Budget High Current Power Cords

@hickamore 

 

Thanks for reporting your findings so far. Very interesting. I will be interested in hearing if you hear any difference on the subwoofers. When I had subwoofers I never did more than a token upgrade to them.

Virtual Dynamics Power 3 / Power 1 / David Series. Takes a bit of hunting but well worth it. I was able to source them for every component in my rig. 
 

 

New GR Research B24 is good

One problem with these expensive cables is the manufacturer doesn't make a million feet a year of the stuff.   Economy of scale is the big deal in getting the price down.   So, they are expensive, regardless of how they sound, which means it is difficult or impossible to compare bang for buck.

I prefer used brand cables, like Nordost, Audioquest, Kimbers, Cardas, Tellurium, High Fidelity used On when they go on sale as well, Can DiY cables compete with the above brand , my experience with my friends diy cables are just ok, they are noisy.

Epilogue #1:  Thanks to contributions on this forum, I am already auditioning Zavfino 10awg on my power amp and Ice Age 10awg on subwoofer in a temporary placemement. Zavfino was instantly brighter than the 7awg Pangea I had been using, and more open (not more detailed) in the frequency range above female vocals. But with notably less bass control, and even some bloat around 80Hz. (Worse, all my favored tracks, pulled from various albums by Kathleen Edwards, began sounding dull, and remained so until I brought a subwoofer online). 

Love the Zavfino build quality, but this will soon be replaced by the "new" (to me) Pangea 9SE MkII Signature, and saved for future uses. (And if the updated Pangea doesn't outperform the old standard issue on the amp, will try Zavfino on the conditioner).

A 10' run of Ice Age on the subwoofer for only $159, a standard size for them, with no tax and free shipping, is a remarkable bargain. Though once the sub reaches its permanent placement (unavailable until backordered power conditioner arrives), I will switch this for a 7' Cullen Crossover Series in 10awg.

So right there are three mfrs I had never heard of before posting this inquiry. In addition, I received an offer to audition spare Puritan and even higher-end PCs once the system has been stabilized. So count me thankful for this forum and gratified by the many generous and helpful suggestions. (Those ritually denying the benefit of quality PCs are neither helpful nor generous, but then we knew that already).  

The problem with referencing the PC shootout,

It's not clear what he actually used the PCs on. Was it amps? preamps? source?

I like the cords I have ,no if any company wants to send me some to try out ,no problem...

Also, given that "high current" is just the mfrs' own designation for their amp cables, I can't fathom the mockery.

Maybe "high current" is a marketing term, but there is truth in having appropriate sized conductors when used with a high-current-draw device. Look at the gauge required for air conditioners and refrigerators. Ever feel how hot the PC can get when using power tools or an air conditioner? Granted, these are extension cords, but they must be up to the task.

I would say Silnote Audio. They have taken there prices up.

@jerryg123 just about as stupid as yours. At least Miller went for a joke, you are just a spiteful twat

Ozzy there's a thread for that  https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/stiff-power-cords-are-frustrating

Who knew???  

I must agree with many of the previous posters, Signal Cable, Cullen Cable,and Cerious Tech. are all excellent choices. If I was not flush with PCs l would be taking a hard look at Take Five Audio also.

danager,
As I stated, power cables that are very stiff will sometimes take a herculean effort to get them to align with the wall outlet or component inlet.
If you have never experienced this then you haven’t used really thick rigid power cables.

ozzy

Also, here is a PC shootout in 2019:
https://audiobacon.net/2019/08/17/27-audiophile-power-cables-reviewed/
Most of these cables may be priced above your budget, but perhaps used or stretch your budget may be an option.  I picked up a few Kimber Palladian PC used because of their price/performance seemed ideal for my budget.

Analysis Plus
Audience
Audio Sensibility
Cullen Cable
Morrow Audio
Requisite Audio http://requisiteaudio.com/studio-cables/
Shunyata
Triode Wire Labs
Underwood HiFi Core PC https://www.underwoodhifi.com/products/valiant
Zavfino

or you can make your own. 
On eBay: "ACOUSTIC REVIVE Power Cable 1.0m POWER SENSUAL TripleC18000 Fast Ship Japan EMS" is the cable and just add quality power plugs.

@ozzy  why in world would you be twisting power cables???  I just plug mine in once or maybe three times and they sit for years  then again I'm not adding a lot of stuff so I don't pull stuff out much to get to the back. The only power cable I've ever broken was on my laptop when I knocked it off the counter and it landed on the plug.  I miss that laptop :(

hickamore,
I have had 2 different brands that use plastic IEC/AC that have shattered under pressure due to stiffness and too much twisting. I guess if you are aware of the plastic, take special precaution, and it may not be an issue.

ozzy

@ozzy thanks for the warning about plastic parts. Many of the cables recommended here do use plastic at the terminals -- one reason why they fall in the "budget" category, no doubt. I will certainly explore durability record before buying anything with plastic. 

Surprised to learn there is a Shunyata (barely) within my range. If the sound is as impressive as the words I've just read about it, a definite contender.

I like MC’s idea soldering 2+ together. 
The trick is sourcing a high(er) current connector for the amp end. 

Shunyata Research Venom NR10 IMHO is the best value cord on the market. Will improve anything it's put on. 

while I feel that the idea a of “high-current”power cord/cable is a bit of an over used audio marketing misnomer…
 Essential Sound Products (ESP) may suit your needs 

@cooperjack, LOL, Anticables sounded like a joke, but I see they are real and you're not kidding. Actually they look much like other brands recommended in this thread, and in the same price range, so thanks for that ;-)

@larry5729 +1. I'm an admitted newbie in the cable comparison game, much in need of experienced guidance. Most responses have been both gracious and helpful, and for those I am thankful. Indeed, some who post snarky comments on one subject will give beneficial advice on other subjects, MC being an example. As for those who are only here to make mischief, I just try to ignore them.

I noticed immediate and clear improvement with Triode Wire Labs 7 on my amp.

I'll throw my selection in the hat...
Parts Connexion, or the old Sonic Frontiers as it was called back in the day.  They make a cord that seems good - now, it's NOT Nordost Odin or Valhalla good, but for price they sold it to me for, yeah, it's good... for the time being...  

I wish offensive remarks would be eliminated from our discussion and perhaps those doing so would be removed from the discussion group.  This certainly makes people uneasy for posting their questions in the first place.  If this is allowed to continue, it won't be long before only those who are sarcastic to remain.  I wonder how many were turned off and no longer participate in the group.  Perhaps the people who control this discussion group could come up with some new rules for people to sign in order to participate.  I must admit some of the discussion can be ridiculous.  However, how many of us had similar questions about this hobby when they first began.  Perhaps, as a result no question is a stupid question.  Some people new to this hobby begin their questions by saying they are are new to this hobby and hope their question does not offend those who are more experienced.  How else can people learn.

There has got to be a difference between a 1/4 inch diameter power cord that comes from the manufacturer vs a 1 inch diameter high end power cable.  i wish a lab could clear up some of the myths.  Maybe it is like the Emperors New Cloths.  If you spend enough money it convinces you that it sounds better.  Wonder what Miller Carbon's thought are?

I have had surprisingly good results with Anticables power cords. This is from a power cord sceptic. They offer a no questions asked return policy. So, I thought ok, I'll drink the Kool Aide. Surprisingly, They made an obvious audible difference. No doubt there are other power cords that may make an improvement but I see no reason to go any deeper into this particular audio rabbit hole.

@prebs, as it happens I have an unopened Pangea AC9SEII ("100% Cardas copper") leaning against the wall, awaiting the time when my conditioner arrives and the sub can move to its intended placement. Power amp has been running on an earlier edition of AC9 since I got it. But never compared to anything else. Mid-grade Zavfino arriving today & I will test it for a while. Ice Age on order for the sub, AQ NRG-Z3 for DAC, and an inquiry in to Cullen on Crossover Series. May as well dance with other plausible contenders now that they've been properly introduced & I opened the door. Due diligence, you know.

@missioncoonery, I wish MC had told us what PC he uses with his Blackhawk. Probably some elaborate DIY setup that I could never replicate and wouldn't need, but still, this is one instance when I hoped he would tell us more rather than nothing. Also, given that "high current" is just the mfrs' own designation for their amp cables, I can't fathom the mockery. And since Pangea AC9 is itself a well-made iteration of MC's own facetious "suggestion," maybe he was just obliquely scorning "firehose" PCs in general. 

Jerryg......i guess we are just blessed Tekton doesnt make cables or we would be reading how great they are........................................................................mc wrote...Budget high current, why not take 2 or 3 freebie power cords, cut the ends and solder em all into one? Wouldn't that be three times the current? With four or 5 you could get lots of current. How much current are we talking anyway?

I would choose the Pangea AC9 SE ii, not the most flexible cable but that's due to it's high 7 awg size. Designed by cable legend Jay Victor, same guy that's behind PS Audio AC12, just look at the similarities between AC12 and Pangea AC9!! Dont belive the reply regarding blanket from fellow member. This is a kick ass cable for the money!! I have both AC9 and AC12 and there is no way I could tell the difference between them on any gear I've tested them on. 

Triode Wire Labs High Power Digital American. I have one, using it for my Rowland Model 201 mono amp for my center speaker and it is a very good PC and great value for the money. If I did not buy "higher end" audiophile cables for my power conditioner and 2 Model 12 amps, I would have them for all high current components. 
Their Seven Plus cables for low current components are probably just as good. 

@verdantaudio I'm pleased to see that the Puritan Ultimates are no costlier than the AQ "storm" series, and the Clarus are within my budget relative to price of my amps. And so the list grows longer still.

Puritan cables are incredible for the money.  They are pliable and the Ultimate series is tremendous.  If you are looking for a higher end cable, Clarus Aqua and Crimson.  

There is no issue in terms of ground matching with your line conditioner.  They carry plenty of current and sound neutral, clean and open.  I like them a lot to the point where These are the brands I will be using at NY Audio Show and AXPONA.  

@ghdprentice Thanks, very helpful. Others here also seem sold on the "same company for all wires in the system" approach, so must be something to it. Would take me a while to get there, however, with several different PC/IC brands in the current setup including PS Audio, Morrow, AudioQuest, Pangea. Anyhow I have Zavfino, Cullen, Pangea "high current amp" cords in the current queue for testing, with Signal and others on standby as needed.

OP

I think you are taking away the right thing. Power cords like interconnects and cables depend on your system. There are all sorts of different approaches. Intuition or a single design approach is seldom the determinant of what will sound good in your system. There are some rules of thumb that usually work… but you never know.

This is why it is best to try them, from a dealer or The Cable Company lending library. Try at least three brands. 


I have found this exceptionally weird. But most of the time I have found that a specific interconnect and power cord from the same company have a similar impact on the sound in my system. I also noticed that a large gauge… typically made for a amp does sound better than one not specifically made for a amp.

@lowrider57 , @bigby  Much appreciate the additional detail. This info on Pangea, coupled with discussions of others above, tells me there's no perfect, one-size-fits-all PC that will sound best with each of 100 different amps with 100 different designs. Now I'm wondering whether the  difference in design between a 250W Class A/AB power amp and a 1000W Class D sub amp wouldn't almost necessarily require different wires? Or maybe all PCs will sound the same with a device whose frequency range rolls off at -24dB above 31Hz? "Transparency" would seem a moot concern in the domain of sound waves 11-17 meters long. 

Here's yet another place to look, Douglas Connection. You can get DIY materials from them or they can build what they call "custom made" cords. Their Elite 12 power cable may be what you are looking for. I have made some DIY cords with the Lapp wire and various brands of cord ends. For a budget cable I think that they very good.

Audioquest thunder power cord is maybe not "cheap" but it works. However, I don't believe you provided enough info as to what is considered cheap. Cheap is relative, for instance, you spend 3000 to 5000 on an amp, then to me, the 700-800 on a thunder, depending on length, is relatively reasonable. 

@bigby an earlier post says the 7 awg Pangea sound like throwing a blanket over your system. Yes, they are visually impressive, but have you compared their SOUND against other upgrade power cords, or only against the stock cords included with your amp?

That was me. I still have two 14awg Pangea...in my closet. They have a warm sonic signature, as do others, but they lack clarity and detail. They are a budget cable, as are Signal and Cullen which I prefer. These are my findings using them in multiple systems, as always YMMV.

As for their high-current 7awg cable which is so fat and stiff, it’s difficult to use. That’s not the problem, there are other firehose PCs. My issue is how it colours the sound and lacks transparency resulting in a dull music presentation.
Obviously, I believe different designs, materials, and construction influence sonics. I also believe the audio system must be revealing enough to hear these differences.

Very nice system @bigby.

@stringreen 
“make your own.....Furutech plugs ....Neotech cable.”

^^^^^^^ This ^^^^^^

Altho there are several alternative brands of high quality cables off the reel with which one can experiment .. Furutech own , Oyaide , Furukawa etc etc 

Hi @hickamore, 

I've tried Pangea against stock cords and Transparent Power Link cords in an all  BAT system (VK75SE monos) and an all Spectral system (400's).  Pangea won in both cases.  

I was so pleased with the Pangea cords that I sold the Transparent Power Link for shipping costs to get them out of my house.

So when someone says high current cable, I'm presuming 20A connectors, and suitable gauges. Hospital grade outlets, for better clamping forces and better contact.
Like an IEC C-19 plug, or C-20 for example?

https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/PWIECB10--daddario-planet-waves-iec-to-nema-plug-power-cable...
Budget 12 AWG power cord, will require a 20A circuit breaker.

I’m sure I’m going to take some heat from some people but I’ve been really happy with Copper Colour brand cables. https://www.china-hifi-audio.com/en/copper-colour-audiophile-cable-cc-cords-c-52?zenid=30d65f2904c78...

make your own.....Furutech plugs ....Neotech cable.

@bigby an earlier post says the 7 awg Pangea sound like throwing a blanket over your system. Yes, they are visually impressive, but have you compared their SOUND against other upgrade power cords, or only against the stock cords included with your amp? 

Still looking for your great reviews of RCA MFF adapters…..
@danager

Pangea cords are the way to go.  https://www.audioadvisor.com/products.asp?dept=25 . Cost effective. 

@danager, that’s why I do not buy high end braided cable.