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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
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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. 
                                                                                                                                           

mewsickbuff OP
234 posts
 
inrock,

Does the AudioQuest NRG-X2 2-Pole AC power cable improve the sound at all? If not, I think I'll just stick with what came in the box.
jea48
4,323 posts
 

Does the AudioQuest NRG-X2 2-Pole AC power cable improve the sound at all? If not, I think I’ll just stick with what came in the box.


http://www.audioquest.com/power-cables/nrg-x2

TERMINATIONS: 2-Pole wall plug to IEC C–7 or C–17


The stock 18 gauge wire power cable that came with the amp is garbage.

Practically any non shielded 12 gauge wire power cord will blow it away.

mewsickbuff OP
234 posts
 
Blow it away how?
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