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Upgraded power cords or high end conditioner next?

Hi everyone,

I need advice on what will give me the biggest improvement for my next upgrade - power cords or a high end power conditioner?

My current living situation is a rental apartment, so unfortunately I cannot do anything like having a dedicated line for my system.

I already have upgraded power cords for my Manley Shrimp preamp and my CDP, but my Manley monoblocks (retubed with NOS :)) are just using the stock cables for now. The Shrimp and the CDP are plugged into a PS Audio High Current Ultimate Outlet and the monoblocks are plugged strait into the wall.

So I was thinking my next upgrade is either upgraded power cords for the monoblocks or an upgraded conditioner (passive - like a Shunyata Hyrda or a Running Springs unit that I could plug my CDP, pre and monoblocks into). Which one will give me the bigger improvement? My budget for the power cords would be maybe $500 each (used - so say $750 each new). What cords would you recommend in that price range? Also, the cords on my CDP and pre are both Lat International MK2 (budget PCs). Should I put my best PCs on the source/pre or the amps?

Thanks,

Ed
latinsamba1
lak's avatar
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lak
4,643 posts
 
What Maich says is true and I agree. There have been many posts regarding this. One of the best bang for the bucks IMO. Or one can come out of a 120V outlet into an isolation transformer and modify the other end with an outlet and plug into the isolation transformer. Only problem is the isolation transformer hums at about 60db and gives off some heat.
maich
37 posts
 
Yes, slight hum and heat. If necessary, account for that, but this upgrade will give your sound such solidity and physical presence, the conditioner will never be heard, especially in the right locale. I could have opted to keep mine outside in the laundry room area, but actually chose to have two of them operational right under my equipment rack. I can hear them both if I pay attention before turning anything else on -- just makes me smile knowing how they REVOLUTIONIZED my sound!
dennis_the_menace's avatar
dennis_the_menace
467 posts
 
one thought is an exactpower unit. will reduce grunge and help regulate overall power. if i didn't have dedicated lines, i'd be using one of these.
dave_b's avatar
dave_b
3,159 posts
 
Get a Transparent MM power cord (s) and you will transported to another plane of audio excellence....most of your line noise problems will be addressed as well!
psacanli
535 posts
 
Just checking back in. Any money you're thinking of spending on outlets s/b put into a better conditioner for your front end. Outlet tweaks/upgrades cannot compare to a Hydra you're considering. With limited budget concentrate on your best front end condioning. It wll give you 'much' more 'bang for the buck than dedicated lines or power cords imho. Good luck.
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