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Seeking informed recommendations for power cables and interconnects

I made some recent component upgrades and am seeking recommendations for upgrades to my stock power cables and interconnects (currently Blue Jean Cable). I am not looking for a particular sound or effect, but rather an improvement over what I have now. I am a novice without experience swapping cables so any advice is welcomed. I understand this is an issue of contention, but I am open-minded and would like to hear positive recommendations, and not arguments against cable upgrading (I am familiar with this position).

My system consists of:
  • Rogue Audio Cronus Magnum II integrated amplifier
  • Merrill Super12 Polytable turntable w/ Ortofon 2M Black cartridge
  • OPPO UDP-203 digital player
  • Vandersteen 2CE speakers
  • Furman IT-Reference 15i power conditioner
I am running into a dedicated AC line into a Porter Port outlet. I assume that the power cord from the outlet to the Furman would not need upgrading since it is being "conditioned" (I could be wrong).

What would be the recommended priority for upgrades (power cord (1st) vs. interconnect (2nd)? What brands are recommended. I want to limit the budget for both power cords and interconnects to $500 a piece.

Thanks in advance.

arturos73

Showing 7 responses by arturos73

arturos73 OP
38 posts
 
In addition, I am also using a Parks Audio Budgie Hybrid phono amp and using AudioQuest Rocket33 speaker cables.
arturos73 OP
38 posts
 
Yes, I am pleased with my AQ Rocket 33s, so not looking to upgrade speaker wire. I may take advantage of The Cable Co.'s lending library as that seems the most economical way to compare. Just wondering if I should focus on ICs first before the power cords.
arturos73 OP
38 posts
 
Thanks whart, helpful advice. I agree your way is the preferable means to isolate the best performers. I was hoping others who have used similar components may have already been through this exercise.

I ran the amp into the wall before getting the Furman. To my ears, the Furman improved the sound and lowered floor noise.
I have seen Jim's book referenced before and plan to get a copy.
arturos73 OP
38 posts
 
Thanks for the advice thus far everyone, very helpful.

(Although I’m a little uncertain concerning your use of the word "hybrid" in referring to it; is your phono stage a different configuration than what is shown at the link, which is described as having an all tube signal path?).

The Budgie Hybrid was an upgrade to the original Budgie with JFETS for boosted gain.

Budgie Hybrid stats:
SpecificationsTubes: Two matched 6922 Electro-Harmonix tubes (included)
Gain: 46dB (suitable for HOMC, MM and MI carts with at least 1mV output)Input Impedance: 47K, adjustable
Output Impedance: 600 ohmRIAA Accuracy: +/-0.5dB from 20Hz to 20kHz
Distortion: less than 0.1% at 1kHz with 15mVrms input SNR: 84dBA with 5mV input
Overload: Minimum headroom of 100mVrms at 1kHzWarranty: Two year
Power: 7W
Input Voltage: 100 to 240VAC with external 12VDC supply (included w/ EU or OZ adapters free upon request)Weight: 2.5 lbs
Size: 7.75”L x 5.5”W x 4.5”H

Also, the lower 600 ohm output impedance is due to going with an active RIAA eq circuit, so driving long RCA interconnects or low input impedance devices won't cause high frequency roll-off.

arturos73 OP
38 posts
 
japanjim,
Looking to avoid the nosebleed priced cables (hence my $500 cap) and the confirmation bias echo chamber. I'm a bang-for-the-buck type of chap, hence my solicitation of experienced listeners and cable acquirers.
arturos73 OP
38 posts
 
Thanks Al, sbrownnw and kearney for your recommendations.
arturos73 OP
38 posts
 
Thanks everyone for all of the recommendations. I plan to use The Cable Company lending library to find what works best for my system.
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