Succeeding the original Empire launched in 2018, this Plus version incorporates field feedback gathered by the Tokyo engineers from studio professionals and musicians. The cable retains the balanced, resolute signature that built its predecessor’s reputation, while gaining in mechanical control thanks to a new non-magnetic stainless steel clamp system. The E version here denotes the European format, equipped with a Schuko plug.
A conductor forged using an ancestral process
The α (Alpha) PC-Triple C conductor results from a forging process where variable pressure is applied to high-purity OFC copper, folding the metal tens of thousands of times—a technique inherited from Japanese katana manufacturing. This copper reaches a purity of 99.996%, and above all, the crystalline structure obtained is considered by many Japanese manufacturers to be superior to that of any other process, including PCOCC.
Each conductor core of the Empire Plus is made up of 45 strands with a diameter of 0.32 mm, a more generous gauge than that of the Astoria Plus (80 strands of 0.18 mm). This difference in cross-section gives the Empire Plus a current transfer capacity suitable for power-hungry devices, while preserving the finesse of reproduction expected in this segment.
Multilayer architecture and full shielding
The cable’s construction is based on a flexible, audio-grade PVC insulation surrounding each conductor, itself wrapped in an inner sheath impregnated with conductive carbon particles. This inner layer is designed to damp the cable and reduce the effects of static electricity. A 0.12 mm OFC braided shield completes the setup before the outer sheath in flexible RoHS-compliant PVC, with a total diameter of approximately 16 mm. The final two-tone braided nylon sleeve provides mechanical protection and flexibility during installation.
Current flowing through a cable and its connector creates magnetic (and electrostatic) fields, which build and collapse 60 times per second in 120 V AC systems. To counter these disturbances, Furutech integrates its patented Floating Field Damper system, which connects all the metal parts of the connector together and routes parasitic electrical potentials to ground, thereby significantly reducing noise and distortion.
What’s new with the Plus version
The new iteration is distinguished mainly by the introduction of an improved metal cable clamp for resonance damping and a firm grip, made from non-magnetic stainless steel. This part ensures better mechanical stability for the connector–cable assembly, limiting micro-vibrations likely to introduce distortion. The FI-11M-N1 (G) and FI-11-N1 (G) IEC connectors also benefit from optimized gold plating compared with previous models.
Like all Furutech metal components, these parts undergo the two-step Alpha treatment: deep cryogenic freezing using liquid nitrogen or helium, reaching temperatures from -196 to -250°C, followed by demagnetization using the Ring process under Sekiguchi license. This treatment alters the molecular structure of the parts, releases internal stress, tightens the bonds between molecules, and stabilizes the whole, thus improving electrical conductivity.
Sonic positioning and applications
Furutech positions the Empire Plus on a register distinct from the Astoria Plus. The Astoria focuses on timing, speed, and deep bass, while the Empire emphasizes balance and swing, unleashing the electronic components’ energy potential. Its character retains a dark, velvety tonality while adding an extra layer of detail and clarity.
This power cord is suitable for supplying integrated or power amplifiers, preamplifiers, mixing consoles, disc players, or any source component. Its length of 1.5 meters fits most home or studio setups without unnecessary excess cabling.
