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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 1 response by david_ten

david_ten
5,480 posts
 
@arturos73 Great opening post. Clearly laid out and full of information.

@whart Provides a terrific summary and approach.

Having recommendations as a guideline from those like @gdnrbob as a fellow Vandy owner and others who have similar equipment or setup to yours will be valuable. But as already pointed out, only you can drive this.

To your specific question about IC vs PC, which first:

Ideally, both simultaneously, but if you need to take a stepped approach and do one step at a time, I would choose the power cables first without hesitation.
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