Power Connector FURUTECH CF-C15 NCF (R)
Regular price
€460,00
VAT included in price for European Union countries and may be adjusted based on delivery country at check-out.
Average shipping time : 4 to 5 weeks. Shipping is free within European Union (except for specific territories) above 99€ purchase up to 50kg. Shipping costs on quote above 50kg – quote request to be send to : contact@audiosoundmusic.com. There is no return policy for countries outside of the European Union.
The CF-C15 NCF(R) power adapter from Furutech is designed to meet power supply needs in tight spaces. This IEC connector incorporates technologies developed by the Japanese manufacturer in a compact format, suitable for installations where space is limited.
A Format Designed for the Most Demanding Setups
With dimensions of just 22 mm in height, 30 mm in width, and 82 mm in length, the CF-C15 NCF(R) addresses a recurring issue in the high-fidelity world: the inability to use standard IEC connectors on certain high-end devices. Owners of Linn amplifiers, the Micromega M-One series, Mark Levinson equipment, or the entire Devialet range are all too familiar with this frustration. The rear panels of these components, designed with maximum integration in mind, leave little room for traditional connectors. The CF-C15 NCF(R) turns this constraint into an opportunity, finally allowing the use of audiophile-grade power cables with these prestigious devices.
The construction of the housing is a technical feat. Furutech has developed a hybrid, multi-layer structure combining 3K silver carbon fiber and non-magnetic stainless steel. This uncommon combination offers exceptional rigidity while maintaining anti-magnetic properties essential for signal purity. The carbon fiber, coated with a hard transparent finish, not only provides a refined aesthetic but also actively contributes to the dissipation of mechanical vibrations. The stainless steel ensures effective electromagnetic shielding and unmatched durability.
The cable clamping system deserves special attention. Unlike the simplified solutions often used in compact connectors, Furutech has retained its stainless steel clamping system with a silicone insert. This design accommodates cables from 6.6 mm to 16 mm in diameter, allowing the use of conductors up to 12 AWG. The silicone insert, a special formula developed by Furutech, ensures a firm grip without damaging the cable sheath, while also helping to dampen vibrations transmitted by the conductor.
NCF Technology: A Revolutionary Material Innovation
At the heart of the CF-C15 NCF(R) lies the Nano Crystal² (NCF) formula, an innovation exclusive to Furutech that fundamentally transforms the electrical and mechanical behavior of the connector. This formula combines three active materials in a complex matrix: nano-ceramic particles, piezoelectric crystals, and powdered active carbon.
The nano-ceramic particles, just a few nanometers in size, create a three-dimensional network within the composite material. This microscopic structure generates negative ions that actively neutralize static charges accumulated as current passes through. The phenomenon is particularly interesting because it is self-regulating: the greater the accumulation of charges, the more intense the generation of negative ions, thus maintaining an optimal electrostatic balance at all times.
The piezoelectric crystals integrated into the NCF formula add another dimension. These crystals convert the mechanical energy of vibrations into thermal energy, which is then dissipated as far-infrared radiation. This energy conversion process acts as a natural damper, significantly reducing mechanical resonances that can color the audio signal. The piezoelectric effect works bidirectionally: temperature variations also generate an electrical response that helps stabilize the electromagnetic field around the connector.
The powdered active carbon completes this trilogy of materials. Its porous structure offers an enormous specific surface area—several hundred square meters per gram—that efficiently absorbs high-frequency electromagnetic interference. Carbon also acts as a partial conductor, creating dissipation paths for stray charges without compromising the main insulation of the connector.
The integration of NCF technology is not limited to the main body of the connector. The clamping elements, insulating rings, and even the internal frame benefit from this treatment. This holistic approach ensures that every component actively contributes to signal optimization, creating an ideally controlled electrical and mechanical environment throughout the entire transmission path.
Alpha Treatment: Excellence in Every Detail
The conductors of the CF-C15 NCF(R) are made from pure α (Alpha) copper, a material that represents the pinnacle of metallurgical technology at Furutech. Alpha copper undergoes a purification process that eliminates impurities at the microscopic level, creating a crystalline structure of exceptional homogeneity. This extreme purity results in superior electrical conductivity and uncolored signal transmission.
The rhodium plating of the conductors is a deliberate technical choice. Unlike gold, often preferred for its resistance to oxidation, rhodium offers greater hardness and slightly better electrical conductivity. Its extremely hard surface is remarkably resistant to mechanical wear, ensuring consistent performance even after thousands of connection/disconnection cycles. Rhodium also has exceptional resistance to corrosion and chemical agents, guaranteeing outstanding longevity in any usage environment.
The two-step Alpha process fundamentally transforms the properties of the metals used. The first step, cryogenic treatment, exposes the metal components to extreme temperatures, reaching -250°C using liquid nitrogen or helium. At these temperatures, the molecular structure of the metals reorganizes, with atoms adopting a more orderly and stable configuration. Internal stresses accumulated during manufacturing are released, creating a more homogeneous and conductive material.
The second step of the Alpha process involves demagnetization using a controlled ring-shaped magnetic field. This patented technique, for which Furutech holds the exclusive license in the audio industry, eliminates any residual magnetization in the metal components. The process uses a gradual attenuation of the magnetic field, ensuring complete demagnetization without creating new stresses in the material. The result is a metal in a perfectly neutral state, optimized for electrical signal transmission.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the CF-C15 NCF(R) really necessary if my device already accepts standard IEC connectors?
If your device can accommodate standard-size IEC connectors without space constraints, Furutech’s standard models like the FI-50 NCF will offer slightly better performance thanks to their larger conductors and more robust structure. The CF-C15 NCF(R) excels specifically in situations where space is limited, delivering 95% of the performance of a full-size connector in a format that is 60% more compact.
How does NCF technology compare to other vibration treatment approaches?
The NCF formula stands out for its multiple, simultaneous actions. While traditional approaches focus either on mechanical damping or electrical filtering, NCF combines three active mechanisms: negative ion generation to neutralize static charges, piezoelectric conversion of vibrations into heat, and electromagnetic absorption by active carbon. This synergy creates an overall effect greater than the sum of its individual parts.
What is the difference between rhodium plating and the gold-plated versions offered by other manufacturers?
Rhodium offers a Vickers hardness of 800–1000, compared to 25–65 for gold, ensuring exceptional wear resistance. Its electrical conductivity is slightly higher (2.35 × 10^7 S/m versus 2.21 × 10^7 S/m for gold). Sonically, rhodium tends to produce a more neutral and detailed presentation, with remarkable extension at the extremes of the spectrum, while gold can impart a slight subjective warmth in the midrange.
Does the Alpha cryogenic treatment really affect long-term performance?
Conductivity measurements on treated samples show a 6–8% improvement maintained after 10 years of use. The crystalline rearrangement achieved at -250°C is permanent at room temperature. Additionally, the reduction of internal stresses improves resistance to mechanical fatigue, significantly extending the connector’s lifespan compared to untreated products.
Can I use the CF-C15 NCF(R) with custom-made cables?
Absolutely. The clamping system accepts diameters from 6.6 to 16 mm, covering the majority of DIY cables. Installation requires precise stripping of the conductors and adherence to the recommended tightening torque (0.5 Nm for the conductor fixing screws). Furutech provides detailed instructions and even offers tutorial videos on its website to guide assemblers.
Main Specifications
- Dimensions: 22 (H) x 30 (W) x 82 (L) mm
- Conductors: pure α (Alpha) copper, rhodium-plated
- Body materials: NCF carbon fiber + stainless steel
- Cable clamp: stainless steel + silicone insert
- Treatment: Alpha cryogenics + demagnetization
- Accepted cable diameter: 6.6 mm to 16 mm
- Maximum gauge: up to 12 AWG
- Safety compliance: UL (United States), CE standards (Europe)
NCF Technology
- Exclusive NCF material (Nano Crystal² Formula) combining:
- Nano-ceramic: advanced vibration absorption
- Piezoelectric crystals: dissipation of mechanical vibrations
- Active carbon: antistatic properties
- Result: cleaner, more stable power supply and a more natural soundstage
Construction and Design
- Compact format: ideal for devices with limited rear space
- Carbon fiber + stainless steel shell: rigidity, mechanical stability, premium aesthetics
- α (Alpha) copper conductors, rhodium-plated: signal purity and outstanding dynamics
- Alpha Furutech treatment: cryogenics + demagnetization for long-lasting performance
- Reliable clamping: stainless steel cable clamp + silicone insert
- Compatibility: cables from 6.6 mm to 16 mm in diameter
Recommended Applications
- High-end hi-fi systems with limited rear space
- Compact sources, DACs, audiophile integrated amplifiers
- Custom audio installations or studio racks with dense connectivity
- Custom power cable upgrades
Product Advantages
- Ultra-compact format with no compromise on quality
- Advanced NCF and Alpha technologies for maximum purity
- Designed to last and evolve with safety standards
- Furutech signature: performance, reliability, elegance
- Reduction of vibrations and static charges thanks to NCF technology