-
October 29, 2018, 06:09 PM #1
FTA (Final Touch Audio) Callisto USB cable
It took me quite some time to persuade myself to write this post or better to say to open the thread and big portion of "push" came from @wisnon side.
Story about this cable started few months ago when I kindly asked a good friend of mine from back home (Belgrade), from whom I was sourcing my cables for last decade in on and off mode, to send me his latest versions of USB and IC cables. I wanted to hear them in my system and also I wanted to use the opportunity to hear them in Stenheim demo room with LampizatOr Pacific DAC due to the fact that i booked a time with JPP few months in advance.
As FTA designer is genuinely a very modest and humble person he barely agreed to send me those cables as his constant mantra was "I feel bad sending them as they won't be good enough for your level of system/s". What I also very much appreciate about him is that he is always very much responsive to comments and advices from customers and very much eager to experiment.
Few weeks later cables arrived just in time for a demo at Jean Pascal place where also Norman and Christoph were present as well as a good friend of Jean Pascal. At certain point while playing with the system we started swapping few USB cables we had on hand and with the Callisto turn magic happened. We've been kind of shocked so decided to do the another run with previous set of cables and after few minutes with those they've been instantly kicked out as @christoph commented: "put Callisto back - I can't listen to those". Need to say here that those were not some cheap crappy cables (one was even mine which I was using at home).
Week after we repeated the test at Chris place in Liechtenstein and there it proved itself again versus many other competitors and as of than it has been sent to quite a few proud owners across the globe.
Comments are more than positive and as I'm not really super capable of describing the SQ I guess Norm, Chris and few other guys from this forum can do that much better than I can - and also it would be much more fair.
On top I've started using his Ganymede IC cable which proved to be IMHO quite better than Siltech Classic Anniversary 550i - more dynamic, open, better resolution and soundstaging - I do love it..
LS: Vienna Acoustics Klimt "The Music"
PowerAmp: Nagra VPA
PreAmp: Tobian Soundsystems SC12
DAC: LampizatOr Horizon
Server: LDMS Maximus Music Server
CDT: CH Precison D1
Switch: Edison Creation Silent OCXO Extreme, FiberBox
Power: LampizatOr Kraftwerk 10
Cabling: Signal Projects loom
-
October 29, 2018, 08:44 PM #2
FTA (Final Touch Audio) Callisto USB cable
Interesting. How much is the FTA Callisto USB?
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk“Life’s too short to listen to bad audio.”
Big rig: Brinkmann Taurus DD TT + 12.1 arm + Lyra Etna Lambda SL MC + HRS M3X2/ Cardas Clear Beyond phono/ Stillpoints LPI/ Brinkmann Edison mk2 phono + RöNT II Tube PS/ Synology NAS with Roon + HD Plex linear PSU + Shunyata HD/ AQ Vodka RJ45 + Aqvox Network Switch SE + AQ Diamond RJ45 into DAC/ Brinkmann Nyquist mk2/ Audionet Humboldt/ Cardas Clear Beyond ICs/ Kharma DB9-S 1.1 LS/ Inakustik Reference LS 4004 AIR/ Audioquest Niagara 5000/ Shunyata Alpha power (HC, Analogue, Digital)/ Finite Elemente Pagode Rack/ Stillpoints Ultra SS/ Vicoustic panels + Stillpoints Aperture II.
Small rig: Naim UnitiServe/ Curious USB/ Tidal/ Linn Klimax DS3/ Shunyata Power cable/ Pass Labs INT-60/ Acoustic Zen Silver Reference II/ HiD Diamond 8/ Harbeth 30.2 40th Anniversary/ Shunyata Venom EU7 & Venom 3 HD.
HP rig: MacBookAir/ Tidal/ Auralic Gemini 2000/ Sbooster LPSU/ Audeze LCD-2 Classic + WyWires Red/ Shunyata HD/ Shunyata Hydra 2/ Shunyata Venom.
-
October 30, 2018, 05:54 AM #3
Re: FTA (Final Touch Audio) Callisto USB cable
Kuoppis, send a PM to Golum...
As for me, I have never been big on cables and certainly don't like the idea of expensive cables that threaten to be the same pricing as component boxes.
In this case, we were using very high gain KR242 tubes and the amp was on a +12db high gain setting. So, while the amp was being adjusted down to 0db, the USB cable was being swapped unbeknownst to me as I was distracted. When the music resumed we all were saying yeah, that's more like it and the consensus was that its was more "live" sounding and thus more real. I assumed it was the amp gain matching. Then, one of the guys made a conjecture it was the USB cable and they went to swap out the FTA Callisto for another brand that cost more and voila, 75% of the newly introduced magic was gone! THAT got my attention.
What is this? A cable giving that much improvement? To the level of a component swap and it costs how much on the introductory group buy price? Our host ordered one and on his recommendation, so did JPP who was not even there. So far, I must say this is really a stunning purchase! No brainer for me.NORMAN
Custom PC with Memory Player Software Suite/ Modded Denon CD transport>Lampi GG1 (and sometimes PACIFIC) DHT tube Dac> Rowen 850W Isolating Transformer/ Rowen SS Preamp and PA1 monoblocs/Lampi Silk power cond. with Phase flipper> Heil AMT KITHARA & Syrinx in parallel hookup. Swiss cables (Reference line) for PC/interconnects and speaker cables. Goldmund Sweetcord PC. FTA Callisto unpowered USB cable. Basic analog: vintage Lenco L78 TT with Rowen mat, Denon MM cart, iFi iPhono2 with 15v Hynes SR3 LPSU. Synology 12 TB NAS. 2nd system:KenWin Bluetooth speaker 3rd system TBI Millemnium amp with Aulos speakers and SB Duo hookup.
-
January 29, 2019, 02:57 AM #4
- Join Date
- May 2014
- Posts
- 64
Re: FTA (Final Touch Audio) Callisto USB cable
Where can an FTA Callisto USB cable be purchased? I cannot find a distributor in North America.
JC
-
January 29, 2019, 03:03 AM #5
- Join Date
- May 2013
- Location
- Tallahassee, Florida/Greenville, SC
- Posts
- 3,242
Re: FTA (Final Touch Audio) Callisto USB cable
That's because there is not one. Contact Lucas Audio in the UK.
Main - JVC QL-Y7/Denon DL-301 Mk II, Gold Note PH-10, Jays CDT3 Mk3 , Auralic Aries G2.2, Holo May KTE, Supratek Cabernet, Kinki Studio EX-B7 monoblocks, Verity Audio Otello, (2) Rythmik F12SE, Audio Envy IC, SC & PC's, Triode Wire Lab PC's, Inakustik USB and I2S, (2) Puritan Audio Labs PSM-156 with Groundmaster City, Timbernation rack
Family Room - Oppo UDP-203, Auralic Aries, Aqua La Voce S3, Kinki Studio EX-M1+, Nola KO, (2) Rythmik F-12G, Wireworld SC & IC's, Neotech PC's, SurgeX SA-1810
Greenville, SC- Jays CDT2 Mk 3, Auralic Aries G1, Holo Spring 3 KTE, Supratek Chardonnay, Odyssey Audio Kismet Reference, Rosso Fiorentino Volterra 2, (2) RSL Speedwoofers, iFi Audio Power Station, Wireworld IC's, Inakustik USB and I2s, Triode Wire Lab SC, Triode Wire Lab PC's, Furutech NCF Clear Line, Timbernation rack.
-
January 29, 2019, 03:20 AM #6
- Join Date
- May 2014
- Posts
- 64
-
January 29, 2019, 04:00 AM #7
Re: FTA (Final Touch Audio) Callisto USB cable
JC I've sent you a PM.
Cheers;
GLS: Vienna Acoustics Klimt "The Music"
PowerAmp: Nagra VPA
PreAmp: Tobian Soundsystems SC12
DAC: LampizatOr Horizon
Server: LDMS Maximus Music Server
CDT: CH Precison D1
Switch: Edison Creation Silent OCXO Extreme, FiberBox
Power: LampizatOr Kraftwerk 10
Cabling: Signal Projects loom
-
January 29, 2019, 12:06 PM #8
- Join Date
- May 2013
- Location
- Tallahassee, Florida/Greenville, SC
- Posts
- 3,242
Re: FTA (Final Touch Audio) Callisto USB cable
https://www.lucasaudiolab.com/
West Yorkshire, UKMain - JVC QL-Y7/Denon DL-301 Mk II, Gold Note PH-10, Jays CDT3 Mk3 , Auralic Aries G2.2, Holo May KTE, Supratek Cabernet, Kinki Studio EX-B7 monoblocks, Verity Audio Otello, (2) Rythmik F12SE, Audio Envy IC, SC & PC's, Triode Wire Lab PC's, Inakustik USB and I2S, (2) Puritan Audio Labs PSM-156 with Groundmaster City, Timbernation rack
Family Room - Oppo UDP-203, Auralic Aries, Aqua La Voce S3, Kinki Studio EX-M1+, Nola KO, (2) Rythmik F-12G, Wireworld SC & IC's, Neotech PC's, SurgeX SA-1810
Greenville, SC- Jays CDT2 Mk 3, Auralic Aries G1, Holo Spring 3 KTE, Supratek Chardonnay, Odyssey Audio Kismet Reference, Rosso Fiorentino Volterra 2, (2) RSL Speedwoofers, iFi Audio Power Station, Wireworld IC's, Inakustik USB and I2s, Triode Wire Lab SC, Triode Wire Lab PC's, Furutech NCF Clear Line, Timbernation rack.
-
February 11, 2019, 12:29 PM #9
Re: FTA (Final Touch Audio) Callisto USB cable
Owner of the web site HiFi-Advice.com Christiaan Punter just released the review of the Callisto USB cable, so for some it may be an interesting reading/article.
https://www.hifi-advice.com/blog/re...l-cable/final-touch-audio-callisto-usb-cable/LS: Vienna Acoustics Klimt "The Music"
PowerAmp: Nagra VPA
PreAmp: Tobian Soundsystems SC12
DAC: LampizatOr Horizon
Server: LDMS Maximus Music Server
CDT: CH Precison D1
Switch: Edison Creation Silent OCXO Extreme, FiberBox
Power: LampizatOr Kraftwerk 10
Cabling: Signal Projects loom
-
March 14, 2019, 05:30 AM #10
Re: FTA (Final Touch Audio) Callisto USB cable
Not to open a new topic - seems like FTA is also a viable option in other type of cables...
www.hifi-advice.com/blog/review/cables-reviews/analog-interlink-reviews/final-touch-audio-ganymede-xlr-interlink/LS: Vienna Acoustics Klimt "The Music"
PowerAmp: Nagra VPA
PreAmp: Tobian Soundsystems SC12
DAC: LampizatOr Horizon
Server: LDMS Maximus Music Server
CDT: CH Precison D1
Switch: Edison Creation Silent OCXO Extreme, FiberBox
Power: LampizatOr Kraftwerk 10
Cabling: Signal Projects loom
AudioShark forum is a leading forum site for High End Audio Discussion, Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater System Discussion, Best Home Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater Installation Discussion etc.
The AudioShark forum was created for sharing the passion of high-end Audio. We have Audiophiles from all over the world participating and sharing their knowledge. From novice to experts, you will find a friendly environment for discussing about High End Audio, Stereo System, Home Theater System, Home Stereo System, Home Theater Installation, Amplifiers, Speakers, Subwoofers, Integrated System, Acoustic treatments & Digital Room Corrections and many more.
At AudioShark, we also have incorporated an exciting Marketplace where members can peruse terrific buys on used gear, as well as meet dealers and discuss the purchase of new gear.
We are as crazy about this hobby as you are! So come on in and join us! Audioshark.org the Friendliest Audio Forum!
Industry Participation Disclosure : The owner and administrator of Audioshark is the owner of Suncoast Audio LLC in Sarasota Florida. Suncoast Audio has a full brick and mortar presence in Sarasota with several great show rooms with many world class brands. More information can be found at http://www.suncoastaudio.com
Audioshark is a community of like minded individuals. Audioshark welcomes participation from all manufacturers and owners of all brands and products. It is our belief that online forums provide a community of like minded audiophiles and music lovers to encourage the growth of this wonderful hobby.
Sincerely,
The Audioshark.org Team
He’s a real vinyl lover! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
Clarisys Audio Studio Plus Install...