2 prong power cable

Wait, is this using an IEC type of socket, or is it using the itty bitty oval shaped socket, about 3/4" wide and 1/4" tall?

http://us.marantz.com/us/products/pages/ProductDetails.aspx?CatId=referenceseries&ProductId=PM11...

Any Audiophile power cord will fit and work safely. The Marantz sound will respond to different power cord manufacturers.

David Pritchard

+1

almarg said:

Are the two prongs on the original cord identical in size? If so the first thing I would try is reversing which prong is inserted into which slot in the outlet.

Al,

 The 2 blade male plug is polarized. 

Assuming the OP lives in the US or Canada. His profile Country is n/a.

Hi Al,

I couldn’t tell by looking at the photo either, from the link you provided.

As for the US where a polarized plug is required I am not sure where to look to find the exact requirements. It seems where they are not required are things likes wall warts and plug in adapters. Just a quick look in our homes, modern 120v two wire plugs are polarized.

Here is the owners manual for the Marantz PM11S3. Note #9 in the "Important Safety Instructions"

http://m.us.marantz.com/DocumentMaster/US/PM11S3U_ENG_UG_v00.pdf

Jim

mewsickbuff Said:

The opposite end has 2 blades, 1 narrow, 1 wide. So I’m gathering from Note #9 in the Important Safety instructions that the wide blade makes the PC a polarized plug and is safe.

Yes, the plug is polarized.

So how would an upgraded cord that has 3 openings for 3 blades be safe to use with the 2 bladed Marantz? What happens to the wiring that is supposed to go with that missing 3rd blade?

The 3 wire plug is also polarized. It will only plug in to a receptacle one way. proper AC polarity is maintained.

As for the safety equipment grounding wire in the power cord it will not be used because the Marantz doesn’t use an equipment ground. It will still connect to the wall receptacle equipment ground by the round ground pin on the 3 wire plug. There is no safety issue with that at all. None....

I have two pieces of Marantz HT equipment that I am using aftermarket 3 wire power cords on. There isn’t any safety issues at all.

Before you go out and buy a new power cord see if you can borrow first. From my experience with Marantz equipment a power cord will change the sound of the equipment. Sometimes for the better, sometimes for the worse.

You said:

"I’d like to replace the stock cable for one that will help with imaging and a nudge toward neutrality since the Marantz tends a teeny bit toward warmth."

JMHO, you will not want a shielded power cord.

I would also make sure the wire gauge of the power cord is at least #12awg.

The writing along the PC says "(UL) SVT E159216 VW-1 300V 60 degrees C 2x18AWG." I’m no electrician so not quite sure what all that means.

2x18awg x 5 1/2ft long. That’s pretty small wire for a 100 watt per channel amp, imo.

You can change the sound quality of the amp just by using a power cord with bigger wire.

Something else that will change the sound of the Marantz amp is the wall receptacle you plug the amp into. What are you using now? You can also change the sound of the amp by installing a 20 amp dedicated branch circuit.

Does the AudioQuest NRG-X2 2-Pole AC power cable improve the sound at all? If not, I think I’ll just stick with what came in the box.

http://www.audioquest.com/power-cables/nrg-x2

TERMINATIONS: 2-Pole wall plug to IEC C–7 or C–17

The stock 18 gauge wire power cable that came with the amp is garbage.

Practically any non shielded 12 gauge wire power cord will blow it away.