TV power cords; Money well spent, or money wasted?


Hi Folks,

First, A happy, healthy, and abundant New Years to all (where abundant = any tangible, or intangible, that you either need, or desire).

I just purchased a new Sony Z5100 TV:
Bravia 3 engine (whatever that is)
240hz refresh
10 bit panel
TV is networked
Sony N460 Blu-ray

Shunyata SR-Z1 outlet-->Audience au24 "e" pc-->PS Audio Quintet.

My questions: Would it be qualitatively beneficial to upgrade from the TV's stock pc? If yes, have you any suggestions for an appropriately priced pc for the setup that I currently have.

As always, any and all input is appreciated.
Gary
neutron
Hi Mst, and Stanwal,

Interesting point about the warranty. It is ambiguously enough worded so that it can imply that use of a power cord not supplied, or recommended by Sony voids the warranty. Here's an edited excerpt:

" This Limited Warranty only covers...it does not cover product issues caused by any other reason, including but not limited to...(iv) customer installation, set up adjustments or signal reception issues...(vi) modification of or to any part of the SONY product, including the antenna...(viii) use or installation inconsistent with the ownerÂ’s manual and other SONY instruction; (ix) use of parts or peripherals not recommended by SONY;"

Ya gotta love legaleze.

The plug is not recessed, however, there's not much space between the receptacle, and the TV cabinet. I can't imagine that a better pc, much like ic's and such could do any damage. hmmm, i was thinking I could try a Shunyata Diamondback Platinum (not all that expensive here used, or even with the retail sales prices), and it doesn't seem overly bulky. I do have a Python Alpha Helix on hand while my Ayre cdp is off to boulder for an upgrade, but I can hardly believe that it would have a snowballs chance in hell in fitting.

An idea...What do you think about this: I have a shunyata wall outlet connected via an audience au24e pc to a PS Audio Quintet. Everything I have is connected there, except for my Amp, which is directly into the Shunyata outlet via another Python Helix. For the TV, Sony seems to indicate that it is my responsibility to protect from surges and stuff. I live in an old rental apt. in NYC, subject to ConEd power (which is particularly dirty, especially during the warm days). Unfortunately no dedicated circuits me. So maybe this cleans up the signal enough to be able to bypass a pc replacement for the TV altogether.

Thanks for the Monoprice reference. Monoprice has also been suggested to me by a colleague. I already have a DH Labs HDMI I'm intending to use, as I set up the Blu ray tonight.

Thanks,
Gary
I'm a lawyer. I assumed it would be an issue and sure enough, they'd have the argument. In fact, subpart (ix) would effectively work to void the warranty.

You can see why, from their point of view, that would be the case. They can't be held responsible when folks use other than their parts.

Please let me know to whom I ought to send my bill.
Please feel free to forward the bill to Sony, for their inherent lack of trust in the integrity of their own products and/or for the explicit or implied belief in the incompetency of their customer base.

Good point bringing up conditions of the Warranty. I agree, It should always be a consideration Thanks.

I think, like all of us in this strangely rewarding hobby, that I'll take my chances and tweak a bit.

Thanks,
Gary
Swapping out the cord will in no way harm the set. On my Panasonic panel, I can see an improvement in image smoothness when using an upgraded cord- nothing fancy- just a more robust cord. Even my wife sees it, so I left it in.
Neutron,

Smart choice to use the PSA Quintet. Both your audio and video performance should be improved. Since your TV is connected to the Quintet, you should be able to see an improvement in video quality with the use of a GOOD power cord. One suggestion is the Harmonic Tech Pro AC-11. It is well worth the price especially in the used market.

By the way, put your amp thru the Quintet as well, on its own zone. The performance of your amp will improve.

Enjoy.