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  3. 168200-88

Power cord choice?

Hoping to change (or upgrade) my current PC in use with my ARC CD3 Mk2. Currently I'm using a Locus Designs Polestar and setting a limit $600 max. I'd like to find a cord that can get more micro details from the ARC yet, I'd like to retain the smoothness but, try to open the sound stage and get a little more bottom in doing so. I listen to Alt rock (Sir Sly, The Killers, Gargage), rock, blues using Classe CAP 151 integrated and Apogee Slant 6s. I know this is subjective but, I'm also doing my best to work with my budget constraints and I'm not going to change if the improvement would just be slightly incremental. I'd like suggestions to consider, please.
rsjm80
cleeds
6,082 posts
 
vinylshadow
The 156 is a very good unit but I couldn't figure out why it had a 20A power cord and IEC inlet but 15A outlets ...
That's like ARC, which ships preamps with 20A cords even though 15A would more than suffice. But ARC thinks the 20A plug results in a better grip, which makes some sense.
vinylshadow
522 posts
 
That makes a lot of sense. 15A inlets, esp with the female connectors having that notch in it, makes for a swiveling connection. I was advised, and will do it soon, to wrap the connection in Teflon tape to tighten the fit.

That's one reason i went with a 32A Neutrik connector on my power conditioner...That sucker locks in.
bigtwin's avatar
bigtwin
1,321 posts
 
The 20 amp ratings relates to the total output your conditioner can supply.  Not to be confused with the individual output capacity of each plugin on the back of the unit.  As such, they recommend the conditioner be put on a 20 amp breaker.  It reality, most people use a 20 to 15 amp plug converter so you can use the existing household outlet.  Given that most systems, other than initial start-up, will only draw between 1 - 2 amp total, there is no problem running the "20 amp" conditioner on a 15 amp circuit.  
vinylshadow
522 posts
 
I understand....I've read that while not sustained there are transient current peaks that occur during some musical passages that demand more current.
bigtwin's avatar
bigtwin
1,321 posts
 
That is true, but the increase in current might spike your amp draw by half an amp?  You would have to be a massive amount of equipment to draw a total of 5 amps?  Just saying the 15 amp service in the average home is not likely to fail.  And even if it did, it would simply kick off the breaker on the main panel.  If someone on this forum has a system drawing that much power, I'd love to see it.  
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