Do I need upgraded power cables?
Hello and Good Day
I'm wondering about power conditioners and power cords. Here's my equipment:
Cronus Magnum lll Integrated Tube Amp / Focal Aria 948 DW Speakers / Kimber Kable 8TC Speaker Cables / 2 SVS SB2000 Pro A Subwoofers with SVS Sound Path Subwoofer Cables / Grado Sonata Cartridge / Pro-Ject 2 Xperience SB DC Turntable using the included interconnects / Denon DCD 1700NE CD Player using Kimber Sliver Streak Interconnect / Panamax MR4300 Power Line conditioner and surge protection
Upgrade the Panamax? - is it providing anything besides surge protection? Upgrade the power cords for which component? Or do nothing? Maybe my components aren't audiophile enough to justify purchasing upgraded power cords.
Any advise or recommendations would be appreciated.
Thank you
Bill
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- 59 posts total
@stuartk I ran two lines and it was like $200 plus cost of the outlets I bought, but my walls were down at the time so may be more if they have to snake the wires and cut holes. Just to give you a rough idea. |
Yes, I believe a good power conditioner and power cables will improve your sound quality because that's been my experience. But, it may not be yours or at least not to the extent you think it important. One of the joys of this hobby for me is the pursuit of even small increases in sound quality, some times at what others consider substantial expense. The first thing I'd recommend is a dedicated 20 amp line for your system only. Have a good electrician unit from the box to your system from a quiet, isolated portion of your box and make sure you have a good ground connection as well. This work is usually not too expensive. Probably the biggest benefits of better circuitry is the increase in wire gauge from the box and better receptacles that come to you with the process. Then get yourself a decent power conditioner from your local dealer on trial. They come in all price ranges and won't choke the transients out of your amplifier like the Panamax is likely doing. In fact, plugging the amplifier directly to the wall may still be best. Just unplug it when storms come. Next, try some well regarded power cables. All this equipment is system dependent. AQ's best conditioner didn't do as well for me as Shunyata but their top power cables are terrific. Your experience will likely be different. But, this pursuit and the thrill of listening to life like music are what it's al about. Enjoy...
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- 59 posts total