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Power Cords: A Skeptic Looking to Dabble...

Even though I am generally a skeptic when it comes to a lot of audiophile related things, I am curious enough to consider dabbling a bit in the coming months.

Here's my current system for reference:

(1) APC H15 Power Conditioner
(2) Pioneer Elite PD-D6-J SACD player
(3) Blue Jeans Cable LC-1 interconnect (6 feet)
(4) Yaqin MC-30L integrated amplifier (EL34 tube)
(5) Blue Jeans Cable Belden 5000 Series 10 AWG 5T00UP (7 feet)
(6) Focal 836v speakers

The SACD player and amplifier are plugged into the power conditioner (used primarily for surge protection) and all equipment is using the stock cords. The power cord on the power conditioner is a beast compared to everything else in the system.

I would be looking for recommendations new or used in the sub-$150 price range.

Is it reasonable to assume that a power cord could make a difference in my system at this price point? If so, which ones should I be considering? Also, please provide any reasoning and experience that you have with any recommendation.
mceljo
elizabeth
6,726 posts
 
I was a skeptic about powercords. But tried making a few of my own. No difference noted. Then I bought a Pangea (the price was about what it would cost me to make one)
And i am sold on pangea. the prices have gone up a little bit since first introduced.. But not by much.
As for sound, I noted a big im[rovement in the sound from my amp with the Pangea. Now all my powercords with IEC are Pangea.
They are a decent value for the money. CHEAP.
Skip the AC14 and get AC14SE. or for tube preamps or any power amps the AC9.. The AC9SE is twice as expensive.. but can add a little to the powercord equation.
I still use some AC9 as well as a few AC9SE, and some AC14SE.
williewonka
1,826 posts
 
Mceljo - for an affordable DIY project try making a power cord from Romex (household wire)

I made up some braided 12 and 10 gauge cable. They performed much better than expected, but they were a little stiff

The braiding rejects RF

They will prove that better power cables improve performance.

Regards
vegasears
922 posts
 
DIY cables here except my amps which use the cords that came with them. I purchased the IEC ends from Parts Express, then went to Loews and got various sizes of Carol Cable, 16, 14, 12 and 10 awg. The 16 & 14 awg performed the best in my system. Plus, all the cabling is UL approved!
foster_9
1,610 posts
 
My advice is to forget about Pangea. I've had the AC9 for
years and on every piece I've tried it on, it ended up being
removed and left laying somewhere. For mids and highs it's
barely ok, and for bass a let down. I suggest in your price
range, the Wireworld Stratus which is entry level and less
than $100. You may be able to find one on a 30 day trial,
which for any cable is preferable.
listener57
730 posts
 
In one room where replacing the wall wiring and AC faceplate was not possible due to wall construction, the addition of Machina Dynamica "Flying Saucer" ($12 list price) RFI blocker for unused AC outlets including the one adjacent to power cord, worked wonders for system performance.
This benefit was in addition to any enhanced status already reached by my choice of power cords, power conditioning.
This micro-priced tweak is worth considering once you have established your own PC preferences, or even before you begin to change power cords/conditioner--when you least expect to be able to hear a significant difference.
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