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DVD PLAYER UPGRADE TIP

When I bought my first DVD player I couldn't understand why it had a flimsy 2 prong removable power cord.
I asked around and the only solution was to have a modification done. This would have voided my warranty and would not be worth it, considering the rate at which I have changed DVD players. I also use my DVD player for analogue CD playback, so any improvent in sound quality is very important to me. I sent an email to Jim Wang of Harmonic Technology for advice on a different matter, and he mentioned that I might want to try his new 2 pin to IEC adapter. I ordered it, and at sixty dollars it solved my power cord dilemma. It uses the same single crystal materials as their other products and allows you to use any after market power cord you like. I tried the adapter with 3 different power cords: first, a Synergistic Research Master Coupler, then a Transparent Audio PC, then the Harmonic Tech Pro AC-11. There were significant improvements with all three cables, but the H. Tech cable worked best in my system. The Transparent was second, even though it cost 10 times as much! I gained a more detailed and transparent sound, more clearly defined pitch in the bass, and the musicians seemed to be two feet taller in my previously underwhelming soundstage. And lately, I seem to be enjoying watching movies without noticing any flaws. The color is a bit more natural. I thought to pass this on to the Audiogon members, as it could go a long way to improving their DVD experience. Just for the record, I am not associated with Harmonic Technology, only a satisfied customer. Jim sent me this list of companies that carry the adapter:
The Cable Company
Ambrosia Audio Video
Evolution Audio and Video
Digital Domain
Home Theater By Design
Signature Audio Ltd.
Advanced Home Theater Systems
The Sound Exchange
Audio Artisan
AudioNut.com
Hope this is helpful. Good listening and viewing to all, and to all a good day!
bmpnyc
bmpnyc OP
713 posts
 
To be a little more specific about the change in video quality, I recently set up the DVD input section of my Toshiba 40X81 HDPTV with significantly lower contrast and brightness settings. Now I get really deep blacks, yet I can see as much detail (or more) than ever before.
Nothing else changed except the power cord and the H.Tech adapter.
monsterbill
7 posts
 
Thanks bmpnyc! Does anyone know of any other (cheaper) 2 pin to IEC adapters, or is Harmon Tech the only game in town?
bmpnyc OP
713 posts
 
Monsterbill, as far as I know, this is it. Sooner or later i'm sure there will be others, but if you are bothering to change power cords in the first place you might as well use a good quality adapter.
hdm
1,072 posts
 
I also use this adapter (also use my DVD player for both video and audio) and highly recommend it. I use a Cardas Golden power cord (which cost almost as much as my DVD player) into the adapter into my player, but was impressed to note that the HT adapter clearly allowed the differences of different power cords to be heard. I used a DIY cord, a Blue Circle cord and the Cardas and the differences were clearly audible through the adapter. I paid $45 and if anyone wants to e-mail me, I'm happy to direct them to the source. To the best of my knowledge, there's no cheaper adapter of its type available (there are more expensive apparently). I posted a review of the adapter at Audioasylum.
rcprince
3,080 posts
 
A fellow member of the NJ Audio Society made up some of these for me a while ago, as my crossovers and Meitner Amps have captive power cords. Using both his own power cords and the more expensive, all-out Full Spectrum cords, it made a big difference for the crossovers (which had a thin, lampcord type power cord), less so for the Meitners. Put one with my DVD player, and substantial sonic improvement, even though I only use that player as a transport. Also tried it out on my son's Marantz CD63, tremendous improvement. Think the cost was similar, maybe a bit less (bought some other items at the time as well, so the price was lumped together), although I'm not sure if he makes these adaptors normally. Ideally, you'd like to replace the existing cord with a hard-wired cord of your choice (though then you lose the fun of upgrades!), and it's probably not as good sonically as a straight IEC connection with your component, but certainly worthwhile in a situation such as bmpnyc's or mine, in my view.
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