn't to good
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I felt the grip to be inferior to the standard P&S in my Uber, but better than Maestro. It was much less grippy than expected.
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I agree... it has a normal amount of grip, nothing like a hospital grade receptacle, but they are also designed to keep from damaging the plating on power cable plugs. Hospital grade plugs will wear through plating very quickly. The clamping force is provided by a stainless steel spring, Furutech could have made it have whatever level of grip they wanted. Apparently they feel like the GTX has just the right amount of grip...
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Thanks Guys, at least I'm not the only Hen in the House.....
Maybe my expectations were too high for a $245 outlet.
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I just bought my GTX-D Rhodium from Dbe and I'll give you my initial impressions when it comes off of the cable cooker on Sunday and hopefully will install on Monday. I know it's going to take even more time to settle in...
Wig :D
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The GTX are really slick... Like very polished/shiny.. This will reduce friction also. I think they grip better than you think.
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Low grip is bad if it provides any gaps, even very small. It means carbon build up and increased resistance. The high end finishes will be more resistant to this, but I'd like for it to at least have a healthy grip.
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I started with just a GTX (R) in the wall feeding the Uberbuss with a Mongo III Power cable fitted with a FI50 (R) Last week I added a GTX (R) to the Ubberbuss . This morning I switched back over to Gold and it sounded outright boring what a difference . Im going to finsh up the Uberbuss with all GTX (R)
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I started with just a GTX (R) in the wall feeding the Uberbuss with a Mongo III Power cable fitted with a FI50 (R) Last week I added a GTX (R) to the Ubberbuss . This morning I switched back over to Gold and it sounded outright boring what a difference . Im going to finsh up the Uberbuss with all GTX (R)
Thanks for sharing. I really liked what the Rhodium did and decided to go all out on the Uber with them. Superb sound...all the detail while being non fatiguing.
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I replaced a hospital-grade outlet in the wall with a GTX(R) on Friday (in front of the Uber) and couldn't help but listen. It sounded sublime! Increased detail yet a relaxed and high-musical soundstage. To be honest, I was surprised it sounded so good right from the start. Fortunately, I have been paying attention here because ever since that first night there have definitely been WTF moments where it just sounded off - almost like certain frequencies had been filtered out (or others accentuated).
My brain really wrestles with the concept that a simple (albeit expensive) electrical outlet can have such an impact. But I'm confident it will improve over the next few days.
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It is pretty common for power cables, speaker cables, interconnects to sound great after first installed. Sounds like the same applies to the Recepts. Then they go crazy for a spell, then get better, and better, and better.
I missed listening to the GTX-(R) right after install as I had it cooking for a day before I listened. I can now say that this recept is the bomb!
The Antipodes Reference Interconnects and Speaker Cables were the most brutal burn in I ever went through with a cable, but after many weeks, I believe a couple months, they became the absolute best I have heard. They went from good to horrible, to ok, to weird, to good days bad days, and eventually opened up and sounded correct and AMAZING :) They have been in my system for a couple years now, and I haven't beaten them yet.
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What's yours guys' take on burn in of equipment? I've always just left the system on and playing music when trying to get a new piece to settle in but I've heard others say it's good to turn off the amp or dac or whatever your burning in a chance to cool down for a day or two and then start up with another series of running. I know it's too hard to do this with receptacles but any thoughts on equipment while were waiting for these GTX-D's to burn in...
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GTX-R's in my Uber took it to an entirely other level. A GTX-R in my wall was just icing on the cake. I thought the FI-50 connectors on power cables had done the trick for me in bringing the highest quality power my grid will support, but they just ended up making the outlet changes quite transparent and valuable.
Sometimes removing all the smoke in the room just reveals the veil hanging on the stage between you and the performers. Then you remove the veil, and find all the performers are wearing fuzzy costumes and the horn section all has bits of foam in the horns. Then you kindly ask them how much it will cost for them to take off the costumes and remove the foam, and they just laugh and tell you if you have to ask the price, you can't afford it... :duh:
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Well, I got a GTX (R) from Dave yesterday (thank you very much, sir) and it sure is pretty. I went to install it right away and then discovered that with its little sliding doors on the sides that it won't fit in the single duplex box in my wall. I think I need to clear out some of the drywall around the old one and replace it - a nasty little project I am putting off until the weekend. In the mean time, I have it wired and suspended near the wall from the 4 12 gage wires that formerly fed a Maestro. I did also install the Maestro cover plate and taped the assembly to the outlet cover with Mapleshade damping clear tape to reduce airborne vibration until I can firm it up.
I have let it run for 24 hours with the following components drawing juice:
Ps-Audio PPP connected by Kaplan GS Mk2 power cord
Oppo BD95 disc player (Synergistics Master Coupler X2 active PC)
Thor 3000 tube phono stage (Waveform Fidelity GS3)
D-Sonic 600w monoblock amps (Waveform Fidelity HE Mk 3)
Wyred4Sound STP-SE preamp
VPI SDS (Acoustic Zen tunami) feeding a SSM Reference (2-motor belt-driven flywheel)
Genesis 6.1 500 w. class d bass amps and servo unit - TWL 10+ power cords
I have the following observations about the Furutech outlet while burning in:
1) First hour: bright, very bright. Soundstage is reduced to a small trapezoidal space totally between the speakers. No deep bass. Timbre is also a victim. Playing LP by the Nylons. Cannot figure out what instrument is playing a continuous unintelligible sound in perfect time with the tune. Focus on trying to at least determine what instrument group is making it. Turns out to be the baritone singer!
2) 5 hours - brightness and haze are gone. Stage is growing a little. Bass is still wimpy. Vocals now clear enough to recognize as part of the "winds" group of instruments.
3) 10 hours - brightness has gone completely. Detail reproduction is becoming a strong suit. Stage has become wider with some improvement in depth but little in height
4) 18 hours - (after running continuous loop over night) - timbre problem reduced significantly, but still not as neutral as the Maestro. Soundstage is becoming respectable - but still has a long way to go to equal the Maestro; before swap it was spooky-good. - Speakers can disappear again with better recordings.
I know it's going to take a while and I will not lose faith. I actually kept faith that I could get a pair of b-stock Class D amps to sound good in a system that had run Atma-Spheres for 20 years. I suspect that when the burn-in is over that this receptacle will give me a better detail presentation with no loss of clarity in the mid and low bass regions. I have been battling the speakers since I bought them in February, and have thrown both time and treasure at their introduction to my system and only got them to sound respectable a week ago with the substitution of the Kaplan cord for the PS-Audio Premier Sc coming from the wall. This followed a new rack, major cable upgrades throughout the system, NOS tubes in the phono stage, a new super-wide audio rack, new room location, fully groomed wires and contacts, outriggers, and a boatload of Herbie's stuff, so I can't credit this as the magic tweek to end all tweeks, but it did put it over the top. Now, I patiently wait to see what comes next...
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Sounds about right to me. Mine has developed a bit of a tizzy character now that should go away. Roller Coaster continued :)