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Neotech NC-P313 vs. Furutech FI-28 Plugs

I am going to be constructing a power cable and wanted some advice. I had Wattgate standard power connectors on my power cable and they didn't sound too good. I upgraded them with cheap Sonarquest pure copper plugs (at least that's what they say they are), and the positive effect of these plugs was instant and profound! 

Having the Sonarquest plugs make such a HUGE positive difference, I was wondering if upgrading to a Neotech or Furutech would be worthwhile, since they are better made than the $11 Sonarquest plugs? I am trying to decide between these 2 models of plug. I ALSO, wanted to know if the FI-28 is the same as the FI-46, but with a different body?

If anyone can help me with this, who has tried any of these plugs, that would be great!
parimento1
auxinput
2,920 posts
 
ah ok.  I have found that unplated copper plugs do not have as much resolution as even the gold-palted.  Unplated copper is very punchy in the midrange, but it lacks high frequency detail and I feel that it smears the sound just a tiny bit. 

The gold-plated Neotech will likely be an improvement in resolution and tonal balance.   The Furutech rhodium will have the most detail, tight deep bass and extended high frequency range.  If your cable is not extremely thick, the lower price Furutech FI-15 Plus (R) rhodium connectors are an excellent value at about $55.  You just have to be careful not to tear off the casing when you tighten down on the clamp screws.  The casing folds open and it attached at 2 points with flexible plastic.
parimento1 OP
22 posts
 
Thanks for the advice. I was seeing the IeGo plugs as well. Are these any good or are these cheap chinese knockoffs?
auxinput
2,920 posts
 
I don't know anything about the IeGo plugs.  sorry.  I've looked at pictures of the IeGo and the wire clamp mechanism sort of reminds me of Wattgate.  I think you're better off getting Furutech or Neotech.  I love the build quality and design of the Furutech wire clamping.  The Neotech is excellent as well.

I've used Furutech and Neotech.  Oyaide is another good brand, but I've never used them.  They have a palladium plated product, which is interesting, but I don't know how it sound.

I do not recommend using the Cardas plugs because the fold-out casing just rips away with hardly any pressure and you have a plug case that just fallen apart. 
parimento1 OP
22 posts
 
Yes, you're probably right, auxinput. I saw how cheap they were compared to the Neotech and Furutech and was thinking of giving it a go based on price, but then I thought about the usual Chinese quality. 

I saw that it uses the Wattgate terminals, which is a blessing and a curse; it is much easier to terminate, but you have to be careful because they do not grip as tightly as the screw type terminals that most other brands use. 

I wasn't considering Cardas or Oyaide because they don't use conductors with high electrical conductivity. Phosphor Bronze and Beryllium Copper are not that great. 
auxinput
2,920 posts
 
Phosphor Bronze and Beryllium Copper are copper alloys (probably 92 to 98% copper).  They are actually not that bad - I have used them.  They are significantly better than the low end brass plugs (like Wattgate).  Pure copper is better though.  However, the low conductivity of Rhodium plating doesn't necessarily mean that it performs worse.  Low conductivity is almost like self-damping resistance.  The plating actually helps with two metals mating/touching that aren't actually soldered together (like you find in plugs and interconnects).

The Furutech FI-15 Plus (R) rhodium plugs are probably the "best for the money" at $55 each.  They are actually cheaper than the Neotech gold-plated plugs.
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