2. cables
  3. 129095-4374

Looking at sub $200 power cables.

I’d like to upgrade my power cables if I can see a benefit at the $200ish and under price point in my setup:
-Yamaha 1060 AVR (used as preamp)
-Parasound A23 Halo
-Bluesound Node 2
-Furman 15i PC

I already have some decent interconnects and speaker wire so the power cords are the next place I can tweek. I’ve been reading a lot and it seems I would get my best results starting with my AVR. How important is it to swap the PC out for the Furman to the wall? I’ve been eyeballing some decent deals on Shunyata Venom 3 PCs. I can get 3 of them for around $320. How does the new Shunyata Venom 14 compare?

Is this a waste of money in my system? Should I skip the Node? I understand it’s subjective but appreciate any input.

Thanks.
asahitoro

Showing 3 responses by auxinput

auxinput
2,921 posts
 

I have found DIY cables are vastly superior to anything manufactured, for the amount of money you're putting in.  I would recommend using a couple of Furutech FI-15 Plus power connectors (IEC & male), in either rhodium or gold plated depending on what sound you're after.  For the Rhodium IEC & Male connectors, that's about $120 shipped from either Samtech or Hi-Fi Heaven (both are good sources).  For the cable, you could go cheap and get some DH Labs at $5-8 per foot.  Or spend more and look at Neotech NEP-3002 or NEP-3003 ($20-30 per foot).   Be aware that the "Mk II" Neotech cables do have some silver-plated conductors.

Be aware the FI-15 Plus connectors only support a cable up to 15mm thick (0.59").  However, they are excellent connectors to use for the money!  I have found the terminations on the cable have just as much impact to the sound as the power cord itself.

auxinput
2,921 posts
 
by the way, Parts Connexion has a March sale 25% off on all AC Products + Wire and Cable + Audio Connectors.  As long as you submit your order by midnight tomorrow, they will take 25% off on the purchase estimate when they send that back to you.
auxinput
2,921 posts
 

Just to put things into perspective for DIY cords, the DH Labs Power Plus cable can be bought for $8.00 per foot. The connectors on the pre-built DH Labs Power Plus cable are Wattgate IEC 320i ($24) and Wattgate 5266i ($16). All you need is a Phillips screw driver and wire cutters/strippers. Probably about $20-30 in tools.  The only thing that would be missing is the fancy tech-flex cover on the cable and the printed "DH Labs" heatshrink tubing over the cable.

http://www.silversonic.com/docs/reviews/AudioXpress_Pro_Studio_Power_Plus.pdf

The Wattgate connectors use brass conductors. The brass conductors have a very fast/strong current. This translates into very fast/clear music. The brass do have a tendancy to "push hard" on the voltage. This can cause a system to be too strong/fast and can push it over the edge into the solid-state/harsh/sterile area. The Wattgate brass connectors are very decent connectors for the money. However, be aware of their character. It may be good for compensating for systems that are very soft or laid back. It puts the "snap" and attack back into the system.

In my opinion, the Furutech gold/rhodium are much better conductors, depending on what you’re looking for. Gold plated if you want a smoother and more laid back sound (warmer). Rhodium plated if you want deep strong power punch bass and very high resolution in mids/highs.

More to discover