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power cords for Pass Labs Amps

Hi, I was wondering if anyone has successfully used aftermarket powercords for their Pass Labs amps. I have the XA160 and was curious if pcs made any difference. I also asked this question directly to Pass technical support and here is what I got back:

"If the power cord is running near interconnect cables then an after market shielded power cord might help. Other wise I haven't seen them do much."

Your response is greatly appreciated.
tboooe

Showing 2 responses by audiofeil

audiofeil
4,011 posts
 
Do you think Pass is being untruthful?

I've used many aftermarket cords on a number of Pass amps and posted this same response more than once. I find very little difference. The cords on my XA-60 mono blocks are the most inexpensive cords in my system.

However, based on the recommendation of an EE friend who is also an audio component designer, I recently installed a dedicated ground for my dedicated lines and another dedicated ground for the components themselves both of which are more important than a single power cord IMO. The difference was night and day; no single power cord or combination of them ever made this much of a difference.

The use of an aftermarket power cord without the grounding systems may enhance the performance of your XA-160 more than my XA-60. YMMV

Disclaimer: Pass retailer
audiofeil
4,011 posts
 
>I also believe they have not heard every possible combination of pcs with their products<

I agree wholeheartedly. However, if they've auditioned for argument's sake 5-10 high end cords with no appreciable difference, there is very little chance IMO that a cord exists that will shake the earth and make an astounding difference. Let's not forget the difference among power cords in not as disparate as the manufacturers would have us believe.

The design and build quality of the component's power supply is much more important in most cases.
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