Need quality flexible power cord for CD player....
Howdy All,
I have a good sounding system consisting of Quad 99 CDP cd player connected directly to a pair of Channel Islands VMB-1 mono-block amplifiers via the Quad's varible output. Speakers are Reference 3A mm DeCapos on sand/shot filled Sound Organization stands. Currently I use the highly regarded Audience PowerChord on the CD player, but it is a bit too stiff in the long strain relief area and it is difficult to use it with the light weight Quad on my narrow rack.
Cound someone recommend a good flexible power Cord that works well with digital front ends and is reasonably affordable? I would prefer to spend $100 or less (new or used) for a 3 ft. cable, but could spring for a bit more, if necessary.
Please don't turn this into a Power Cord/Snake Oil argument. I'm going to spend some money, so please, recommendations only and DIY is OK as long as it is an easy to construct kit or design.
Yup, it's the same. Probably 80% of my music goes through that DAC, so I was quite willing to toss the PC if it didn't perform and just looking at it I really thought to be out $40. In fact, I almost didn't plug it in at all but now I consider it to be a _major_ bargain (up there with the DAC itself).
Was that the $40 Soundstring low power cable? If so, it is the same one that I bought. I'm very impressed with the sound. I can't believe how unimpressive looking it is, but the sound does not match the look.
I'd recommend the Shunyata Black Mamba-original version. I've seen it on AG for about $350 used (was $750 new). It works well for noise reduction and helps lower the noise floor. It especially works well with digital. Stan
I replaced a Flavor 1 Cryo on my Bel Canto DAC 1 with the Soundstring Low Power. The Soundstring is quite unimpressive looking, but the sound is very smooth. I'm pleased...
Just a follow-up. I did get the entry level Soundstrings Digital PC. It was $40. I was hugely disappointed when I pulled it from the box. It looks very much like a stock power cord but is white plastic instead of the usual black and it is very flexible.
Anyway, After using it for a week.....WOW! By system sounds great! Bass weight is especially noticable and the top end is very smooth. I must say I am shocked that it sounds this good.
The $40 Soundstrings was a perfect solution to my cheap/flexible criteria.
I second the VH Audio Flavor 1 power cord... I also tried the Audience cord, but found it not to my liking on my Resolution Audio Opus 21 player. I ran a Flavor 1 Rhodium with great results! It is within your budget (especially used), is flexible and competes with others up to $800 I had tried.
Yes, I agree the Blue Circle power cords are very easy to work with. The easiest of any I've owned. I think the BC61 retails for around $110 new.
Any of the Virtual Dynamics power cords such as the Basic or Power 3 are excellent for the price and should be under $100 new, but unfortunately are very difficult to handle. They're almost like monstrous pipe cleaners. Still a great bargain however.
You might want to look into the VH Labs Flavor 1 power cord. It is specifically designed to be used with digital equipment. I use a Flavor 4 on my amp and like it. You can save more money by buying the DIY kit from Chris Ven Haus and making it yourself. I did this with my Flavor 4.
The Absolute Power Cords definitely fall within your budget as well. In my case however, I did not perceive any difference between them and the stock cords.
I don't know how it compares in flexability to the Audience PowerChord, but the XLO Reference 2 Type 10A seems very flexible compared to other power cords I've used. It also has a reputation as being a good choice for digital, and my experiences with it confirm that. It can be found on AudioGon for under $100. Good luck.
. Steve/ Reubent, . Sorry, I did not read the original post carefully enough. I somehow missed the $ 100.00 budget limit. . You can find the Whale Supreme used for as low as $ 350.00 - 450.00, but that is still way over Reubent's budget. . I will slow down and read more carefully in the future. . Rgds, Larry .
. BMI Whale Supreme or BMI Orca powers cords are amazing on a CDP. Best cords of maybe 10 that I have tried in my system. . Just do a search on Audiogon by typing in BMI and you will find a few listings that will get you oriented. Feel free to email me off-line if I can be of any help. . Rgds, Larry .
Check out the Blue Circle power cords, BC61 & BC62. Extremely easy to work/maneuver with. I'm not familiar with the Audience power cords other than their great reviews so I can't compare directly, but the Blue Circle pcs have made great improvements in my own system. Good luck!
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