AQ Power cables- Space considerations in audio cabinet


Hi all,

I received some AQ Power Cables. Wonderful sounding cables but they are quite stiff and I have yet to install my back panels on my audio rack with active cooling fans but it looks like but due to the stiffness of the power cables it doesn't seem feasible. Anyone run into this issue? If so, do you have any suggestions on what you did to fix the issue? I am considering using 6 inch power extension cords to attach the AQ power cable to it and plug it into my power conditioner in the cabinet. Is it a good idea to use plug extensions for this purpose? Is there anything I need to be aware of using this method?  That way I have some play and can manage the power cords better and perhaps be able to install my cooling panel without issue. Thanks in advance.

2007audioman
2007audioman
@gdnrbob,

I checked the back of my power conditioner and there is approx. 2.25 inches of space so a 6 inch extension cord would be perfect to connect the power cables too or 8 inches would be good as well. I just need the power cables to clear the fan assembly that are installed on the back inside the panel. If you find your extension cord I would like to have a look at it if you want to pm me. Thanks gdnrbob. 
@2007audioman ,
Like I wrote, using a right angle connector-which is metal to metal, and not an extension cord should make little difference.
And,
You just reminded me that I bought a connector that extended about 6 inches from the power input of my Ayre Codex. I needed it to clear one of the other inputs (optical?). Let me see if I can find it....
It is a shame that we have to resort to such arcane solutions.
Bob
@docknow- @docknow- sorry to hear about the sound degradation. This was before your audiophile grade cable correct? How did you remedy the situation? Did you get a higher grade extension power cord? 
In my case the power cable male end would be plugged into the female end and the male end of the power cable extension would be plugged into my power conditioner.

Alasdair at Audioquest said "the amount of compromise would be quite small and will in no way take anything away from the benefit of having an AQ power cable in your system". I can try one and see how it works. Can't hurt right?

2007audioman
In my experience, using a low gauge consumer grade extension cord before my audiophile grade power cord degraded the sound noticeably. 
@tomic601 - thanks for the suggestion tomic. I see how it could benefit my situation but drilling holes in the back panel is something I don't want too to do to my panels. Thanks for your suggestion. Much appreciated.

@gdnrbob- right angle adapters may be possible for the bottom receptacles in my power conditioner but using a 90 degree adapter for the receptacles on top won't work for my application. I figure those would require like a 6 inch extension power cable cord as it flexible enough to overhang over the edge of the shelf.  My next idea is to buy a separate smaller Furman power and plug my power amps and preamp into the power strip however I am concerned may not be able to handle the 4 power amps and a preamp . Just a thought. Thanks for your suggestions as well. I will contact Audioquest as well. Thanks gdnrbob.
@OP,
There are other right angle adaptors available.
I, too, had the same issue with my AQ cables. I even told Alasdair at AQ that their cables were far too stiff for normal usage. He did say using a right angle connector would do no harm sonically, as it is metal to metal connection.
You'll find a good selection on Amazon- up/down, right/left. I keep a few of each just in case I need one when I move equipment around.
Voodoo cable makes one, but you need to know how you want it oriented, and it costs $100. I bought one, and it is nicely built, but really not worth the cost. I am hoping to take it apart and see if there is a way adapt it to the AQ cables. My thought is that it would be great if each power cord could be adapted for easily for any users particular situation.
Bob
Hi maxwave..the right angle wall outlet adapter link you sent could work only my Furman Ref 15i outlets for my amps are in a pair vertically so I would need a cord extension for all 4 but it could work for my preamp plugged into my Furman. I will take a look. Thanks again for your links.

2007audioman
Thanks for the links maxwave however my needs are to plug the power cable into the extension cord(female) and then plug(male) that into my power conditioner. Will this method degrade the sound quality?

2007audioman
Hi ebm..thanks for the suggestion but I just bought these cables and plan to stick with them. Maybe Furutech makes short extension cords for this type of application? May need to go on their site and check it out. Thanks ebm.

2007audioman