Transparent Audio power cords

I’d call SMcAudio and see what they recommend given what you’re looking for. 

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.

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. 

I actually don’t agree with this as a long-time owner of an SMcAudio amp, and the DNA 500 was the pinnacle of Steve’s stock creations and was not at all pegged as “analytical” sounding.  If anything it’s probably your Focals that are leaning more to the analytical side of things and necessitating some warmth.  That said, the only thing we know about your system is the amp and speakers so would be most helpful to know what pre and source you’re using because all of this contributes to what you’re hearing.  There could well be another source of what you’re hearing and trying to fix through cables when it could well be another component that could be the source of the issue.  More info is always better in these situations, so please share if you want better/more well-informed recommendations here.