AZ-910

Basic

After our release of the XLR interconnect cable with 5N pure Silver conductors, “AR-910”, many audiophiles have requested to us making 5N pure silver interconnect cable with RCA connectors.
Finally on the 2011, we achieved to produce “AZ-910” under the concept of “Pure silver, Pure signal”.

Silver (Ag) has 5% higher conductivity than copper (Cu) and is the most electrically conductive metal known today, making it the ultimate conductor material for audio cables. However, silver is a rare metal that is more than 10 times more expensive than copper, and the purity of silver and the processing process can make a huge difference in the sound reproduction.

The most distinctive feature of FTVS-910 is 5N pure silver conductor which is produced by advanced manufacturing processes including the continuous casting process that takes place in a high-frequency electric furnace, 19 stages of cold rolling, a drawing process and a final annealing operation.

The insulator is also significant in enhancing the transmitting capabilities of the cable. For the purpose of lessening signal loss, we employed PFA which provides excellent electrical isolation and low electric permittivity.

And also we selected PE (Polyethylene) which keeps permittivity to a minimum and enhances the flexibility of the cable. This layering of these different materials not only enhances the conductor's electric capabilities but also attenuates internal vibration by altering the resonance point.

The ultra silent background of the FTVS-910 is provided by a triple-layered shielding structure. The first semiconductor layer attenuates static noise and electric micro waves. The second copper foil shielding protects against high-frequency noise. The third, silver plated mesh shielding, protects against low-frequency noise.

Features

1.0mm Solid 5N Pure Silver Conductor

Pure silver is the best material for high-speed transmission due to its excellent electrical conductivity which is far superior to high-purity copper. However, the price of silver continues to rise ever higher making it one of the rare metals. For the core of FTVS-910, 5N jewelry grade pure silver, which is far better than industrial grade, is used.

After being melted in a ceramic crucible, it is molded into 15mm diameter round bars. It is further reduced in diameter by means of 19 repetitions of the cold rolling process. Afterwards, the silver wire is further reduced to 1.05mm by a low-speed drawing process. After the final rolling operation and mirror surface finishing, stress and strain that is generated by the drawing process is slowly removed by a lengthy annealing operation in a high-frequency electric furnace filled with inactive gas to prevent the silver from combining with oxygen. The completed ultra-pure silver wires are immediately packaged in nitrogen gas and are safely stored until the next process.

Insulator

Although the conductor is the most important factor in signal transmission, the insulator is also significant in enhancing the transmitting capabilities of the cable. For the purpose of lessening signal loss, we employed PFA which provides excellent electrical isolation and low electric permittivity. For the first insulation layer, we selected PE (Polyethylene) which keeps permittivity to a minimum and enhances the flexibility of the cable. This layering of these different materials not only enhances the conductor's electric capabilities but also attenuates internal vibration by altering the resonance point.

Triple-Layered Shielding Structure

When we conceived of the FTVS-910 our goal was unlimited transparency. The ultra silent background of the FTVS-910 is provided by a triple-layered shielding structure. The first semiconductor layer attenuates static noise and electric micro waves. The second copper foil shielding protects against high-frequency noise. The third, silver plated mesh shielding, protects against low-frequency noise. It also protects against high-frequency noise by means of the skin effect on the silver plating.

Semiconductor Layer

Although PFA has a great electric characteristic, we needed to adopt a method for static electricity removal due to the fact that PFA charges easily. When signal flows in a cable, it generates ultra weak vibrations which cause the discharge of an electric corona. In order to solve this problem, we installed Carbon PE as a semiconductor layer. By surrounding just the outside of the first insulation layer, this semiconductor layer helps to discharge static buildup from the PFA layer in an orderly fashion.

The Cable Exterior

The beautiful and clear urethane sheathing has excellent mechanical strength and always maintains a stable level of hardness without being affected by temperature change. Moreover, due to its high shock absorption and degree of elasticity, polyurethane provides powerful isolation from vibrations.

Exclusive version "GENESIS" RCA Plug with Pure Silver Pin only for AZ-910

The RCA plugs use "pure silver contact version GENESIS" with a pipe-shaped pure silver center pin. This is a special modification of our top grade RCA plug "GENESIS" exclusively for AZ-910.

The screw-type chuck located at the rear of the main body is independent of the cap to ensure reliable holding operations even in tight spaces. The chuck is operated by an optical lens. By applying high-viscosity grease to the screw part of the main body, the user can feel as if the lens is being squeezed. This is not only for sensory pleasure, but also to control the vibration of the body and shell. Of course, no pains were spared in the choice of materials. The brass body is plated with the same hard chromate as the camera.

The pure silver center pin was specially tuned for the AZ-910. The center pin is machined one by one from solid components by advanced CNC machining and boasts outstanding precision. The center pins are plated with rhodium plating for long-term durability and sound quality tuning.

The Collet Chuck Locking Function

The collet chuck clamping function is employed for “GENESIS”. Although an existing collet chuck RCA plug is tightened by rotating its whole sleeve, GENESIS is tightened by its independent rocking sleeve. Herewith we succeeded to minimize the gap in between its body and sleeve and attenuate resonance which has been a problem for existing collet check structure.

Outer Body

The high-viscosity grease is coated on the screw part of rocking sleeve and body. Due to its high-viscosity, it actualizes to prevent looseness and damp unnecessary vibrations. In addition, each screw thread of the rocking sleeve and end cap has different pitch and opposite screw turn for tightness.

Easy Usability

Its collet chuck rocking sleeve is placed on the lower middle of the sleeve. So, it is easy to turn it even if it is under the situation where it seems to be hard to rotate.

Original Oyaide "SS-47" Solder for Audio Application

Plugs and cables are soldered with "SS-47" lead-free silver solder specially designed for acoustic use. Ordinary solder has a tin purity of only 99.9% (3N) for cost reasons." SS-47" is made of high purity tin, with a purity of 99.993% (4N) or higher, eliminating impurities to the utmost limit. In addition, silver and copper are added to improve conductivity and prevent solder from being eaten away.

Furthermore, the ratio of silver in a normal alloy solder is 3 to 3.5%, but in "SS-47" a whopping 4.7% is used without hesitation. In addition, SS-47 contains 1.7% copper, which has the second highest conductivity among metals after silver. This ratio dramatically improves conductivity, and we succeeded in setting the eutectic point at 217 degrees. Of course, these blending ratios were not determined by numerical data and workability alone.

We believe that sound quality should be the top priority for an audio solder to be labeled as an audio solder. SS-47" is the result of numerous listening tests of prototype models with various mixing ratios.