I spoke with someone representing the Absolute cord, but didn't like some things I heard...particularly about them not grounding through the 3rd pin, but instead expecting all emergency grounding to be routed through the rest of your equipment. Though the person claimed it doesn't matter, this isn't a very direct means, offers more resistance, and could potentially harm the rest of your equipment. I believe UL states in its guidelines that the wire to ground be at least as heavy as the wire to blades.
It's true that many components using a three pin plug can get by without it, and that an excess of these can create ground loop problems, but in terms of ulitimate safety with equipment that should have its own ground connection, it seems a potentially hazarous idea.
I was looking around at the virtualdynamics.ca site, and the Power 3 cord they are offering for just $57.50 including shipping on Audiogon seems like it would be very hard to beat in that price range. I ordered one to try, as even though I'm a dealer, I have a use for some good inexpensive cords, and even at dealer cost that is a price point I do not carry. They offer a trial period, so it's hard to lose.
Regards,
Jeff Delman
www.value-audio.com
