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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
cymbop
315 posts
 
I was early in my sound journey when a mentor said to me: Go out and get the cheapest audiophile power cord you can find, and put it on your amp. I was skeptical, but ordered a Pangea AC-7.

As soon I connected it and turned on the system, I thought, "Oh crap, I'm in a lot of trouble. If I can hear this much improvement from a freaking power cord, there is no telling where all this will end." Still very happy with the Pangea stuff.
mceljo OP
1,357 posts
 
Thanks for all the responses. I'm not opposed to a DIY option when the time comes, but I do prefer to try a manufactured product as it seems that there should be some science to it that could be missing when simply mixing and matching from DIY parts, but on the flip side so much of audio is placebo anyways it's sometimes difficult to know what's real and what's contrived.

I don't have dedicated circuits or outlets, the outlet could be an option, but I'm certainly not planning to get a dedicated line for this project. It's simply beyond what I'm willing to spend/do given my happiness with my current setup.

My goal is to affordably dabble in power cords in an effort to see if I can tell any difference in my system. I guess what I should do is visit my local extreme high fi store and see if they would be willing to swap out one of their "small car priced" power cords for a basic one just to prove that it makes an obvious audible difference. It should be obvious in a system like this, right?
lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57
5,418 posts
 
I'll 2nd Pangea for your needs. It is a quality cable and will be a noticeable improvement over a stock PC. They make 2 types; a heavy gauge cable ($59) for amps and the ac-14 for lower current components such as preamps and CDPs. Costs about $30 and it compares well to a $100 PC. (needs a burn-in period).
mt10425
1,138 posts
 
'the outlet could be an option, but I'm certainly not planning to get a dedicated line for this project'. :). You're just dabbling for a little better sound, right? Maybe a better power cord, right? You really don't want to notice an improvement, do you? Because you're happy with your current setup, right? Understand that if you take this step and things get better with just a little dabble, it won't be "a" step, it will be the "first" step. 8^). Enjoy.
williewonka
3,131 posts
 
If I were in your position I would proceed as follows...

First step - replace the outlet
Second step - replace the source power cord
Third step - replace the power amp power cord

Pretty soon you'll be running :-)
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