ARC Ref 3 Power Cord


Hi, I was wondering if anyone has replace the stock power cord for the Arc Ref 3 with some other power cord and has found it to improve the preamps performance? I have replaced the power cords on most of my other components and I am thinking of doing the same with the Ref 3. If so, is there anything good out there without spending an arm and a leg on?
tlg

Showing 3 responses by audioesq

I use the Purist 20th Anniversary Contego Power Cord. I have compared it against the Stealth Dream, the Shunyata Anaconda Alpha Helix and the stock AR cord. My amps are the Lamm Ref 1.2 monoblocks. In my system, the Purist is a slight flavor improvement against the Stealth and Shunyata, and a significant across-the-board improvement against the stock cord. If you are using a Ref 3, you owe it to yourself to audition as many PC's as possible. These PC's are not cheap, but do make a difference. Just my opinion.
Zargon,
I will attempt to answer your question.
I have eight dedicated 20 amp circuits in my main listening room. These are run from an isolated subpanel. My Ref3 is connected to its own dedicated 20 amp circuit. After running the Ref3 for about 650 hours, I compared the Purist, Stealth, Shunyata and stock power cords. All power cords were previously broken in with about 250 hours of current. Compared with the stock cord, the other cords were significantly better. As for the Purist, it allows the Ref3 to shine, with greater upper and lower frequency extension (about 1/4 octave, according to my sweep tone disc and my Rat Shack sound level meter), much purer tonality, much greater clarity, somewhat greater space between instruments and air, a sweeter yet more detailed presentation, a much darker (quieter) background, and overall more relaxed experience.
I have used these aftermarket power cords both with and without the benefit of dedicated circuits. Aftermarket power cords used without dedicated circuits offer greater overall benefit, but even with dedicated circuits are a significant step up from stock Audio Research power cords.
Your geographic location and power grid anomalies also affect the benefit of aftermarket power cords.
Zargon,

Best of luck in your auditions. One thing I have learned over the past 30+ years in this hobby/addiction---there are NO absolutes---everything affects everything!!