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Impressed by Pangea Audio AC-9SE

I have been using Lamm monoblocks with Kimber PK10 Palladian for years. The PK10 Palladian are great sounding power cable and can stand the test of time.

Lately I ran across some threads about the Pangea Audio AC-9 and AC-9SE power cables. Lots of folks raved about these cables here in Audiogon. The SE sells for $200/2m each at Audio Advisor with 30-day trial. I thought I got nothing to loose and want to find out what all the hypes about these cables. I ordered the SE version.

I was totally surprised that the AC-9SE sounded very close to the Kimber. The main difference is that the AC-9SE sounded a bit thicker and a tiny bit more punch in the bass than the KImber. The PK-10 Palladian was just a tad more air on top. The $200 AC-9SE competes toe-to-toe witht the $1000 Kimber. Amazing. In fact, the thicker sounding AC-9SE matches a bit better than the Kimber in my upgraded system. Talking about synergy here.

I recommend folks who have modest or even megabuck system should try out the AC-9SE. Don't let the low price fool you. You may be surprised.

Happy listening.
audiolui
mapman's avatar
mapman
21,838 posts
 
I am an esoteric tweak skeptic, as some here would likely attest to, I recently bought a Pangea AC14SE, to replace a fraying old power cord for my DAC, new for less than $100 and I have been very happy with it. It does seem to have lower noise and distortion as advertised and is built like a tank to-boot. See my system description for more details if interested.

Just last week I added another for the DAC in my second system with seemingly similar results I would say.

Tweaks that help keep power clean seldom have a downside, just a matter of how much up case by case. Digital related noise in particular is a problem worth addressing. Pangea does it quite clearly and effectively I would say.

Would like to try the ac9SE for my power amps someday, but feeling no real need quite yet.
cjcomo
4 posts
 
I have the Pangea 9SE power cords connecting my Classé CA-M600 monoblocks, I ordered the 1 meter lengths and that was a mistake because they are too short! These cables are the equivalent of 7 gauge wire; very thick and stiff therefore the connections tend to slip out of the wall receptacles and must be supported. otherwise a great cable
roxy54's avatar
roxy54
7,651 posts
 
Cjcomo,
So true! I made that mistake once and had to return it for the 1.5 meter length. They are stiff and the plugs don't like turning corners. But yes, I agree that they are a very good value.
sabai
2,027 posts
 
Pangea are good value for the money -- but no more than that, IMO.
keithtexas
352 posts
 
Bit of an update:

I like(d) the AC9SE on my MF Tri-Vista; extra bass, clear midrange, and nice treble.

One knock that I noticed was just a slight bit of upper midrange glare, really only noticeable at high volumes.

The second 'knock', if you can call it that, is that the bass, although full and deep, can be a little bit too loose - again at higher volumes.

Finally, the soundstage is pretty good, but loses a bit of composure and frequency 'continuity' in comparison to better cords.
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