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Upgraded power cords or high end conditioner next?

Hi everyone,

I need advice on what will give me the biggest improvement for my next upgrade - power cords or a high end power conditioner?

My current living situation is a rental apartment, so unfortunately I cannot do anything like having a dedicated line for my system.

I already have upgraded power cords for my Manley Shrimp preamp and my CDP, but my Manley monoblocks (retubed with NOS :)) are just using the stock cables for now. The Shrimp and the CDP are plugged into a PS Audio High Current Ultimate Outlet and the monoblocks are plugged strait into the wall.

So I was thinking my next upgrade is either upgraded power cords for the monoblocks or an upgraded conditioner (passive - like a Shunyata Hyrda or a Running Springs unit that I could plug my CDP, pre and monoblocks into). Which one will give me the bigger improvement? My budget for the power cords would be maybe $500 each (used - so say $750 each new). What cords would you recommend in that price range? Also, the cords on my CDP and pre are both Lat International MK2 (budget PCs). Should I put my best PCs on the source/pre or the amps?

Thanks,

Ed
latinsamba1
dennis_the_menace's avatar
dennis_the_menace
467 posts
 
one thought is an exactpower unit. will reduce grunge and help regulate overall power. if i didn't have dedicated lines, i'd be using one of these.
dave_b's avatar
dave_b
2,267 posts
 
Get a Transparent MM power cord (s) and you will transported to another plane of audio excellence....most of your line noise problems will be addressed as well!
psacanli
535 posts
 
Just checking back in. Any money you're thinking of spending on outlets s/b put into a better conditioner for your front end. Outlet tweaks/upgrades cannot compare to a Hydra you're considering. With limited budget concentrate on your best front end condioning. It wll give you 'much' more 'bang for the buck than dedicated lines or power cords imho. Good luck.
dennis_the_menace's avatar
dennis_the_menace
467 posts
 
Psacanli, disagree w/ you about dedicated lines. These made the biggest improvement for me, but if you can't do these, then yes, I'd go w/ a conditioner next. The exactpower both coditions and helps act as a dedicated line by stiffening the power line, making sure the line doesn't sag.
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