I think I have a handle on the difference of the levels of power cords. If ya read enough, it eventually sinks in.
Synergistic Research AC Master Coupler on all Components including Subs Over-Kill
I've done' a bit of reading on power cables. One cable that keeps coming up in discussions is the
Synergistic Research AC Master Coupler.
Also, I read Nordost's Foundation Theory paper. https://www.nordost.com/dealer%20downloads/FoundationTheory.pdf
In this paper's information they state, "Consistency is King!" It goes on to read, "Use the same power cords to feed all the key components in the system. Once you have an audiophile cord between the wall and your distribution block, make sure that any further cords are of the same type or, at the very least use the same technology and materials. This usually means employing AC cords from a single manufacturer."
Millercarbon often suggests the- Synergistic Research AC Master Coupler. I've done enough research that with patience, I can purchase this cable around the $250 - 350 range.
A couple of questions:
1. Would it be "overkill" purchasing Synergistic Research AC Master Coupler for all of my six components that can use an upgraded power cord (my DAC is vintage and has a fixed power cord). If helpful the component are:- IsoTek EVO3 Aquarius power conditioner
- Primaluna integrated tube amp.
- VPI Classic Signature TT- Manley Chinook Phone Stage
- two Rel S/3 subwoofers
2. Is the suggestion of employing power cords of the same type and from the same manufacturer hold any water among the folks here at Audiogon?
3. Could the Rel S/3 be plugged into the medium power outlets of the my Power Conditioner? Those medium-current outlets deliver 1,150W continuous power. I gotta think the answer is yes, but I gotta ask! The sub's manual states it draws 22 watts at idle. I have no clue what current they draw at my listening levels. Not terribly loud.
Thanks!
Also, I read Nordost's Foundation Theory paper. https://www.nordost.com/dealer%20downloads/FoundationTheory.pdf
In this paper's information they state, "Consistency is King!" It goes on to read, "Use the same power cords to feed all the key components in the system. Once you have an audiophile cord between the wall and your distribution block, make sure that any further cords are of the same type or, at the very least use the same technology and materials. This usually means employing AC cords from a single manufacturer."
Millercarbon often suggests the- Synergistic Research AC Master Coupler. I've done enough research that with patience, I can purchase this cable around the $250 - 350 range.
A couple of questions:
1. Would it be "overkill" purchasing Synergistic Research AC Master Coupler for all of my six components that can use an upgraded power cord (my DAC is vintage and has a fixed power cord). If helpful the component are:- IsoTek EVO3 Aquarius power conditioner
- Primaluna integrated tube amp.
- VPI Classic Signature TT- Manley Chinook Phone Stage
- two Rel S/3 subwoofers
2. Is the suggestion of employing power cords of the same type and from the same manufacturer hold any water among the folks here at Audiogon?
3. Could the Rel S/3 be plugged into the medium power outlets of the my Power Conditioner? Those medium-current outlets deliver 1,150W continuous power. I gotta think the answer is yes, but I gotta ask! The sub's manual states it draws 22 watts at idle. I have no clue what current they draw at my listening levels. Not terribly loud.
Thanks!
Showing 9 responses by malatu
I've immersed my self with reading and learning about power cords and talking with folks at SR and The Cable Company. And of course, thanks to all the help from members here! Cheers to you all! For now I need to step back to let things settle in before I pull any triggers. This process started with the consideration of purchasing used SR Power Couplers for $200. As usual, things have changed. At this point, I'm going to take advantage of The Cable Stores borrowing programs. It was suggested by the rep at SR to borrow a power conditioner from them (it comes with the Atmosphere Level 2 Power Cord) and experiment with the three components; the Atmosphere power cord with existing components, and the SR conditioner/Atmospher PC and discover their impact on the system. (I think I've read this basic suggestion here on the forum a hundred times! I may be slow, but I ain't stupid! HA!). In addition, The Cable Company will take my IsoTek conditioner in on trade (I'm waiting on the trade value from them). Options are good to have. So it's going to cost me $150 in rental fee plus shipping and handling to demo the equipment for approximately 7 days! If I decide to purchase it or something else from them, they will apply that $150 to the purchase price to that item. Maybe I'll demo a number of cords! Worst case scenario: If i do nothing, it'll cost me $150 to have the opportunity to hear for myself what these pieces of equipment can do for my system, thus allowing me make an informed decision. That's worth every penny when dealing with this kind of money. Cheers and again, thanks for listening! |
Update: I'm planning to trade in my Isotek evo3 power conditioner for a used Synergistic Research PowerCell 12 S. It come with an Atmosphere Level 3 power cord. Hopefully, this will be my "forever" power conditioner and cord. It arrives tomorrow for a 30 day trial. From what I've read and been told, it will be a substantial upgrade. I certainly hope so! I'll report back. |
Took delivery of the used Synergistic Research Power UEF S Power Cell. As mentioned, it comes bundled with the Atmosphere Level 3 power cord. I started out looking at some entry level Master Couplers and ended up getting this rig. I spent a bit more than I anticipated or wanted to, but I don't regret it. I still have all the stock cords on all my components. The only upgrade is the new power supply and it's power cord. The transformation is significant, particular in the lower octaves! I didn't know it could be so full and rich with sound! |
Thanks for the suggestions. Now I’m considering bucking up into the $600 - 1000 range (and that’s pushing it) for "not so entry level" power cord for the wall receptacle to the power conditioner and then add on with the "entry level cords: per se’. My first thought is that I’d get more bang for the buck going used but are the newer models significantly better then older that would warrant consideration with the budget of $600 - $1,000? I don’t care to churn my power cords over time. I’d like be "one and done" as far as this one power cord that will energize the power conditioner. Over time, I’d get power cords for the other components. The advice here will help me in that endeavor too. For example, here are four used and two new Power Cords. If anyone cares to share their thoughts on them as "best bang for the buck" and or my approach placing a better cord on the power conditioner first and then placing the entry level cords on the other components, I’d certainly appreciate any input. I’ve been looking at the the following yesterday and today. 1. Used - $775; Synergistic Research Tesla Precision AC (20 Amp IEC) with MPC 6.5ft/2m Power cables https://www.usedcable.com/power-cables/synergistic-research-tesla-precision-ac-20-amp-iec-with-mpc-6ft-2m-power-cables.html 2. Used: $900; Synergistic Research Element Tungsten AC Power Cord https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lisa05ii-synergistic-research-element-tungsten-ac-power-cord-ac-cables?refsource=hifishark 3. Used: $949; Synergistic Research Absolute Reference Power Cable https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649589065-synergistic-research-absolute-reference-power-cable/ 4. Used: $2,025; Six cables that fits my system perfectly (lengths of cords, that is). Four - Synergistic Research AC Master & Two - Designer Reference Series Power Cords https://www.ebay.com/itm/264125244299?ul_noapp=true Certainly not a hot steaming deal, but fair, I believe. Because they are the exact lengths I can use, it would certainly be convenient.....one stop shopping! 5. New: - $649; Synergistic Research UEF Blue 10awg HC Power Cord - https://www.thecableco.com/synergistic-research-uef-blue-hc-10awg-power-cord.html 6. New - $995 Synergistic Research Atmosphere X Alive Level 1 Power Cord - https://www.thecableco.com/atmosphere-x-alive-level-1-power-cord.html |
Millercarbon... I was mistaken about the tesla. I listed the wrong one from the website. There is a Tesla with 15 amp IEC. Ok, I’m planning on calling Ted tomorrow but figured I’d ask the following question if anyone cares to engage. As I look around, I see some differences in power cords that I don’t understand, and I’m not having much luck finding a lot if any info on the topic. A. Starting with basic high end power cords, they don’t have an MPC. Just all cord. B. Some older cords, relatively speaking, have an MPC and tuning bullets. C. Some of the newer cords don’t have an MPC but refer to: Active / UEF Shielding with built in power supplies, no MPC’s and no additional wires. Questions:1. What is an MPC and what does it do for a power cord? Just the basics are good for me, I probably wouldn’t understand an engineers explanation! No offense. 2. What are tuning bullets and how are they integrated into the system. Do you actually turn them as you would a treble knob (feel free to giggle)? Or are they simply inserted into the circuit. 3. Is there an advantage of having an MPC, i.e., modding it? 4. Is there something that can C do that B can’t or is it simply a convenience not having extra components, such as an MPC as part of the power cord. Ha! Typical. I started looking at 200 used cords, now I’m looking at $1,500 cords. Jeez |