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Cost effective power cables recommendations, low and high power

I recently watched a number of informative videos about AC cables for our systems. One by the Dutchman Hans Beekhuysen (sp?) was really very good and explained why they matter, even with so many miles of cheapo cable bringing power into our homes, it seems to be all about reducing and rejecting stray interference from a lot of juice passing through the cables to our componenets, and the effect this might have on nearby interconnects and so on.

So I thought I would ask for recommendations from users here on what power cables you use for amplifiers (higher power consumption) and other components like digital stuff or preamps and so on, what are you happy with and that seems to make a difference big or small.

I am not about to spend thousands (or even many hundreds) for power cables, so hopefully something in what we mere mortals who work hard to earn our money can typically afford. Well shielded, properly twisted and insulated cable that does the job well, without typical marketing bull or obscene prices and markups please!

troidelover1499
hilde45's avatar
hilde45
5,006 posts
 

This thread will immediately head into controversy, so I'll quickly convey my strategy.

I bought used Pangea cables -- the Pangea Audio AC-9SE MkII for my amps and the Pangea Audio AC-14SE MkII Power for my preamp, streamer, and DAC. All of these can be found used, especially if you're patient.

My reasoning: cables may or may not make a difference. I have a good but perhaps only moderately resolving system, so I don't want break the bank on cables nor do I want to be wondering if I am missing something. These cables, especially used, solved this question for me -- for now.

One caution: the AC-9 cables are kind of hard to wrestle with and you should consider how easy or hard they'll be to fit into your existing system setup.

builder3
763 posts
 

The first aftermarket power cable I bought for my integrated amp was in the low $200's. I didn't hear any difference. The next one I bought was from the same maker, DH Labs. It was something like 20% off that month, plus another 10% off if you signed up for their emails, so somewhere around $450. I had serious second thoughts, since the first purchase seemed pointless. When it came and I hooked it up, I was stunned. My point is, I'm not sure if you'll gain much, if anything, with a few hundred dollars. Miller used to always recommend finding a used Synergistic Research Master Coupler for $200-300. Supposedly old, but very good.

bigtwin's avatar
bigtwin
1,228 posts
 

@troidelover1499  Before we start yet another long and tiring thread about the virtue of cables, may I suggest the OP simply check out the existig threads already on the site.  You may also find the threat Couterfeit Chinese Cables enlighening.  Many positive first hand results with some cheap power cords there.  Just a suggestion.

troidelover1499 OP
253 posts
 

Thank you all for the responses thus far. Just so I am crystal clear, I am not wanting to debate the benefit of power cables, I am asking users here what they have used that they have found cost effective and satisfying in their systems.

Sure, I will check out that other thread on counterfeits to see what was recommended.  Cool.

I am not meaning to start another food fight, there is nothing gained doing that.  I am just gonna buy some upgrade cables so I’m just polling the crew here.

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