I was ready to order the Pangea AC-14SE when I came across a new PC from Pangea...the AC-14 XL. It looks like a totally different animal than the AC-14SE and AC-14. Has anybody tried this PC yet?
I am using both AC14 and AC14se mk2. While the AC14 sounds pretty balanced, the ac14se mk2 sounds really warm, veiled, and rolled off. The ac14 sounds better to me, airier and more balanced. Is this anyone's experience? I am alternately using these cables on my dac. The 14se mk2 was purchased used, and should be fully burned in. Is more burn in needed?
I recently upgraded from stock line cords for entirely different reasons than sound. My wife got tired of looking at all the black power cords hanging down behind the rack, so I bought the Pangea cables as a cosmetic upgrade. They were the best looking cables I could find for a low price. I did the entire rack in one month. It looks great and now I have a happy wife. Remember, Happy Wife = Happy Life.
For anybody interested, the Pangea AC 14SE has been discontinued. It's replacement is the AC 14SE MKII Signature which sells for $49.99/1 meter. Didn't the SE sell for about $120 for one meter?
I need another power cord and couldn't order the 14SE Signature, so I emailed AA and they directed me to the new cable. Most of my PCs are Audience, but at this price I'll be buying a few more Pangea.
Quite frankly, I just use some Teflon tape around the end of the IEC to make a snug fit regardless of what power cord I use. At the wall it depends on the AC receptacle. I use Furutech but Oyaide grab the plug very well.
I agree with Lowrider57. The one reason to buy the XL vs. the SE is if you have gear that has the IEC power inlet that always leaves your power cables semi-loose or even dangling. The XL has a deathgrip both on the wall socket and at the IEC connector. Otherwise, the SE is still the best bang for the buck.
Yes, the 14s I have are well built and bulky. I had to manipulate them somewhat at first to stay attached securely in my small light DAC units, but once I did initially no problems since.
Regarding the sound, the bass was cleaner and more articulate and perhaps a tad lighter accordingly.
I would not judge the change in any single case as a knock on the product. part of it is what did it replace and how the sound changes accordingly. Like any change that affects teh sound, the changes may not all be positive in any particular case alone. Other tweaks might be needed to get things to sound exactly right to the only one who matters, the listener.
So I would not designate the 14s as inherently "boomy" or inherently good or bad in all applications.
In my particular case, I would merely say that the product worked exactly as advertised, which is the best one can hope for. It is also quite substantial in form and comes off as a good value for the asking prices. YMMV.
I got the ac14 and the xl cables and wasn't happy with the performance. The bass was too boomy and one of the connectors wasn't fitting snugly into the source device. I understand these cables are made for audio advisor and don't compare to other brand like shunyata. I replaced the Pangea cables with shunyata cables. Big difference. My system has the Wilson sasha, bryston 4bsst2 and 26 pre. Nad m50 music server and wired 4 sound Dac 2, oppo 105.
Not a big believer in spending huge $$$ on power cords, I just acquired the Pangea AC-14XL. I have power conditioning throughout my system, which is comprised of customized vacuum tube equipment, including a pair of 805 SE amps. I have some vintage name brand power cords supplying the main power to the conditioners, and SoniClear, cryo treated, power cords supplying all the other gear. The SoniClear cables were reasonably priced and a nice upgrade over stock. In comes the 14XL into the preamp. All else remained the same. To say I was surprised is an understatement. The sound literally exploded (but very smoothly) into my room. I had no idea that my SE amps could make such low bass. My Von Schwiekert speakers are capable of going very deep into the nether regions. I put on cut 6 from The Gladiator CD and was astonished that my system, particularly the amps, could produce the low bass that it did. Improvements are not just in the bass, but I can't get into all of those now. I have had the cord for about two weeks and I think I am still hearing changes (for the better). Given its gauge, I would not use these on power amps.
The 14 series I Use with my dac and preamp hit the sweet spot for performance quality and value. Some day I may try the Pangea. 9 series which is the model designed for use with power amps.
Not a big believer in spending huge $$$ on power cords, I just acquired the Pangea AC-14XL. I have power conditioning throughout my system, which is comprised of customized vacuum tube equipment, including a pair of 805 SE amps. I have some vintage name brand power cords supplying the main power to the conditioners, and SoniClear, cryo treated, power cords supplying all the other gear. The SoniClear cables were reasonably priced and a nice upgrade over stock. In comes the 14XL into the preamp. All else remained the same. To say I was surprised is an understatement. The sound literally exploded (but very smoothly) into my room. I had no idea that my SE amps could make such low bass. My Von Schwiekert speakers are capable of going very deep into the nether regions. I put on cut 6 from The Gladiator CD and was astonished that my system, particularly the amps, could produce the low bass that it did. Improvements are not just in the bass, but I can't get into all of those now. I have had the cord for about two weeks and I think I am still hearing changes (for the better). Given its gauge, I would not use these on power amps.
I think the promotion is still running. The most recent Audio Advisor catalog that just came in the mail (SP114 as identifier...lower left back cover) is still listing an "Impossible-to-Resist Trade-in/Trade-up Deal: Get 100% Of Your Money Back When You Upgrade to New Pangea AC-14XL!" on page 3.
Must call them for RA# before sending in your old AC-14 or AC-14SE.
Elizabeth, I was hoping you knew something about this new cable, since Audio Advisor is not providing any real info. I bought some Pangea's a while back based on your recommendations. I think a AC-14 was only $35; incredible!
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