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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
tls49's avatar
tls49
1,351 posts
 
but I'm certainly not planning to get a dedicated line for this project.
Dedicated lines should be the first step for power upgrades. Think of it as the power cord to the system from the service panel. Typical house wiring will be 14 gauge wire with many connections as it routes from one inexpensive outlet to the next, then finally gets to the system. Even if you upgrade the outlet at the system, you still have the connections through all the other inexpensive outlets. A dedicated line eliminates this.

Also, does it really make sense that you will achieve full benefit using a 9 gauge heavy duty power cord on the amp, when 14 gauge is feeding your wall outlet. Maybe a 10 gauge dedicated line should be the first step.
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williewonka
3,111 posts
 
Mceljo - for an affordable DIY project try making a power cord from Romex (household wire)

I made up some braided 12 and 10 gauge cable. They performed much better than expected, but they were a little stiff

The braiding rejects RF

They will prove that better power cables improve performance.

Regards
vegasears
1,173 posts
 
DIY cables here except my amps which use the cords that came with them. I purchased the IEC ends from Parts Express, then went to Loews and got various sizes of Carol Cable, 16, 14, 12 and 10 awg. The 16 & 14 awg performed the best in my system. Plus, all the cabling is UL approved!
foster_9
1,638 posts
 
My advice is to forget about Pangea. I've had the AC9 for
years and on every piece I've tried it on, it ended up being
removed and left laying somewhere. For mids and highs it's
barely ok, and for bass a let down. I suggest in your price
range, the Wireworld Stratus which is entry level and less
than $100. You may be able to find one on a 30 day trial,
which for any cable is preferable.
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