2. amps-preamps
  3. 179500-11129

Power cords or power conditioner

I’m at a cross roads and I’m looking for some advice from those have have gone down this road. I recently added a 2 channel integrated amplifier to improve my 2 channel performance. I had been using my Datasat LS-10 for music and while it sounded really nice, it was missing the depth and clarity that I know my speakers are capable of. My speakers are KEF Reference 3s, rest of my 2 channel set is is as follows:

Luxman L 509x

Luxman D-03x

Roon Nucleus Plus

Lumin U2 Mini

Transparent Audio Super speaker cables

Nordorst Red Dawn XLR, Blue Heaven USB

Wire World Platinum USB

All power cables are DYI using Oyaide Tsunami V2 cable

So what I feel I am missing is that 3D holographic sound stage. It was there with the Luxman 509 when I demo’d it, but I am unable to get that experience at my house. I feel that majority of equipment is up to the task but I am curious if I should ad a top shelf power condtioner like a Shunyata Triton or Torus AVR20 into the system or replace my Intergrated’s power cord with a Shunyata Alpha NC? I’m getting tapped out, so for now it can only be one or the other.

Or should I skip the above and focus on room treatments?

wheelndeal1099
alexatpos
1,217 posts
 

As others has stated before, its about positioning. Even with generic 'black' cables you should be able to get the 'stage' if you put the speakers (and if your rooom alows it) right.

Try playing with them, space behind speakers is crucial for 'depth' ,find the best angle, first 'aim' at the center of your listening position or maybe just little bit in front, or perhaps aim 'for the shoulders' (yours, in your sitting position), try different angles, but be sure to mark your starting point, so that you can be very precise when moving them next time. Mark the one you like the best,for fine tuning,even one inch can make big difference.

It took me few months, laser meter and lots of tape on parquet floor to get it right, with small two way monitors and in almost dedicated room to get it right..

Power cords and conditioners (if choosen right) will improve the overall sound, but not before you you place your speakers in a 'right' way...

ozzy62's avatar
ozzy62
3,159 posts
 

 

 

secretguy

1,023 posts

 

I have yet to hear a power cord make a difference.

 

My money is on “you’ve never even tried”…..

 

jasonbourne52's avatar
jasonbourne52
2,863 posts
 

@secretguy +1! If changing an interconnect or power cord brought a real sonic improvement it would be a wonderful world indeed! Alas ...

marco1's avatar
marco1
539 posts
 

2 1/2' off the front wall may not do it.  I'd try moving your chair back and moving your speakers out more from the front wall.  I had a similar problem and this helped soundstage depth for me.  Nice system btw.

vonhelmholtz
911 posts
 

Room first for sure.

I went with Shunyata power conditioners and NR Shunyata power cables. This changed dynamics and texture, but I don’t recall a big change in soundstage. There was a better image but not an expanded soundstage...like more air surrounding the vocalist. What I did with power was to purchase with 60 day trial, but in my system and with my power the Shunyata products worked for me.

More to discover