Prioritizing Power Cable Upgrades by System Component.


I'm digging into the world of power cables and it is kind of amazing. The promise that a good cable can bring along with its price is both exciting and staggering.

There are several components that need some kind of power cable and upgrading them, for me, needs to be done in steps.

For those that have upgraded power cables, how would you prioritize between the pre-amp (tube), power amp (ss) and powered sub...and possibly even the DAC? 

128x128imaninatural

Showing 1 response by williewonka

@imaninatural  - RE:...

For those that have upgraded power cables, how would you prioritize between the pre-amp (tube), power amp (ss) and powered sub...and possibly even the DAC? 

That depends an whether you want...

  • immediate grattification...
    • then start with the source components and work backwards to the power amp
  • get a sense of what your components are capable of
    • start with the amp and work forwards to the source components

Source components tend to show a significant improvement because their power suipplies are not as robust as those power supplies in the amp

  • so the power cord on the amp really should be a top performing PC.

It is very impoertant to select good power cables - look for

  • UP-OCC wires in theri construction - they provide excellent dynamic perofrmance
  • advanced insulations - these lower the noise floor of the cables and promoted better clarity and imaging
  • advacned cable geometry - again, helps lower the noise floor
  • quality connectors - I use Sonar Quest silver plated solid copper mains and IEC connectors

If you are not into DIY take a look at these cable brands that adopt the above qualities 

  • Audio Envy - great value aty a modest price
  • Zavfino - great cable geometry, excellent perofrmance, but a little more pricey

Godo luck with your quest