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Vintage amps & power cords

Every time I power up my old McIntosh MC2200 amps - a pair running in mono mode, I can't stop to think about those stock power cords. The cords sticking out of my preamp and the amp in my other system look like fire hoses as compared to these cords and yet these amps are rated at 400 wpc as configured.

I completely understand the argument that the designers knew what they were doing but using this argument the aftermarket power cord suppliers should all be out of business.

Curious to hear input from folks with vintage gear and wondered the same thing, and what did they do about it.  

kalali
kalali's avatar
kalali OP
1,977 posts
 
My intent was not to begin a debate about the virtues of aftermarket power cords. Personally, I know they do contribute to sound quality, especially in high current/voltage/power solid state power amplifiers. Impact on resale value aside, I would think safety should be a concern as well if the cord is no longer pliable. I also have a CJ Sonograph amp that could benefit from a (power cord) upgrade.
jl35
4,223 posts
 
I've had my vintage gear changed to remove captive cord, and the results have always been positive. The safety concern on a cheap 40 year old power cord is very real.
wolf_garcia
6,794 posts
 
Any gear owned by an audiophile who cares about his or her credibility among other audio geeks (non geeks really don't care at all) should have the thickest possible AC cable, and that cable should be visible so you can point it out. I have a water hose thickness cable to one of my subs that is completely hidden under stuff, and thus is kind of wasted…it doesn't "sound" any better than a more pedestrian AC cable…but still…this sort of thing is important. 
sfall
346 posts
 
" Curious to hear input from folks with vintage gear and wondered the same thing, and what did they do about it. "

I've had plenty vintage components over the years. It's very common to upgrade to a removable power cord, rca connectors and speaker terminals. If you don't have anyone local, give Audio Classics in NY a call. They're the biggest McIntosh service center, and they have an extremely good reputation. 
jl35
4,223 posts
 
maybe you can combine yours and Wolfs concerns, and get an IEC input, and attach a cheap thin cord...
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