Furutech NCF Booster

Contents

The Furutech NCF Booster is one of the most versatile components in the market today. It aims to drain static, electrical, and mechanical noise. In that respect, they’re a bit unique. They’re meant to grip power connectors but also serve as a cable lifter. The magic is actually in the NCF – which I’ll get to.

Due to its modular design, it has more flexibility in how it can help with tight bends and heavier cable sags. You’re able to extend and add on as many cradles as you like. In addition, its circular shape allows it to wrap NCF tech around not just cables but connectors at the inlets and outlets.

Furutech

Furutech is no stranger to anyone in HiFi. Especially in the DIY community. Their FI-50(R) NCF connectors ($380) are on many of the popular high-end power cables. The Japanese manufacturer is notorious for extensively testing their products before any release – and it shows.

Now I’ve seen plenty of these Furutech NCF Boosters used at the high-end audio shows. I wasn’t sure about how it impacted the system but I must admit I enjoyed their sleek and simple design. It just looks – organized. Like carefully designed highways for cables.

As mentioned Furutech’s secret sauce is their NCF – which took 30 years to develop.

What is Nano Crystal Formula (NCF)?

Incorporated into selected Furutech products, NCF features a special crystalline material that has two ‘active’ properties. First, it generates negative ions that eliminate static. Second, it converts thermal energy into far infrared. Furutech combines this remarkable material with nano-sized ceramic particles and carbon powder for their additional ‘piezoelectric effect’ damping properties. The resulting Nano Crystal² Formula is the ultimate electrical and mechanical damping material. Created by Furutech, it is found exclusively in Furutech products.


No other manufacturer goes to the expense and effort that Furutech does to develop and produce high-end audio accessories and cables, and NCF is a cumulative result of 30 years of research and development of Pure Transmission high-end audio grade products. The very audible improvement to sound playback offered by this unique material is winning praise and support, not only from Furutech’s loyal following of “Pure Transmission” audio enthusiasts but also from numerous makers of audiophile products worldwide that incorporate NCF components in their products.

Furutech NCF Booster Features:

  • Multi-material hybrid construction – a Furutech original design.
  • Support unit: audio-grade ABS resin and NCF nylon resin to eliminate static charge.
  • Top clamp unit: stainless steel block and audio-grade NCF nylon resin.
  • Base unit: audio-grade ABS resin body with slip-proof, shock-absorbing plate with counterweight.
  • Overall dimensions: 94 x 99.7 mm approx. Height: base level 80 mm / extended level 140 mm approx. 
  • Net weight: Base level 580 mm / extended level 630 mm approx. 

Setup

Setting these NCF Boosters up is straightforward but you could also get creative with it. Although you’re supplied with both support and top cradle – the top cradle could be omitted if you find the base supplies enough NCF juice (or vice versa).

You’ll probably benefit most from the NCF Booster if you have carpet flooring – but they’re still very effective with hardwood floors.

If you have molding along with the flooring, the legs of the NCF Booster may not be flush. Regardless, I’ve found I was still able to grip the backend of the power connectors securely. Due to the height of my outlet, I required four additional pairs of extension shafts.

The provided silicon bands are used to secure the top clamp with the supporting clamp. This improves the contact to remove any vibrations – and helps the NCF with its job of removing noise. Also, there’s a proper way to install them.

Now all you have to do is connect them to the inlet and outlets and perform some listening tests. For cable lifting duties, move the Booster along the length of the cables and find a place where it sounds best. That’s it.

Check out more examples here.