Budget High Current Power Cords

@sns RE:...

@williewonka I assume you still prefer your Helix to the Zavfino?

I rely on feedback from other members that have tried and compared the HELIX DIY to other cable brands and to date the Helix DIY seems to be standing up very well against the branded products they have been compared too

So until I hear otherwise the Helix DIY are still my go-to cables

However, I do keep my eyes open for those brands that get rave reviews from Agon members AND which employ interesting cable fabrication methods, cable geometries and approaches.

The Zevfino line was recently highlighted by a member - I then looked at the web site and Zevfino provide in-depth details of their construction approach.

1. they use UP-OCC copper, which would make their cables very dynamic
2. they use a tight perfect pitch twist to construct the conductors, which should result is a lower noise floor
3. they use Cotton filler insulation which should also help reduce noise
   

Basically - Zavfino have put a lot more design effort into their fabrication techniques than most other brands AND they seem reasonably priced for such a complex build.

Many members are not into DIY cables for many reasons, So I try to provide some feedback as to what brands are available in the marketplace that I feel might provide a noticeable improvement based on their details design.

Right now, for branded products, I tend to recommend...

1. Nordost - because I have heard the improvements they provide
2. In-Akustik - because they have one of the most advance and effective cable geometries I have seen
3. Zavfino - because they have combined great quality design, excellent copper, interesting geometry and competitive pricing

This list also reflects what I believe their level of performance that the three brands will provide and their cost.

• So if you want a more budget oriented cable. the Zevfino will offer a very good performing cable for a more modest price.
• Step up to the In-Akustik for lower noise floor with improved details
• and if you want the best performance, then a TOTL Nordost should provide that

Apologies for such a complex answer to a seemingly simple question.

But then, NOTHING about this hobby is simple :-)

Regards - Steve

@zenk - RE:

Somebody tell me what is wrong with these…
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0836Y3YVB/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Nothing really - they will deliver power to a component and probably do a better job than the standard cables most components ship with

However, if you are looking for a cable that is capable of improving the performance of a component then you have to look deeper than the nice red sleeve and "fancy looking" connectors.

What’s Wrong...

1. they use OFC copper, which is OK, but no where near as good as UP-OCC copper
2. They employ a conventional wires and cable geometry - this actually creates noise within the cable itself
3. They have Rhodium plated connectors - no info as to what the metal under the plating is - for best results I use Silver plated copper connectors from Sonarquest. Their IEC connectors grip like a vice
   
4. they are shielded. Cables without shielding are more detailed and open sounding
5. they have a "rubberized" outer sleeve, which reduces overall clarity

Compared to other better designed cables their level of performance would not "cut the mustard".

But if $32.90 is a person’s budget I would probably recommend they wait until they can afford something significantly better, such as the entry level Zevfino cable

I started my cable journey with many cables just like this one and now I have some cable knowledge I realize how much I could have saved in time, effort and money by learning about cable design first.

I now rate my cables every bit as important as my components

To see products that have elevated their fabrication techniques to provide excellent levels of performance take a look at.
Power Cables - ZavfinoUSA
Reference AIR :: in-akustik

Hope that helps - Steve

I recommend Cullen.  Also own Signal and Pangea and budget Audioquest.  At under $150 mark, go with Cullen

Is a HC powercord suitable for an integrated amp if the preamp portion is passive?

@kren0006. Curious as to what Signal Power Cable you have?