@lowrider, I have this exact question myself! So, I realize that I'm no help here, but I'm hopeful others chime in to help on this excellent question. Best part of this forum is to benefit from the experience of others where possible.
A Better Bluesound AC Cable?
Has anybody replaced the stock C7 IEC (Figure 8) cable on their Bluesound Node 2?
Audioquest makes an affordable 2-prong cable...
https://www.audioquest.com/cables/ac-power-cables/2-pole/nrg-1-5
And a C7 to 3-prong...
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DLDNDC2/ref=sspa_dk_detail_2?psc=1&smid=A17IVE6SUAZA2P
Or does it make more sense to use a C7 to standard adapter ?
Audioquest makes an affordable 2-prong cable...
https://www.audioquest.com/cables/ac-power-cables/2-pole/nrg-1-5
And a C7 to 3-prong...
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DLDNDC2/ref=sspa_dk_detail_2?psc=1&smid=A17IVE6SUAZA2P
Or does it make more sense to use a C7 to standard adapter ?
35 responses Add your response
Wireworld just introduced a new series of C7 power cords, which I tried out on a Bluesound Node 2. Definitely seemed to improve the sound to me. Not a "night & day" difference....but definitely worth the $60. BTW : am I the only one who things the Pangea power cords suck? Most of them are monstrously large and stiff as well. http://www.wireworldcable.com/power-conditioning-cords.html#powertop |
Thanks @jarcher . I looked up Wireworld PC's and they're all about lowering the noise floor, which is a good thing. This C7 has silver coated copper and is a decent price... https://soundapproach.com/wireworld-mini-aurora-map-mini-power-conditioning-cord.html |
You might check out pricing from one of the dealers here on Audiogon: https://www.underwoodhifi.com |
I replaced mine with this: http://http//www.cullencable.com/avius-series/ The c7 plug is by Viborg. I am extremely pleased with it. Cheers, Scott |
@lowrider57 I wanted a shielded cable so Cullen made a c7 cable with their Avius cable and used a c7 plug by Viborg. http://http//viborgaudio.com/en/Product/a/chanpin/jianzhusheji/2017/0821/187.html Cheers, Scott |
Shunyata makes what looks like a high quality adapter. https://shunyata.com/products/accessories/venom-v14-c5-c7-c7p-mini-power-adapters/ |
There’s an Isotek C7 cable for a decent price, although I’m not familiar with their PC’s. I do believe that a cable using isolated neutral and ground conductors tied to an earth ground (3-pin connector) would be the preferred design for draining noise vs. a 2- pin design. https://www.upscaleaudio.com/products/isotek-evo3-premier-power-cable I think the Shunyata Venom would be a good choice, but it's another cable without an earth ground. |
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Well, I tried the Wireworld Mini Aurora C7 on my Node 2i ($120) and the improvement in SQ was dramatic. Dynamic, spacious, detailed yet realistic. I recommend it if you like a forward presentation; I do not. In my system, the soundstage was pulled forward to the front of the speakers which caused me to lean back into my listening chair. The drummer in a jazz combo was almost seated in my room instead of way back near the wall. Very realistic and would sound terrific if my room extended back about 8 feet. So, still looking for a C7 cable; one that is more relaxed. But this exercise proves to me that using an aftermarket PC on the Bluesound is a worthwhile upgrade. |
I replace all of my stock power cables and improved the sound on every components I use the following... http://image99.net/blog/files/category-002ahelix-power-cable.html - But with the C7 connector The improvements were very noticeable and even better with the Helix interconnect. Another tweak that worked wonders were placing brass cone feet (3 of them) under the Nore 2 and Power Node 2 units. I have the Node 2, the PowerNode2 and the Pulse Mini speaker - all with the helix power cables and ALL sound amazing If you are NOT into DIY then checkout KE Innovations Power cables - they are very good and more reasonably priced than Nordost Regards - Steve |
IMO, lowering the noise floor will improve any component. In fact, I could see where you may get more "improvement" with power upgrades then stepping up super high priced interconnects (assuming you have well made interconnects). I'm not certain if $5000 power cables will reduce noise any more than a $200 well made cable, however, most component makers source their OEM cables from the same cheap, mass produced suppliers overseas. Chances are your $4000 amp has the the same power cable that a $99 Best Buy receiver has. |
@gdnrbob RE:... I put an AQ power cable (forgot which model) in the Node.What Interconnects are you using? If the IC's are not capable of ultra-high resolution audio you will not hear Power Cable improvements. Also - what type of improvements were you listening for... - better defined bass - faster Dynamics - improved clarity - larger, more well defined image and performer focus You should have heard all of the above Is the Node 2 connected to any type of power conditioner? - Mine is effectively plugged into the outlet - i.e. no conditioners/filters KLE Innovations Power Cables will definitely improve the performance of the Node 2 over the stock cable Regards |
@williewonka , I'm glad you heard a difference, but considering I have AQ Thunder for my Codex, and AQ interconnects and speaker cable, I don't think I have a limiting system. Perhaps the Power cord did make a change, but, to my ears, nothing different than before- which was very good. Thankfully, it wasn't a lot of money. My dealer Johnny Rutan says put your best cable on your DAC/source. Bob |
Bob, in your case the quality of the C7 you chose was not enough to make an impact. In my case, the Wireworld was a transformative upgrade; it was so superior to the stock cable. The AQ C7 by all accounts is not a very good cable, also the higher end AQ has been discontinued. Many of these low current 15 gauge C7’s do not equal the performance of a manufacturer’s full line of power cords. I doubt that your system is limiting. Mine is pretty revealing with Silent Source and Siltech ICs, Audience PC’s. I hear the differences in each cable I swap. I can hear a good from bad C7 when used on the Bluesound. I think you should try a different cable. |
Just picked up a new or refurbish Vault 2 directly from Bluesound and I am very pleased to say least. I tried it directly to my preamp with Wywires Silver IC’s and it didn’t sound too bad then with a Nordost Silver Shadow to the DAC in my CD player and pretty noticeable difference for the better. I should have my parts today from VH Audio to build my own which I went with Furutech FI-11M and FI-8NC7, then using VH Audio Shielded Twisted Pair AC cable which I will tie the shield back at the wall. I might build the cable so I can float the shield on the fly as well. After I get some hours I will report my findings. Also ordered a Supra CAT 8 Ethernet cable which I’ll have in a few days as well. |