The “anything but subtle” difference: new improved Furutech DeMagα (Alpha) keeps LPs, CDs and cables free of magnetic distortion
A decade after the launch of the original DeMag, Furutech have released a new, improved ‘Alpha’ edition of the now renowned demagnetiser.
First launched in 2006, Furutech’s Demag initially raised one or two eyebrows. Not so much for its UFO-like appearance as for its raison d’être. How can an LP be magnetized? cried skeptics. It’s plastic! The proof, as it turned out, was very much in the pudding. “It only took one LP subjected to the DeMag to convert me from skepticism to conviction,” said The Absolute Sound, while Analog Planet’s Michael Fremer “repeatedly demonstrated record demagnetization to skeptics” and concluded that “everyone hears it.”
Like its predecessor, the new DeMagα (Demag ‘Alpha’) is a massive, luxuriously finished machine with a singular purpose: to discharge the magnetism that resides or builds up in LPs and optical disc media (CD, DVD, SACD etc), thereby improving their sonic performance. It is equally an indispensable accessory for keeping interconnect cables, connectors and power cords demagnetized to prevent magnetic signal distortion. The new and improved Alpha version promises a 20% increase in demagnetization power over the original and also features touch panel technology for enhanced ease of use.
Why demagnetize?
Returning to the earlier question of how a vinyl (i.e. plastic) LP can be magnetized, Furutech explain that the culprit is actually the pigment added to the plastic during the manufacturing process. This pigment contains small amounts of ferrous material which become magnetized as a record spins. The resulting magnetic field has in fact been measured by Tokyo’s Nanotechnology Center, as has the effect of subjecting it to the Furutech DeMag – revealing a clear drop.
The theory behind the benefits of demagnetizing optical media is more widely known. The aluminum used in the reflective surface layer of CDs/DVDs/SACDs also contains ferrous impurities and is thus susceptible to activating a magnetic field. Ditto the ink used in printing the media’s labelling.
As for cables, obviously an electrical current generates a magnetic field as it flows through a power cord or conductor. In addition, impurities within a cable’s materials also become magnetized and introduce further distortion. The solution? Simply loop your cables with their connectors on the DeMagα and begin treatment.
The difference? “Anything but subtle…”
“Once you try a DeMag, you’ll never want to be without one, wrote reviewers for 6Moons.com of the original version. “It really is anything but subtle what it adds by subtraction.”
“There are many bogus offerings in the high end that promise improved performance. This is not one of them,” concluded The Absolute Sound. “The DeMag simply magnetized me with its stellar performance.”
Specifications
Dimensions (without spikes) Approx. 487mm (w) × 68mm (h) × 470mm (d) or 19” (w) x 2.7” (h) × 18.5” (d)
Net weight Approx. 11 kg / 24lbs
Rating 230VAC ±10V (Europe)
110VAC ±15V (USA)
Pricing & availability
The Furutech DeMagα is available now, priced at £2,200 (incl VAT).
