Advice on power cables


I own the following system:

VPI scout
Lyra Dorian
Wadia 12
CEC TL51x
Symphonic Line La Musica
Impulse Aria SE
Cardas Hexlink 5C
Cardas Golden five
Wireworld Atlantis 5

But I still use the standard power cables. I have a NBS dragonfly on borrow from a shop for my DAC and it is a improvement I also have borrowed a DCCA ref master that someone is selling 2nd hand I have the DCCA on my amp now. The NBS costs about 225€ and the DCCA 500€.

But there are so many brands out there so where else but DCCA and NBS should I look for power cables that don't break the bank. The DCCA is a real good cable, but I am not sure if it is worth the 500€ that he is asking for it. For that money I can buy 2 dragonfly's.

I am only interested in brands that are readily availble in Europe, the Netherlands.

Would a power cable do anything with a VPI scout?
mordante

Showing 1 response by karelfd

Last question first: Yes I do believe it will. But you know the proof of the pudding is in the eating, and very much so with powerd cords. Have you already tried either of the cords you have on audition?

Considering the prices you mention, I would suggest two brands.

Almost non-circumventionable in the Netherlands is Kemp: http://www.kempelektroniks.nl/Power-Cords.aspx

The Kemp Plus is one of those low-profile workhorses you can deploy throughout the system with great results. The Kemp Reference should be even better, but I have never heard a set completely equiped with the latter. Prices will depend on the lengths you need, of course, but standard lengths are appr. EUR 250 for the Plus and EUR 450 for the Reference.

Equally interesting is Audioplan: http://www.audioplan.de/00_english/03e_products/03e_prod3_sv/03e_prod3_sv.html
http://www.music-matters.org/producten/producten.php?menuoptie=4&merkmenu=prijslijst

Power-wise my system used to be completely equipped with Audioplan (including FineFilter and PowerStar) and I can confidently say one can remain completely happy for the rest of a system's life thus equipped. Circumstances and curiosity drove me to start experimenting with other cords but rest assured, to get a markedly better set-up, time and a not unsubstantial amount of money need to be spent. Should you choose Audioplan, always go for the "S"-series, though, it does not only look better than "G", it is sonically rather more complete (no matter what certain magazines may claim). Prices are in the EUR 175 range for the standard PowerCord S. There is also a CleanCord S with built in filter for EUR 500 that I never tried but reportedly works wonders with certain gear. The website expounds on what can be used with what other component, and anyway, Thomas Kuehn has never been scant with his knowledge when asked.

And with the latter, I've touched on another important thing that Kemp and Audioplan have in common. They both offer complete, synergistic (no pun intended) solutions when it comes to power systems.

Good luck
Karel