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Will an after market PC improve the sound of CDP??

There is a cable component that some of us may take for granted That is, 'AFTERMARKET" power cords. The issue is to what degree they may influence the sound of a component they are used with.

I use a Shunyata "Diamondback" PC with my Rega Apollo player. I may have compared this PC with the standard PC supplied with the Apollo a few times and discerned some improvement, but not enough to run out to "recable" what components I had at the time

Therefore, are there some aftermarket PC's that offer a noticeable improvement in the sound quality of a CDP?? I realize that with IC's, compatibility with a particular component is a matter of time consuming trial and error. However, is the degree of improvement with an aftermarket PC be as noticeable as with IC's, and require as much trial and error??
sunnyjim
lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57
5,417 posts
 
IMO, a good PC is every bit as noticeable as changing ICs. But aftermarket PC's can also be component dependent. Did you try using the Shunyata with a different component, although I doubt that particular cable would be very noticeable on an amp.

PCs are trial and error tweaks, also there are cables built for high current such as amps and some are for low current components.
I'm taking advantage of Audio Advisor's 30 day trial period to check out some PCs, the latest being the Pangea AC-14XL. It's a great performer, but it's sounding better on my CDP than on my preamp. I also have a $400 Audience PC and it has taken my system to a higher level.

I say keep looking, when you find the right PC it may blow you away.
foster_9
1,638 posts
 
However, is the degree of improvement with an aftermarket PC be as noticeable as with IC's, and require as much trial and error??

PC's require as much trial and error as IC's. There are no easy answer to your questions. Any aftermarket PC can improve the sound of your CDP and also negatively impact the sound too. You have to do the listening trials.
sunnyjim OP
927 posts
 
To Lowrider, I did try the Shunyata on my new Rogue hybrid integrated, with little to no discernible improvement. The Shuyaya's IEC plug is a plastic piece of crap and often gets loose and falls out of the back of the Apollo

Interestingly, a few years back, I bought an Acoustic Zen Tsumani Plus PC that was recommended by a TAS reviewer who claimed it provided better overall sound. I tried it once or twice on the Rega CDP, and concluded it better served my pre-amp at the time, and now my integrated as their PC. I could hear a much better presentation. The Shunyata worked poorly with my previous separates and integrated amps
lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57
5,417 posts
 
Yeah, that Diamondback will never help the amp, it's also a budget cable in the Shunyata line.
For your CDP, the Pangea line is so inexpensive and so much better than stock it's worth trying.

http://www.audioadvisor.com/Pangea-Audio-AC-14SE-Signature-Power-Cable/productinfo/PGAC14SE/2094/#.Uzozsscngt4

There's also the AC-14XL for $150 with 30 day trial. Also try looking in the archives to see what others are using.
If your Rogue cable is anything like mine, it's piss poor with no bass extension. I'm also in the middle of a PC upgrade and have been doing shoot-outs with several cables.
bander's avatar
bander
504 posts
 
Give a Triode Wire Lab cord a try. Pete offers a trial period for home audition.
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