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2 prong power cable

Never paid much attention until recently but my Marantz PM11S3 has a 2 prong power cable.  Anyone know of upgraded power cables with only 2 prongs.  I'd like to replace the stock cable for one that will help with imaging and a nudge toward neutrality since the Marantz tends a teeny bit toward warmth.  Thanks.
mewsickbuff
jea48
4,780 posts
 

mewsickbuff Said:

The opposite end has 2 blades, 1 narrow, 1 wide. So I’m gathering from Note #9 in the Important Safety instructions that the wide blade makes the PC a polarized plug and is safe.

Yes, the plug is polarized.


So how would an upgraded cord that has 3 openings for 3 blades be safe to use with the 2 bladed Marantz? What happens to the wiring that is supposed to go with that missing 3rd blade?

The 3 wire plug is also polarized. It will only plug in to a receptacle one way. proper AC polarity is maintained.

As for the safety equipment grounding wire in the power cord it will not be used because the Marantz doesn’t use an equipment ground. It will still connect to the wall receptacle equipment ground by the round ground pin on the 3 wire plug. There is no safety issue with that at all. None....

I have two pieces of Marantz HT equipment that I am using aftermarket 3 wire power cords on. There isn’t any safety issues at all.

Before you go out and buy a new power cord see if you can borrow first. From my experience with Marantz equipment a power cord will change the sound of the equipment. Sometimes for the better, sometimes for the worse.


You said:

"I’d like to replace the stock cable for one that will help with imaging and a nudge toward neutrality since the Marantz tends a teeny bit toward warmth."

JMHO, you will not want a shielded power cord.

I would also make sure the wire gauge of the power cord is at least #12awg.


The writing along the PC says "(UL) SVT E159216 VW-1 300V 60 degrees C 2x18AWG." I’m no electrician so not quite sure what all that means.

2x18awg x 5 1/2ft long. That’s pretty small wire for a 100 watt per channel amp, imo.

You can change the sound quality of the amp just by using a power cord with bigger wire.

Something else that will change the sound of the Marantz amp is the wall receptacle you plug the amp into. What are you using now? You can also change the sound of the amp by installing a 20 amp dedicated branch circuit.


mewsickbuff OP
237 posts
 
What does a shielded PC do that wouldn't be good for the amp? When you say "install a 20 amp dedicated branch circuit" do you mean on the circuit breaker panel in the basement and how will that change the sound? Presently the amp is just plugged into a surge protector extension cord along with 6 other things.  Is that bad? 
mewsickbuff OP
237 posts
 
Would an AC conditioner be a good alternative to the 20 amp dedicated branch circuit?
almarg's avatar
almarg
9,670 posts
 
As is usually the case I agree with all of Jim's (Jea48's) comments.
What does a shielded PC do that wouldn't be good for the amp?
It won't do anything bad for the amp, but I believe Jim was just saying that he suspects an unshielded cord stands a greater chance of changing the sonic character of your system in the direction you prefer than a shielded cord.  I agree.
When you say "install a 20 amp dedicated branch circuit" do you mean on the circuit breaker panel in the basement and how will that change the sound?
This refers to having a breaker in the panel and wiring from the breaker to the outlet that powers the system that is dedicated to the system, and powers nothing else.  It is considered to be good practice from a sonic standpoint, and often seems to be sonically beneficial, but how it will change the sound in any particular case can't be predicted with any certainty.
Presently the amp is just plugged into a surge protector extension cord along with 6 other things. Is that bad?
If it's an inexpensive surge protector that is intended for general purpose use, it could very well be having adverse effects on the sound, to some degree.  If that is what you are using, at some point you may want to research past threads here about surge protectors and power conditioners.  As an experiment, it may also be worthwhile to see how the system sounds with the integrated amp plugged directly into the wall outlet, while the rest of the system is plugged into the surge protector.

FWIW, I've had good results with this BrickWall surge protector I used to use, and the Audience aR2p surge protector/power conditioner I presently use.  (The latter used in combination with a Wiremold UL210BC power strip to expand the number of outlets).  There are many other choices that would be as good or better, of course.

Good luck.  Regards,

--Al

inrock
7 posts
 

mewsickbuff:

Virtually all equipment and components in my 2-channel systems are designed for 2-conductor power cords.  I have scoured the internet and the only quality NEMA 1-15P to IEC 320 C-17 I have located is the AudioQuest NRG-X2 2-Pole AC Power Cable (C17) Model NRGX2C17. I just placed an order for two 10 foot power cords to upgrade those that were shipped with my recently purchased GoldenEar Triton One loudspeakers. 

I tend to be a "purist" when upgrading accessories for my stereo systems, believing that the manufacturer has engineered the equipment for a reason (which, in the case of 2-conductor power is driven toward mitigating ground loop issues).  Having said this, I must confess that I recently ordered Cullen Crossover (3-prong) cables to ascertain if, in my systems, there is an audible difference in performance. 

The aforementioned AudioQuest cable is quite affordable, with unpolarized prongs and 15AWG wire. Warm Regards, Dan. 
                                                                                                                                           

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