No!!
Synergistic Research AC Master Coupler on all Components including Subs Over-Kill
I've done' a bit of reading on power cables. One cable that keeps coming up in discussions is the
Synergistic Research AC Master Coupler.
Also, I read Nordost's Foundation Theory paper. https://www.nordost.com/dealer%20downloads/FoundationTheory.pdf
In this paper's information they state, "Consistency is King!" It goes on to read, "Use the same power cords to feed all the key components in the system. Once you have an audiophile cord between the wall and your distribution block, make sure that any further cords are of the same type or, at the very least use the same technology and materials. This usually means employing AC cords from a single manufacturer."
Millercarbon often suggests the- Synergistic Research AC Master Coupler. I've done enough research that with patience, I can purchase this cable around the $250 - 350 range.
A couple of questions:
1. Would it be "overkill" purchasing Synergistic Research AC Master Coupler for all of my six components that can use an upgraded power cord (my DAC is vintage and has a fixed power cord). If helpful the component are:- IsoTek EVO3 Aquarius power conditioner
- Primaluna integrated tube amp.
- VPI Classic Signature TT- Manley Chinook Phone Stage
- two Rel S/3 subwoofers
2. Is the suggestion of employing power cords of the same type and from the same manufacturer hold any water among the folks here at Audiogon?
3. Could the Rel S/3 be plugged into the medium power outlets of the my Power Conditioner? Those medium-current outlets deliver 1,150W continuous power. I gotta think the answer is yes, but I gotta ask! The sub's manual states it draws 22 watts at idle. I have no clue what current they draw at my listening levels. Not terribly loud.
Thanks!
Also, I read Nordost's Foundation Theory paper. https://www.nordost.com/dealer%20downloads/FoundationTheory.pdf
In this paper's information they state, "Consistency is King!" It goes on to read, "Use the same power cords to feed all the key components in the system. Once you have an audiophile cord between the wall and your distribution block, make sure that any further cords are of the same type or, at the very least use the same technology and materials. This usually means employing AC cords from a single manufacturer."
Millercarbon often suggests the- Synergistic Research AC Master Coupler. I've done enough research that with patience, I can purchase this cable around the $250 - 350 range.
A couple of questions:
1. Would it be "overkill" purchasing Synergistic Research AC Master Coupler for all of my six components that can use an upgraded power cord (my DAC is vintage and has a fixed power cord). If helpful the component are:- IsoTek EVO3 Aquarius power conditioner
- Primaluna integrated tube amp.
- VPI Classic Signature TT- Manley Chinook Phone Stage
- two Rel S/3 subwoofers
2. Is the suggestion of employing power cords of the same type and from the same manufacturer hold any water among the folks here at Audiogon?
3. Could the Rel S/3 be plugged into the medium power outlets of the my Power Conditioner? Those medium-current outlets deliver 1,150W continuous power. I gotta think the answer is yes, but I gotta ask! The sub's manual states it draws 22 watts at idle. I have no clue what current they draw at my listening levels. Not terribly loud.
Thanks!
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- 16 posts total
Malatu, I have an amp similar to yours. Personally, I would buy one master coupler and plug it in to your wall outlet and distribution box. Hear something? Hear something you like? Add the next power cord to the amp....repeat the process. BTW, I've never been able to hear much in the way of change from adding a power cord although I employ them on all my gear. Your ears will be different and the decision maker. |
Wow. So you pay big money for stuff that does nothing for you, and then advise others to do that too. Amazing! Well at least you're honest about it! In practice of course simply finding these takes a while, meaning plenty of time to try them as they come in one at a time. The first one would usually have the biggest effect from the wall to the conditioner, because then everything downstream gets the benefit. Then usually the last place or least effect will be on the subs, because power cords are all about timing and resolution and there just isn't all that much of those at the bottom end. What you should do OP is keep a look out for SR power cords in general. The Master Coupler, while it is kind of the industry gold standard for having been around for 30 years and yet good enough to still be better than a lot of more expensive ones even after all that time, while that is true it still nevertheless is the bottom entry level from Synergistic. Everything they've made since is better, a lot of it so much better you wouldn't believe. Because of this, if you see anything SR and you can afford it, go for it. Power cords are just like everything else- the better they are the better the sound. Which is all that matters. If you can't hear the difference, if it doesn't sound better, why bother? |
Miller, changes I heard with PC's were a little blacker background, increased dynamics. I've gotten much more sonic change with ICs and speaker cables. And I know you're a guy who is a serious tweaker....more power to you. That's what makes this hobby fun, the way you can constantly fiddle around with your setup |
Thanks for the suggestions. Now I’m considering bucking up into the $600 - 1000 range (and that’s pushing it) for "not so entry level" power cord for the wall receptacle to the power conditioner and then add on with the "entry level cords: per se’. My first thought is that I’d get more bang for the buck going used but are the newer models significantly better then older that would warrant consideration with the budget of $600 - $1,000? I don’t care to churn my power cords over time. I’d like be "one and done" as far as this one power cord that will energize the power conditioner. Over time, I’d get power cords for the other components. The advice here will help me in that endeavor too. For example, here are four used and two new Power Cords. If anyone cares to share their thoughts on them as "best bang for the buck" and or my approach placing a better cord on the power conditioner first and then placing the entry level cords on the other components, I’d certainly appreciate any input. I’ve been looking at the the following yesterday and today. 1. Used - $775; Synergistic Research Tesla Precision AC (20 Amp IEC) with MPC 6.5ft/2m Power cables https://www.usedcable.com/power-cables/synergistic-research-tesla-precision-ac-20-amp-iec-with-mpc-6ft-2m-power-cables.html 2. Used: $900; Synergistic Research Element Tungsten AC Power Cord https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lisa05ii-synergistic-research-element-tungsten-ac-power-cord-ac-cables?refsource=hifishark 3. Used: $949; Synergistic Research Absolute Reference Power Cable https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649589065-synergistic-research-absolute-reference-power-cable/ 4. Used: $2,025; Six cables that fits my system perfectly (lengths of cords, that is). Four - Synergistic Research AC Master & Two - Designer Reference Series Power Cords https://www.ebay.com/itm/264125244299?ul_noapp=true Certainly not a hot steaming deal, but fair, I believe. Because they are the exact lengths I can use, it would certainly be convenient.....one stop shopping! 5. New: - $649; Synergistic Research UEF Blue 10awg HC Power Cord - https://www.thecableco.com/synergistic-research-uef-blue-hc-10awg-power-cord.html 6. New - $995 Synergistic Research Atmosphere X Alive Level 1 Power Cord - https://www.thecableco.com/atmosphere-x-alive-level-1-power-cord.html |
- 16 posts total