Power Cords for Beginners: Synergistic v. Shunyata

kinda like buying a new car,uh? chevy, ford, buick.
bmi eel reference pairs are on the auction block regularly and a great pc for the price. only need one, list the extra on audiogon, will go fast. kurt

Sorry to say its a trial and error situation. It is a compatability issue as to what cord will suit which componet in what system. I understand FatWyre.com has a try before you buy policy which may be of interest to you. Good luck, Fletch

The Synergistic power cord is one of the two best choices under $175 second hand. I would describe it as very transparent, with a big soundstage,but a bit lean, so they mate very well with tube gear, preventing too much "warmth". For digital gear I would use Harmonic Technology's Pro-11AC. A neutral pc, tending towards being a bit "warm", but harmonically very nicely balanced.

Hi,
Take a look at the Voodoo Mana power cords $199 new and used about $110! For the price, good sound & construction! Good punch, deep bass, bodied midbass and a smooth $ sweet upper mids & highs! It takes away the grunge and gives a clear picture! Also, their lower model, the Mojo is also good at US$149. Sound wise, everything is the same except that it is smaller in gauge and as such, has very slightly less bass & midbass energy compared to the Mana! Contact Bruce at brucer@lanset.com or visit www.voodoopowercords.com and see what others have to say! I will be comparing it to a Synergisitic AC Master Coupler in a day or two! This will be interesting! Feel free to email me!
Rgds,
Ramesh

I have found that digital source components benefit the most from aftermarket power cords and this is where MOST Shunyata products shine (just about everything except the Sidewinder). Spend a little more on your source cable and get AT LEAST a Black Mamba - you'll be glad you did. The Synergistic is a good PC for amps and the Sidewinder is also pretty good for amps. The Sidewinder seems to be a VERY dynamic cable by comparison.

You can fare very well by making your own (the Bob Crump power cord) or buying something like the Absolute Power Cord here in Audiogon. I would start with the simple ones and then upgrade if not satisfied. Just my .02

Hi Kevziek; Prior to making a choice, I auditioned 7 power cords in my system, to include the Syn. Res. Master Coupler and Sidewinder. I had the Master Coupler and Sidewinder in 20 amp as my McCormack DNA-2DX has a 20 amp input plug. Of the 7 cords auditioned, the Master Coupler was the most neutral with excellent bass and good soundstaging. Others auditioned included an Electra-glide, ESP, Orchard Bay, Audio Industries, and some I don't remember, but later I also tried a Voodoo Mana and a Shunyata Viper 2-- both more colored than the SR-MCs.

Now, over a year later, I have Syn. Res. Master Couplers on all components, and recently they provided a worthwhile up-grade on my Vandersteen 5 speakers (for the speakers sub-woofer amps). I also now have a 14 ft. Master Coupler on my DNA2 Rev. A amp-- I needed this long length to reach dedicated outlets. I also use Syn. Res. ICs (active shielded), and spkr. cables. But as others above have stated, it's really a matter of personal preference.

The Cable Co. will lend wires to try, but there is a rental charge that is then applied toward the purchase price from them, and of course you have to buy "new". Good Luck, and Cheers. Craig.

I'm about to buy a reel of 83803 Copper 12-3 in Teflon to make dedicated lines AND PCs, with ACME outlets, Schurter IECs and P&S/Marinco plugs. Any warnings? Thanks.