Products : : Precision Interface Technology : : Interconnect Cables

The leading experts in precision interfacing have combined their skills with FM ACOUSTICS engineers to create interconnect cables for ultimate signal transfer.
Precision Interface Technology® cables allow an accuracy of system interfacing that has never before been possible.

For more information and pictures of the cables:

Open Technical Bulletin Nr. 31 (PDF)

By simply replacing existing cables with P.I.T. interconnects, an often amazing reduction of a system's hum and noise is possible with a consequentially improved performance.

Precision Interface Technology® interconnects are designed to guarantee optimal interface in a large variety of systems. Unlike the usual optimization of just the cables's characteristics, P.I.T. interconnects are optimized in all parameters that influence signal transmission. Such optimization must include the output and input stages of the audio electronics, a fact that is not taken into proper consideration by other cable manufacturers. It is this complete design approach that results in the unique performance of Precision Interface Technology® interconnects.

The perfect symmetry of these cables allow a quality of balanced and unbalanced interconnection standard that up until now has been impossible.

Using Precision interface Technology cables correct system interfacing is guaranteed. Dozens of different versions optimize performance in any system.
Concept

Interconnect Cables by Precision Interface Technology® are different from other cables. Their unmatched neutrality is not simply due to the optimization of individual cable parameters. It is the result of the most comprehensive research and an in-depth understanding of every aspect of precision signal transmission.

A detailed analysis of the entire signal transfer chain must take into account all possible variations in grounding, shielding as well as all aspects of interference rejection. Final system performance depends not just on the characteristics of the cable but also on the proper match with the input and output circuits to which the cable is connected. It is in this area that existing interconnect designs show the most obvious limitations.

The large number of possible component combinations require different interface solutions for each system. There is no single cable that can satisfy such multiple requirements. Precision Interface Technology® offers specifically optimized interconnects for any application. With dozens of different cables to choose from, the correct solution for any system interface can be guaranteed, whether it is true-balanced, earth-free, pseudo-balanced, unbalanced or any combination thereof.

Technical Bulletin No. 31 provides more detailed information on how to choose the correct cable for the various interconnect requirements.

Features

Precision Interface Technology® cables make exclusive use of FORCESHIELD; a proprietary dual shielding technology that:

• · allows a signal-to-noise ratio and interference rejection of 130dB (which is 20 to 50 dB higher(!) than the other high quality interconnect cables)
   
• · guarantees optimal shielding to frequencies above 100 MHz
   
• · eliminates interference signals by 100% proper conduction to ground
   
• · provides unparalleled shield coverage of 99.9% even when cables are bent (a situation where most existing cable shielding loses efficiency).
   

• · ultra accurate balancing (magnitudes better than other so-called "balanced" cables).
   
• · extremely high rejection of magnetically and electrically induced coupling
   
• · lowest crosstalk
   
• · extremely low residual system noise floor resulting in better dynamic contrast and signal to noise ratio
   
• · optimized intercable and shield/signal wire capacitance/inductance
   
• · absolutely phase accurate signal transfer
   
• · elimination of time smear
   
• · perfect linearity with both static and dynamic signals
   
• · elimination of skin effect throughout entire audio bandwidth
   
• · signal-transfer speed 1000 times faster than what is required for perfect audio reproduction
   
• · preservation of time coherence even over long distances
   
• · all cable parameters are carefully optimized with consideration for all variables, including a wide variety of output and input stages
   
• · extreme flexibility avoids strain on chassis receptacles. No non-optimal connection due to mechanical stress
   
• · lifetime warranty
   

• · Precision Interface Technology® interconnect cables can guarantee proper star grounding of an entire audio system (provided that the system is entirely wired with P. I. T. interconnects and grounding rules are adhered to). Intercable ground loops are avoided, resulting in greatly improved system stability, remarkably lower hum and noise and proper shielding from interference and RF sources.
  Balanced systems gain astonishingly when true balanced Precision Interface Technology® cables are installed.
   
• · While audio signals are not directional (AC = alternating current) and therefore do not travel in one direction as some contend, it is important which side of the cable is connected to the source. To guarantee 100% optimal results in any system, the 'source' side of Precision Interface Technology® interconnects is coded (the cable side that must be connected to the source of the signal = the preceding unit).
   
• · Precision Interface Technology® interconnects features a unique floating shield that rejects unwanted signal components such as hum, noise, interference of any kind.
  
  
  A T T E N T I O N:
  
  NEVER use a line level cable to connect an MC or MM cartridge to a phono preamp. For this purpose use the special PHONO CABLES (click on subtitle Menu: Phono Cables)
  
  Non-optimal system installations have been reported due to a simple fact:
  as P.I.T. line level cables and P.I.T. phono cables look similar (some versions use identical connectors) it may appear they are the same and interchangeable.
  
  This is NOT so !
  
  A phono cable has different requirements than a line level cable and for optimal performance must NOT be used as such (and vice versa). Actually, it is quite easy to differentiate: the P.I.T. phono cables always have an earthing wire between the two cables, the P.I.T. line level cables do not need this earth wire.
  
  The fake copies of P.I.T. cables that are being offered in certain countries do - who would have thought ? - not make the abovementioned differentiation. One can often spot a fake P.I.T. cable when they lack the identification number, a tag around the cable near one of the connectors.
  Do not accept the cable if it does not come in the blue velvet pouch embossed/printed "Precision Interface Technology".
  
  The copyists (and even several other cable manufactures...) fail to understand why 3 different "balanced" line level cables are required (because of the different types of balancing employed in electronics components). Only by correctly understanding the circuit's requirements is optimal system performance guaranteed.
  
  Buying similar looking cheaper cables (the connectors we use are generally available; there still is a difference to ours but this is not obvious visually) one may well end up with non-optimal system interfacing.
  Fake P.I.T.'s are not worth the initial "savings". You get what you pay for.

 FM Acoustics Forceline Speaker Cables

Lowest Loss Signal Transfer Cable

YOU'VE NEVER HEARD IT SO GOOD!

With FORCELINES, cable technology takes a quantum leap towards the perfection of high level signal transfer.
This is attested to by the fact that leading artists, major recording studios, prominent concert halls and demanding domestic users the world over are replacing their loudspeaker cables with FORCELINES.

The Perfect Solution To High Precision Signal Transfer

For many of the speaker cables available today "magical" improvements in audio reproduction are claimed. The cables' features are often explained in nebulous and pseudo-scientific terms. No wonder they fail to live up to their manufacturer's promises! The fact is that signal transfer adheres to the laws of physics. The problem stems from the fact that most cable manufacturers' know-how – if there is such a thing - is limited to the design of the cable itself; they lack proper understanding of electronic circuit design and the specific requirements of the many different output stages of amplifiers and the multitude of differing characteristics of speakers. Only with exact understanding of these - in conjunction with cable-specific design criteria - is the correct design achievable.

FORCELINES come closer to the theoretical ideal of perfect signal transfer than any other speaker cable available. The sound scientific reasons are confirmed by a wealth of proven results.

Applications & tests the world over
have confirmed that FORCELINES
provide the best results.
True Load Impedance

Speaker loads present complex impedances that require much higher currents and voltages from amplifiers than is generally believed. The nominal impedance rating of a speaker bears little resemblance to the real impedance seen by the power amplifier. Speaker impedances can easely vary by 500% over the audio range creating a complex load comprising capacitance, inductance and resistance that – and this is where the high current and voltage capability are really required – continuously changes with the music signal, the frequencies, level etc. Over the frequency range some speakers rated at 'nominal 8 Ohms' present the amplifier with an apparent load impedance that resembles anywhere from below 2 Ohms to above 16 Ohms while others even vary from below 1 to over 60 Ohms all of this frequency dependent. Nominal speaker impedance ratings, therefore, have no practical use as they do not resemble the real loads.

Because of these demands, the limitations of the usual speaker cables result in massive losses in signal transfer, especially with high quality amplifiers. These losses are clearly audible.

Furthermore, reproduction accuracy is lost because most cables dramatically lower the electrical damping the amplifier is providing for the speakers. Optimal control of the speaker diaphragms requires the highest damping - not just at the amplifier's output terminals - but right at the speakers. It is quite obvious that the cable connecting the speaker to the amplifier has a striking influence on the effective damping of the diaphragms and consequently on total performance.

Speaker cables must be able to transfer the tremendously varying currents and voltages of complex audio signals while at the same time assuring absolute signal and phase coherence. In quality systems every single mOhm (= 1/1000 of an Ohm) of lower resistance to signal transfer improves performance.

Cable Capacitance And Inductance

Speakers vary in their sensitivity to capacitance and inductance changes, and so do amplifiers. A characteristic unique to FORCELINES is that their capacitance and inductance is tuneable by the user (other cables have fixed capacitance and inductance). Thanks to their construction as separate individual conductors, the physical placement (and therefore the performance) of FORCELINES can be optimized for each system. Some amplifier/speaker combinations may work well when the cables are lightly twisted, while in other applications separating the two conductors will provide better results. It is also possible to keep the two lines separated at a fixed distance with the special spacers that are enclosed with every FORCELINES package. They allow fine tuning each system for optimal performance. Thanks to this, FORCELINES guarantee ultimate signal transfer with practically any amplifier/speaker combination. A few speaker designers opted to allow a peaky response that requires the user to invest in an – often expensive - cable having filter networks to achieve a half acceptable reproduction. FORCELINES are designed to be free of filtering effects and will faithfully reproduce these speaker anomalies.

Material

In the manufacture of FORCELINES no cost is spared. Special precision tools and high-resolution copper drawing techniques (100x slower than usual) combined with highest-purity conductor material result in the lowest-loss signal transfer available. With their massive outside diameter other cables may look impressive but their size is simply achieved by using large amounts of cheap fibres and fillers. However, it is the conducting material that must be massive (fibers and plastic fillers obviously do not conduct signals). A good indicator for the amount of conducting material used is the weight of a cable as good conductors are heavy (one can find quite a few 'garden-hose' sized cables that can be lifted with two fingers indicating very little actiual conducting material).

It is more than simply the use of massive amounts of enhanced copper which makes FORCELINES unique. Special measures are taken to optimize the individual strands for precision signal transfer. With use of proprietary technology, signal reflection - a problem with many cables - is rendered practically non-existent. The result is completely linear, time- and phase-coherent signal transfer.

Connectors

The widely used standard five-way binding posts and 4mm 'banana plug' connectors are not really satisfactory for accurate transfer of dynamic high level signals. To complement the unique characteristics of FORCELINES, proprietary connectors that assure ultimate signal transfer have been developed. These unique FORCEPLUG 200 and FORCELUG 25 connectors have a special MIL spec. coating and feature a current handling capability of no less than 1800Apeak.

FORCEPLUG 200 precision connectors are carefully terminated to FORCELINES using specific soldering techniques (crimping would be much faster and cheaper, but pressing and crimping - as done with other cables - cannot guarantee optimal results). These proprietary connectors perfectly accommodate the enormous conductor cross-section of FORCELINES.

Specially coated contact areas guarantee a contact resistance of less than 0.00008 Ohms – that is 80 millionth of one Ohm (!), much better than any other audio connector. It is obvious why the resulting performance is unequalled.

FORCEPLUG 200 connectors use multiple, large-surface area, controlled inertia contact springs. They are used exclusively with FM ACOUSTICS precision amplifiers and guarantee ultra low loss contact of a singular standard.

FORCELUG 25 are precision, high-power spade terminals and employ the same proprietary MIL spec. coating as the FORCEPLUG 200. They are used for lowest-loss connection of FORCELINES to the usual speaker terminals.

Results

FM ACOUSTICS' singular concept of solving the entire interface between amplifiers and speakers results in a pristine signal transfer assuring unrivalled system performance.
FORCELINES are not system dependent and will bring improvements in any reasonable system

Types Of Forcelines

There are now two types of FORCELINES. Both are based on identical design criteria, technology and manufacturing. They yield similar performance characteristics. Correct selection depends on the system components and the length of interconnection.

FORCELINES 5 contain a purified copper conductor cross-section that corresponds to AWG 5 (16.5 mm2). They are recommended for mid- and large-sized speakers of any impedance. They guarantee ultimate signal transfer of quality speaker systems even if they have a low impedance.

FORCELINES 3 have an immense purified copper conductor cross-section that corresponds to AWG 3 (25.6 mm2). They provide the absolutely highest precision signal transfer and are for use with the most demanding speakers of low impedance including speaker with multiple paralleled drivers.

(FORCELINES 7 are no longer made)

Specifications

Type		Precision lowest-loss wideband signal transfer cables
Identification		Connectors colour coded
Conductors		Specially drawn, linearized & coated corrosion-proof, high-purity copper
Inductance		Tuneable
Capacitance		Tuneable
Insulation		Highly flexible, high-temperature and flame retardant
Lengths		1.5m / 3m / 5m; other lengths on special order
Connectors		FORCEPLUG 200, FORCELUG 25
Temperature		-25OC to +80OC operating
Accessories		Special cable spacers included
Packing		Foam lined reusable protective case

    

FORCELINES 5 FORCELINES 3  Resistance to signal transfer 1.0 Ohm/km 0.66 Ohm/km  Wire size AWG 5 (16.5 mm2) AWG 3 (25.6 mm2) Current rating 200 A RMS, 1200 A peak 320 A RMS, 1800 A peak Voltage rating 500 V RMS 500 V RMS 500 V RMS 500 V RMS Outer diameter ~10 mm ~11 mm

Products : : Precision Interface Technology : : PHONO CABLES
INTRODUCTION

Signals from MM (Moving Magnet) and - even more so - from MC (Moving Coil) cartridges are highly sensitive to hum, noise and various forms of interferences.

The connecting cable between the cartridge and preamplifier must ensure that the minute signal of the cartridge is optimally transferred to the preamplifier and at the same time must reject any unwanted signals from entering the signal path. In usual cables this is not taken sufficiently into consideration.

After most thorough analysis of these specific requirements and exacting research the worlds ultimate phono interconnect cables have been designed.

The various versions of Precision Interface Technology® - or short: P.I.T. - phono cables are optimized for the different characteristics of cables and phono preamplifier input stages. Each individual application can be optimized and pristine signal transfer from tonearms to unbalanced, pseudo-balanced as well as true balanced phono preamplifiers is guaranteed.

The fact that the reproduction of existing systems can be improved massively by just exchanging the phono cables is rather enticing. It does not get much easier than replacing a phono cable...
And with our offer for a free trial there is no risk whatsoever.
With a Precision Interface Technology® Phono Interconnect clear improvements are guaranteed.

The important link: dedicated versions of phono interconnect cables guarantee optimal performance with any tonarm - cartridge - preamplifier combination.


DIFFERENT SOLUTIONS FOR DIFFERENT SYSTEMS

Precision Interface Technology® phono interconnect cables are unique. Their unmatched neutrality is the result of the most comprehensive research and an in-depth understanding of low-level signal transmission.

Because of the variety of tonearm configurations, connectors and phono preamplifiers, different systems require different solutions. In the Precision Interface Technology® range specifically optimized phono interconnects for any application are available. These different cable types provide the correct solution for the various cartridge to phono preamplifier interconnections.


FEATURES

Precision Interface Technology® Phono Interconnect cables make exclusive use of FORCESHIELD, a proprietary triple shielding technology. The unique dual bifilar shield guarantees zero inductance and an additional HF shield rejects RF interferences.

P.I.T. phono interconnects:

· achieve a signal-to-noise ratio and interference rejection of 132dB (which is 20dB to 50dB better(!) than the other high-quality interconnect cables)

• · guarantee optimal shielding from 0Hz to above 100Mhz
• · eliminate interference signals by 100% proper conduction to ground
• · provide unparalleled shield coverage of 99.9% even when cables are bent (a situation where other cables loose effective shielding).
• · feature ultra accurate balancing (magnitudes better than other so-called "balanced" cables).
• · are totally transparent and allow the characteristics of the cartridge to pass uncoloured
• · provide extremely high rejection of magnetically and electrically induced coupling
• · achieve lowest crosstalk
• · guarantee very low residual system noise floor resulting in better dynamic contrast and improved signal to noise ratio
• · allow absolutely phase accurate signal transfer
• · eliminate time smear and preserve time coherence
• · prevent skin effect throughout the audio bandwidth
• · provide a signal-transfer speed 1000 times faster than needed for perfect audio reproduction
• · are carefully optimized with consideration for all variables, including different cartridge types and different types of preamplifier input stages
• · employ a completely floating shield
• · avoid mechanical strain on tonearm/turntable connectors. P.I.T. cables have much better flexibility and allow the tonarm/turntable to float freely without the often experienced negative influence on the turntable suspension
• · are available in many dedicated versions with straight or angled 5 Pin DIN tonearm connectors, precision RCA-Phono and XLR connectors
• · carry a lifetime warranty

In all P.I.T. cables precision connectors are used. The RCA/Phono connectors incorporate a unique exponentially enhanced contact area that takes into account the tolerances of the usual RCA/Phono receptables.

Spring loaded, self cleaning contacts assure proper connection to any receptable. Connecting noises, thumps or impulses that could cause hum and harm the equipment are avoided. The precision machined contacts secure the ground before the signal pin makes contact.

Efficient strain relief techniques are used. Manufacturing and soldering techniques of the highest standard are employed.

Precision Interface Technology® interconnects are painstakingly handcrafted in Switzerland and come with a lifetime warranty.


ATTENTION!
NEVER use a line level cable between a cartridge and the phono preamp! From the outside P.I.T. Phono interconnects look similar as the P.I.T. line level cables. However, even if the cable coding should have been removed it is still possible to recognize the difference from the outside: cables for phono interconnection have a central grounding wire that line level cables do not have.


SELECTING THE CORRECT CABLE VERSION

CA -25141 - CA -25143

Phono M - XLR M (MC+MM)

Ultra flexible true balanced phono cable.

It allows true balanced connection of MM and MC cartridges to the inputs of true balanced phono preamplifiers (the FM 222).

It must be realized that all phono cartridges are principally balanced. With the usual Phono - Preamplifier interconnection cables these are, however, transformed into an unbalanced configuration. This cable now allows true balanced connection of cartridges and guarantees absolutely singular performance. The entire system can be run in true balanced mode (in conjunction with electronics that are capable of this, the FM 222 when used with the FM 255, FM 266, FM 268 and all FM ACOUSTICS power amplifiers).

CA -25151 - CA -25153

5-Pin DIN angled - XLR M (MC+MM)

Ultra flexible true balanced phono cables.

For direct connection of tonearms requiring an angled 5-Pin DIN connector to the true balanced input of the FM 222. This cable now allows true balanced connection of cartridges and guarantees absolutely singular performance. The entire system can be run in true balanced mode (in conjunction with electronics that are capable of this, the FM 222 when used with the FM 255, FM 266, FM 268 and all FM ACOUSTICS power amplifiers).

CA -25161 - CA -25163

5-Pin DIN straight - XLR M (MC+MM)

Ultra flexible true balanced phono cable.

For direct connection of tonearms requiring a straight 5-Pin DIN connector to the true balanced input of the FM 222. This cable now allows true balanced connection of cartridges and guarantees absolutely singular performance. The entire system can be run in true balanced mode (in conjunction with electronics that are capable of this, the FM 222 when used with the FM 255, FM 266, FM 268 and all FM ACOUSTICS power amplifiers).

CA -25171 - CA -25173

5-Pin DIN angled - Phono M (MC)

Ultra-flexible phono cables for single-ended/unbalanced interconnection of MC (Moving Coil) cartridges. For direct connection of tonearms requiring an angled 5-Pin DIN connector to inputs using standard Phono/RCA receptables.

CA -25181 - CA -25183

5-Pin DIN straight - Phono M (MC)

Ultra flexible phono cables for single-ended inter-connection of MC (Moving Coil) cartridges. For direct connection of tonearms requiring a straight 5-Pin DIN connector to inputs using standard Phono/RCA receptables.

CA -25191 - CA -25193

5-Pin DIN angled - Phono M (MM)

Ultra flexible phono cable specially designed for single-ended interconnection of MM (Moving Magnet) cartridges. For direct connection of tonearms requiring an angled 5-Pin DIN connector to inputs using standard Phono/RCA receptables.

CA -25201 - CA -25203

5-Pin DIN straight - Phono M (MM)

Ultra flexible phono cable specially designed for single-ended interconnection to MM (Moving Magnet) cartridges. For direct connection of tonearms requiring a straight 5-Pin DIN connector to inputs using standard Phono/RCA receptables.

CA -25211 - CA -25213

Phono M - Phono M (MC)

Ultra flexible MC (Moving Coil) phono cable for single-ended interconnection between turntables/tonearms having Phono/RCA connectors and preamplifiers having standard Phono/RCA receptables.

CA -25221 - CA -25223

Phono M - Phono M (MM)

Ultra flexible MM (Moving Magnet) phono cable for single-ended interconnection between turntables/tonearms having Phono/RCA connectors and preamplifiers having standard Phono/RCA receptables.

Other types made to order. Contact FM ACOUSTICS with further details.
 

Length of Cables / Type No.

Cable Type No. Meters ~ feet CA -25..1 0.6 2 CA -25..2 1.2 4 CA -25..3 3 10

The last digit of the Cable Type is the code for the length of the cable. Any other length made to order. Precision Interface Technology® provide 99.9% shielding. Bending an ordinary cable results in lower shielding. P.I.T. cables, however, guarantee optimal shielding efficiency on inside and outside even when bent - thanks to proprietary triple shielding. A T T E N T I O N: Non-optimal system installations have been reported due to a rather basic error: as P.I.T. line level cables and P.I.T. phono cables look similar (some versions use identical connectors but each cable is clearly marked) it may appear they are the same and interchangeable. This is NOT so ! A phono cable has different requirements than a line level cable and for optimal performance must NOT be used as such (and vice versa). Actually, it is quite easy to differentiate: the P.I.T. phono cables always have an earthing wire between the two cables, the P.I.T. line level cables do not have such an earth wire. The fake copies of P.I.T. cables that are being offered in certain countries do - who would have thought ? - not make the abovementioned differentiation. One can often spot a fake P.I.T. cable when they lack the identification number, and/or the serial number, both tags around the cables near the connectors. A further hint: do not accept the cable if it does not come in the original dark blue velvet pouch printed "Precision Interface Technology". Buying similar looking cheaper cables (some of the connectors we use are generally available but there still is a difference which, however, is not obvious visually) one may end up with non-optimal system interfacing. Fake P.I.T.'s are not worth the initial "savings". Remember: You get what you pay for... ************************************************************************************************************ SEVEN DAYS FREE TRIAL With their unique performance and features P.I.T. phono interconnects clearly outperform any other phono cable - at any price. Due to this position of market leadership, it would be easy to command a massive price - even without resorting to the stratospheric prices that are not unusual in the audio market – to call for attention and to profit handsomely. FM ACOUSTICS does not succumb to such tactics and price their products fairly in line with the costs including the R&D and development costs, but not more. In fact, to take any risk away, for our potential clients FM ACOUSTICS - in conjunction with selected distributors - offers a 7-day free trial of any phono and P.I.T. line level cable. If you are not 100% sure that this improves your system just return the cable within the 7-days period in original condition and there will be no costs to you. If you are interested in this offer please indicate this under contact and mention the components of your system. You will be contacted by the relevant distributor within a few days.