I just switched my Busch-Jaeger Schuko wall sockets for a double Furutech NCF SWS rhodium socket. After reading about the terrible long break-in, I first installed it to a group that runs my NAS and router for three weeks. Today, I installed the wall sockets to the 2 separate audio groups.
First impressions: more silence, more calmness, a layer of harshness removed but also less attack / punch. The round bass notes are still OK but right now I miss the impact and hard slamming punch of a drum. Also, some warmth has been removed from saxophones and trumpets.
Is this the character of the socket or do you expect three weeks with the router and NAS didn’t break it in yet?
If it’s anything like GTX-D NCF it’s a long break-in process. Mine went from amazing to what just happened? to where is the bass etc. Took about 2 weeks to calm down from what I recall. In the end it’ll be worth it.
No experience with that specific version of outlet but I also use the GTX-D NCF & my guess would be it likely isn’t enough run in time. My outlets took about 2 weeks to burn in but only when they were pre burnt in from the dealer & when running all my kit. So the burn in time seems to depend on current draw, with no pre burn in & low draw components, it could take a month+.
Don’t be concerned with sound during run in, it will likely have large swings in tonal balance (which can change from day to day & you may even hear it shift while listening).
Less attack/punch is not something I would say with the version I’m running, nor was a reduction of warmth vs what I was previously running (standard builder grade Hubbell).
If you check out the Furutech Discussion thread, there’s lots of info in there on outlets.
Update:
Im 4 weeks in now and the last week this wall socket has developed into being a HUGE upgrade. Not just for the little money it costs but even if it would cost 3 times the price. I would recommend EVERYONE to upgrade their wall socket to this socket as it is so much better in everything than a standard wall socket from the construction market.
The punch is fully back and with so mu ch more bass texture than before. Details are clearer, voices are clearer but still with natural warmth and most of all this socket is QUIET!!! Absolutely black background in combination with my Plixir power supply.
For the sake of confirming all this I switched back to my one of my other audio socket that still has the construction marker socket and it is as if the sound suddenly became gray and with a lot more harshness all over.
This thing really takes 4 weeks of breaking in, believe me it’s no BS and it will have many swings during that time. At some point I wanted to get rid of it. But stick with it and you will get a huge reward.
So conclusion is that this socket gets highly!!! recommended! Especially in combination with rhodium powerline connectors.
Good to hear its all worked out, but as posted above, can’t say I’m surprised by the results Unfortunately far to many will skimp on upgrades like these, thinking their just “tweaks” or minor changes. While many of the so called upgraded outlets are just this, the top of the line Furutech NCF stuff is a completely different animal.
Well said and so true. I think the hardest thing is having patience. I’ve said it before if it wasn’t for your advice and others about the long burn-in I wouldn’t have believed it. I’m happy for you @Hifi_Naim_CNNL
Unfortunately far to many will skimp on upgrades like these, thinking their just “tweaks” or minor changes. While many of the so called upgraded outlets are just this, the top of the line Furutech NCF stuff is a completely different animal.