Power Cords/ Conditioner/Surge Protectors

@ktarver

You shouldn’t take advice from anyone in this post and consult Moon Audio on what they recommend. 

No manufacturer to my knowledge recommends cables, this is why we have forums.

Whatever cables you choose, even if new, they are the component least likely to depreciate over time, if you buy quality.

Used cables give even greater returns.

They are an investment highly inflation resistant and just remember cables don't wear out if they are well looked after.

Someone just sent me a message about my post saying no manufactures make recommendations on power conditioning equipment.  Although some may not, Moon Audio does sell power conditioning equipment and can certainly make recommendations.  McIntosh does also as that’s the system I presently use. 

If you're going to experiment with power cables, I wouldn't bother trying to upgrade any component other than your amplifier first.  I couldn't hear a difference when connecting audiophile power cables to any other component until I tested an updated amp cable, which draws the most power.  (If you have a power conditioner, then upgrade its cable, then the amplifier next.)  The Audience Forte F3 offers a clear upgrade over stock for a very reasonable price.  When I later borrowed a Shunyata Theta NR from The Cable Company, that provided a clear upgrade over the F3 (at a higher price point).  The benefits were (1) better dynamics and (2) lower noise.  I used a decibel meter to check whether there was lower noise, and it was in fact measurable -- the background "hiss" with the volume up higher than normal listening volume was measurably lower.  The noise reduction isn't dramatic, but all improvements add up in the end.

squared80 bringing the dumb....

Surge protectors and power conditioners require a solid earth ground. Old houses with two wire circuitry will provide nasty power for good equipment. A 20 amp home run to the box with a three wire full earth ground will  make all the difference. The surge protector will now work as intended. A power conditioner is an option to help raise the voltage to a consistent 120v, provide surge protection and reduce noise all in one. The 20 amp power line is still required.

I just went through this for my system and house with a Furman P2400-20, there was a dramatic improvement with a lower noise floor, blacker blacks and much punchier drums. Better current and voltage makes the difference.

I've always used Shunyata 20 amp power cords because I have current hungry tube gear and I trust their ability to deliver on demand. I can't say that about the light gauge power cables from the manufacturers.