I have several Cullen cables and Patrick is a great guy to work with and very accommodating.Â
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@jerryg123 HMM: @millercarbon that is just a stupid post dude. Just ignorant. Budget high current, why not take 2 or 3 freebie power cords, cut the ends and solder em all into one? Wouldn't that be three times the current? With four or 5 you could get lots of current. How much current are we talking anywayI don't think that's stupid at all. Isn't that what hi end braided cables are doing, taking individual strands and combining them to present a heavier gauge wire? I'm really curious why would this be stupid at all? It wouldn't work, it would create a black hole why? Have you read the reviews of the RCA MFF adapters that combine two separate RCA into one to reduce resistance? They actually get pretty positive feedback. I keep looking at the old 240V dryer power chord that they replaced when the old dryer failed. Heavy gauge wire and 4 strands. Since I'm a believer that the common neutral causes noise in the system for the price of connectors it would be a very robust high current Power Cable combining the four strands into two and I believe that both multiple standard or 240V cable would improve the sound over the stock molded cables that come with unit. |
The whole debate about AC power cords is ridiculous. Same with speaker wire. It’s ridiculous. If it can carry enough power to the device, it is adequate, and using a more expensive cable isn’t going to make a damn bit of difference. Sorry, but all of you are just bullshiting yourselves. There been many blind test done, and nobody can tell the difference, and I’m sure none of you are any different. Perception is reality. By the way, I can afford any cable for any component that’s available. So it’s not a case of Envy with me, it’s just a case of understanding how electronics and electricity works . It’s for that reason that well-regarded companies like McIntosh don’t really believe in expensive cables. They sell them because they can make money on them but if you talk to the people in charge there, they too think it’s a farce.
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> I wonder WHO this is? Some folks are a little thick.. I guess he makes it up as he/she goes. "Mcintosh don't really believe". LOL was that a direct quote from Jethro? I've never heard a Mac repairman or salesman say that.. EVER.. They recommend GOOD cabling, plain and simple... 50 years ago they did some silly test with regards to "current" speaker cable production vs what was available at the time.. There was nothing ELSE to compare it with.. SO lamp AC cable was just as good as Speaker cable... NOT so now.. Thing have changes.. A LOT.. The problem 50 years ago was every cop, fireman, airplane, ham and CB radio, on the planet, could key up and blast through your cheap speaker cables, now there is no RFI around me at all. The cable construction is better than ever.. Cable is Cable is a silly way of thinking.. No need to spend a fortune, but you better pay attention to what your trying to do. Shielding is a biggie.. I don't use it if I can get away with it.. Regards |
Pangea cords are the way to go.  https://www.audioadvisor.com/products.asp?dept=25 . Cost effective. |
I’m sure I’m going to take some heat from some people but I’ve been really happy with Copper Colour brand cables. https://www.china-hifi-audio.com/en/copper-colour-audiophile-cable-cc-cords-c-52?zenid=30d65f2904c78... |
So when someone says high current cable, I'm presuming 20A connectors, and suitable gauges. Hospital grade outlets, for better clamping forces and better contact. Like an IEC C-19 plug, or C-20 for example? https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/PWIECB10--daddario-planet-waves-iec-to-nema-plug-power-cable... Budget 12 AWG power cord, will require a 20A circuit breaker. |
Hi @hickamore, I've tried Pangea against stock cords and Transparent Power Link cords in an all BAT system (VK75SE monos) and an all Spectral system (400's). Pangea won in both cases.  I was so pleased with the Pangea cords that I sold the Transparent Power Link for shipping costs to get them out of my house. |
@bigby an earlier post says the 7 awg Pangea sound like throwing a blanket over your system. Yes, they are visually impressive, but have you compared their SOUND against other upgrade power cords, or only against the stock cords included with your amp? That was me. I still have two 14awg Pangea...in my closet. They have a warm sonic signature, as do others, but they lack clarity and detail. They are a budget cable, as are Signal and Cullen which I prefer. These are my findings using them in multiple systems, as always YMMV. As for their high-current 7awg cable which is so fat and stiff, it’s difficult to use. That’s not the problem, there are other firehose PCs. My issue is how it colours the sound and lacks transparency resulting in a dull music presentation. Obviously, I believe different designs, materials, and construction influence sonics. I also believe the audio system must be revealing enough to hear these differences. Very nice system @bigby. |
Here's yet another place to look, Douglas Connection. You can get DIY materials from them or they can build what they call "custom made" cords. Their Elite 12 power cable may be what you are looking for. I have made some DIY cords with the Lapp wire and various brands of cord ends. For a budget cable I think that they very good. |
@lowrider57 , @bigby Much appreciate the additional detail. This info on Pangea, coupled with discussions of others above, tells me there's no perfect, one-size-fits-all PC that will sound best with each of 100 different amps with 100 different designs. Now I'm wondering whether the difference in design between a 250W Class A/AB power amp and a 1000W Class D sub amp wouldn't almost necessarily require different wires? Or maybe all PCs will sound the same with a device whose frequency range rolls off at -24dB above 31Hz? "Transparency" would seem a moot concern in the domain of sound waves 11-17 meters long. |
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OP I think you are taking away the right thing. Power cords like interconnects and cables depend on your system. There are all sorts of different approaches. Intuition or a single design approach is seldom the determinant of what will sound good in your system. There are some rules of thumb that usually work… but you never know. This is why it is best to try them, from a dealer or The Cable Company lending library. Try at least three brands. I have found this exceptionally weird. But most of the time I have found that a specific interconnect and power cord from the same company have a similar impact on the sound in my system. I also noticed that a large gauge… typically made for a amp does sound better than one not specifically made for a amp. |
@ghdprentice Thanks, very helpful. Others here also seem sold on the "same company for all wires in the system" approach, so must be something to it. Would take me a while to get there, however, with several different PC/IC brands in the current setup including PS Audio, Morrow, AudioQuest, Pangea. Anyhow I have Zavfino, Cullen, Pangea "high current amp" cords in the current queue for testing, with Signal and others on standby as needed. |
Puritan cables are incredible for the money. They are pliable and the Ultimate series is tremendous. If you are looking for a higher end cable, Clarus Aqua and Crimson.  There is no issue in terms of ground matching with your line conditioner. They carry plenty of current and sound neutral, clean and open. I like them a lot to the point where These are the brands I will be using at NY Audio Show and AXPONA.  |
Triode Wire Labs High Power Digital American. I have one, using it for my Rowland Model 201 mono amp for my center speaker and it is a very good PC and great value for the money. If I did not buy "higher end" audiophile cables for my power conditioner and 2 Model 12 amps, I would have them for all high current components. Their Seven Plus cables for low current components are probably just as good. |
I would choose the Pangea AC9 SE ii, not the most flexible cable but that's due to it's high 7 awg size. Designed by cable legend Jay Victor, same guy that's behind PS Audio AC12, just look at the similarities between AC12 and Pangea AC9!! Dont belive the reply regarding blanket from fellow member. This is a kick ass cable for the money!! I have both AC9 and AC12 and there is no way I could tell the difference between them on any gear I've tested them on. |
Jerryg......i guess we are just blessed Tekton doesnt make cables or we would be reading how great they are........................................................................mc wrote...Budget high current, why not take 2 or 3 freebie power cords, cut the ends and solder em all into one? Wouldn't that be three times the current? With four or 5 you could get lots of current. How much current are we talking anyway? |
@prebs, as it happens I have an unopened Pangea AC9SEII ("100% Cardas copper") leaning against the wall, awaiting the time when my conditioner arrives and the sub can move to its intended placement. Power amp has been running on an earlier edition of AC9 since I got it. But never compared to anything else. Mid-grade Zavfino arriving today & I will test it for a while. Ice Age on order for the sub, AQ NRG-Z3 for DAC, and an inquiry in to Cullen on Crossover Series. May as well dance with other plausible contenders now that they've been properly introduced & I opened the door. Due diligence, you know. @missioncoonery, I wish MC had told us what PC he uses with his Blackhawk. Probably some elaborate DIY setup that I could never replicate and wouldn't need, but still, this is one instance when I hoped he would tell us more rather than nothing. Also, given that "high current" is just the mfrs' own designation for their amp cables, I can't fathom the mockery. And since Pangea AC9 is itself a well-made iteration of MC's own facetious "suggestion," maybe he was just obliquely scorning "firehose" PCs in general. |
I have had surprisingly good results with Anticables power cords. This is from a power cord sceptic. They offer a no questions asked return policy. So, I thought ok, I'll drink the Kool Aide. Surprisingly, They made an obvious audible difference. No doubt there are other power cords that may make an improvement but I see no reason to go any deeper into this particular audio rabbit hole. |
I wish offensive remarks would be eliminated from our discussion and perhaps those doing so would be removed from the discussion group. This certainly makes people uneasy for posting their questions in the first place. If this is allowed to continue, it won't be long before only those who are sarcastic to remain. I wonder how many were turned off and no longer participate in the group. Perhaps the people who control this discussion group could come up with some new rules for people to sign in order to participate. I must admit some of the discussion can be ridiculous. However, how many of us had similar questions about this hobby when they first began. Perhaps, as a result no question is a stupid question. Some people new to this hobby begin their questions by saying they are are new to this hobby and hope their question does not offend those who are more experienced. How else can people learn. There has got to be a difference between a 1/4 inch diameter power cord that comes from the manufacturer vs a 1 inch diameter high end power cable. i wish a lab could clear up some of the myths. Maybe it is like the Emperors New Cloths. If you spend enough money it convinces you that it sounds better. Wonder what Miller Carbon's thought are? |
@cooperjack, LOL, Anticables sounded like a joke, but I see they are real and you're not kidding. Actually they look much like other brands recommended in this thread, and in the same price range, so thanks for that ;-) @larry5729 +1. I'm an admitted newbie in the cable comparison game, much in need of experienced guidance. Most responses have been both gracious and helpful, and for those I am thankful. Indeed, some who post snarky comments on one subject will give beneficial advice on other subjects, MC being an example. As for those who are only here to make mischief, I just try to ignore them. |
@ozzy  why in world would you be twisting power cables??? I just plug mine in once or maybe three times and they sit for years then again I'm not adding a lot of stuff so I don't pull stuff out much to get to the back. The only power cable I've ever broken was on my laptop when I knocked it off the counter and it landed on the plug. I miss that laptop :( |
Analysis Plus Audience Audio Sensibility Cullen Cable Morrow Audio Requisite Audio http://requisiteaudio.com/studio-cables/ Shunyata Triode Wire Labs Underwood HiFi Core PC https://www.underwoodhifi.com/products/valiant Zavfino or you can make your own. On eBay: "ACOUSTIC REVIVE Power Cable 1.0m POWER SENSUAL TripleC18000 Fast Ship Japan EMS" is the cable and just add quality power plugs. |
Also, here is a PC shootout in 2019: https://audiobacon.net/2019/08/17/27-audiophile-power-cables-reviewed/ Most of these cables may be priced above your budget, but perhaps used or stretch your budget may be an option. I picked up a few Kimber Palladian PC used because of their price/performance seemed ideal for my budget. |
Ozzy there's a thread for that  https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/stiff-power-cords-are-frustrating Who knew???  |
Also, given that "high current" is just the mfrs' own designation for their amp cables, I can't fathom the mockery.Maybe "high current" is a marketing term, but there is truth in having appropriate sized conductors when used with a high-current-draw device. Look at the gauge required for air conditioners and refrigerators. Ever feel how hot the PC can get when using power tools or an air conditioner? Granted, these are extension cords, but they must be up to the task. |
