New expensive power cord for amp and no change in sound?


I bought new an expensive(for me) well known and reviewed power cord for my very good amp and plugged it directly onto the wall socket. After a couple of weeks of daily use I hear no change in the sound quality from a $500 cord. I don’t want to name it for fear of getting my thread deleted. You would know it or at least be aware of the company. Did I throw away several thousand dollars? Before I get the snake oil answer I want to let you know that I bought an upgraded cord for my pre as suggested by the pre’s manufacturer and am pleased with the results.

I guess for full disclosure the amp’s manufacturer said don’t bother. But I had had good luck with the pre so I thought it would be a good idea.

Anybody else have this happen to them?

roxy1927

Showing 9 responses by audphile1

The OP mentioned Shunyata Sigma was the power cable. I think that post was removed. Not sure what $500 power cord he’s using though.

I don’t think your thread will be deleted if you mention the well reviewed power cord. 
I assume the amp is Pass X250.8?

So what is the power cord that made no difference after several weeks?

FYI…I’m running Audience Forte f3 power cords on my X260.8 mono amps and even though they’re not expensive at all (nowhere near $500), I heard the improvement over stock cords. 

I tried and absolutely did not like Shunyata Alpha NR v2 on pass amp. Never heard the Sigma. As someone mentioned earlier in the thread, not every “upgrade”, be it a component or a cable, makes a positive difference or even a difference at all. 

@immatthewj extremely bright and fatiguing. I couldn’t tolerate normal volume for more than few songs. My system is smooth and non fatiguing and I can listen for hours. But not with the Alpha NR v2. I had two if these at some point, one on Pass XP-22 preamp and one on Pass XA-30.8 amp and the amp just turned unlistenable. I gave it a full 200hrs and sent it back to Music Direct. I used to own older Taipan and Python Alpha Helix cords and they were open sounding but never bright.
So like I said, not every upgrade brings positive results.

 

And…no placebo here. I’ve gone thru enough power cables, cheap and expensive , with both good and bad results to know these cables matter. Take it for what it’s worth. My experience. My ears. 

@immatthewj absolutely! My pass amps are rocking audience forte f3 now (under $200 each). I also like TWL Seven Plus. Did not like AQ Hurricane, Tornado and Thunder. Loved Nordosr Frey 2. Furutech was really good as well. Didn’t like Cardas and Acoustic Zen (too warm with pass gear).
Like you said it’s all about the synergy and personal preference for sound. 

vonhelmholtz

911 posts

 

Now that we have solved the power cord dilemma, let’s discuss something less controversial..like “climate change “.
 

LOL @vonhelmholtz 

 

roxy1927 OP

119 posts

 

Well then Pass is a well known and admired popular brand in the audiophile world. I would like to know if others have used up market cords with Pass and found they did improve the sound.
 

I have owned the following Pass amps: X250.5, XA30.8, X260.8 mono blocks (my current amps). I’ve also experimented with several power cables. I heard the difference every time. The change isn’t always positive. But it’s there and is audible. 
I had Pass XP-12 preamp and now running XP-22. Power cords make a difference on these preamps as well. 
 

As a matter of fact, I’ve not yet owned a component that didn’t react to power cord changes. 

@zlone Depends on how your system is balanced (lean, warm, bright?), sound characteristics you’re looking for and budget. Not to high jack this thread, may be start a new discussion? Or pm me.