2. cables
  3. 1386100210

Power Cords: A Skeptic Looking to Dabble...

Even though I am generally a skeptic when it comes to a lot of audiophile related things, I am curious enough to consider dabbling a bit in the coming months.

Here's my current system for reference:

(1) APC H15 Power Conditioner
(2) Pioneer Elite PD-D6-J SACD player
(3) Blue Jeans Cable LC-1 interconnect (6 feet)
(4) Yaqin MC-30L integrated amplifier (EL34 tube)
(5) Blue Jeans Cable Belden 5000 Series 10 AWG 5T00UP (7 feet)
(6) Focal 836v speakers

The SACD player and amplifier are plugged into the power conditioner (used primarily for surge protection) and all equipment is using the stock cords. The power cord on the power conditioner is a beast compared to everything else in the system.

I would be looking for recommendations new or used in the sub-$150 price range.

Is it reasonable to assume that a power cord could make a difference in my system at this price point? If so, which ones should I be considering? Also, please provide any reasoning and experience that you have with any recommendation.
mceljo
brownsfan
1,508 posts
 
Jmcgrogan's comments are absolutely spot on. I will add the following. It has been my experience that the PC's that will make a clear difference (improvement) start at about $600 new, #300 used. I have had very good success with VH audio AirSines, Voodoo Cable (various models) and an Audience e. The funny thing is, its not terribly predictable. The Audience e was a really good PC for my ModWright Sony CD player, but was nothing spectacular on anything else. The AirSines were great on my Cary amps and Audio Magic Mini Ref power conditioner, but was not a good choice at all for my coincident pre amp. I have also used Signal Cable PCs and they are much better than 16 gauge lamp cord for sure, but really don't match up well against the other cords I have mentioned.

My suggestion would be buy one used VH audio Airsine used, rotate it through your system to see if you can tell a difference. If you can't don't go any further and resell the AirSine.
tbromgard
814 posts
 
I would recommend plugging your amp directly into the wall. As for PCs, I like Anticables new ones and Shunyada Venom 3
ebm
9,311 posts
 
Stealth power cords try V12.
gshepardbuster's avatar
gshepardbuster
620 posts
 
At $150 and under I will second the Shunyata Venom 3. The Venoms are easy to find used and sell easily if you don't like them. I also agree that plugging your amp into the wall is better. If you don't have dedicated lines I would look into getting one for your amp and another for everthing else. In my case this was some of the best money spent so far.
williewonka
3,131 posts
 
Mceljo - are you handy? Can you strip wire and screw on iec/mains connectors?

If you can do these relatively simple things you can make your own from bulk cable.

DH Labs makes great power cable....
- Encore for source
- Power Plus for pre/amp

Although my favourite is Furutech.

Silver plated copper Sonar Quest Connectors I have found to be very cost effective and can be purchased on eBay for $30 a pair - I use these on all my cables and they work extremely well.

There are sites on the web that can show you how to wire the connectors

How effective power cables will be depends on many factors, but I have found that ensuring the power cables are good quality will allow other changes to be more easily noticed and is an excellent place to start.

BTW - I have a Pioneer Elite DVD that I upgraded the power cord on using the DH Labs Encore and it made a noticeable difference

Do you have a dedicated power line?
Do you have quality outlets installed?

You'll probably get more noticeable results if you tackle these two things first. At least replace the outlets.

The outlets I use are Pass and Seymour MRI grade outlets - grip like a vice
- see Take Five Audio for these
- there are many other brands that do a great job

Does the power conditioner have a hard wired cable?

Just another option
More to discover