2. misc-audio
  3. 189030-149900

At what point do you...

buy new vs used/open box/refurbished/demo, etc? I know this is all cost based relative but just curious where you draw the line and go brand new. For example, online retailer x has a brand new power cable for $499. They also have the exact same power cable (same length) on an open box for $449. Worth it to save the $50 or do you just go brand new? Or would you just always go for the less costly alternative because saving $ is saving $?

 

I have been wanting to get some consistency with my subs, currently I have a LaSpada 10AWG power cable on sub 1 and a Signal Cable Magic Power cable on sub 2. I also see there is a couple of open box Audioquest NRG4 power cables available for $30ea off already discounted brand new ones. I’m thinking of pulling the trigger on the NRG4’s and saving an additional $60 on the pair and using these on my SVS SB4000’s...

 

In some cases you can save significantly by going other than new but then not so much in other cases. I know this is extremely subjective and relative but just wondering how all of you decide when to just go brand new...again just curious how you all decide which direction to go...

kingbr

Showing 2 responses by hsounds

hsounds
130 posts
 

I am one of the people who believes AQ can be a great value for money. Great job on getting all of the important stuff done right. I actually use the NRG power cable to power my turntable and phono stage. Because I needed a pretty long power cord it is a great value. 

hsounds
130 posts
 

Hello, I really feel you could be spending your money better elsewhere like on room treatments. I know power cables make a difference. I have Straightwire Black Thunders on my two JL Audio subs. I actually heard a difference not only from the stock cables, which the recommended using but also some other nice guage cables. It just seamed like the sub was more accurately followed the front two speakers. 
mid this is for home theater then I would definitely not waste my money since the surround preamplifier actually controls the sub including the timing. I’m pretty sure SVS has some nice software that goes with their subs. Maybe just recalibrate the speakers. $500 is a good chunk of change to spend on subwoofer power cords before you correct some of the issues in the room. First reflection points, bass control for corners, and stuff like that. As a worst case scenario upgrade your power cord on your steamer, DAC, and transport. Especially since those items are usually not tunable. I hope this helps. 

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