I’d call SMcAudio and see what they recommend given what you’re looking for.
Transparent Audio power cords
I have a question for experienced users about certain Transparent cords. The application is on a McCormack Audio DNA-500 amp (w/ the SMC audio Silver Plus upgrade) driving Focal Sopra 2 speakers. The cord in use now is a Transparent Powerlink MM2 (mm2x serial number). This cord was the next step above the Reference in the mm2 generation. The name of the Powerlink MM2 cord was changed to XL for the Gen 5 and Gen 6 products.
I have tried both the Reference Gen 5 and Reference Gen 6 cords on this amp which according to theory, they should sound better than the Powerlink MM2. Both are, in general, respectively, a step up in sound quality as would be expected. However, we now get to my issue, neither of the two Reference cords has enough "meat on the bones" compared to the Powerlink MM2. They are just lighter weight sounding. The likely thought is to try a Gen 5 or Gen 6 XL cord but, the price point for a new Gen 6 XL cord is getting uncomfortable.
So, will an XL cord give me that weight and solidity I'm after or might I want to be looking at another brand to get the sound where I want it to be while trying to rein in the cost.
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My Frankenstereo has several of the original TA Powerlink MM's feeding TA PIMM’s. From one PIMM, a Purist Audio Contego power cord is feeding my Class A SS amp. Theoretically, one would think that those two power cords in series - along with Class A amplification - would provide plenty of heft - meat on the bones. At first, they didn’t. It turns out that other gremlins in streaming chain were causing distortion - thinness - and other issues. After much tweaking upstream before the amp, those same two powers cords are pounding it out like heavyweight champs. YMMV. Why don’t you post a Virtual System? That would offer more opportunity for relevant feedback. Good luck in your quest. |
@mwh777 it is possible that the better/newer power cords are better balanced top to bottom and you are used to the sound of your system with the older Transparent cords. How much time have you given yourself to adjust to new sound to be 100% sure you like it less? |
I have to agree with @audphile1 that the Gen 6 is more balanced. top to bottom, meaning you are probably hearing your amp more clearly. I use Transparent almost exclusively. You can see my systems under my user ID. I have found Transparent to be… well exactly that. And Generation 6 is a significant improvement over 5 and earlier. I spent over a year with my amp (ARC Reference 160) trying to find the right power cord. I felt the Reference Gen 6 power cord was very good, but hesitated for some reason (I felt I needed XL or better). I have Reference on all other components, and they are perfect. I tried all the higher level Cardas… and always too warm… but varied with cost… less warm the more expensive. My dealer finally brought over an Audioquest Hurricane (high current)… that was perfect and only $2+K. So, for me that was the perfect solution. Btw, 2 meters sounds notably better than one. Considering what you have said, here is my opinion: The amp you have is known to be very detailed, neutral and on the analytical side of the spectrum. This is why the older Transprent was appealing… it wasn’t as neutral. So, I am thinking getting a better Transparent may not be what you want. I would recommend you try a Cardas Clear Beyond. I think it will balance your system… giving it a bit of fullness that you will not get otherwise. Find a dealer to lend you one. |
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