2. cables
  3. 179391-170020

Do older power cables still hold up to newer ones?

I have been thinking about this for a while now. I have a 20+ year history in this audio hobby. Back then in the early 2000’s I was working at my business and had a bit of disposable income and I built up a system, some of which I still own today. Namely my VAC Amp and Preamp and my CEC TL1x. (I have bought new speakers, a new DAC and DDC, a music streamer. I’ve replaced my old Wireworld Gold Eclipse III interconnects and speaker wires already) I have some highly rated power cords of their time from 2002. I have 4 Shunyata Black Mamba cords on the front end equipment and a pair of BMI Whales on the Amp. (My Renaissance 70/70 amp requires two power cords.) Everything except the amp is plugged into the original Shunyata Hydra power conditioner and i have 2 20 amp dedicated lines for everything. Most other things in the system have been updated this past year. So I really ponder if it would be worth it to convert these cords to something new and will it really cost a lot more to improve upon them? These were all very good power conditioning products back then. I am not interested in buying multi thousand dollar cords. I am retired now and I don’t want to spend money on anything I don’t have to and I probably won’t. I just wonder how good they really are anymore??? It’s probably hard to tell because so much time has expired since they were made and sold. I could test something out from the Cable Co loan program I guess, but to me it seems that will end being very costly to improve upon these cables. I do have a Wire World Electra 8 cord coming to play with that I got off US Audiomart just to see if it makes any difference anywhere. I just got my pre amp updated waiting for it’s return and i plan to take my amp to FL to drop off to VAC for a upgrade/refurbish. I also plan to re-tube it and that can cost $1600-$3500 depending on which tubes I get. So my pathway to resurrecting the system doesn’t include power cords at this time. (I took a hiatus from the system for 10 years busy chasing other hobbies, but that phase of my life is over as my age has caught up to me..LOL)

128x128fthompson251
barts's avatar
barts
713 posts
 

@fthompson251 

Since the amps are going to VAC for a lot of upgrades (rebuild, tubes) I would suggest that you bring (or send) the amp PCs and ask them to run the inevitable tests they must run as a manufacturer with your PCs.  They do testing all the time and should be able to accommodate you.  Go with what they say...I'll make a gentleman's bet that they say keep the cords you have.  And be sure to ask what PCs they recommend.

Considering that the amp will be essentially new I wouldn't make any other move until your totally familiar with the sound and they are well broken in.

Just my two cents.  

Regards,

barts

lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57
5,417 posts
 

@fthompson251  that's my suggestion, to update your amp before buying new cables. The VAC is a wonderful amp. 

stereo5's avatar
stereo5
6,388 posts
 

I am still using older Shunyata power cords in both systems. My Copperhead and Diamondback Platinum cords still give me the magic and still use the original Hydras too.  My system is totally noise free and sounds great, so why change?  My rule of thumb is not to spend anymore than $500 on any cable, preferably used. 

waytoomuchstuff's avatar
waytoomuchstuff
1,114 posts
 

Recently (past 5 years) some cable manufacturers have incorporated "newer thinking" in their power cable designs.  These have, in some cases, resulted in a 2x improvement in performance vs cost.  Even considering cable prices increases of 40% (or, more) the sonic bang-for-the-buck can still be better in newer cables vs old.  So, even if your old cables are immaculate, and still sound incredible to you, it might be worth auditioning something newer.  You can always return it.

For you power cable deniers out there, this post is probably going to peg the needle on your B.S. meter.  That's cool.  You can just go check the ignition timing on your Tesla.  Or, something.

1971gto455ho's avatar
1971gto455ho
482 posts
 

@waytoomuchS…

The name says a lot… And that B.S. is pegging something else… Lol

Enjoy the music and the humour 

Cheers

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