Cheap tweaks...What would YOU reccomend?

I also had problems with the 10 guage Furutech stranded wire when I used it for a DIY power cord even using Furutech plugs.

THe wire is very stiff and a bit thick on the plastic insulation.

I gave up, went back to 10 guage Romex with better furutech connectors. Nice tight fit.

I guess since I'm one of those less is more types, I have a problem adding spade connectors and solder to a connector.

I've always felt that the sound was less coloured with a direct,clean connection,and that a solderless connection when there can be one(as on my Furutech RCA's)was about as pure as it can get, noyhing between the bare wire and the connectors.

I agree that the connection must be as tight as possible,and that if solder needs to be used it has to be from one of the top aftermarket sources, like many of the silver solders.

I could agree with tining the stranded wires with a small bit of quality solder, but I think I would pass on any type of connector when making up a power cord.

Those little spades ,even when they are copper ,just have to be adding something extra to the sound or taking something away,but that's just my audiphile nervosa.

I don't doubt your claims, and it's always great to learn new stuff.

Lacee - I shared your beliefs until I tried it on my 10 gauge cable and found it improved the sound

I think the trick is to minimize the effect of the solder by ensuring..
1. The spade is a tight fit on the wire
2. Crimp before soldering to make an initial "cold weld"

Maybe all that is needed is a crimp?

I've since tried it on my braided romex and my other furutech and DH Labs cables with the same positive results.

ITS a secret !!

All solder is bad, especially that which you can buy today. Welding would be great were it easy to do.

I'm a beginner audiophile, so I like to try tweaks that are affordable alternatives to more expensive products to see if they work before paying higher prices.

I started using the Diversitech EVA foam anti-vibration pads (similar to isol-pads, isoblocks, etc.) under my components, speakers and other devices to eliminate vibration noises. They work and they are cheap, and there isn't any hocus-pocus marketing to read through because they are made by an industrial supply company. Something to consider if you are looking for some sort of isolation footer. They come in a lot of different sizes. I have a short blog post about them if anyone is interested in reading and sharing their experiences with comparable products...I'm always looking to learn about new tips/tweaks. http://thesoundapprentice.blogspot.com/2013/10/cheap-tweaks-diversitech-eva-anti.html