Affordable Power Cords


Looking to replace the stock power cord on my Jolida 502A tube integrated amp and am considering purchasing Signal Cable's MagicPower power cord. But before I do so, I was wondering if other have had experience with this power cord and what their thoughts are about it? Also, would appreciate some suggestions on other affordable power cords ($50 - $100 range).

Thanks.
cleaneduphippy

Showing 7 responses by cleaneduphippy

Appreciate everyone suggestions. Looks like I'll go with either the:

1. Element
2. Audio One Reference
3. Shunyata Vemon
4. Ultimate Silver Series

Also, I think I'll upgrade the wall receptacle that the amp plugs into. My brother-in-law is a licensed journeyman electrician, so I believe an invite to dinner should get that work done.

Once again, thanks.
Appreciate everyone suggestions. Looks like I'll go with either the:

1. Element
2. Audio One Reference
3. Shunyata Vemon

Also, I think I'll upgrade the wall receptacle that the amp plugs into. My brother-in-law is a licensed journeyman electrician, so I believe an invite to dinner should get that work done.

Once again, thanks.
"Cleaneduphippy, I hope you were able to get a free power cord from Virtual Dynamics for your integrated amp. Let us know and what do you think. Thanks!"

Not yet, still waiting to hear back from Virtual Dynamics staff about what US shipping charges will be (I know it's $33CAN) and to give them my mailing address.

Rick, promised me one back on Nov 9 in the following email

" Shipping is 33.00 Candian.
I will send you a link on the cable
https://www.virtualdynamics.ca/content.php?id=169&secondary_id=77
You can also read about the giveaway here: https://
www.virtualdynamics.ca/content.php?id=252
No need to enter as I have already promised you one but just for your info.
Enjoy it! My staff will contact you.
Rick"

Still haven't heard from Virtual Dynamics staff, and I've also send Rick a couple of emails (the latest being this morning), but as of yet, haven't heard anything back from him either.

So, guess I'll have to wait and see what happens, as I think I've done as much as I can do on my end.
Just heard from Rick, apparently a minor communation problem, easily solved. Anyway, cables should be on their way shortly.
Received the Virtual Dynamic Power 3 cord the other day (thanks Rick), very impressive cord. Hooking it up was a bit of pain, as it's plug to the amp (Jolida 502A) seem to fit very loose, and combined with the weight of cord itself it had a hard time staying in place until I placed some support just in front of that connection, also the cord itself is somewhat stiff and doesn't really offer a great deal of flexibility. Anyway, finally got everything into place and powered up my amp, and after the tubes had warmed up for about thirty minutes I played three CDs at random just to get an idea of what the cord sounded like. First of all, very impressed, especially since this was my first experiences of hearing the difference between a good aftermarket cord and my stock cord. Just out of the box, first impression was quieter background, bass was more solid, soundstage seem to expand, and musical details were much better. It was almost like my amp had gotten a modification. I can only imagine how much better the music will sound once the cord has had the time to burn in get fully broken in. Which at 150-200 hours will take me a couple of months to achieve (winter evenings, with a fire in the fireplace, listening to music).

Of course, I going to have to wait a few days to get back breaking in the Power 3 cord has I have to get another fuse holder for my amp. I ran my initial test with the Power 3 cord on Thurs night. On Fri when I turned on the amp, nothing happened, so assuming that I must have blowned a fuse as the cord connection itself seem OK, I check the fuse (it was OK) but for some reason the fuse holder itself wasn't making a tight connection (a situation which I found out by pushing inward on the fuse holder, that I would get power to the amp). Anyway, made a quick phone call to Michael Allen of Jolida, and a new fuse holder has been place in the mail, so hopefully, I'll be receiving it by Tues or Wed and I can resume breaking in the Power 3 cord.
Btw, just noticed that Virtual Dynamics is having a 50% off sale on the Power Three until 12/21/07. Normally $305, now $152.50.

btw, I have no connection to Virtual Dynamics other than owning a Power Three power cord.
Well, got the "fuse holder" from Jolida, and of course, it wasn't the same as the old one (actually it was better with a metal screw top), so figured I would see how much it would cost get it put in. Quote was $75 a hour for labor. Which is way to much for just replacing a fuse holder. But at the same time I figured since my amp is 10 years old it might be a good time to upgrade/replace the caps and resistors, since the tech would be "under the hood", anyway. Well $231 and a week later, the amp is back in the system along with Virtual Dynamic Power 3 cord. Listened to some music last night, and what I heard was pretty much what I said earlier but with the amp itself sounding much better (surprising what a "tune up" will do).

I think my system is getting to sound as good as it's going to get (which is quite good to my ears, and I'm looking forward to hearing what it'll sound like after everything gets "burned in"), to get better (and not just different) I would probably have to invest into a higher level of components/speakers.