Upgrade a power cord for a NAD?

Hi

I would start with interconnects - but if you have the possibility to swap out powercords, I have only one other serious suggestion:
EXPERIMENT AND DO IT!

I can hear the differences between the PS Audio Statement SC, The JOB Sweetcord and the Silnote Audio Posedion GL thru both my 2nd system - an old Pioneer Elite DVD/CD player, a cheapo Monoprice Integrated (about $160), and vintage JBL Prima L25 (which some JBL engineers believe might be their best effort ever) AND my main system: Marantz SA-8001 SACD player, new JOB INT and Gershman Avant Garde RX-20 speakers.

Find a local brick-and-mortar that will allow you to test different cords (and interconnects - don't forget them) or there are cable companies on the internet who allow you time to make decisions.

THE MOST IMPORTANT THING TO REMEMBER IS THAT EVERYTHING (ESPECIALLY POWERCORDS AND INTERCONNECTS) NEED SERIOUS BREAK-IN TIME (I USUALLY DO 300+ CONTINUOUS HOURS AT THE START, varying volume over both long and short periods of time - and then I usually run them daily for about 15 days, 8 hrs/day)

REMEMBER: $$, $$$ OR $$$$ COSTS AFFECT YOUR BANK BOOK; DO NOT LET IT AFFECT YOUR HEARING/EVALUATION AS WELL. 

Good Luck Bud - enjoy the revelations... 

... obviously: akg_ca and I have differing HOs, not unusual in this realm.

But I do agree that a dedicated power line is important, and would make a difference, and maybe doable for you in the future. For me - it wasn't or isn't, so I do what I can when I can...

BTW: I would luv to hear your NAD 'grow', breathe, flex it's muscles; from what I read about it, you've got a gem there, something worth building on.

AND: What speakers are you playing thru, or headphones?

jrpnde: I only am offering that you trust your own ears:
If you listen and compare, over time, either you
will or will not hear differences and only you will be able to access "BETTER" for you with your system.
But it is not quick, it does take time, and comparison...

I believe that interconnects and power cords need break-in time because I have heard the differences over time; others believe there is no difference and it is unnecessary. Logic doesn't necessarily apply here; ONLY YOU can determine this for yourself: TRUST YOUR EARS.

You mentioned Audioquest already in your system - investigate their powercords.

Costs vary widely - I am sure you can find alternatives within your budget.

I offerred other brands - Silnote Audio Posideon GL, JOB Sweetcord and PS Audio Statement SC - because I use them and find improvements in clarity, definition and speed of delivery/immediacy (toe-tapping jump) and I switch them from time to time, according to the recording I am listening to...

I won't even address the BRAIN BREAK IN (Psychoacoustics) you bring up, but I try to deal with that by making changes within my system and accessing the 'differences' I hear. And is is always ongoing...

Good Luck in your quest for Your Sound.

Well - you got me motivated again to break in a new power cord and see what I think: pulled out the JOB Sweetcord and inserted a new unused Acoustic Research Performance cord (was about $50 as I remember for 3').
Immediate difference: more forward presentation, less bass prominance, and more immediacy in the vocals; more detail in 300+ hours...

ALWAYS AN ADVENTURE - luv it!

PS: Since I have an extra one: contact me at [email protected], and I will gladly send a 3' SilnoteAudio Posedion GL power cord to get you started on your adventure...

... please contact me for the (corrected 5') SilnoteAudio Posideon GL powercord; I have now offered twice!