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Looking at sub $200 power cables.

I’d like to upgrade my power cables if I can see a benefit at the $200ish and under price point in my setup:
-Yamaha 1060 AVR (used as preamp)
-Parasound A23 Halo
-Bluesound Node 2
-Furman 15i PC

I already have some decent interconnects and speaker wire so the power cords are the next place I can tweek. I’ve been reading a lot and it seems I would get my best results starting with my AVR. How important is it to swap the PC out for the Furman to the wall? I’ve been eyeballing some decent deals on Shunyata Venom 3 PCs. I can get 3 of them for around $320. How does the new Shunyata Venom 14 compare?

Is this a waste of money in my system? Should I skip the Node? I understand it’s subjective but appreciate any input.

Thanks.
asahitoro
auxinput
2,920 posts
 

I have found DIY cables are vastly superior to anything manufactured, for the amount of money you're putting in.  I would recommend using a couple of Furutech FI-15 Plus power connectors (IEC & male), in either rhodium or gold plated depending on what sound you're after.  For the Rhodium IEC & Male connectors, that's about $120 shipped from either Samtech or Hi-Fi Heaven (both are good sources).  For the cable, you could go cheap and get some DH Labs at $5-8 per foot.  Or spend more and look at Neotech NEP-3002 or NEP-3003 ($20-30 per foot).   Be aware that the "Mk II" Neotech cables do have some silver-plated conductors.

Be aware the FI-15 Plus connectors only support a cable up to 15mm thick (0.59").  However, they are excellent connectors to use for the money!  I have found the terminations on the cable have just as much impact to the sound as the power cord itself.

lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57
5,417 posts
 
I think I have my mind made up at least on the AC 14SE for my AVR/preamp, Node 2 (C7) and my display.
The Pangea Audio AC 14SE MKII Signature Power Cable is the one to buy. I have owned all the Pangea models over the years and the MKII Signature offers a noticeably lower noise floor and more detail than the others. I believe the 14SE was discontinued.

I don’t think you need the AC 9SE since your components are not drawing high amounts of amperes. As for the Furman, it is a passive conditioner, but would still benefit from a PC upgrade. The AC 9SE might be worth buying if you’re planning to upgrade to a high power amp or for use with a power regenerator.
lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57
5,417 posts
 
On second thought, the AC 9SE might be a benefit to the A23 since it has a large power supply.
I've also heard good things about the Cullen power cables.
jl35
4,042 posts
 
Transparent Audio, Discovery, Pangea
toddverrone's avatar
toddverrone
840 posts
 
I second DIY. And it's fun!
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