2. misc-audio
  3. 124279-1525

Has there been any inexpensive item that enhanced your system's sound?

For me it was an inexpensive power cord that was laying around for years, a Pangea AC9.  I have it connected to my Yamaha A S2000.  I've tried the stock cord on the Yamaha and then some of my other cords, (Wireworld, VH Flavor 4, Acronlink/Oyaide custom cord and a MAC). I've had lots of amps and integrated amps over the years, and this is the first time the Pangea contributed to making better sound. It surprised me because I had tossed it aside and forgot about it.  Power cord performance is such a crap-shoot and dependent on so many other variables in the audio chain.  Any inexpensive item you've come across that enhanced your system's sound? 
foster_9

Showing 9 responses by foster_9

foster_9 OP
1,610 posts
 
Audioquest Silver Biwire jumpers, brought a smoother clarity to my speakers.
foster_9 OP
1,610 posts
 
Almost forgot... Porter Port.  I added a Porter Port, and replaced a rather well known one.  The sound improved.
foster_9 OP
1,610 posts
 
stringreen, go figure.  After like 4 or 5 years using a Maestro, I decided to try a Porter Port. 
foster_9 OP
1,610 posts
 
ptmconsulting, is it not true that many of the makers of audiophile electronics (amplifiers in particular) recommend not utilizing power conditioners and going straight to an outlet?  I have tried quite a few power conditioners (some expensive, like the Synergistic one)  before on sources and on amps and ended up with none anywhere. 
foster_9 OP
1,610 posts
 
knghifi, I will admit the outlet I replaced was a few years old and I never thought to clean the blades. Maybe I will have it reinstalled as a replacement for another outlet in my audio room after cleaning and listen for improvements.
foster_9 OP
1,610 posts
 
meerzistar, I also use the boos butcher blocks under several of my components and have used herbies tenderfeet underneath those..
foster_9 OP
1,610 posts
 
I replaced the Pangea power cord that I praised earlier in this thread connected to my Yamaha integrated and connected another budget cord that I’ve owned for years, the iron lung jellyfish (a hospital grade cord). This cord made a huge difference to the liveliness, bass, prat, and detail of my speakers. Glad I pulled out this forgotten budget power cord.
foster_9 OP
1,610 posts
 
Funny acastos! I have tried most of the power cords I own on the Yamaha integrated. Thought the inexpensive Pangea sounded good. In the end, the sound of my speakers became veiled, lacked transparency and a sense of air in the music. I am shocked that the cheap iron lung jellyfish solved all of that. After years of owning audio systems, I learned some things that work are unexpected and there is no accounting for them. Synergy can sometimes surprise you.
foster_9 OP
1,610 posts
 
Resurrecting an old thread: 

The inexpensive JW Audio Cryo Nova speaker cables I've had for years and tried again have definitely improved the sound of my Klipsch speakers. 
More to discover