2. misc-audio
  3. 1025542941

Power Cable or Power Conditioner?

Right now I am running a AES Signature SuperAmp and AE3 preamp with a Cary 303 100 CDP through B&W CDM7nts. They are all plugged into a 'Tripplite' power conditioner/surge protector. Right now Im not sure if I should start replacing power cables (if so which ones first) or get a new power conditioner. Ideally I would get a mid level Monster Conditioner or if I really stretch a used PS Audio PS-300. (not sure if I can afford this) I would like to spend under 500$ for a conditioner (any suggestions) and I would absolutly refuse to spend more than 100$ on a power cable. (anyone have thoughts on Blue Circle Power Cables they seem reasonably priced and well made?) Long story short..HELP! Someone steer me in the right direction!
squiddy
swklein
136 posts
 
I agree with the poster above-- unless you've tried it, you wouldn't believe what good after-market cables can do for you. They make they greatest difference on the front end, I and others have found, and I heartily recommend trying some of the Shunyata line, which sound absolutely splendid. The Sidewinder or Sidewinder Gold can be found on Audiogon if you're patient for around $200-225 each; the Black Mamba is better (warm and richer) for a CD player, by runs used around $400-425.
marakanetz's avatar
marakanetz
5,473 posts
 
if you completely trust your wall internal wiring you can be ok without power conditioner.
power cord in many cases turns out to be more critical component than interconnects.
stehno
1,453 posts
 
You might consider getting rid of your power cords altogether and purchase in-line power conditioners for each component.

A good or better power conditioner will almost always will provide better soundstaging, sibilants, and lowered noise-floor over a good or better rated power cord.

I'm using Foundation Research LC-2 and LC-1 in-line power conditioners. They are very good at what they do but are hard to find.

-IMO
auaarons
94 posts
 
I also used a good quality Tripp-Lite surge protector/noise filter and Transparent PowerLink Plus from the Tripp-Lite to the Creek 5350SE Integrated amp. Compared to a stock power cord, the Transparent with the filter networks took out some of the hardness in the sound, brought out more of the harmonics and increased the transparency - worth every $120 of the price.

I bought a Monster Cable HTS-2500 2 months ago to replace the Tripp-Lite and that made a even more worthwile improvement. Now the harmonic structure is even better, the transparency is greatly increased, the images are better focused, the upper and midbass are fuller with more impact and the sound is more naturally sweet. The improvement in musicality is easily perceived.

The Monster Power Center HTS-2500 brought a more worthwhile performance improvement than the powercord. You can find a good used HTS-2500 on Audiogon for about $150.00. Hope my experience helps you.
9rw's avatar
9rw
318 posts
 
In my previous post, I meant the Monster Cable HTS 1000. Anyway, happy listening.
More to discover