Power cord connectors


Do they matter and if so how much do they matter in the ratio of the cable itself ??

I have Cardas Golden power cords with various connectors.

BAT VK-5
BAT VK-60
Ayon Audio CD-1
slikric3000
Do they matter and if so how much do they matter in the ratio of the cable itself ??

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Speaking of the importance of connectors should include the option of their exclusion as well(at least as a principle reminder), insofar this is practical - something many seem to overlook, and not always for practical reasons.. I know stripping ones audio components of their power sockets(or connectors in general) to give room for hardwiring isn't what most would do, for several reasons(electrical safety regulations to be one of them, I gather), but think about it; when speaking of connectors their speculated/reported importance into sound influence often clouds the fact the they are simply mere assets of convenience and practicality - and, strictly speaking, are therefore unwanted - and so are less likely to be thought of in terms of their negation. Gadget-obsession perhaps, to put it differently. It's not that I question some importance of and sonic difference between connectors, which I understand your inquiry into, but simply, where this would be possible and practical in your case, to invest the thought into excluding the connectors and instead using screw terminals or similar for direct connection between cables. My powerstrip is configured this way, without connectors, meaning the one end of my power cords are connector-less.
I have heard of Pangea and are on the same $$$ platform + / - as the Monster Cable Powerline 200 that I have. The Monster Cable choked the life out of my preamp on a major scale although it seemed to work pretty good when I had SS.
Different plugs can change the sound of a given power cord quite significantly. I ditched the stock cheapo Wattgates on power cords from Sunny Cables (P600) and Cerious Technology in favor of Oyaide 046 male plugs and IeGO 8085 female plugs (gold plated). Both cords opened up quite a bit with greater detail, better focus, and a wider, deeper soundstage. The top end also had more air. After hearing the improvements with the better plugs, I couldn't possibly go back to the stock plugs.

Currently, I don't use manufactured power cords. I've made my own using wire from Mundorf and some heavy gauge solid core silver plated copper. I still like the Oyaide 046 plugs but find the IeGO 8095 to be tops for detail while taking the edge off. This is a fantastic plug. You can find the IeGO stuff at acoustic-fun(dot)com and I highly recommend the 8095 (rhodium over solid silver). Their 8075 (rhodium over copper) is also very good but looses a bit of detail compared to the 8095 but is about half the price. I no longer use their gold plated plugs (or any gold plated plugs) as they loose top end air and bottom octave detail compared to the other plugs mentioned.

All in all, if you find a power cord you like but find something lacking, you can take its performance up a notch or two by upgrading plugs though you might very well change its entire sonic character by changing the plugs as well. My advice is to purchase a few plugs and experiment. Its kinda horrifying to chop up an expensive power cord but the likely improvements are well worth it in my experience. Good luck!