2. cables
  3. 129095-4374

Looking at sub $200 power cables.

I’d like to upgrade my power cables if I can see a benefit at the $200ish and under price point in my setup:
-Yamaha 1060 AVR (used as preamp)
-Parasound A23 Halo
-Bluesound Node 2
-Furman 15i PC

I already have some decent interconnects and speaker wire so the power cords are the next place I can tweek. I’ve been reading a lot and it seems I would get my best results starting with my AVR. How important is it to swap the PC out for the Furman to the wall? I’ve been eyeballing some decent deals on Shunyata Venom 3 PCs. I can get 3 of them for around $320. How does the new Shunyata Venom 14 compare?

Is this a waste of money in my system? Should I skip the Node? I understand it’s subjective but appreciate any input.

Thanks.
asahitoro
nonoise's avatar
nonoise
4,382 posts
 
I noticed a big improvement going to at least a 10ga on my amp, from a 14ga. Others have said it shouldn't make a difference so see if there is a return policy on whatever you buy, in case you don't hear a difference. 

All the best,
Nonoise

toddverrone's avatar
toddverrone
838 posts
 
i also noticed a big improvement going up to 10 gauge PCs on my amps and power box.  the furman might be best served with the beefiest cord you can afford if everything else is plugged into it.

but fat cords on amps are where it's at.  particularly high power amps.
tom6897's avatar
tom6897
1,029 posts
 
+1 on the above. IME you should use 10 awg on the amp and from the wall to the Furman. 12 or 14 awg should be fine for your pre and source as they draw low amounts of current. Read up on what people have to say about different brands of cable so that you can determine what properties are important to you and what you need more of or less of in your system to keep it in the proper balance for your listening tastes. As always,... everything matters! your experience may differ from others as we all have different gear and hearing.
asahitoro OP
217 posts
 
Great input, thanks again everyone.

The Pangea AC 9SE is 7ga but it’s about the same price, maybe a little higher, than what I see used/leftover 12ga Venom 3 pop up for from time to time. I think I have my mind made up at least on the AC 14SE for my AVR/preamp, Node 2 (C7) and my display.
auxinput
1,538 posts
 

I have found DIY cables are vastly superior to anything manufactured, for the amount of money you're putting in.  I would recommend using a couple of Furutech FI-15 Plus power connectors (IEC & male), in either rhodium or gold plated depending on what sound you're after.  For the Rhodium IEC & Male connectors, that's about $120 shipped from either Samtech or Hi-Fi Heaven (both are good sources).  For the cable, you could go cheap and get some DH Labs at $5-8 per foot.  Or spend more and look at Neotech NEP-3002 or NEP-3003 ($20-30 per foot).   Be aware that the "Mk II" Neotech cables do have some silver-plated conductors.

Be aware the FI-15 Plus connectors only support a cable up to 15mm thick (0.59").  However, they are excellent connectors to use for the money!  I have found the terminations on the cable have just as much impact to the sound as the power cord itself.

More to discover