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Vintage amps & power cords

Every time I power up my old McIntosh MC2200 amps - a pair running in mono mode, I can't stop to think about those stock power cords. The cords sticking out of my preamp and the amp in my other system look like fire hoses as compared to these cords and yet these amps are rated at 400 wpc as configured.

I completely understand the argument that the designers knew what they were doing but using this argument the aftermarket power cord suppliers should all be out of business.

Curious to hear input from folks with vintage gear and wondered the same thing, and what did they do about it.  

kalali
roxy54's avatar
roxy54
2,651 posts
 

I rotate 3 power amps, and one of them is a McIntosh 2105 that I've had for many years. It needed work a few years ago, in fact, it was time to replace transistors (!). I took that opportunity to have the technician put in new input jacks, as well as an IEC input so that I could use a modern power cord, and finally, modern speaker terminals instead of those awful terminal strips that McIntosh used for years.

As a result, I am very happy with the amp; more than I was before, and it is more convenient as well. I know that the resale value is shot, and I don't care at all because I'll never sell it.

jond's avatar
jond
3,400 posts
 
I use high end power cords in my system and love how they improve the sound. My amp however has a captive old school cord and its an original custom job, I take perverse pleasure in the fact the pricetag was left on the plug, $.05 in bright orange. The amp sounds fantastic btw.
noromance's avatar
noromance
1,780 posts
 
Roxy, can't imagine the value being negatively impacted as long as the work is good. I'd pay more for the improvements you've had carried out.  
roxy54's avatar
roxy54
2,651 posts
 
noromance,
Of course your attitude makes sense, but that isn't the way many people see it. Their admiration for a certain brand or specific component becomes perverted into a fear of making any change to it whatsoever lest it no longer be "original". These things are just electronics in my view, and if they can be improved or even just maintained to perform to their original specs, why not?
I think it's funny when I see a for sale ad here on Audiogon that describes the component as "unmolested", as if changing it is akin to rape. Some even brag about it never having been opened or serviced...after 20 or 30 years.
kalali's avatar
kalali OP
1,645 posts
 
My intent was not to begin a debate about the virtues of aftermarket power cords. Personally, I know they do contribute to sound quality, especially in high current/voltage/power solid state power amplifiers. Impact on resale value aside, I would think safety should be a concern as well if the cord is no longer pliable. I also have a CJ Sonograph amp that could benefit from a (power cord) upgrade.
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