behind_the_scenes

inside the labs
The Origins of ADL


Alpha Design Labs (ADL) is extremely proud of its worldwide reputation for innovative engineering, extraordinary build quality and legendary sonic performance. Originally launched as an entry-level line for Furutech, ADL has now evolved into a genuine leader in cutting-edge technology with its current line of desktop and portable audio components, headphones, earphones and cables.

Using Furutech’s Pure Transmission Technology as the foundation for products that are carefully engineered as well as innovative, ADL has achieved a level of performance that has been previously unavailable at this price point.

The Pure Transmission process focuses on one objective—to deliver a pure, open and quick sound that is preserved throughout the entire signal chain from the source to the speakers or headphones. As a result, Pure Transmission allows ADL components possess a greater sense of dynamics, power and resolution. You’ll hear deeper into your favorite recordings than ever before.

Adding more ADL components to the playback chain—including our full line of portable headphone amplifiers, DACs, headphones and cables—will increase the sonic advantages you’ll experience from Pure Transmission Technology.


Product Development and Sound Quality Objectives

As with our state-of-the-art Furutech line, all ADL products are developed primarily with one objective—achieving the best sound quality possible. Each product is extensively tested and tuned by our team of engineers. The results are then confirmed by our “golden ear” consultants in Japan.

By maintaining our focus on the preservation of the signal every step of the way, our Pure Transmission Technology allows ADL products to accomplish the following:

• Cleaner, blacker backgrounds

• A larger, more stable reproduction of the soundstage

• Low noise

• Vivid tonal colors

• Deeper extension at both ends of the frequency range

• Refined and delicate micro-dynamics and macro-dynamics

• Total resonance control

ADL Technologies at a Glance—Alpha Process and Ring Demagnetization

Furutech’s Alpha Process employs cutting-edge technology and materials such as a low-temperature, two-stage process that significantly improves every facet of audio and video performance.

The treatment begins during the manufacturing process with a deep cryogenic freeze of all metal parts. Using high-end refrigerants—liquid N2 or He—we achieve temperatures of between -196 to -250C during this process. The treated parts actually change their molecular structure at these extreme temperatures, relieving internal stress. The molecules bond together more tightly, and the overall structure becomes more stable. This improves electrical conductivity, resulting in a purer power and signal transfer.

Step two in the Alpha Process exposes these same parts to the patented Ring Demagnetization treatment. This patented process uses controlled attenuation to completely eliminate magnetization, which results in a sound that is far more vivid and colorful during listening evaluation. ALL metallic parts used in ADL products go through the entire Alpha Process treatment to keep all connectors, conductors and metal parts in a perfectly stress-free, stable and highly conductive state.

The 2-Step Alpha Cryogenic and Demagnetizing Process works in tandem with other design features to create the most optimized signal transfer possible. This complete awareness and devotion to detail results in a greater sense of power, dynamics and resolution, with cleaner, blacker backgrounds and a larger, more stable soundstage. You’ll also experience vivid tonal colors and deeper extension at both ends of the frequency range.

Superior Materials

In addition, ADL is committed to using only superior materials in all of our products—in fact, all of our materials are the absolute finest that can be sourced within Japan. That includes the use of the highest-quality conductors—all of our Two-Stage Alpha Process-treated conductors are named α (Alpha) Conductors, and are manufactured with the following materials for the most refined sound possible:

- PCOCC: α (Alpha)-OCC conductor

- PC-Triple C: α (Alpha)-triple C conductor

- Nano liquid infused OFC: α (Alpha) Nano-OFC conductor

- Silver and OCC copper alloy conductor: α (Alpha) silver OCC hybrid conductor

- μ-OFC: α (Alpha) μ-OFC conductor



Superior Damping and Isolation

Finally, ADL uses the highest grade damping and insulation materials in product construction. These materials mechanically dampen external vibrations as well as electromagnetically-induced resonance resulting in improved frequency extension and tonal balance. We achieve this performance through the following materials:

- Super high grade PVC incorporating carbon particles for heat dissipation

- Special-grade high-density polyethylene

- Highest grade Fluoropolymer insulation



The Final Result

While ADL continues to push the envelope in terms of ultimate sonic performance, the company also remembers its original objectives—to design cutting-edge products that are exceptional in their portability, user interface and performance. Through quality materials, outstanding product build and a classic Japanese sense of function and sophistication, ADL has easily surpassed these goals.



Important customer notice:

Only products sold by authorized ADL dealers are covered by warranty. In order to obtain warranty service, proof of purchase from the authorized ADL dealer must be provided to either the ADL dealer or the Furutech distributor in the country of purchase. The team at ADL and our partners worldwide thank you for your understanding.
Caution* eBay, Amazon and Rakuten resellers in Japan are not authorized ADL dealers