Cryogenics
All of our wire and connectors are cryogenically treated, either by the manufacturer (in the case of Furutech connectors), or at our local cryogenic facility.
Effect of Cryogenic Treatment of Metal
During the cooling or solidification phase of the wire
manufacturing process, molecules are trapped in a haphazard
pattern. This random placement causes obstacles for
electrons when encountered. This interference can cause
noise, slow down electron flow and will negatively affect
the quality of the music being played. At very cold
temperatures (below -300°F), the molecules will align in a
more uniform, compact structure through the removal of
kinetic energy. When the material is returned to ambient
temperature, this new uniform, compact pattern is
maintained. This process makes a permanent change and the
benefits do not deteriorate over time or upon return to
operating temperature.
The use of extremely fine grained Ohno Continuous Casting (OCC) copper in conjunction with cryogenic treatment results in the most uniform crystal structure possible, providing the ultimate in cable performance. |
The computer controlled vapor cryogenic process involves an 8 hour rampdown from ambient temperature to -310°F, “soak” or hold at -310°F for 10 hours, and a rampup to ambient temperature of at least 24 hours.
Cryogenic treatment provides a number of important performance benefits.
- Reduction of sibilance in the lower treble range. An example would be the 'sss' with female vocalists.
- Increased depth of soundstage, allowing the music to better fill the room.
- Improved timbre in musical instruments. More realistic presentation of acoustic instruments such as violin and piano.
- Better retrieval of low-level detail in music due to reduced noise floor.
Cryogenic treatment will not magically transform the performance of cables built with low grade materials. However it provides a noticeable incremental improvement, and is one of the many manufacturing steps we apply to extract the maximum performance from our cables.
Further information on the benefits of cryogenic treatment can be found in the following links:
- Audio & Cryogenic Processing. A description of the benefits of cryogenic processing of audio cables, courtesy of Cryogenics International.
- The Audio Asylum provides a plentiful source of opinions about cryogenics.
- Frozen CDs. Robert Hartley discusses his experience with the cryogenic treatment of CDs in the October 1990 issue of Stereo Review.
- Improving CD’s & DVD’s Sound Quality by Reducing Birefringence. Another description of the benefits of cryogenic processing, courtesy of Cryogenics International.