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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
rilbr
97 posts
 
I've had lots of experience with power cords, and will say they are essential to getting the best sound, but are also a gamble.

Some don't sound much different than stock cords, some sound worse (usually silver), but the right ones will take your components up a notch in quality and be less fatiguing.

Most of the advice on this thread are good, and a few not.

Do not shorten your power cords. That is stupid. You will get less of the power cord's effect, and more of the wall, panel, and service drop.

I would tend to agree that the Alan Maher power center may be better than the Hydra, based on some experience of my own and other threads. But try to get both in house. The upper range of Shunyata PCs are really good, but expensive. Definetely try that from the wall to the Hydra, and you will have it for experimentation on other equipment.

Most of all, if you run into a PC that really make a significant improvement, keep it there. Don't be BSed into selling it before comparisons.

I have a Mojo-Audio power cord on order, and will give some feedback on it soon.

Best of Luck
cpk
190 posts
 
If you want better shielding just tightly wrap three coatings of teflon tape around the whole power cable you have now!

perhaps the most mis-informed advice I have seen in awhile.

Teflon has no shielding properties whatsoever, none, zip, zilch. What it does have is a very strong negative triboelectric charge potential so when it comes into contact with a nylon or wool carpet etc., a strong static charge will form. Not really what you're shooting for.

Chris
Tel Wire
lacee
811 posts
 
Wrapping tin foil around your power cords doesn't do anything that I could hear.

Find an audio store that will loan you some power cables and don't be afraid to try some that you can't afford to buy.

Only by trying the best, the one's that do work, can you discover the ones that may not be as good, but are similar and affordable.

I was hoping that the lower level Shunyata's would yield a sweet spot, but after I heard the Annacondas it was hard to take a step or two backwards.
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