Furutech AG12 Phono Cable

[jdandy]

The Furutech AG12 phono cable arrived last week from Jeff at A/V Solutions. This phono interconnect cable is a beauty. I immediately removed the Wireworld one meter Silver Eclipse interconnect I had between my Micro Seiki turntable and the C1000P preamp, and installed the Furutech AG12. Since the Furutech AG12 capacitance is around 55 pico farads for the 1.2 meter length, I am now able to dial in the total capacitance loading that I desire for my Ortofon 2M Black moving magnet phono cartridge. The 2M Black sounds best to me with the preamplifier's capacitance loading set at 100 pf plus the cable's 55 pf. With the Wireworld Silver Eclipse interconnects 300 pf capacitance for one meter, and the lowest setting the C1000P capacitance loading can be adjusted to is 50 pf, the best I could do with the Silver Eclipse cable was 350 pf. That was too high, and made the 2M Black sound brighter than is natural. Now, at a total load capacitance of 155 pf, the 2M Black is sounding neutral and smooth without the bright edginess that the higher capacitance setting was causing.

I have spent three days spinning vinyl from morning to evening, while at the same time keeping the CD player spinning in the studio to break in the MC452 amp. At any rate, the Furutech AG12 phono cable is sounding very accurate, detailed, and resolved. I spent about two hours dialing in the VTA, stylus rack angle, azimuth, and tracking force to my satisfaction, and I can tell you my Micro Seiki turntable with the MA-505 tonearm and Ortofon 2M Black phono cartridge has never sounded better. Album after album was pulled from my record collection, and both sides played. I was continuously marveled at the clarity, extension, dynamics, channel separation, and overall presentation of each album. Between the accurate setup of my phono cartridge and tonearm, to the fine Furutech AG12 phono cable, my vinyl playback system is truly making me sit up and take notice. I have played almost 50 albums since installing the AG12, and setting the C1000P capacitance loading correctly. I am thoroughly impressed with the improvement this phono cable has brought to my vinyl rig. I can recommend the Furutech AG12 without reservation.

[JJinID]

Glad to hear the new phono cable was a positive upgrade for you Dan - your system continues to improve as time goes on - either incrementally or in some cases in larger steps. Anytime you are excited to listen to an entire record (or several) all the way through is a very good sign!

I'm not surprised to hear that Jeff's recommendation was a postive one - he is a tremendous asset to this forum and the AA community!

[cmalak]

Dan...congrats on the positive results from the phono cable upgrade

[jdandy]

Originally Posted by JJinID

Glad to hear the new phono cable was a positive upgrade for you Dan - your system continues to improve as time goes on - either incrementally or in some cases in larger steps. Anytime you are excited to listen to an entire record (or several) all the way through is a very good sign!

I'm not surprised to hear that Jeff's recommendation was a postive one - he is a tremendous asset to this forum and the AA community!

Jeff.......I could not agree more. A/V Solutions is also a great place to shop. Lots of fine products at very competitive prices, especially to AA members/subscribers.

[Tonepub]

I'm also a happy AG-12 owner.

[Puma Cat]

Dan, glad the new AG-12 is working out for you and most importantly, you're enjoying your LPs so much. I thought about the AG-12 but my arm requires a 90 deg DIN, and there's no way the Furutech 90 deg DIN fits under my Michelll. It's just too big and the L-shape to the Gyro frame prevents it from fitting.

[Formerly YB-2]

Very nice. Thanks for the technical info on the two phono ICs and the feedback on the differences. Have been wondering what IC to use with the second arm (SME 3009 Series 2) on the Micro Seiki and appreciate the info.

[jdandy]

Originally Posted by tonepub

I'm also a happy AG-12 owner.

Jeff.......I read your review of the Furutech AG12 in ToneAudio, the issue where you gave the AG12 cable a Product of the Year 2009 award. Now that I own one, I can say your comments and award were absolutely correct. That article helped me make a decision.

[jdandy]

Originally Posted by Puma Cat

Dan, glad the new AG-12 is working out for you and most importantly, you're enjoying your LPs so much. I thought about the AG-12 but my arm requires a 90 deg DIN, and there's no way the Furutech 90 deg DIN fits under my Michelll. It's just too big and the L-shape to the Gyro frame prevents it from fitting.

Stephen.......So there's no way the 90 degree DIN on the Furutech AG12 will work with the Gyro SE, uh? What about small risers inder the Gyro's feet? This phono cable is worth the effort to find a way to use it.

[Jerome W]

Dan.......
What's happening to you with all those analog tricks ? Are you beginning to "HEAR" the light ?