Power Cords


I am considering changing out my stock PCs. I don't want to spend a mint on them though. But I do think that upgrading to an adequate guage and having them in the correct lengths should be an upgrade for my system (MA 6500, Hydra 6, ML Vantages, Marantz BD 7003, Vidikron VL-52, and to come a Cambridge 840C).

I am considering Signal Cables, Zebra Cables, Pangea, PS Audio Jewels, and Element Cables. They are all around $50-$60 each and are within my price range. Also, I am considering just buying some Volex 17604s. They are less than $10 a piece and seem to be highly regarded.

Have any of you used these diffent PCs and can you comment on their sound? I've also thought of Shunyata Diamondbacks. But the cost is at least 2X as much.

Any comments or direction are appreciated.
pokey77
You should really audition some of the pricier Shunyata CX power cords to mate with your Shunyata6.
You haven't heard what it can do yet.

I have experimented with DIY power cords for both the Hydra and Guardian 2,and if you don't skimp on the connectors you can come up with some nice sound, but all the DIY designs I have tried were compromises.

I auditioned the entire Shunyata power cord lineup a few years back and at the time, the Annaconda Helix were the ones I ended up buying for all my electronics.
I've put pangea ac9 on a pair of quicksilver v-4s. I've noticed a cleaner presentation over the entire frequency spectrum. I thought a pc up grade silly and just another way to seperate me from some cash. So I tried the pangea with a 30 day return policy. I'm happy with my choice.Concerning cables the major improvement I notice the removal of grunge that my ears have trouble descerning until its removed. This is something I've noticed with the pangea and nordost cables I've switched to. Just my 2 cents worth. System Quicksilver full function pre,vandy 3A sigs.,2wq sub,sony scd777es with vsei level 5+ witch is quite a step-up over stock in paticular with redbook.
I just purchased an amp, that I'll leave unnamed, that was DOA. I opened it up and found the power wire had come unclipped from the IEC outlet. Before I'd spend money on a PC upgrade, I'd solder those connections into place. Just something to consider. The weak link may not be the cable.
I would look at spending your budget on a Mojo Audio power cord. They've replaced Tara Labs The One, LessLoss Signature, Tel Wire HC, Argento FMR $7k, DCCA Master, Shunyata Anaconda, Shunyata King Cobra, Virtual Dynamics Genesis, and probably others that I don't know about. They're much cheaper than any of those cables also. $350.

Rather than buying a power conditioner I'd recommend a Topaz Isolation transformer. I've heard Tripoint Audio's Spartan power conditioner ($35k) and my isolation transformers win hands down in terms of noise floor reduction and neutrality. Did I mention I bought mine for around $200? Now I did. Shoot me an email if you have questions about what the heck I'm talking about.
The PS Audio AC-12 delivers good results for me.
The Statement cables, are great too. IMHO.
I got them here, for a HUGE discount, Brand NEW,
In The Original Box.

I Love Music!