From a pioneer of cryogenically-treated audio cable comes
this next-generation interconnect, dubbed Fractal-Wire.
Cryogenic-cooling is not an unfamiliar concept to the
audiophile world but Townshend Audio was certainly in its vanguard when it
applied the technique to its Isolda-branded interconnects back in 2000. These
flat-conductor cables have formed an integral part of my audio system ever
since, so I was intrigued by the company's launch of a ‘next-gen' EDCT
(Enhanced Deep Cryogenic Treatment) interconnect, dubbed ‘F1 Fractal-Wire',
that employs an alternative geometry.
The F1 Fractal
interconnect is terminated with Neutrik Profi phono plugs with retractable
ground collars
Like its DCT interconnects there's plenty of air - the ideal
dielectric - surrounding the copper conductors inside their loose-fitting PTFE
sheaths and outer, clear PVC jacket [see illustration, below]. But instead of
two thin copper strips, the Fractal interconnect has a fine enamel-coated
signal strand loosely hand-wound around a thicker, central return conductor.
Both benefit from EDCT and Townshend's proprietary and undisclosed
‘Fractal-Wire treatment'.
Safety in numbers
To permit independent verification, Townshend Audio supplied
me with two 18m lengths of 0.16mm enamel- coated wire. The untreated batch
offered a 15.47ohm impedance at 1kHz while the ‘Fractal' version offered
13.75ohm, a reduction of about 10%!
Simplicity itself
- a tine, enamel-coated signal strand coiled around a thicker return/ ground
copper core
My other measurements suggest that its F1 Fractal
interconnect has a lower capacitance (37pF/m) but slightly higher series
inductance (0.68µH/m) than suggested, although the 0.94ohm/m loop resistance is
much lower than the rated 2.2ohm. Our figure makes more sense bearing in mind
the 13.8ohm/18m resistance of the 0.16mm signal conductor equates to 0.76ohm
for a 1m interconnect (with 175mohm for the thicker return core). This is still
higher than average though, so I wouldn't be tempted to use it in very long
runs. Price is $1,170/RCA-terminated 1m, $1,500/2m, $2,000/3m, etc.
Fun with fractals
Laced between my Oppo BDP-105D player/DAC and Krell S-1500
amp, these new Fractal interconnects encouraged a genuinely smooth, detailed
and liquid- sounding performance. The synthesiser and guitar from Pink Floyd's
‘Marooned' [The Division Bell; 96kHz/24-bit FLAC, Warner Music Group 29326]
soared into the room, the percussion illuminating a vivid musical picture, free
of grit or grain. Like the older DCT-300 nterconnects, the F1 Fractal has a
‘dark' quality that lets you hear into the soundstage, walk around the
musicians and oh-so-easily tease apart the threads of their mix. Bass sounds
robust and extended, treble pin-sharp and sparkling but never too hot or
fierce. And, yes, the balanced, XLR-equipped F1 Fractal (with two fine signal
cores and a $83 premium) sounds even more transparent and finely-etched.
Townshend F1
Fractal in a sound test
Verdict
This is a cracking set of cables - Townshend may be rather
coy about the Fractal process itself but the benefits of cryogenic cooling are
already well established just as the elegant solid-core conductor and air/PTFE
methodology ticks all the right boxes. The cable sounds deliciously smooth and
detailed, promoting the kind of easy-listening, inky-black backgrounds
typically associated with the best audio systems. Go on, treat yourself!
