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Recommendations for PC -- for modest system --

Looking for recommendations for PC for a modest AV system -- I know all things audio are personal preference - but still want feedback on experiences with PCs under the the <$400ish mark - 

My meager system:

Marantz 7705
ATI 7ch x 200 amp
B&W CDM9NT x4 plus matching center

Budget - is low compared to many here - but still looking for some solid guidance - <$400 for each PC for amp and AVP. If I can spend less - that is ideal - Not looking to squeeze every last bit of sweetness from my AV system - just want something that is a balance between - far better than stock PCs -- and improves system overall - on the exponential curve of price vs performance.

Considering the following: 

Morrow
Audioquest - one primary reason I am considering AQ - I can purchase at 45% msrp...
Nordost
Raven
Madscientist - unfamiliar but seem a few here have exp with them... 
Cullen
DIY?  -- Can I approach equal or better quality - for less if I DIY with the likes of with neo or dh cable or other with WG or other connectors... Is it worth the effort to DIY at budget I have set? 
Synergistic Research - considering - but I see none in the <$500 range... 

Thanks in advance.


lightfighter2018
ebm
9,311 posts
 
Core Power Cables $299.00 or less for 2 at Underwood Hi Fi very good cord cheap.
cakyol's avatar
cakyol
940 posts
 
Any 12 gauge copper (not copper clad) ordinary multi strand power cable sold at Home Depot would do and would not cost you more than 20 bucks.  

Everything else is snake oil.

lalitk's avatar
lalitk
5,053 posts
 
Another vote for Audio Envy cables. 
jackd
1,036 posts
 
Cullen, Audio Sensibility and Audio Envy are all great internet direct companies with good customer service.  In my current setup the Audio Envy power cables are doing a great job. His prices are well under your limit and he has a trial period. I have also owned PC's from the other two companies and they are in use in other systems around the house.
rixthetrick's avatar
rixthetrick
1,060 posts
 
I followed advice from this forum and purchased a Synergistic Research Master Coupler X2 in 20A for my amplifier. Well I can tell you I am so glad I bought it, there is a difference with it in my system.
Oh, I purchased it used for about $500 from memory, + shipping.

I have been interested in the Mad Scientist - Nitro NANO Power Cord and I've been on Facebook with the manufacturer (I think the 10% discount is still current?). I have been using Mad Scientist - Heretical Digital Cable with KLE Silver Harmony Plugs, with favorable results. However a review of his USB still placed Curious Cables USB as better. (I used to build Curious Cables, solid annealed pure silver data wires in USB), so I'm still doing my due diligence.

The Inakoustik power cords and power conditioning certainly has my attention, and I am looking into them as well.

Keep an eye out for the Master Coupler used, if you don't for whatever reason like it, it'll hold it's value well. For me, I'm going the upgrade mentioned with Michael Stallone, and my MC X2, it's a dead set keeper!
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