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Power Cables which take the soundstage back

Hello,
I have almost always focused on ICs and Spk Cables...but I always knew that Power chords also make a good difference. This is the first time I am venturing seriously into power chords. I am not looking for anything fancy. Primarily I see power chords should be doing the following:

a) Clean up the background noise (because of better shielding etc) which a stock chord would not be doing a good job at.

b) Provide good current capabilities which enables to make music denser, tones get more body and especially bass gets meatier and tighter (the last one normally happens more often)

These are primarily two things I am looking at.
I have tried some power chords in the near past and I have observed one common pattern:

1. Power chords which tighten up the bass (in comparison to stock chords) also bring the images a bit forward.

2. Some Power chords do a good job of taking the soundstage further back...I dont know how and why but I have seen it happening. Some of them end up presenting a bit loose bass in the process (only some of them)

So, for me at this point, a power chord which can take the soundstage back (without introducing anomalies like loose bass) would be a wonderful addition. Thats a very critical requirement for me. I am sure you guys would have experienced power chords which do such things. I am not intending to shell out more than $200 (new or used) at this point. Kindly suggest.
pani
russe41
95 posts
 
All I can say about higher priced cords is to take apart high end amps,preamps and cd players and look to see what they wire with ( From male IEC through fuse to transformer)? If silver wire and the like can improve the sound, it seems to me it's alot cheaper to use this method to make their equipment sound great than to pay designers and engineers to develop great sounding circuit design(tube or solid state, we'll just use silver or another magical material
and save money in manufacturing = more profit. If that worked, they would all do it.
Interesting read nomatter which way you lean http://www.roger-russell.com/wire/wire.htm
macdadtexas
1,794 posts
 
Lissnr, I've done that test. I have bought several very expensive power cords to try with my amps, preamp and soucrces, and there was no apprciable improvement over the first level of cords I had bought. None at all. So about $2000 worth of cables replacing my modest cables, and no improvement at all.

I put the Signal Cable cords back into play, sold the other power cords and I was very happy. Were the signal cables an improvment over the stock cords? Yes they were, but after getting a dedicated line put in, with a PS Audio Soloist wall socket, PS Audio Duet conditioner for my amps, and an APC S15 for all the other gear, my power situation is great. All I needed was a conduit to get to those nicely designed circuits.

I once again contend that I have never heard any super high end power cord that made much if any difference over the first level of after market cords. Clean the power first, as everyone does, then get it to the very nicely designed circuits.

Avoid the MAGIC cords.
richard_stacy
686 posts
 
with all due respect guys, it is wrong to blanket state anyone should just discount completely experimenting with cords. it is very clear that many have found significant gains from using them (as i have). sharing your experience seems appropriate but out right telling someone to stay away from them is not. it is very possible that they would benefit from them, it is also possible that they will not. i do not understand how someone wouldn't have the same positive experience that i did but that does not mean it doesn't happen!
vandermeulen
191 posts
 
Richard, flat out telling someone an opinion is...an opinion. It doesnt matter if its for or against or neutral. As long as no one put anyone down BECUASE of their opinion...then its all fair in philia (audio) and war.
lissnr
365 posts
 
Macdadtexas, Thanks for the reply, it's funny you should mention Signal Cable, as that's the first aftermarket brand I recommend for most people as they make their first move away from stock cords. Frank is great to work with and makes a great sounding/value for your money cable. I have used his cables for years and am still using both his digital pc and a REL speakon cable he custom built for me. I've moved along with some other power amp cables but never too highly priced...it sounds like you've moved further up that ladder than I did ($750 or so retail was the highest I've ever been and most of my cables are about half that). The main point I was trying to make obviously was that there is a lot of room for improvement over stock cords and depending on your system , (and the aforementioned law of diminishing returns) incremental improvements can be had as you increase the $$$'s spent. Bang for your buck though will always be seen most evidently from the initial move away from stock into a reputable, well made aftermarket cable that fits your application.
BTW, your 3.6's look great in black, I started with Maggies (2B's and 3A's) and still miss them in many ways. So, you're lovin that new Bryston DAC huh? Good for you.Enjoy.
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