You're not gonna get a straight answer on this topic around here, or anywhere for that matter. Buy a couple of those inexpensive ones you mentioned and see yourself. Hopefully you can return them if not satisfied.
Which of these power cords ?
I'm looking to upgrade my sound with upgraded power cords. Given I've got a tube preamp, 2 mono block tube amps, Aurender DAC and 2 Martin Logan speakers - we're talking up to 7 power cords so I'd like to keep the total cost for all of them to $1000ish.
And some suggest going with one brand, to get the biggest benefit.
Brands on short list include:
And some suggest going with one brand, to get the biggest benefit.
Brands on short list include:
- DH Labs
- Audio Art
- VHAudio
- IceAge
- Shunyata Venoms
- Audio Envy
- Black Sand Audio
- Cerious
- Signal Cable
- Cullen Cable
- Pangea
- PS Audio AC5
- ...
- 103 posts total
Given your goals and short of making your own cords, which you should seriously consider, I think your best bang for the buck will be Cullen cables. On paper it looks like the Red Copper cable is a great value at $99/6ft, but if you can swing it there’s a lot more built into their Crossover cable at $199/6ft. These two cables seem to be more neutrally voiced, but if you’re looking for a little more warmth in your system the Gold series cable is $129/6ft. Cullen cables get great customer feedback and the prices are tough to beat. Hard to imagine you not getting a significant benefit from switching stock cords to these. As a a dark horse option, I recently heard of Raven Audio that also seems to make high-value cables. Their Soniquil power cable is $169/6ft. and comes with Rhodium-plated connectors that you’d need to step up to the $199 Cullen Crossover to get. There’s obviously a lot more to it than the plugs, but to me it indicates good value and may also be worth a try as you never know which cable will synergize with your system and tastes. And both offer trial periods, so you can try both with little/no risk. That’s what I’d do. Anyway, hope this helps, and best of luck. |
I also decided to dip my toes into the aftermarket power cord market and needed a large number of cords. Not knowing what to expect in general I didn't want to spend too much. At the suggestion of an Audiogon member I purchased these low cost cables at $50 per 6 foot cord. They certainly SEEM well made (in China). https://www.amazon.com/WAudio-Hi-End-Audio-Power-Cable/dp/B01L2UNMXI/ref=sr_1_6?keywords=audio+power... These are my first venture into power cords and they make a positive difference in my system. |
- 103 posts total