Definately consider the Acoustic Zen line. I have used so many PC's over the years and finally settled on the Acoustic Zen Absolute cords. A bit pricey but well worth the $$$'s
Power Cords
I currently have Wireworld Silver Electra power cords with upgraded Platinum plugs. I had two 1M Wireworld Platinum power cords, but rearranged my system and required longer cords. Yesterday I borrowed two Shunyata Sigma NR power cords. On the first note my wife softly said, "that sounds better". She said it was clearer. I listened for a couple hours, changing the power cords a couple of times. In my system and to my ears this is my conclusion:
The Sigma's are cleaner, definitely has more bass, a dead silent and completely black background. The Wireworld cords are more detailed, with a wider soundstage and better spacing/separation of instruments. All things considered I'll keep my Wireworld, but I'm curious to listen to other power cords.
After inserting the Sigma's I just don't understand how anyone that listened to different power cords could conclude that they can't hear a difference. There is a difference, but like any other component the individual has to decide if the change is worth it. $6K for two power cords is relatively expensive. Expensive, but oddly maybe a good value? In my system there was a definite improvement with better bass impact and articulation. Would spending $6K or just changing amplifiers yield similar results? As with most components there are trade-offs...is there a power cord out there that has the benefits of the Sigma's and Wireworld Silver Electra's? If so, at what cost?
The Sigma's are cleaner, definitely has more bass, a dead silent and completely black background. The Wireworld cords are more detailed, with a wider soundstage and better spacing/separation of instruments. All things considered I'll keep my Wireworld, but I'm curious to listen to other power cords.
After inserting the Sigma's I just don't understand how anyone that listened to different power cords could conclude that they can't hear a difference. There is a difference, but like any other component the individual has to decide if the change is worth it. $6K for two power cords is relatively expensive. Expensive, but oddly maybe a good value? In my system there was a definite improvement with better bass impact and articulation. Would spending $6K or just changing amplifiers yield similar results? As with most components there are trade-offs...is there a power cord out there that has the benefits of the Sigma's and Wireworld Silver Electra's? If so, at what cost?
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- 135 posts total
I myself have found Audioquest power cords the best value for the money over the last few years. Previously I had used Cardas and Shunyata power cords, Eben today I find my 3 NRG10 power cords at $780 are far superir to any Shunyata power cord in the same price level. I also have one 3 foot NTG1000 power cord which is far, far superior to the NRG10. But I am also using 4 NRG100 power cords, which were superseeded by the NRG1000 about 2 years ago. I was able to purchase 3 demo NTG100's for only $500. The NRG100's are far superipr to the NRG10's, and are not far behind the NRG1000's. Anyway soon, if I had the money I will be able to purchase demo Audoquest 1000's at a significant discount as a dealer in Ft.Collins who will be replacing his power cords with the latest models. I am also using 2 Audioquest Niagara 1000's in my system, which make a significant improvement in audio quality. I also find that a $400 JPS digital power cord works far better than any of my Audioquest power cords with either my Oppo 105 or 205. And that is thru my Audioquest NRG1000 power cord and Niagara 1000 wired system. Yes, a $400 JPS digital power cord just hooked up to either of my Oppo plaers is so much better than using an Audioquest power cord. And again, that is thru an Audioquest wired system, thru an Audioquest power cord-Niagara 1000 aswell. Just changing from an Audioquest power cord to my $400 JPS power ord in either of my Oppo players-the improvement in audio quality is immediatly apparent. One would have to have severe hering loss to not be able to notice the improvement. |
Power cords need to do two thing - supply enough current to th component and not pick up any noise/hash while doing that. I've always thought that the component that shows the most effect from different power cords is the power amp, and that how much effect is shown seems to depend on the storage capacity of the amp. Those with modest power supply/reservoir capacitor capacity (talking about linear regulated power supplies here) are more affected by power cords than those with well regulated 'stiff' amps with plenty of supply capacitance. One of my class A amps seems to take no notice of what is supplying it - you can switch it off and it will play for about 10 seconds before there is any degradation of sound (and another 10 secs. until the sound ceases). I used a tube power amp with more modest power supply to listen to power cords and found little correlation to price vs. sound quality. My advice is to never buy power cords based on cost or reputation - audition them in your system to see if they make a bit of difference. I have hard home made cords with welding cable sized conductors and hospital grade ends sound better than $1,000 'audiophile' cords. |
Hi ricred1, Power is the pathway to cleaner, more dynamic sound on every level. Its up to each person to decide how committed they are and if the juice is worth the squeeze. With a lot of Patients and a little luck I have upgraded my power chords and delivery with mid level products from these companies. I look at it as an investment in having the right tools to replicate the music I enjoy listening to . I will never need to upgrade, ( but would most definitely want to if I won Lotto) I happen to love my kids more, which is why I went mid level than all out. Check these guys out for power cords. Stage 3 Concepts - The Leviathan http://www.stage3concepts.com/ Sold exclusively by http://www.aaudioimports.com For Power Distribution: HB Cable Design - Power Slave www.hb-cable-design.com/ |
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