2. misc-audio
  3. 124279-1525

Has there been any inexpensive item that enhanced your system's sound?

For me it was an inexpensive power cord that was laying around for years, a Pangea AC9.  I have it connected to my Yamaha A S2000.  I've tried the stock cord on the Yamaha and then some of my other cords, (Wireworld, VH Flavor 4, Acronlink/Oyaide custom cord and a MAC). I've had lots of amps and integrated amps over the years, and this is the first time the Pangea contributed to making better sound. It surprised me because I had tossed it aside and forgot about it.  Power cord performance is such a crap-shoot and dependent on so many other variables in the audio chain.  Any inexpensive item you've come across that enhanced your system's sound? 
foster_9

Showing 2 responses by knghifi

knghifi
1,668 posts
 
Besides replacing AC outlets with Maestro and now Furutech GTX-D R, High Fidelity MC-0.5 and SR BLACK fuses, I find covering unused RCA and XLR connectors yields a nice improvement.   Most noticeable is reduce HF glare and harshness ... quieter overall.

I use both Cardas and AQ caps.  AQ is less expensive and I don't hear a difference. 
knghifi
1,668 posts
 
rockadanny936 posts05-04-2016 2:54pmknghifi , foster_9, and others who've replaced their outlets ... before switching out your old one did you first clean their contact areas and plug blades too and then listen? And only then replace with a different brand to compare? I sometimes wonder how many cable/wire/IC/outlet swappers are comparing old dirty/oxidized contacts with new clean contacts vs. finding a better sounding piece.

No I didn't clean ...  My house is new construction and builder grade outlets are in housings so clean and has not oxidized.
More to discover