I now use Cardas clear power cable with my Cary DMS 600 DAC/Streamer, before that i used to connect to Cardas Clear Cygnus power cable, it was great (very quite and detailed).
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I find the whole cable thing very confusing. Some of the 'science' the goes into the manufacture of some cables actually defies physics but that is an aside. I have a system that has cost me in excess of $US40k and I use Kimber 8TC speaker cable and pretty basic wireworld and/or Kimber interconnects. I have tried speaker cables the sell for over $3k, interconnects up to $2k and some very expensive power cords and plugs. The only time I hear any real difference was when I spent $350 on 1 metre phono cables. I just can't hear any improvement. I recently pruchased an Auralic G2 Dac/Streamer and that made a huge difference but when I tried hi-end cables for this, nothing so back to Kimbers and the standard wall plug. Sorry guys, it's like that EntreQ stuff or Shunyata Cable Risers, I don't hear it??? |
The Shunyata NR V-10 was the clear winner, although I haven't auditioned the Triode Digital American yet. Dead quiet, detailed and well balanced, with palpable bass. Better than the Shunyata Defender by itself. Next was the Wireworld Electra 7, which had surprising bass, yet wasn't quite as open and balanced. Still a fine cord, though, at a comparatively bargain price. Cardas Clear displayed the typical Cardas sound, smooth and rich, but adding a level of honey across the board, so a "slower," less dynamic sound. |
I can't believe some of these so called "Audiophiles" who say that any ordinary stock cord is just as good as the higher end power cords. I just upgraded my DAC PC from an old Shunyata Research to the Pangea AC 14 XL with Cardas copper. I too was skeptical if there would be an improvement and boy was I in for a real treat in upgrade in transparency, 3D soundstage, clarity and solid bass. The best was the price. It didn't break the bank Good Luck |
Have you had a chance to audition all of the options above? I've been very happy with triode labs myself, although I couldn't quite justify the price of the digital american when I also had to purchase two 7+ cables for other components, so I went with a 12+ for my DAC. I've personally heard quite substantial changes with power cables on relatively simple systems, but as always it depends on your kit. It would be great to hear any updates! |
When I first read about upgrading power cords, I was skeptical. I tried anyway, and was surprised that it could make a subtle difference. However, I thought that the asymptote was quickly reached—I couldn’t hear any improvement after the $100/meter point. I haven’t really listened critically to power cords in the last decade or so. I buy them based on features—I favor them being somewhat flexible and gripping tightly, and since I have had hum problems in the past I want them shielded. Currently, I use a mix of PS Audio and Pangea. My two cents. |
There are so many makes of cables out there, some just rebranded. If you are interested in off the reel mains cable then my suggestion would be to take a look at those by Acrolink or Furutech. This is the most cost effective way of getting a good mains cable. I do recommend using Furtech NCF plugs if budget allows. We are dealers for Sablon in the U.K. and have found their hand made cables to give great results although we haven’t been able to compare it to ALL of the best mains cables, however I conjecture that it’s right up there imo. See good user reports and feedback on some of the forums like What’s Best Forum if interested. |
Serious question:. What makes a digital power cord a "digital" power cord? Is it shielding, wire configuration, something else? I realize that no manufacturer is going to divulge anything proprietary but just wondering. Do you think they somehow block digital noise from going back into the wall and contaminating the power supplies of other components? I'm one of those that hears a difference. I put the stock cord back on my Dac and the music lost some transparency and life. |
One dimensional thinking is tragically limiting in our understanding of the universe. Just like one dimensional thinking where only DC laws of physics can apply to power cord performance. A good example. Laws of physics say I should move away from the source of heat to get cooler, right? The sun's surface sits steady at temperature of roughly 5,500 degrees Celsius. No problem there. However, as the heat travels from the sun's surface to the layer a few hundred miles away from its surface (known as the sun's corona), it rises to a temperature of 1,000,000 degrees Celsius. Why? We don't know but obviously the universe is much more dynamic than any one dimensional thinker would ever have guessed. |
But hey guys!.. I read the manual and looked at the schematics and it says it's supposed to do this thing and that so that's all I need to know. Why should I have to listen to it, or anything, for that matter. I just know it to be true. Your senses can't be trusted. Now take that argument to it's logical conclusion and all one needs to do is get a Walmart table radio and post pictures of your favorite gear on the wall behind it and you're set to go. You can upgrade simply by exchanging new photos of gear every now and again. All the best, Nonoise |
kgbspy it is a scientific fact...Blind test will prove me right.Is that a faith-based statement, or have you actually conducted such tests? those who detect differences in sound (different sound level or "improvement " in sound quality) with different AC cords ... please see psychiatristClaiming that those with whom one disagrees are insane is a common practice of dictators, despots and tyrants. That makes it pretty easy to dismiss your beliefs. |
pmboyd .... ok let me do some explanation.... any DAC circuit is powered by 2 or 3 low voltage lines 3.3 V, 5V and 12V. most likely 120-220 Volt AC line(that is where you connect your supper expensive AC cable) goes to switch mode power supply circuit ... the output of that supply is 15-16 volt DC or additional 7V DC. those 1 or 2 lines are used to produce lower desired voltages (3.3V or 5V or 12 V ..whatever needed) ... DC regulator ICs + electrolytic capacitors + ceramic type capacitors are used to make those DC supplies free of any "noise" low frequency or high frequency . ONCE AGAIN POWER SUPPLY AC CABLE (CORD) CAN NOT AFFECT THE QUALITY OF THOSE DC LINES AND SOUND QUALITY ! it is a scientific fact...Blind test will prove me right. those who detect differences in sound (different sound level or "improvement " in sound quality) with different AC cords ... please see psychiatrist . |
kgbspy7... What I will laugh at for the rest of my life: YOU. "In the year of our Lord 1432, there arose a grievous quarrel among the brethren over the number of teeth in the mouth of a horse. For 13 days the disputation raged without ceasing...." There is a charming parable illustrating the need for empirical evidence. It concerns scholars vigorously debating the number of teeth in a horse's mouth. A naive young man suggests that they might resolve the question by looking in the horse's mouth and counting them. The scholars are horrified at this outrageous suggestion. |
Supra is very good for the money. I have their power cord which I didn’t care for their ends as they feel very cheap so off they went. The Supra PC to my ears a little soft or not as open and revealing as my Wywires and Nordost. I also purchased the Supra Power Block and again very good for the money, although not up to my PS Audio P5. Lastly I use a Supra Ethernet cable to my Bluesound Vault 2 which I prefer over the cable that came with it. Haven’t tried other Ethernet cables but very happy with the Supra. |
Sounds like someone is carrying baggage from a previous thread and just can't let go. By the way, I'll second the Triode Wire Labs PC. Also, Cullen Cable has more in his line up than when I got the TWL Digital American. HIs top line PC still comes in under the TWL and may be worth a look. All the best, Nonoise |
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The lay of the land here is pretty much understood and yet abused. There are threads that just beg for debate and anyone’s free to join in the food fight. It’s not about "owning the bandwidth." It’s about someone highjacking your thread and eventually taking it off on a not appreciated tangent, robbing the OP of his/her answer. Then, there are threads that avoid that route and when unsolicited points of view interject and the usual dog pilers start to chime in, it’s A-Okay with me that when the OP asks for it to stop, then grow up and stop. There will be other chances to display your id for the world to see. This has been going on for too long a time. Those who complain about civility beg the question: what little world do you reside in? All the best, Nonoise |
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Need a power cord for my new MHDT Orchid tube dac. Looking for something
rich and detailed and absolutely glare/grain free, 500 or less, used or
new -- something especially palpable in vocal and mid-bass frequencies.
" Is this satire? What is your definition of rich and detailed and absolutely glare/grain free? |
I bought an AQ Thunder power cord for my Codex on the recommendation of my dealer. Money well spent. @gdnrbob Nice seeing your endorsement of the AQ Thunder. I just ordered one today - a discounted dealer demo. I've been noticing the AQ cables are less susceptible to ground noise and RF than my other power cords - even the cheaper AQ PCs. I decided move up a bit to the Thunder for use with my amp. |
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