Yes yes.
I use all Shunyata Annaconda power cords,except on my SME10, which is a DIY with the upper tier Furutech power wire and connectors.
When talking power cords,it's not just the wire.
The sound really takes off when you use the better connectors, and also when you upgrade your power receptacles.
I have had great success with the Furutech IEC for my amps and the very nice GTX D receptacles.My Annacondas never failed to please before, but since they've been teamed up with the Furutech at both ends,I couldn't be more pleased.
My advice is to not stop the quest with the purchase of a decent power cord.
You really get what you paid for when you upgrade with a dedicated line and upgraded receptacles.
One reason I feel people have negative things to say about power cords is that they've been compromised by cheap recptacles and polluted multi tapped lines to the wall.
Get the power right, and a whole new world awaits. |
I'd like to add the following.
Cost can be a factor when considering power cords, but for just a little cash, anyone can upgrade a stock power cord by replacing the cheap molded rubber ends with decent entry level Furutechs.About 90 bucks.
Is that going to put you in the poor house?
I don't think so.
Here's why.
Most of the folks who balk at spending money on upgrades such as power cords or fuses,have never tried them, but somehow know they can't make an improvement.
I tend to side more with the folks who try the stuff they talk about, not with the speculators.
Getting back to spending big bucks on this hobby.
How many of the "cheapsters" think nothing of spending big bucks on their music libraries?
Oh, yeah, it's because they are music lovers and not gear heads.
Personally,it just doesn't jive with me when someone boasts about how large their music collections are and say they've spent their money on what's most important, the music.
Well, for me it's not about how much music I have but how much I enjoy my music, and cheap gear only lets you enjoy a portion of what you have invested your money in.
If I only had 100 recordings but a system that gives me 90 % return on my investement I would be more happy than having 10000 recordings and a system that was only capable of 10% sonic reproduction.
If sound really isn't important, or the gear shouldn't be a factor in musical enjoyment, then none of us needs anything more than a pocket transistor radio. |
My first "upgraded" power cords were homebrew.
I had a pair of Quad 63.
The power cords that came stock with the speakers were very thin wire,thinner than lampcord.
I used some solid core romex house wiring and soldered it to a cheap IEC, for the other end I used a cheap 3 prong recptacle.
In those days I had no dedicated lines and no power conditioning, but it was easy to hear the improvement the DIY power cords made.
So much so, that the chap who purchased my Quads asked if he could buy the DIY power cords after hearing the speakers .
DIY is a great way to solve the power cord debate.
Experimenting with better quality connectors and wire is the only way to understand that such things do make a difference,doing nothing will never answer the question for you.I like the Furutech connectors and have upgraded a few of my power cords with them.
I've also made a very decent power cord with their top tier power cord wire and connectors.But this was getting into name brand power cord pricing especially if you are looking at used power cords.
It should be obvious that if you hear improvemnts going the DIY route,you should then seek out some of the pricier stuff and compare.
You may or may not be pleasantly surprised. |
I would have to disagree with Rx8man.
I've upgraded the power cords on the power supplies of a Rega P9 and an SME 10 and heard the improvement the upgrade power cords made.
I don't think either power supply is underbuilt, but certainly isn't as demanding as an amplifier's power supply.
So I wouldn't be in too big a rush to prejudge any component. Feeling that it may not be worthy of a better power cord isn't the same as trying one and finding out for certain.
That said, if your system is resolving of differences in interconnect,speaker wire or component changes, then it should be capable of letting you hear what differences an upgraded power cord can make as well.
It's worth noting that the more power cords you change and if you keep them all the same,the better the end result is.
Expecting one power cord to change the sound of the whole system can be just too great an expectation.If one expects the sound of the High End,from entry level gear, a single upgraded power cord won't do it.An upgraded power cord as simple as it sounds, can really just change the component it's used in.
If several expensive power cords from the same manufacturer is keeping you out of the fun, then DIY.
Use the same connectors and wire on all your DIY cords.
I realize folks like to mix and match, and find wires that give more bass to some componets that seem to lack it.
But having been that route,consistency,clarity and coherence is more of what I strive for,so I tend to keep all my interconnects and power cords,the same thru out the system.
The power cords, as original equipment with the Quad 63 back when they were new in the 80's,were minimal,but judged to be all you would need by the manufacturer.
Which is/was a pity, because the sound of those speakers clearly improves when you improve the power cord.The same conclusion with stacked Quad 57, Martin Logan CLS and Acousta x speakers.
The better the power cord, the better the sound.
I would suggest hobbyists to address all electronic components the same,and not discriminate or assign any sort of hiarchy to one componet over the other.
Think of it as a system.Upgrade as a system.
Only then will the sound of the system truly be transformed and the importance of the power cords will be revealed in full.
I stated previously, my first foray into dIY /upgraded power cords.
Since that time,over 30 years,the stock power cord has always compromised the sound in any component I've ever owned.
No matter how sophisticated or simple it is. |
An upgraded power cord can make "less of a difference"?
In my experience and in every system I've heard one used,there was always a difference for the positive.
There will always be a difference, how can there not?
Every power cord , stock, DIY or expensive name brand has a different contruction and has been used for different periods of time,which could be beneficial or detrimental ,depending on which side of the burn in/worn out side of the fence you're perched on.
I suppose you can make the same statement with all things in audio?
So why bother with tube rolling or capapcitor upgrades if doing so will only make more or less of a difference?
If what you have been using only makes "less of a difference", then perhaps you should try a little harder and broaden your search.
The good stuff is out there.
And besides just being different, what you'll hear will be an improvement.
My experience,and that of all "others whom I know" who have done the same.
Peace on earth my friend. |
If someone states something like a fuse or power cord makes an improvement, it always sparks controversy.
Happens everytime.
Same old arguments, same rehash from both sides, the pros and cons.
The only difference is that those folks who make claims that they hear improvements are always cast in the same mold.
What they are hearing is only wishful thinking, buyer's remorse,buying into snake oil, and they are dillusional as any sane person with an ounce of intelligence just "knows" this stuff can't work.
I can appreciate comments from the folks who have tried some upgrades and haven't heard night and day differences.
Dashed hopes and great expectations of one wire transforming a system into something spectatcular, seldom happens.
It's when you add all the little "can't make a difference"tweaks together that you start to notice what's going on.
Another reason is that a lot of folks just want to be entertained.They aren't serious about the quality of the sound, just the music for the music's sake.
They really don't care about improving what they have, good enough is good enough.
What's good enough for one fellow may not be good enough for the next.
But no one should deride people for the choices they make.
If someone can afford to spend $12,000.00 on power cords and conditioning,why is he labeled a fool?
If someone settles for the stock 2 dollar power cord is he any less the fool?
No , but somehow they are the ones who pride themselves on how astute they for not falling into the charms of the snake peddlers.
What I've found is that the owners of expensive power cords seldom berate those who don't have them.
They only post their thoughts with the hopes that others may find the added joy these upgrades can bring to the experience.
In other words they would like more hobbyists to join in on the fun they have just discovered.
They aren't trying to exclude anyone,they are just spreading the joy.
Like the folks who make claims about Bugle Boy tubes improving the sound of what they have.Weren't the stock tubes good enough?
Where's the uproar over upgraded tubes?
The test of time I suppose.
As more people sing the praises, more people are curious and try.
Some will have other preferences when it comes to tubes, maybe Tele's for instance.
Perhaps this will happen with power cords etc.
However with so many favourable accounts of the improvemnts of upgraded power cords,I still see numerous reports of why no one should bother with them.
Well, why bother with anything?
Leave everything as it is,good enough is good enough,and enjoy the sound of the music just the way it sounds at this point of time in your system.Settle for what you have.
I am glad that humanity never really bought into that concept, or we'd still be living in caves.
We may be forced to live within our means,but how many people are happy with that?
If we are offered a raise,would we refuse,isn't our present wage good enough?
I think we all want the better things this life has to offer. A Rolex is not on my list, but I'm not knocking the guy who can afford it either.
It's been my expereince that I can still enjoy a well played and scratched up lp of music I enjoy, warts and all if that's all I have.
If it's the only copy I have, then it will have to do.
It will be good enough.
But I think everyone will agree, things just get so much better when you find a pristine copy or re-issue.
Good enough is good, but better is better.
If you don't have to settle for good enough, why should you?
And why should you feel everyone else should?
Snow tires are better than stock tires in the winter, yet some folks refuse to use them.
Like upgraded power cords,they'll do the job.
You only have to try them for yourself. |
Yes conventional thinking would make an upgraded power cord for a Rega seem like an extreme exercise.To some even futile.
But only when you experience it does it make sense.
I tried several different power cords on that table and the SME and got the same result.
Different PC, different sound.
Don't forget we are talking very small wires in those cartridge leads,but they are fed the same electricity as the rest of your gear.Perhaps this makes a better power cord on the turntable even more important than on an amp?
Let me ask this question, do the same folks who doubt a turntable power cord can make a difference, feel that the turntable doesn't need to be plugged into a power conditioner?
Are turntables immune to the vagaries of the power grid?
Putting the turntable on the dedicated line with the rest of the gear is unnnecessary?
People it's almost 2013,not 1973.
Wherever the electricity is choked off or it's flow is restricted or polluted,you should be able to hear the effect when these problems are dealt with. |
I just did that.
I changed the old IEC on my Acoustat tube servo amps for the top Furutech ones.
Not an easy job, some widening of the opening and some innovative(glue/sealant)mounting of the Furutech iec, but well worth the cost and effort.
Everytime I do something to upgrade the electrical pathway to my components it always improves the claity of the sound.
I didn't get more or deeper bass after this upgrade, but I do notice more inner details such as cymbal shimmer and better defined background voices/instruments.The timing of the system, if you are into that, also picks up,the music doesn't plod along anymore.Like taking away a beaver dam blocking the flow of a river.
I can't state it enough, everything you do to improve the quality of the electricity from the panel to the component,will improve the sound of that component.
The quality of the products you use do matter.
Furutech hasn't disappointed me yet or make me regret the cost.
Try the GtX receptacle at the end of a 20 amp dedicated line.
Then add some Furutech electrical ends,to some quality Furutech wire and plug into a Furutech quality IEC.
Look at this as a component upgrade.
You may not feel the need to swap out gear as much. |
But you don't need to spend the big bucks to make an improvement.
Everyone goes into sticker shock, and gives up too soon.
If you can't afford the pricey stuff,you most certainly can afford a few bucks and DIY.
For the cost of a couple of good connectors,under a hundred bucks ,I think most folks in this hobby can afford that amount.
It's a shame that a few dollars can deprive someone of enjoying the hobby even more than they are now.
That's the cost of a couple 200 gram re-issues.
Less than some folks spend on tube rolling,certainly less than investing in new interconnects or speaker wires.
Yet drawing a line in the sand when it comes to power cords is still an issue.
The older I get, the less time I have to enjoy my music and the system that brings it to me.
So I try and make the best of that time,listening to music with the least amount of compromises.
A fact which you younger hobbyists will come to realize as the years go by. |
I think this hobby has room for all types of music lovers.
Just like some folks hooked on cars like to tinker and add turbo chargers better tires ,and upgraded performance parts, other folks are content to just drive them the way they came off the assembly line.
I have yet to understand what benefit to one side or the other,is gained when negative comments appear after a positive experience with an upgraded audio device.
The cost of the upgrade compared to the cost of the stock item is a constant complaint,so is the belief that such things just can't make an improvemnt, hence a waste of money no matter how small the investment.
Everything matters,everything has a sonic signature and contributes to the end result we hear in our listening rooms.Including the room itself, which is so often neglected.
I truly believe those who find little or no difference in upgrades,just don't sweat the details like the rest of us who hear the improvements.
Fix the power, treat the room, and then you too should be able to hear how a fuse upgrade or a power cord can make a positive improvement.
Or you can tell yourself that your Chevy Vega is still as good as it gets. |
No I don't have five systems, just the on going changes over the past few years to my main dedicated 2 channel system.
I suppose I should update.
What has remained constant are the Shunyata Annaconda power cords and Hydra conditioner for the front end gear.
Those power cords don't hinder the performance of anything they've been plugged into.This is also the system with 2 dedicated 20 amp lines- one for the power amps and one for the front end.I also use HifI supreme fuses in the Steelhead and the Acoustat servo amps.
Other recent upgrades were top of the line Furtech RCA on the amps, GTX receptacles,Top tier Furtech IEC on the amps and Furutech rca males on the 3 wires from each speaker.
The more I do the better it gets, but I need to get some real room treatment on my walls.
The main audio only large listening room has some ASC quarter round traps and some DIY wall panels.
I've spent a fair amount of effort on getting the power cleaned up to my gear, I like what the Furutech parts have done.
But they weren't the cheap ones,again, do it right once.
I have a smaller HT set up in an adjoining room that has 4 Magnepan MMGW on wall speakers, their centre speaker,a Depth sub a Yamamha reciever as a surround processor and a 5 channel Emotiva power amp, which is a real improvement over the Yamaha receiver.I may move up to an Emotiva pre pro in the future.
This room is devoid of room tuning. Except for a Furman IT 15 amp balanced power conditioner and a few modestly expensive DIY power cords,it is tweak free.
Still enjoyable, but with a different mind set. |
Yes the more solar flares there are the worse it gets.
That's why something has to be done.
Whenever I hear about a cosmic storm heading my way I duck and cover myself with my shunyata power snakes.
They are shielded afterall. |
Quick cable swaps may or may not be why double blind testing has varying results.
That quick snap judgement call of a power cord's performance usually changes over time.
What you may not hear/or like could change as the cable settles in with the system.
Disturbing cables in my system after cleaning the connectors periodically, could make you believe that cleaning cables with Deoxit can do more harm than good.
After a few hours, things settle back in and you realize it was worth the wait.
It takes a bit of time to evaluate how any thing new is performing in a system.
I realize someone will chime in and say that it's just me getting used to the new sound, so I'll do it now and save them the trouble.
What is important is if I enjoy the new sound or I don't.
I wouldn't get used to a drop in performance,but I can state that I have gotten used to an increase in performance, and when that bug bites, you keeping looking for more.
That's why I have replaced all the stock power cords in my set up with ones that have made the music more enjoyable to listen to.
I wouldn't be enjoying my music as much if I had stopped at one power cord upgrade. |
