Power cord upgrade for ATC 100A Active Speakers


Hello:

I've just acquired a pair of ATC SCM100A active speakers, and I'm wondering what other users of ATC actives have done regarding stock PCs versus upgraded PCs.

I did a quick test of a cheap PC versus a Cardas Clear Beyond Power cable, and was surprised to NOT hear a big difference, given that the same cable made a huge difference in my previous (passive) system (a Benchmark AHB2 and SCM 40s).

In that setup, the Beyond PC increased the mid/lower bass, and provided more slam and musicality.  It felt like a component-level upgrade.  I expected a similar improvement with the 100As...not that they sounded lean in any way with the stock PC.

Would love to hear from other ATC active owners who upgraded their PCs.  What did you choose?  Did you find a big difference, or was it just a box-checker?

Thanks in advance for your advice/experience in this matter.

Best, JAMES

jimboman

Know what I really like about birders?  They are the most non-judgmental apolitical informational pleasant demographic.  I hang out on birding trails and visit bird preserves with the highest end optics available.  

They walk up with understandable preconceptions, because of the optics, inquire as to whether I’ve spotted the green breasted pink tailed twister wren(?).  My response..... perhaps.  I’ve no idea.  Don’t care.  I just enjoy on my own level.  And they accept that.... fully.  Now, isn’t that nice of them.  Oh, and they always politely ask if they may look through my spotting scope.  

And they never say anything remotely obtuse.

Well, it’s funny how things come about -- especially when dealing on the used market.

Ended up purchasing an Audioquest Tornado High Current PC, which matches one I already own.  So those two will power the ATC 100As (eventually from 2 x 20A lines).

And the Cardas Clear Power cable will feed the digital front end, supplying juice to a PS Audio Duet, and 3 Cardas Cygnus PCs (for streamer, DAC & pre).

I’ll run the new setup in for a week or so, then I’m pretty much all set!

You’re right @celtic66  The actives are fully awesome!

Best, JAMES

That sounds like an excellent choice. The Audio Quest for the amps and Cardas for the front end.