Most likely some sort of grounding issue. A thing you can try is get a 3 prong to 2 prong cheap adaptor which will remove the grounding pin at the wall outlet to see if this changes things. This is just to identify the problem this is not a permanent solution. FWIW.
New expensive power cord for amp and no change in sound?
I bought new an expensive(for me) well known and reviewed power cord for my very good amp and plugged it directly onto the wall socket. After a couple of weeks of daily use I hear no change in the sound quality from a $500 cord. I don’t want to name it for fear of getting my thread deleted. You would know it or at least be aware of the company. Did I throw away several thousand dollars? Before I get the snake oil answer I want to let you know that I bought an upgraded cord for my pre as suggested by the pre’s manufacturer and am pleased with the results.
I guess for full disclosure the amp’s manufacturer said don’t bother. But I had had good luck with the pre so I thought it would be a good idea.
Anybody else have this happen to them?
- ...
- 240 posts total
@roxy1927,I too have a Pass 250.8 and an ARC REF 6 pre. Switching from the stock ARC power cord to a Shunyata Alpha v2 yielded a definitely noticeable improvement in the sound. On the other hand, I first replaced my Pass stock power cord with an Audience Power Chord that I had. There was a definite improvement in the tightness of the bass, audible but not amazing. Then I replaced the Audience with another Shunyata Alpha v.2 and really didn’t notice any improvement, So I think that it depends on whether you are replacing a stock cable and where in the system you place it. |
I have noticed the most improvement on digital devices using better power cords. Noticed this primarily on friend's systems who have invested more in digital than I have in my systems. In fact one of the cables used in these comparisons was about a $ 3,000.00 Shunyata. Bettered the cord I brought over by a healthy margin. Of course my cord retailed for about $ 750.00 and I got it at dealer cost. |
@roxy1927 most $500 cables are kind of bare bones with no geometry yet and just twisted pair copper that’s 14-12 awg. That won’t work well on an amp and they need 10-8 awg or better. Try a few more from a lending library from a cable manufacturer or a dealer in the 800-1200 range. See if you hear anything. |
- 240 posts total