2. amps-preamps
  3. 1112762688

RLD-1 Are you experienced?

I recently purchased a McCormack RLD-1 & DNA-1. My previous set up was a Musical Fidelity CD-PRE24 and Adcom GFA-555 with B&W CDM9NT's & Velodyne FSX-12. When I swapped in the RLD-1 WOW! Even with the Adcom! The DNA-1 was not quite as dramatic an improvement to my ears (good power cord should help). This makes me wonder! Could I still get a decent return on preamp investment? SMCaudio upgrade or put it in the bedroom with the Adcom and move on? Max upgade & used RLD-1 = +/- $2400 (no phono).

Some things I love about RLD-1:(from my limited perspective)

sounds more believable at a lower apparent volumes and you can push the volume pretty hard before it starts to fall apart
effortless presentation - never seems strained
soundstage/imaging quite good
bottom end extended and tighter
mids smooth and lifelike
top end good detail but not too crispy
involves me
and how 'bout that volume contol

Any thoughts?

Thanks oh so much!
dueler
rwwear
2,867 posts
 
I just don't believe you can hear any difference between power cords.
aggielaw
267 posts
 
Dueler,

Opinions on power cords vary. I have not heard a difference between the stock power cords and after-market power cords on any of my equipment (my RLD-1 is mated with a DNA-0.5 Rev. A for what it's worth.) Many people believe they hear a difference. If you want to try different cords, you can find some from DIY'ers for less than $100 and experiment. I did that by purchasing a "Basic Powercord" from Roy Locke (username: Audiophile8) for about $50. You might buy a cord for each device that accepts after-market cords to have the best chance of hearing a difference.

Good luck on your audio journey!
zaikesman
3,017 posts
 
Despite Rwwear's avowed disbelief, I can rather easily hear differences among various powercords with my DNA-125, though they are not major - I've heard bigger changes with PC's on other amps. Which is not to say there aren't worthwhile improvements to be had, given an appropriate system context. Steve McCormack does recommend their use with his amps. A much less expensive, but no less important improvement is yours simply by leaving the amp continuously powered-on. If you're curious, I would consider trying a used PC bought on Agon in the sub-$200 range, which you can always resell at little-to-no loss if it doesn't do much for you.
dueler OP
7 posts
 
I will wade in and try for myself!
rwwear
2,867 posts
 
It's impossible if the power cord is of the correct size.
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