2. cables
  3. 186999-179418

Power Cables - Third Party or OEM

For the conversation let's say I am an Isotek or Shunyata user of their Power Conditioners. Both OEM's have an excellent selection of power cords for the conditioner as well as to other components like amps, DAC's, phono stages, etc. Is there a benefit to using the Isotek or Shunyata cables or going with a third party like Cardas or Nordost power cable?

This seems like an engineering discussion versus a listening discussion. The OEM's know their Power Conditioners so that is where i'm stumped. I, like some others here like uniformity and having all their cables from the same manufacturer. Thanks in advance for your input.

joemlynch
akgwhiz
176 posts
 

@erik_squires I'm getting more into DIY  now as I'm retired.  Do you have a site I can reference that outlines a decent quality build/how-to?  Thanks in advance. 

pennfootball71's avatar
pennfootball71
238 posts
 

@fastfreight You are 100% correct! Just plug the power amp into a wall! I am also a Kubala Sosna fan as well.

defendert's avatar
defendert
20 posts
 

I made my own cables up from Furutech cables and plugs. The sound changed for weeks while they bedded in. 

fastfreight
677 posts
 

@akgwhiz check out VHAudio.  Chris is super nice and gives automatic discounts.

I made long runs of speaker cables with Furutech wire and spades and heat shrink that came out great looking and sounding.  I bought a Ryobi battery 18v heat gun, and it transformed my work from smoke stained heat shrink (bic lighter) to nice looking (heat gun).  It was fun.  I like to solder, but PC's connect with screws anyway I think.

erik_squires
15,750 posts
 

@akgwhiz 

 

The two I use most frequently are Parts Connexion and Parts Express.  Here is the inexpensive shielded AC cable I use:

 

https://partsconnexion.com/collections/ac-power-bulk-wire-cable/products/dh-labs-cable-encore-3-x-14awg-shield-ac-power-cord

 

I like the PC brand Connex plugs much more than I like Wattgate. 

More to discover