Synergistic Research Foundation PC on Pass Labs amp

I tried it on XA30.8 and heard what you heard in your system. Thin and bright. It had the same effect. 
If you want airy fast sound without brightness that matches well with Pass try Nordost Frey 2 power cord. 
I also like Audience forte f3 - it’s basic, natural sounding cable. 
If you want a more dynamic and robust sound that’s still natural in tone, try Kimber pk10 ascent. 

@audphile1 thank you for the suggestions. If I remember correctly from some other post you also did not care for the Shunyata on your Pass? My interconnects and speaker cables are all Purist audio, so I may try and get my hands on some of the Purist power cables to try.

I just think this Synergistic is not a match. I was having a conversation this morning via Facebook with Ted Denny and he was saying its from mixing cable designs and I would really have to use their tuning dots to correct the imbalance. Not really looking to have to fiddle with tuning dots on power cables, it either works in my system or it doesn't. His quote is below:

"When you combine cables from different makers, each generates its own field geometry, and those overlapping interactions can shift tonal balance or perceived weight.

That’s exactly why we give users the ability to tune the field around our cables. The gold UEF Carbon Tuning Disc placed just before the IEC connector will re-balance the cable’s interaction with the others in your system and bring back warmth and density. It isn’t a gimmick — it’s control over the field itself, and that’s what defines how the system sounds."

I also had a very similar experience with Synergistic PC’s. They just don’t grip like other PC’s. Very disappointed…I also have Shunyata PC’s, better grip for sure, but by far I have found DH Labs PC’s to have the most solid grip of any. Plus they’re amazing cables!

I tried Purist power cords. To me they sound dull on Pass gear. And yes, Shunyata was not great. Better than synergistic but still tipped up and harsh. 
I tried Synergistic USB cable and it was ok but there’s something about the treble. Used gold bullet and silver bullet with it. Both work! But neither succeeded in bringing the tonal balance to normal. I feel the more synergistic cables you add the more you will hear that effect coming thru. I haven’t tried their TOL models. May be they’re better. But to me Nordost Frey 2 and even Heimdall 2 power cables sound more natural and more relaxed. They’re ever so slightly lean in the bass to favor speed and precision which works with Pass well. 
Kimber PK10 Ascent is more of a matter of fact presentation and are bigger and fuller sounding than the Nordost. It comes down to preference. Kimber is significantly cheaper though. 

 

I think the loose grip issue w/ some power cords w/ some components is more due the overall plug itself not fitting tightly in the receptacle & not the conductor connections themselves. I had a similar issue & using black electrical tape that isn’t very sticky & easily removable, wrapped 1 or two revolutions around the outside of the plug & bingo! Tight & secure. Worth a try.