Rlwainright - some folks are just not comfortable with the DIY approach - for example, I will not mess with anything gas related - I get the gas tech to come around. Watching is aways educational - but I wouldn't try it!
But for me with a background in electrical engineering a power cable is a no brainer. I have been known to take shortcuts with electrical connections - after the first electric shock - the rest are just a nuisance :-)
It's all about comfort level. |
Pangea is worth checking out. Prices are very reasonable. Audio Advisor has a 30 day return policy. |
I was early in my sound journey when a mentor said to me: Go out and get the cheapest audiophile power cord you can find, and put it on your amp. I was skeptical, but ordered a Pangea AC-7.
As soon I connected it and turned on the system, I thought, "Oh crap, I'm in a lot of trouble. If I can hear this much improvement from a freaking power cord, there is no telling where all this will end." Still very happy with the Pangea stuff. |
I realize that folks have different skill sets, but I find it hard to imagine that someone could not build a power cable. If you can handle a box cutter, a pair of pliers, and a screwdriver, you can easily build your own and save serious money doing so.
Or, look here for used PCs at down to earth prices. Paying retail for something like this just does not make much sense...
-RW- |
Mceljo - if DIY is not your bag - take a look at Signal cables - they offer a couple in your snack bracket
Regards |
IMO you can change the sound of your system for much less by installing filter chokes in your components (CDP, Preamp) and by changing a few resistors. My current system uses belden molded end power cords and Walmart extension cable for speaker wire and while I agree that all this makes a difference, I change components so often that I would make myself crazy mixing and matching each time. My preamp has a selector switch that allows me to change the sound to add more resolution, emotion, air, etc., similar to what some people describe their cables doing. If you are looking for resolution, separation, better tone, air, etc., that is what your components should be providing and the last piece of the puzzle IMO are cables.
Happy Listening. |
I use a MAC (formerly My Audio Cables) HC PC with my Sophia EL-34 plugged directly into a Furutech outlet on a dedicated line. It matches really well and can be found used. |
OP -
a power cord could make a difference in your system. Remember, it is a filter (of sorts). |
If, like me, you're not that handy with building your own PC, then check out Cullen Cables. They're in your price range and are very well made. No hocus pocus, just solid design.
All the best,
Nonoise |
Mceljo - are you handy? Can you strip wire and screw on iec/mains connectors?
If you can do these relatively simple things you can make your own from bulk cable.
DH Labs makes great power cable....
- Encore for source
- Power Plus for pre/amp
Although my favourite is Furutech.
Silver plated copper Sonar Quest Connectors I have found to be very cost effective and can be purchased on eBay for $30 a pair - I use these on all my cables and they work extremely well.
There are sites on the web that can show you how to wire the connectors
How effective power cables will be depends on many factors, but I have found that ensuring the power cables are good quality will allow other changes to be more easily noticed and is an excellent place to start.
BTW - I have a Pioneer Elite DVD that I upgraded the power cord on using the DH Labs Encore and it made a noticeable difference
Do you have a dedicated power line?
Do you have quality outlets installed?
You'll probably get more noticeable results if you tackle these two things first. At least replace the outlets.
The outlets I use are Pass and Seymour MRI grade outlets - grip like a vice
- see Take Five Audio for these
- there are many other brands that do a great job
Does the power conditioner have a hard wired cable?
Just another option |
At $150 and under I will second the Shunyata Venom 3. The Venoms are easy to find used and sell easily if you don't like them. I also agree that plugging your amp into the wall is better. If you don't have dedicated lines I would look into getting one for your amp and another for everthing else. In my case this was some of the best money spent so far. |
Stealth power cords try V12. |
I would recommend plugging your amp directly into the wall. As for PCs, I like Anticables new ones and Shunyada Venom 3 |
Jmcgrogan's comments are absolutely spot on. I will add the following. It has been my experience that the PC's that will make a clear difference (improvement) start at about $600 new, #300 used. I have had very good success with VH audio AirSines, Voodoo Cable (various models) and an Audience e. The funny thing is, its not terribly predictable. The Audience e was a really good PC for my ModWright Sony CD player, but was nothing spectacular on anything else. The AirSines were great on my Cary amps and Audio Magic Mini Ref power conditioner, but was not a good choice at all for my coincident pre amp. I have also used Signal Cable PCs and they are much better than 16 gauge lamp cord for sure, but really don't match up well against the other cords I have mentioned.
My suggestion would be buy one used VH audio Airsine used, rotate it through your system to see if you can tell a difference. If you can't don't go any further and resell the AirSine. |
I look for UPOCC wire, teflon dielectric and good connectors, e.g., Oyaide P-004 & C004. Unfortunately, you won't find these things for $150. Suggest you try Signal Cable cables. |
Is it reasonable to assume that a power cord could make a difference in my system at this price point? Sure, but remember, different is not always better. I do not have much experience with current cords in your price range, so I will defer to others who are more experienced with your quest. From my experiences years ago, I was once a skeptic too, I didn't really find power cords to have much effect on the lower priced cords in lower priced, less resolving systems. It wasn't until I tried better cords in more resolving systems that I found the true benefits of having upgraded power cords. |
