Power cord for Technics SP-10MkII

Since the OEM power cord on the SP10 MkII is naught but standard "zip cord" that is identical to what is found on the typical table lamp, I would imagine there might be some benefit to upgrading it. However, I am a believer that the typical IEC connector, which permits interchangeable power cords, can defeat the purpose of power cord upgrades. So I bought a length of XLO power cord from Michael Percy and just spliced it onto the standard MkII power supply cord, about an inch away from the chassis. Thus the XLO cord is in effect hard-wired to the power transformer. I of course attached a fancy plug to the other end, probably a Hubble. (Don't have my MkII any more, so cannot say for sure.) In truth I have absolutely no idea whether there was any benefit to doing any of this, but it made me feel better.

05-11-12: Lewm
Since the OEM power cord on the SP10 MkII is naught but standard "zip cord" that is identical to what is found on the typical table lamp, I would imagine there might be some benefit to upgrading it. However, I am a believer that the typical IEC connector, which permits interchangeable power cords, can defeat the purpose of power cord upgrades. So I bought a length of XLO power cord from Michael Percy and just spliced it onto the standard MkII power supply cord, about an inch away from the chassis. Thus the XLO cord is in effect hard-wired to the power transformer. I of course attached a fancy plug to the other end, probably a Hubble. (Don't have my MkII any more, so cannot say for sure.) In truth I have absolutely no idea whether there was any benefit to doing any of this, but it made me feel better.

Seems to me that splicing the XLO onto the captive PC would be worse than using an IEC connector. But hey, what do I know.

These turntables use so little power (26W max I think), that power cord sizing is irrelavent, even through IEC connectors. Its only drawing about 200 mA, after all. Shielding on the power cord might be helpful, which is one feature available on some upgraded power cords

I've always been of the opinion that this is one of the last places to spend money on a fancy power cord. As long as juice is flowing and the power supply is keeping accurate speed what's the difference? Having said that, I must admit I've never tried a $2000 power cord on an SP-10. I know Albert is of a different opinion and he has tried it.

I'll just try one of my DCCA PCs on it. I thought there are owners out there, who actually tried it. Again, I don't expect to hear much of a difference, but then again, there were times, when I didn't believe PC could make a difference, and was proved wrong, of course.
BTW, Sonofjim, where did you get that plexiglass caver for the SP 10?
I have exactly the same tonearm- SME 312S magnesium, and Dynavector XV-1S.
Another question for you- have you try Dynavector on SME?,
I understand, you using Airtight on it. I'm having trouble setting up with the Mint Tractor

Dear Tpreaves, Explain please. An IEC connector, both the male and female parts, is made of fairly cheap low grade conductor and relies on a weak frictional contact. Why would that be superior to silver solder and an inch of zip cord connected directly to the transformer primary? I admit that it would have been better to delete the zip cord entirely and solder the XLO directly to the transformer primary, but that would have required me to butcher the PS chassis in order to admit the (much thicker) XLO. It surprises me that thinking humans with money will buy a $1000-power cord and then rely on an off-the-shelf industry-grade IEC connector, in fact.

Hi everyone,

I'm quite new in the Technics SP-10 mkII league. My PSU has been upgraded by my audio technician and I received it 3 weeks ago. I ask him to place an IEC plug on the PSU, mostly for practical reason. It is now a Shunyata Venom 3 that goes from the PSU to the power bar but I haven't notice any difference in the sound from that conversion.

I also ask Paul, a specialist in analogue reproduction who works in a respected store here in Montreal. He has an SME 10 and tried is PSU with many different power cord and never encounter a significant upgrade by doing that.

Have a good day,

Sébastien

Maril555,
The cover in my system picture was made by a guy named Norm at Stereo Squares. Supply him with your dimensions and the points for cutouts at the back.
I have not tried a Dynavector on the 312s. I love the SME arm but the big problem of course is the lack of slots in the headshell. To use the Mint, it has to be designed specifically for the stylus to mounting hole distance for each cartridge. You'll have to get a different Mint for each cartridge you use on that arm. Alternatively, you could use a universal tractor such as the Wally (good luck on that one) or the Fiekert. I've gone down the Wally path. Fiekert is way more of a sure thing.

what a waste of money, wow.

Power cords, reallly?