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Power Cords - Shielding or No Shielding

I have been researching power cords (PC) this past week and I must say, I find this far more frustrating than researching any other part of the audio system.

It may be a false hope, but I desire to purchase a "generic", if you will, PC that works well everywhere, I can't say now what piece of gear it will be on and even if I did, that piece may change at some point. I suspect some will say that just like other gear plan on changing as necessary; I am hoping not to do so. Anyway, I am getting off topic.

Most PC's I read about have shielding, but Audience claims on their Web site that they do not use any on their PowerChord stating, "The powerChord by audience is not shielded. We have found that shielding power cords can be sonically detrimental." More can be read here.

What is the collective thought on this?

As if the cost of interconnects and speaker cables weren't out of control (IMO), PC's are right there with them. I have already doubled the price I started out to spend and it's going up!
brianmgrarcom

Showing 1 response by trelja

trelja
3,226 posts
 
Ernie, you may want to change your moniker to subaruandcableguru. A question, I have picked up some large gauge OCC power cord, about 35 feet of it. Along with 4 OCC IEC plugs.

Is there anything you recommend me wrapping the outside of this cable with, for shielding purposes or otherwise? I have noticed that when playing with some Lowther drivers, I am picking up some noise, but haven't spent enough time with it to be sure where. My goal is to make sure that the power cords are not adding any noise to my system. They will potentially be used anywhere in the system, for digital, preamp, or power amp.

Also, I have some brass plated hospital grade AC mains plugs, but they don't look to be up to the same level as the other two components, which plug do you recommend, if you would be so kind?

Thanks so much,
Joe
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