Furutech CF-102 NCF(R) High-End RCA Connector

Available at Vinyl Sound in Toronto, Canada, the Furutech CF-102 NCF(R) is Furutech's top-of-the-line RCA signal connector and the first Furutech "signal" connector to feature the company's proprietary Nano Crystal² Formula (NCF) material — injected directly into the centre conductor pin. The result of more than 30 years of Furutech's research into eliminating electrical and mechanical resonance from signal transmission, the CF-102 NCF is engineered for cable builders and DIY audio enthusiasts seeking the ultimate RCA termination for interconnect cables. Furutech specifies improvements in soundstage depth and focus, harmonic integrity, tonal balance, and a lowered noise floor that cleans up the low frequencies.

NCF — Nano Crystal² Formula in the Centre Pin

The CF-102 NCF's defining innovation is the use of Nano Crystal² Formula (NCF) injected into the α (Alpha) OCC rhodium-plated centre conductor pin — making it the first Furutech signal connector to incorporate this material in the conductor itself rather than only in the connector body. NCF is a proprietary compound exclusive to Furutech, combining three active elements: a special crystalline material that generates negative ions to eliminate static charge; a mechanism that converts thermal energy into far infrared; and nano-sized ceramic particles with carbon powder for their piezoelectric effect damping properties. Together these three mechanisms address static, thermal, and mechanical noise at the point of signal transmission — where it matters most.

Alpha (α) Two-Stage Cryogenic & Ring Demagnetisation Process

Every metal part in the CF-102 NCF — including the one-piece OCC centre pin and the copper alloy body — undergoes Furutech's Alpha two-stage treatment. Stage one is a deep cryogenic freeze using liquid nitrogen or helium, reaching −196°C to −250°C. At these temperatures the metal's molecular structure changes — internal stresses are relieved, molecules bond more tightly, and electrical conductivity improves measurably. Stage two is Furutech's patented Ring Demagnetisation — a controlled attenuation process that removes residual magnetisation uniformly, without the uneven re-magnetisation that can occur with conventional magnet-based degaussing. The result is a metal part in a stress-free, highly conductive, non-magnetic state.

Carbon Fibre + Stainless Steel Housing

The CF-102 NCF's outer housing is non-magnetic stainless steel and silver-plated carbon fibre — a combination chosen for its superior damping properties and electrical insulation. Carbon fibre has a notably different resonant character to metal, and the combination with stainless steel provides a mechanically inert enclosure around the signal path. Furutech notes that slight discoloration of the silver-plated carbon fibre may occur over time — a natural characteristic of hand-produced components, not a defect.

Key Features

• First Furutech signal connector with NCF (Nano Crystal² Formula) in the centre conductor pin
• α (Alpha) OCC rhodium-plated one-piece centre conductor — injected with NCF
• NCF active properties: negative ion generation (anti-static), far infrared thermal conversion, piezoelectric ceramic + carbon powder damping
• α (Alpha) copper alloy rhodium-plated connector body
• Non-magnetic stainless steel and silver-plated carbon fibre housing
• All metal parts treated with Furutech's Alpha two-stage cryogenic (−196°C to −250°C) and Ring Demagnetisation process
• Conductor wire secured by set screw — firm, stable contact
• Specified for cable diameters up to 11.0mm maximum
• Hand-produced in Japan — slight natural variation in silver-plated carbon fibre finish is normal
• Tools included: 1.5mm and 2.0mm hex head screwdrivers (H1.5, H2.0)

Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

What is NCF (Nano Crystal² Formula) and what does it do in the CF-102?

NCF is a proprietary compound developed exclusively by Furutech, combining three active elements: a crystalline material that generates negative ions to eliminate static charge; a thermal-to-far-infrared conversion mechanism; and nano-sized ceramic particles with carbon powder for piezoelectric damping. In the CF-102, NCF is injected into the α OCC centre conductor pin — addressing static, thermal noise, and mechanical resonance directly at the signal contact point. Furutech specifies improvements in soundstage depth, focus, harmonic balance, and a quieter noise floor.

What is the difference between standard OFC and α OCC in the CF-102?

OCC (Ohno Continuous Casting) copper is drawn using a process that produces extremely long crystal grains — in some formulations, a single crystal grain runs the entire length of the conductor. This minimises the number of grain boundaries the signal must cross, each of which introduces a small degree of distortion and resistance. α OCC is OCC copper that has additionally been treated with Furutech's Alpha cryogenic and demagnetisation process, further relieving internal stress and improving conductivity. The rhodium plating adds corrosion resistance and a very hard, stable contact surface.

Is the Furutech CF-102 NCF suitable for phono (turntable) interconnect cables?

Yes. The CF-102 NCF is a signal-level RCA connector well suited to phono interconnect cable construction, where the signal levels are extremely low and noise from static, mechanical vibration, and connector contact resistance is most audible. Its NCF anti-static and damping properties make it a particularly appropriate choice for the sensitive phono signal path.

What cable diameter does the Furutech CF-102 NCF accept?

The CF-102 NCF accepts cable outer diameters up to a maximum of 11.0mm. For reference, most high-end interconnect cables fall between 6mm and 10mm in outer diameter — the CF-102 NCF accommodates the majority of cables in this category.

Where can I buy the Furutech CF-102 NCF connector in Toronto, Canada?

The Furutech CF-102 NCF(R) is available at Vinyl Sound in Toronto, Canada. Sold individually or as a set — contact us for current pricing and availability.