Furutech • Destat II Antistatic Fan
When you live in an arid area like BC’s Okanagan Valley (where I live), one of the things you have to contend with, especially in winter, is static electricity. At the worst times, just walking the few paces from my listening chair to my equipment rack can build up enough of a static charge to result in a sharp crack sound coming from my speakers when I touch my preamp and the static discharges. I’m pretty sure these discharges are innocuous enough, but they always take me aback nonetheless.
Worse, for us vinyl lovers, is paper record sleeves (especially if they’re snug fitting ones). The action of removing the record and rubbing it against the sleeve builds up a static charge which has the unfortunate side effect of attracting dust and other airborne debris and detritus to the it. It is this crud which is the source of many of the snaps and crackles that anti-vinyl naysayers associate with playing records.
One solution to this problem (and in fact, my preferred one) is to use anti-static sleeves. Another is to use an anti-static device; an example of the latter is the new Furutech Destat II, which replaces the original Destat.
Technical Description
The Destat II is a compact, hand-held unit, which is made from silver plastic. On the top is an activation button, a low charge LED, and a platform for discs like DVDs, CDs, and Blu- rays. On the bottom is the main power switch (used to select between off, 10 seconds cycle time, and 20 seconds cycle time), and the battery compartment. There are also three holes into which the rubber tipped spikes screw. On the front is the socket into which the charger plugs.
The Destat II works by generating a blend of negative and positive ions, which are then “blown” out of it by the internal fan. The fan is very quiet, almost silent. Materials and fit ’n’ finish are first rate.
In Use
Using the Destat II is very simple. Make sure the internal lithium-ion battery is fully charged, and select the desired cycle time. If you’re discharging a disc place it on the platform, and press the activation button. If, like me, you use it on records, simply hold it a few centimetres above the record (top down) and slowly move the Destat II in a circular motion; a similar action can be used to discharge other objects.
For gadgets like the Destat II, I think there are two things that need to be examined. The first is, “does it do what the makers claim?”, and the second, “does it improve the sound quality?”. To answer the first question, I induced a static charge in an item (verified by the item attracting a piece of paper) and then passed the Destat II over it as previously described. I can confirm that in this respect the Destat II works exactly as advertised. The static charge on the item was quickly dissipated.
Although it’s still a bit early in the year for the worst static-inducing weather, I tried this test with some of my records. Most of them are stored in anti-static sleeves, but I keep a couple of older paper-sleeved records around for just this type of test. Needless to say, I was not about to risk damaging my precious regular vinyl records by rubbing them with nylon material and paper sleeves! Passing the Destat II over a static-ridden record discharged all of the latter’s static, so that part of my test was successful.
However, I have to be honest: when I played records before and after using the Destat II, I couldn’t reliably hear any change in the sound quality, no matter how hard I tried. It could be that there was insufficient static build up on my records to make the Destat II’s effect worthwhile or that my reference system wasn’t resolving all the information adequately. Or maybe I have a tin ear or was having an “off” day! :-) I don’t know. I’m not saying that the Destat II doesn’t work; all I am saying is that at the time I tested it, in my system, I couldn’t hear a change in sound quality (better or worse).
That being said, I think it’s important to note that Furutech make no claims that the Destat II will improve sound quality, only that static will be reduced. In this respect, their claims are demonstrably accurate and true.
Verdict
Static build up on records attracts dust and other nasties to our precious records, potentially leading to their damage. As an anti-static device, there’s no doubt in my mind that the Destat II works as advertised and is an important tool in the vinyl enthusiast’s arsenal—more so if you live in a very dry climate. I’m not convinced there’s a direct correlation between zapping the static and any improvements in sound quality (reduced snaps and crackles notwithstanding), but I don’t think that’s important. Don’t buy the Destat II to improve the sound quality of your records: buy it to keep them pristine, preserving the (presumably) not insubstantial investment in your record collection, and ensuring that they sound their best.
Specifications
Description Static charge remover.
Dimensions (hwd) 80 mm x 127 mm x 151 mm.
Weight 295 g (including battery but excluding PSU).
Finish Silver.
Serial number of unit reviewed N/A.
Price $425.
Warranty One year non-transferable.
Manufacturer
Elite AV Distribution
PO Box 93896
Hollywood, CA 90093-0896
USA
www.eliteavdist.com
Associated Equipment
Analogue source Forsell Air Reference Mk 2 turntable and arm.
Phono cartridge Lyra Parnassus.
Phono stage Allnic Audio Labs H-1200.
Preamps Audio Research SP9 Mk 2.
Power amplifiers PrimaLuna ProLogue Sevens.
Speakers MartinLogan Spire.
Cables Phono: Nordost Frey. Interconnects: Nordost Frey. Speaker: Nordost Frey. AC: stock.
Accessories Target and SolidSteel equipment stands; Mission Isoplat; Furman Elite 15-PFi power conditioner; Audio Physic cartridge demagnetiser; Acoustech carbon fibre brush; Last record and stylus cleaning products; The Cartridge Man tracking force gauge; Spin Clean Record Washer Mk II.