|
I'd put the $99 Shunyata Venom 3 up against many of the cables mentioned here. As for the big boys, the Shunyata CX or Zitron PC's are amazing. |
And please, as I see it: don't worry too much about shielding; on the contrary - be weary of it. Twisting the wires makes them less prone to be affected or affect their surroundings, and this way it's done within the use of the wires themselves. Heavily and externally shielded(apart from the wires themselves) power cords, or interconnects for that matter, to my ears very often seem dynamically muted, and reverberations are unnaturally killed off too. |
I'd recommend a DIY solution with 16 gauge solid-core installation copper wires. They're extremely cheap, but most importantly I find they sound great as power cords. I've experimented with 14 gauge solid-core wires as well, but preferred the thinner variant; the gauge 14 wire to my ears surpressed the top end slightly while also having a somewhat ripe bottom end, whereas the gauge 16 wire felt to be the most evenly distributed "sonic provider." Indeed it feels just right with gauge 16, but some may differ depending on personal taste and setup.
I'd recommend, per my own use of them in my setup, that the individually insulated lead- and return-wire be twisted with about 3 twists for every 4 inches, and then twist the groundwire in the opposite direction. I find twisting the wires makes for a more coherent sound.
Moreover I use no power distributor, though I'm aware this may be a rather impractical solution. Instead I connect each of the leadwires, each of the returnwires, and each of the groundwires in their respective screw terminal with the corresponding wires from the wall outlet. This way the practical, but sonically not-serving plugs are erased from the audio chain(at least in the other end of the audio components) - to much avail, if you ask me. In this case (also), less is more.
If anything it's cheap and straight forward to try out. I'd be interested to learn of what others find of this DIY solution, but with regard to the named solid-core wires and the lack of a power distributor :) |
I currently use Prana Wire on my DAC and Power-Amp and JPS Labs on my CDT PSU, Pre-Amp and Turntable. I have to say ab-fab!Â
Regards, |
Fusion Audio The Enchanter is an excellent power chord for digital players. |
Back to the MAC HC on the amp. There's just something special about the sound. More open and spacious. HF is more natural. Who knows, might change again tomorrow. |
Swapped around three main ones. Ended up with Shunyata Venom 1 on Earthquake sub, MAC HC on the other sub (AOS) in the HT. fo two channel, I found the P/C Cary suggests-xtreme power master works best on my Sophia Baby amp. |
Wegrzyn Copper Slam pc is very satisfying. Very musical and stays away from an unpleasantly hi fi-ish sound. Walter Wegrzyn offers excellent value, deals direct and is a true gentleman. |
I'm using JPS Kaptovator for all my components. I love the box that the Kaptovator comes in, just oozes class. What more the product itself! |
I am a Shunyata fan boy,I came to them after hearing the improvement they made to an already (expensive)great sounding set of components.
I auditioned the whole line from entry to top, using headphones, and saddly, the Annaconda Helix were the best.
So I bought 4 of them.
I use them on all my components and powerconditioners which are of course Shunyata Hydras.
Not saying Shunyata is the only game in town, just that, aside from stock and DIY and a few old cheap PCs they are the best that I have tried.
I would suggest you listen and compare the high priced snakes before you make up your mind.
The differences are not just monetary. |
Great to see you taking pride [and honesty] in what you do - congrats for that.
It's good to see. |
Hi.
Benjamin from Mojo Audio.
I want to thank all my loyal customers for their supportive postings. I don't want to "advertise" but I also couldn't let a flattering but false statement from one of my loyal customers stand without correction.
I want to set the record straight as to what F1a said about "no product has been returned." So far, in all of 2011, none of our current product line has been returned for refund.
We often get returns for upgrade (the demos you see listed on Audiogon and eBay) and we do get customers that ask to try a few of our products and keep their favorites and return the others.
We've been in business officially as Mojo Audio since '09. In our first year we had about 3% returns for refund (we made improvements). In our 2nd year we had about 1% returns for refund (we made more improvements). In all honesty it surprised us as much as anyone that as of yet none of our 2011 line has been returned for refund.
What's our secret?
Nothing special: we listen to music and we listen to our customers.
BTW, we recently extended our trial period from 30 to 45 days.
Thanks again for all the supportive comments.
Benjamin |
Another Mojo XPC power cord owner, 5 of them in my rig, including an 8awg Cross Helix from my dedicated line to a Hydra conditioner.
Immensely musical and quiet, they displaced some very expensive PC's, finished shopping for power cords. |
I also had a hard time finding the right power cord for my front end....owned many types over the years including the MIT AC2. The winner was Audioquest NRG-3(discontinued) and NRG-5(current wt dbs). Economical and world class. |
Go MOJO. The name may not inspire confidence... you may never have heard of them... it doesn't have the appeal of "Stealth", or "Nordost", or "Cardas"... but these cords are a revelation!
I've tried big ticket cords that did some things well, but most offered subtle improvements at best. So frankly, I had low expectations trying Mojo.
I run an XPC-7 cord with a Furutech FI-28 plug to my Running Springs Haley conditioner, the same cord to my Supratek Cabernet Dual pre-amp, and an Enigma 7 cord with a Furutech FI-15 plug to my Marantz SA7 SACD player.
These cords have great natural TONE TONE TONE. They're equivalent to a major equipment upgrade. I was shocked at the degree of improvement. Very transparent, detailed, yet musical. The designer must have a good ear indeed.
I must give kudos to Mrtennis for his rave. I'd assumed that this reviewer prefers an overly warm tubey sound... hence the low expectations prior to trying Mojo... yet the cords are anything but. Thank you Mrtennis for telling it like it is!
I have no affiliation with Mojo, just an extremely satisfied customer. Mojo has a trial period, but apparently no product has ever been returned. As always, YMMV. |
Tbg,
I'm inexperienced user. Seen lots heard none. |
I imagine that many people will try power cables from local dealers where they can take them home and audition them, to really see what differences they experience.
I realise this is an International forum.
Here in the UK, we have some companies such as Russ Andrews - who sell their cables with a 60 day home trial and you can return them without question if you are not happy. They do their own brand and Kimber cables. I'm sure there are international equivalents of companies doing this.
I recently was in touch with The Cable Co. who have similar services with a large range of brands, it seems.
http://www.thecableco.com/content.aspx?iid=5777
But - much like any other piece of kit - it comes down to finding good dealers you can work with to allow you to try things, I imagine. |
I wonder what percentage of all power cords available the most experienced user has heard. Perhaps 5%. Many that are mentioned on the forums, I have never heard of. It is probably worse than speakers, where again there are thousands of brands. At least in the case of speakers, one can make a quick evaluation. At shows you can just walk into the room, hear a few notes, and exit. Power cords require a much more involving process. |
I have several Triode wire labs. They are a hugh bang for buck and beat out far more expensive cords. My all time jaw dropping/must own cord is Sablon Audio's Gran Corona. |
In my system I have a Wegrzyn 8 gauge power cord on my preamp and the Lessloss dfpc Signature on my amp. They both do a real nice job. I have had the best luck with the JPS Labs Digital ac-x on my DAC. All of these have been solid performers. |
I just got my MAC Burly after anxiously waiting weeks since my order. It was well worth the wait! I have used the Source, HC, and Paradise PCs in my system as it has evolved, and I always wanted to try the MAC. Since they recently became sold at a discount I decided to give it a go just because I had been eyeing it in the past even though I have since bought more regarded and expensive cables. I figured if it didn't sound so great in my power amp I would use it as a subwoofer PC because the one thing I have consistently read about this PC is the great bass authority.
Well, even after just a few hours of burn in I think it is beating both my JPS Power AC+ and Audience powerChord! The clarity, air, and control is very impressive. It is more refined than the JPS and less soft than the powerChord. DEFINITELY not rolled off highs here. In fact the initial sound was very unbalanced and forward on top with upper midrange/lower treble very suppressed and congested, especially deeper into the soundstage. Cymbals and snare drums were much too prominent, but as things have opened up the sound has balanced out a great deal. I am only at about 20 to 30 hours now but I can see where this is going and it is looking good! In my experience with MAC PCs they take a long time to burn in and change significantly dramatically during that period so it'll be interesting to see how it settles. I am waiting to get my powerChord back from Audience after the "e" upgrade and will have a showdown. My feeling is that the JPS will be relegated to subwoofer duties.
One thing I was taken aback by is the sheer size and weight of this thing. The six foot cord weighs six pounds and is like kielbasa thick! Just looking at you think, "This thing must produce some serious bass slam."
My system:
VTL ST-150 KT88 tube amp
Sonus Faber Cremona Auditor M speakers
REL B2 sub
Placette Passive Linestage
Bel Canto DAC 2.5
Squeezebox touch
JPS Labs Superconductor 2 RCAs (pre -> amp)
Audience AU24(e) RCAs (out getting "e" treatment, DAC -> pre)
JPS Labs Superconductor FX (interim while AU24 is out)
Audience AU24e speaker cables |
Audiofeil!
Stop hurting little kidz LOL! |
Couldn't resist, You put it right out there! |
Ouch Dicky boy, that really hurts.
LOL |
>>11-09-11: Audiofeil
>>11-07-11: Tbg
The Exemplar Portal power cords are the best power cords I have heard by a big margin<<
How many times have you posted "the best I ever heard" in the past 5 years?
It's really getting old.
How many times have you posted a worthless comment with attitude over the past 5 years?
It's really getting old. |
>>11-07-11: Tbg
The Exemplar Portal power cords are the best power cords I have heard by a big margin<<
How many times have you posted "the best I ever heard" in the past 5 years?
It's really getting old. |
I used the Russ Andrews powerkords before and then was introduced to the ones from Gutwire by my local shop and I have to say I'm impressed.
I use the C-Clef and Power Clef now and they out-perform the RA Signature cord.
Having found Synergistic Research Tesla interconnects [Apex and Precision Reference now owned] I may try their power cables when I can stretch to them as they should be awesome, if the i/c's are anything to go on !!
Cheers.
Nig |
I have used a number in my time, most second hand, Ridge street Alethias and Poema, Audience A24 and Nordost Valhalla. My current 2 favourites, which I feel are equally good, but different, Lessloss DPFC origonal version, Sablon audio Robusto.
I only have one Valhalla, bought really very cheaply, I found it a good way behind these 2, in my system |
i also have the fusion audio romance. it is a gold-based cable.
it is an alternative to the mojo. does anyone use this powercord ?
as in the case of food, there is no accounting for people's taste. |
The Exemplar Portal power cords are the best power cords I have heard by a big margin. They are long linear copper and shielded. I don't know how they do it, but they make the sound stage have greater precision and realism. |
Definitely Elrod Power Systems. The newer Statement Gold and Silver line (not to mention the Diamond) are far superior to the earlier Elrods. Earlier model used ones are usually a great deal, though. |
I use Acrolink cable with top of the line Oyeida or Furutech ends |
YUP...My system degrades appreciably with Cardas cables. Their power cords are the worst. |
I had the Mac Burly, and wow, what a difference that it made in my system. Audio Nirvana is all relatively and subjective to each individual system. To me, it is quiet, seductive, and let the music flows naturally. |
One of the best stock ones I've seen is from Crown 3600 amp. I would say that on audiophile market that piece alone would probably run for $400/1m, but unfortunately(may be fortunately:-)) it's captive. That monster is able to blast transient currents upto 100A+ just like welding machine and having 80V collector supply. So one can assume that the power cord in this machine is well suitable in any audiophole amp. |
Hi Marakanetz
Now I get where you are coming from. You work on, use and see better gear than me. The equipment that I've had or have that still had a captive power cord the cords looked like gray appliance power cords or just plain old lamp cord. Nothing impressive at all. Some of the cords didn't look like they had any business to be hooked up to the amp. I guess that is what years of looking at bulky power cords can do to you. I've been looking at the PS Audio Power Cord cut out diagrams for years.
Isn't it funny as to how if you swap out a captive cord for a removable power cord the sale price can change? I had a tech by me who did some work on Sumo amps and removed the captive cords. He always managed to sell them for a bit more than if it had the captive power cord.
Thanks again for sharing.
To kind of go back to the OPs question. If I go the DIY route again for Power cords I may try Yarbo power cords. I can't find any users though who had experience with them here. I found no posts in the archives. |
|
Jedinite,
I once built custom one from VanDenHul leftover bulk that they sent me for $25 shipped 6' total length that I plugged into modded VTL-MB100 that used to have fixed(non-detachable) power cord. Playing with non-detachable power cords did not bring to my ears any difference, but certainly increased the value of the modded VTL when I sold it:-).
Certainly playing with detachable ones is more fun, but to my practical experience the fixed ones especially for audio applications make much more sense to me (less connections, less transients, lessnoise) hence I did not bother to cut chassis to install IEC recepticle.
When I removed the stock power cord I was amazed that the wires looked brand new after nearly 16 years of usage and in addition it was very well designed. Still keep them in case anyone interested to buy:-) Alais from the aftermarket wires that covered with fancy hoisery and sleeves, I had a chance to look under the stock one and hence made my conclusion about ROI.
So folks, learn what you've already got before going crazy and stretch your pockets. |
"I had the Mac Burly too and did not like what it did with my amp at the time"
If some PC named Mac Burly, had its way with my amp, I know what I would do!! I don't tolerate that sort of thing. |
I've owned and tried many and the ones I always come back to are Acoustic Revive. To me they are the most natural, organic and "real" sounding cords. I do also like the MIT Z3 and newer Shunyata cords but first choice would be Acoustic Revive. |
Hi Foster_9
Thanks for sharing. Visually I thought the DNA-500 and the Burly would have gone well together. Good to know.
If anyone is interested to know here is an update with my Belden 83803 power cords and Sonarquest connectors. The Belden 83803 is as rigid of a power cord as I have ever handled. A real bear to handle and put in tight spots. The Sonarquest plugs though have been quite a surprise. The copper used looks to be very high quality and the grip on the IEC end that connects to your amp is like a strongest vice. Once put in it isn't going anywhere. I think I've seen these plugs used on certain Cullen Power cords sold here on A'gon. |
I had the Burly connected to a McCormack DNA 500. |
i see i am not the only mojo audio owner.
i reviewed power cords and an interconnect . those who went to rmaf might have noticed a sign on mojo audio's table, quoting my review from audiophilia.com.
you can read my review on audiophilia.com . |
Nordost Valhalla or Nordost Odin. |
A vote for Mojo audio cables -- their specials going on ebay right now and I believe on their website for the WE nos pure copper @ $179. Replaced significantly more expensive PS Audio cables. Warmth, and detail. I have gone all Mojo and am happy. FWIW the MAC cables I had in my system in various configurations contributed grunt but harshness up top. Mojo is a hidden gem in my book, and at the current prices, a great buy. |
I just bought a Elrod EPS-2 Signature PC on recommendation of a friend. It's my first really high end PC. I've been using MAC HC Soundpipes for years. I've tweaked and strategacally bought until it's finnaly time to step up in the PC chain. My friend said it would be very dramatic in improvements. I'll let you know. |
I've been delighted with Mojo's XPC-5 PC..Introducing this cord to my Hybrid Amplifier was every bit as significant as a major component up-grade..You've got to go through the agony of burn-in but it's well worth it when all is said and done.
I believe Mojo has since brought out an even more delicious PC since my purchase..but I don't have any detail or info on it...All I can report to you is that this cable finally let me hear everything that is good about my system and much deeper into the music...Very nice product....There's so many really good cables on the market now I'ts getting harder and harder to make a decision.
Good hunting!! |
I have been playing with different PC's since the Electraglide FatMan days. My current faves are the Nordost Valhalla and LessLoss Sig PC's. But I also have some older tried and true champions - the Elrod EPS and Statement series (the latter is the size of an anaconda), and the very fine Kimber Palladium. All provide a different "sound" and can only be selected if they match up with your specific component and what you are trying to accomplish. For example, the Valhalla is excellent as the cable from the wall to power conditioner, while I like the LessLoss Sig on my pre. The Elrods EPS2's have uniformly been my favorites on digital components.
Don't know if this helps or confuses the issue, but there you are.
Neal |
ps audio power cords have done me right. currently have 2 ac-10's, 2 ac-5's and one ac-3 (on my sub) and am very happy with them. |
