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DVD PLAYER UPGRADE TIP

When I bought my first DVD player I couldn't understand why it had a flimsy 2 prong removable power cord.
I asked around and the only solution was to have a modification done. This would have voided my warranty and would not be worth it, considering the rate at which I have changed DVD players. I also use my DVD player for analogue CD playback, so any improvent in sound quality is very important to me. I sent an email to Jim Wang of Harmonic Technology for advice on a different matter, and he mentioned that I might want to try his new 2 pin to IEC adapter. I ordered it, and at sixty dollars it solved my power cord dilemma. It uses the same single crystal materials as their other products and allows you to use any after market power cord you like. I tried the adapter with 3 different power cords: first, a Synergistic Research Master Coupler, then a Transparent Audio PC, then the Harmonic Tech Pro AC-11. There were significant improvements with all three cables, but the H. Tech cable worked best in my system. The Transparent was second, even though it cost 10 times as much! I gained a more detailed and transparent sound, more clearly defined pitch in the bass, and the musicians seemed to be two feet taller in my previously underwhelming soundstage. And lately, I seem to be enjoying watching movies without noticing any flaws. The color is a bit more natural. I thought to pass this on to the Audiogon members, as it could go a long way to improving their DVD experience. Just for the record, I am not associated with Harmonic Technology, only a satisfied customer. Jim sent me this list of companies that carry the adapter:
The Cable Company
Ambrosia Audio Video
Evolution Audio and Video
Digital Domain
Home Theater By Design
Signature Audio Ltd.
Advanced Home Theater Systems
The Sound Exchange
Audio Artisan
AudioNut.com
Hope this is helpful. Good listening and viewing to all, and to all a good day!
bmpnyc
hdm
1,062 posts
 
To the best of my knowledge, the female two pin end to attach at the DVD player is not available as a stand alone/purchase alone product. I became aware of this product by posting a query at Audioasylum and one of the members posted to let me know about it as I didn't want to perform major surgery on my DVD player. Bob Crump himself also posted a response suggesting that one could retain the two pin connection and a few inches of the stock cord and attach a female iec from Allied Electronics, essentially doing the same thing, but I figured I'd spring for the HT adapter-then if I ever sell the DVD player to upgrade, I've got the original cord to go with it. Plus a lot less work!
hdm
1,062 posts
 
Sorry, on my post directly above, it would be an in-line MALE iec that you would attach to the stock, allowing connection of any aftermarket cord with a female iec connector, supposedly available from Allied if you want to go that route.
monsterbill
7 posts
 
Thanks! Good enough for Crump=Good enough for me!
monsterbillb90c
4 posts
 
I tried out the in-line male IEC connector with my Magnum Dynalab FT101 tuner, but cutting all but a nub of the stock cable, and attaching the male IEC to the nub. With the Crump DIY cable, the results were fairly dramatic. Much stronger bass and dynamics, somewhat less noisy reception. Only complaint is that male voices seem chestier (mid-bass bloat).

I haven't gotten my DVD player yet, so I haven't had a chance to try out the upgrade with the DIY two prong to male IEC adapter. I did get contacted by a source for the two prong plugs, though: folks at vantageaudio.com apparently have a stock for about two bucks each. The plugs require soldering to attach a cord, and given the small size of the plug, this strikes me as slightly unsafe for DIY, but it would allow you to get around using an additional connector.
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