Older Power Cables
In my current system, I have three older moderately expensive power cables: 2 from PS Audio purchased about 24 years ago for $600 used and one MIT Zip Cord II purchased new. I was just wondering what will differences will I likely be able to "hear" by replacing them with some of the newer power cords that is currently being market.
@joscow - As mentioned above there have been significant improvements
Take a look at Audio Envy or Zavfino - both reat cables Regards - Steve |
@classicrockfan - I was agnostic about power cables before I actually did some experimentation. My point of view was “I don’t know enough about the science to have a strong pov on whether different power cables would make a difference.” Now that I’ve experimented with a few quality cables, I believe they make a difference. That said, your system has to be resolving enough to hear what higher quality cables can make… I think the cables that have made the most difference would be Kimber Kable Palladian PK10 and Cardas Clear Beyond XL. I bought them used… could not afford them new! |
It isn't uncommon for folks who are enjoying nice rigs to stay clear of the power cable upgrade black hole. My Audiolab CDT6000 (CD transport) had a stock power cord supplied with unit. On a whim, I ordered a Pangea power cord from Audio Advisors thinking I was wasting everyone's time since I planned on returning it and report "snake oil" alert post. Now look....I purposely bought the cheapest upgrade from the stock one they included with unit. I paid $39.95 for a demo .6 meter power cord. I hate to have to say this but resolution and bass depth is CLEARLY improved! The stock cord was coiled up (a no-no), wrapped in EMF cloth and tucked behind rack. So it did have some disadvantages I admit. BUT for those of us who have tried to resist the "cable wars" (and extra expense) just go crazy and try one in on a key component then come back to tell us "snake oil". I am enjoying a clearer sound for whatever reason. And on the cheap cheap |
It is not uncommon for folks to be put off at the idea of upgrading power cords… even when interconnects proved to impart a significant improvement to the sound. The problem is that very often if you simply make a low ball purchase you will not get an improvement. I have a number of cheap name brand low end (~$100… like Shunyata) that I bought for a work system that had relatively low end components in it. They did nothing. For fun I tried them in my high end main system… and they were no better than the stock power cords. @allears4u you were very lucky. There is no question that the effect is component / system dependent. However if someone wants to see if they can improve their sound with a power cord they should start with one for the amp and try a cord somewhere in the vicinity of 10% the value of the component. This gives a very high probability of making a significant difference. High end systems are built component by component, interconnect by interconnect, PC by PC, acoustic treatments, etc. it is all additive. To get the very most out of a carefully assembled system, using all the tools is required. Power cords are definitely one of them. |
