Prioritizing Power Cable Upgrades by System Component.


I'm digging into the world of power cables and it is kind of amazing. The promise that a good cable can bring along with its price is both exciting and staggering.

There are several components that need some kind of power cable and upgrading them, for me, needs to be done in steps.

For those that have upgraded power cables, how would you prioritize between the pre-amp (tube), power amp (ss) and powered sub...and possibly even the DAC? 

128x128imaninatural

@imaninatural  - RE:...

For those that have upgraded power cables, how would you prioritize between the pre-amp (tube), power amp (ss) and powered sub...and possibly even the DAC? 

That depends an whether you want...

  • immediate grattification...
    • then start with the source components and work backwards to the power amp
  • get a sense of what your components are capable of
    • start with the amp and work forwards to the source components

Source components tend to show a significant improvement because their power suipplies are not as robust as those power supplies in the amp

  • so the power cord on the amp really should be a top performing PC.

It is very impoertant to select good power cables - look for

  • UP-OCC wires in theri construction - they provide excellent dynamic perofrmance
  • advanced insulations - these lower the noise floor of the cables and promoted better clarity and imaging
  • advacned cable geometry - again, helps lower the noise floor
  • quality connectors - I use Sonar Quest silver plated solid copper mains and IEC connectors

If you are not into DIY take a look at these cable brands that adopt the above qualities 

  • Audio Envy - great value aty a modest price
  • Zavfino - great cable geometry, excellent perofrmance, but a little more pricey

Godo luck with your quest

 

 

If you are starting with just one upgraded power cord..

amplifier first if amp is plugged into wall. Then power conditioner for source components with the second power cord upgrade.
If you have everything plugged into power conditioner then power conditioner first, amp second. Preamp then dac then streamer. 
At some point, upgrade your outlets. 

 

I auditioned upgraded cables tehy were Shunyata Venom NR….  The impact was improved dynamics and details. And one of the sonic effects was the improved detail and control of lower frequencies - I think the cables reduced noise entering the compound thus creating a lower noise floor.
 

I started with source and there was a similar impact on my amps. I bought all at the same time. 

 

If you can audition- I’d be curious on your experience…enjoy the process. 

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"amplifier first if amp is plugged into wall. Then power conditioner for source components with the second power cord upgrade."

audphil1...could’nt agree more after installing new "diy" cable for power conditioner.Have just cd plugged into...amp into wall.Man was an interesting listening night last night🔌🚀