Vintage preamp/amp power cords


Let me just say I don’t want to start a discussion if power cords make or don’t make a difference. I’m just curious to know if folks with older gear with captive power cords mostly considered a replacement with IEC type plug. The power cord on my McIntosh MC2200 is literally a little better than a high quality modern lamp cord, But it’s been there for almost 30 years. The main objective of the replacement would be safety as well as Sonics, if any.
128x128kalali

Showing 2 responses by millercarbon

I don't know sleepwalker65 if you're one who has yet to realize the value of a good power cord, or you can't see the forest for the trees. Either way, check it out: The improvement going from old oxidized lamp cord to a new high end power cord is many orders of magnitude greater than any possible losses from adding another connection. Heck you could twist the wires by hand and still be better off with a good power cord. You could for that matter throw ANY aftermarket power cord on there and be a whole lot better than the old lamp cord that's on there now.


One of my early mods long ago, replaced the factory cord. Only my approach was, long as I got the soldering iron out.... hardwired the new one in.

This was back when I wasn't really even sure it would make a difference. Now I would still recommend hard wire if you have one you know you have heard and know you will be happy to live with. Anything other than that you need to audition several, and that means iec.

Safety, unless you see signs of overheating or fraying or cracking, you can just forget that one except if it helps as an excuse to rationalize what you should be doing for sonics sake. Even something as basic as Synergistic Research Master Coupler will be a profound improvement. Hardwire one of those directly to wherever the existing terminates inside the chassis, huge improvement.