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Cost effective power cables recommendations, low and high power

I recently watched a number of informative videos about AC cables for our systems. One by the Dutchman Hans Beekhuysen (sp?) was really very good and explained why they matter, even with so many miles of cheapo cable bringing power into our homes, it seems to be all about reducing and rejecting stray interference from a lot of juice passing through the cables to our componenets, and the effect this might have on nearby interconnects and so on.

So I thought I would ask for recommendations from users here on what power cables you use for amplifiers (higher power consumption) and other components like digital stuff or preamps and so on, what are you happy with and that seems to make a difference big or small.

I am not about to spend thousands (or even many hundreds) for power cables, so hopefully something in what we mere mortals who work hard to earn our money can typically afford. Well shielded, properly twisted and insulated cable that does the job well, without typical marketing bull or obscene prices and markups please!

troidelover1499

Showing 1 response by audphile1

audphile1's avatar
audphile1
4,324 posts
 

@troidelover1499 since you’re a skeptic, your options are to either go with a new power cable or buy used to be able to resell to recoup your spend.
 

In both cases I recommend sticking with established brands (Audioquest, Nordost, Wireworld, DH Labs, etc.)
With new you have Music Direct and Upscale Audio who offer 60 day returning policy. In this case you’re bound to 1 - need to break in the new power cord (around 200hrs), 2 - pay retail if you end up keeping it or 3 - absorb the return shipping then head in whatever direction you decide on, back to stock cord or look for a used one. 

Opting into “boutique bargain” brands like Zavfino, Audio Envy, Cullen, etc. will be a guessing game where you will get what you pay for, potentially not going to be able to return due to restocking fees and end up wondering how an Audioquest power cord would sound like with your amp. 
 

Also, the recommendation above about reading the Counterfeit Chinese Cables thread should be limited to just reading that…I wouldn’t follow any of those recommendations for many reasons. 

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