Suggested Power Cable for Streamer

There is nothing vague about George Cardas or Cardas audio. They are located in Bandon Oregon and have been since the beginning. I have a friend who is friends with him and been there more than once. They are as down to earth and open as any dedicated enthusiasts in the field. Cardas audio is an exceptional company. 

@Mclinnguy,

I appreciate your generosity. Algama's in combination, geomtry as it possible could pertain to quasi tesla magneto qulaities, grain structure, molecular quantum effects from equipment to ear has lost lineage in mathmatic equations between the two. Basically, changing the butterfly effect from measurements to a postivist listening collaboration is huge no matter the change. Once the genome matrix of sound and mind experience gets fully quantified the world we know will probably be lost.  Untiil then, I might have to run around waving a magnet here and there, asking do you hear a difference! Lmao

Before  buying anything try Ice age audio Franken cable  -  the giants killer.

No disrespect. While this may seem have some truth. Audioquest sells 1m high current cable, just on 1 search of cable. Cardas sells a .5m power cable.

No worries, none taken. One has to have pretty thick skin to be forum poster on audio forums these days. I like Cardas, he has the same manufacturers' speakers as me, and I have Cardas binding posts in mine, and have used his silver solder, but never tried his cables. Perhaps I should. He does things differently than many other cable designers and manufacturers and has stuck to his golden ratio philosophy throughout his career- that's fine. I'm pretty sure I won't be able to tell the sound quality difference between a 0.5m and a 1.5m power cable either and a 5 minute A/B. 

Why does length matter? Wouldn’t circumference negate those required lengths. This sound very naim. This is bogglimg. Is ergonomic one of his objectives. Single stranded vs solid core would seem to weigh on dynamics and would seem to factor in, not to mention other dependent variables. I wouldn't think length is the complete factor. Things like power consumption would seem to have considerable differences too imo.

I have stopped trying to figure it out, and just listen. Because nothing makes sense. As soon as we think we know, we find out we really didn't. I have a physics degree, and I know nothing. And nobody else on this planet really knows how this whole energy wave propagation from amp to speakers along a conductor works either- and most likely nobody ever will- and that is probably a good thing. Some questions in life are best not answered- because with that answer comes power, and the knowledge won't be used to make good cables but produce and sell lethal weapons. There's more money in that business. I digress.

But we can still trial and error based using various ideas based on current knowledge and just listen, and if it works they come back and say "it sounds good because we use golden ratio, or ribbons for the highs and solid core for the bass, or square conductors, or a blend of silver and copper, or liquid gallium (remember TEO Audio?) , and cotton/teflon or polyolefin, or air tubes, or graphene as dielectrics etc.". And no, there are not sufficient measurements that can tell you how something sounds.

But I can pretty much guarantee a guy like Caelin, or Bill Low, has forgotton more about electricity, electro-magnetism and cable design than the people on this forum combined will ever know. I guess I need to demo one of his power cables now. 

TL:DR Whatever. Don't care- Just let me listen to it. 

@Mclinnguy

No disrespect. While this may seem have some truth. Audioquest sells 1m high current cable, just on 1 search of cable. Cardas sells a .5m power cable.

@Mclinnguy

Why does length matter? Wouldn’t circumference negate those required lengths. This sound very naim. This is bogglimg. Is ergonomic one of his objectives. Single stranded vs solid core would seem to weigh on dynamics and would seem to factor in, not to mention other dependent variables. I wouldn't think length is the complete factor. Things like power consumption would seem to have considerable differences too imo.

 I don't know if shorter is necesarily better here, but assume it does. I hear it can make a huge difference in other cables. 

According to Caelin Gabriel the ideal length for power cables is 1.5-2 metres. With the current high end versions you don't even get a choice. And I'm sure he has done more tests of various lengths than anybody. 

It would think the power consumtion and impedence of the streamer plays into factors. Not sure if this could fall under low eddy current ideals or not.

I read about cardas copper and they have a vague history. Some of it may have included different companies at different times. I don't know if shorter is necesarily better here, but assume it does. I hear it can make a huge difference in other cables. I am also looking at similar problem, but approaching it from the power regenerator aspect, because even if I do power cables through cardas, I'll be at higher budget that I can't afford. Plus I would still have filth through the incoming lines. But this is all a year or so out. Imo Audience 70 grain per foot structute has less noise than the 300 to 400 structered per foot other cables. But the price in power is considerable to cardas.

@bluethinker Yes the majority of my system has Voodoo cables. Some are top of the line such as the front end gear and my amps and some are the next tier down. 

Music streamers generate a lot of high frequency noise so filtering at the power cord can keep them from sharing that noise with the other components. 

@bluethinker, the best thing that I did for my music streamer was to power it using an Sbooster linear power supply, and then plugging the Sbooster into my AudioQuest Niagara power conditioner using a not too expensive AQ Blizzard power cord. 

Current production Synergistic is the way to go. Foundation SX or, if you can swing it, something in the Atmosphere series.

I'm not a shill, just someone who has discovered how good their products are, especially when used together.

Can be auditioned for 30 days before purchase...

I was using some VERY good power cables - Nordost as well as a few higher end AQ cables. I "discovered" Cerious Tech LUMNISCATE cables last year and started with 2 pair of interconnects XLR cables. WOW! Had a discussion with Bob Grost the owner and once he learned what my system consisted of, suggested I try one or more of his Lumniscate Power cords. The Professor said they are PARTICULARLY transformative when used with digital gear like streamers and DACS and servers. My digital gear consists of Antipodes K41 server, K22 player, Mola Mola Tambaqui DAC with XLR cable out to a Mola Mola Tambaqui preamp out to a Krell Class power amp. I am particular and have really good ears, and these cables changed EVERYTHING. 

@bluethinker

Thunder, yes I think so. 

 

jhnnrrs

72 posts

02-23-2024 at 10:31am 

@anotherbob Sorry, mate, but I do not believe there was ANY objective change in the sound.  Subjectively...well, the brain can be a trickster, can't it.
 

by far my favorite part of cable discussions. I guess on food forums there are also people who try to convince you that the difference you’ve tasted between a kobe beef steak and a USDA Choice one is also your brain tricking you. Beef is beef right?

All - Really appreciate all the input. 

From my end, for the record, I've come to believe some details - even the power cables - do make a difference.

Have I deluded myself? I guess it is possible... It's important to be self-aware on your foibles and, I guess in this case, fetishes... 

But I tend to think otherwise. Case in point: I've read many disparage devices such as the Puritan 156. For me, adding Puritan devices made a substantial impact on quality of music in each system I'd added it to... 

Different power cables are built differently. I suspect there is a reason they'll synergize differently with audio equipment. That said, I appreciate everyone reminding me to be wise with my money. It certainly doesn't grow on trees, does it? 

With that, I've got to go get ready for work... so I can spend my money on those things that intrigue and delight me.

"Life's a dream punctuated by nightmares" - Henry Miller 

 

@christianb5s4  Is TWL Silver Statement good enough power cable for music computer ?

@anotherbob Sorry, mate, but I do not believe there was ANY objective change in the sound.  Subjectively...well, the brain can be a trickster, can't it.

I like Triode Wire Labs power cords for digital components. Like what was mentioned earlier they just seem relaxed and smooth without losing detail. I'm a fan of Voodoo cables but haven't tried their pcs,only ics,digital, and speaker cables.

@bluethinker It was eleven years ago when I did a comparison courtesy of the Cable Company. The no longer available VooDoo Audio Crystal Vajra powercord sounded best out of several evaluated  No notes on what we heard but ended up purchasing two cords.

jhnnrrs & panzerwagn - I replaced the power cable on my NAD integrated with a sub $300.00 power cable and immediately noticed a positive difference in sound, don’t know if it was the larger gauge cable and/or the shielding from interference, but if my 64 (at the time) year old ears could tell a difference, I’m betting most other people would, too!

@jhnnrrs With you completely. 

I challenge anyone who claims a cable makes their system quieter (a quantitative claim) to produce a spectrum analysis showing that to be the case.

Likewise 'improved dynamics', another quantitative claim that requires the suspension of at least a couple laws of physics. But hey, show me how for a given gozinta a cable can give a bigger gozouta and I'll shut up. Double credit if it's in the digital domain because that would require additional bits.

I’ll add…completely forgot…I swapped the connectors on the Puritan Classic for some Furutech and it improved the sound. It’s not the best power cord but it’s not the worst either.

@mclinnguy ​​@bluethinker 

my system never sounded bright except in two instances - 

1. Ultimate on PSM156

2. Shunyata Alpha v2 NR on amp

I used AQ Hurricane on the PSM156 and it was smooth and I liked it better than the Puritan Ultimate. I actually preferred Puritan Classic to Ultimate on PSM156. 
I sold the PSM156 after I ran two dedicated lines - I have all my components plugged into the wall outlets. Yes the PSM156 takes the noise floor down a bit but there’s a reduction in dynamics and extension and the compromise, in my system, to me, wasn’t worth it. I ran my amp at the time, Pass Labs XA30.8 straight to wall. The Puritan tamed the DAC and preamp bit much and I didn’t like the effect. You may have a different result in your system depending on components, power and preferences. Not saying the Puritan is a bad unit, it’s not. 

What I’ve used that was an improvement on digital components over a PC designed for a power amp. Nordost Vishnu which the best I can described is fast, music has snap or PRaT. Wouldn’t say the Vishnu was thin but the stage was a little closed in compared to what I ended with. Not sure if the Vishnu is a shielded cable but it is very revealing, not bright or fatiguing. Wywires Silver Juice II Digital brought everything the Nordost had to offer but more open, wider stage which made the speakers disappear or the WyWires just got out of the way where the Nordost in comparison brought attention to itself. I’ve tried heavier WyWires Silver and Platinum Juice II HC (high current) on digital components, and the lighter gauge WyWires Digital PC’s sound better. As always it’s system dependent and what sounds best to you. 

I've had good experiences with Triode Wire Labs, a brand that has a good reputation by many here. I noticed a slightly more relaxed and natural sound adding it (Digital American 2 cable) to feed my Lumin U1/X1 power supply.

@jhnnrrs, + 1 So far so good your still here lol ! 

Cardas

Certainly not…just ignored by many…but not all….. 

For a source component, especially something with a processor chip in it..running at high frequencies, get the best shielding…. AQ or Shunyata… You should also try not running everything thru your power conditioning…. 

@bluethinker Even if you are well-off, $360 does not sound like an "economy oriented" cable.  Take that money and buy music, subscribe to Qobuz for a year, anything but waste it on junk.  The cable that comes with your streamer is more than good enough.  Don't let these elitist spendthrifts fool you.  Power cables DO NOT make an audible difference, and neither do expensive fuses, Shakti stones, $10,000 grounding boxes, nor the rest of the garbage these people spout off on.  I'm sure I'll be cancelled after this.

Perfect timing In our multi state audio club- get together we tested a bunch of power cords . Many think ever with well respected brands they are good for everything ,Not true ,many are High current Big cables.

without spending $1,000s the AQ Tornado - Source comes to mind 

we ever compared the HC Tornado . The source was more detailed and naturally resolved. Perrotta Consultants is having specials on WWorld ,and AQ .retail around $1200 .Highly recommended . Was it the best no it was not but I didnot have $3-4k 

for a source cable to spend and very close. I spoke with a AQ engineer and his lengthy explanation ,- condensed , a cable if done correctly filters and lowers the noise floor,I could not agree more. Highly Recommended.

Could somebody translate this and tell us what he is trying to say? 

@audphile1 - Thanks for Nordost recommendation. I'll look into that cable. Regarding the Ultimate cable, I've heard some folks say that their systems got a little bright. If there is one thing I want to avoid, it's brightness/treble glare. My wife will ask me to turn the music down so I won't hear anything... Any other suggestions on cables to power the Puritan? 

@ghdprentice - I'll look into that Transparent cable. Do you think AudioQuest Thunder is far enough up their product hierarchy? 

Trying a variety of cables would make the most sense. Agreed. 

@timothy_m - Which VooDoo cable do you use on your front end components? Did you perceive a difference from something you'd used beforehand? 

@benzman - thanks for recommendation. ​​@audphile1 mentioned the Ultimate got a little tilted towards treble. Your experience with the Ultimate was more positive it sounds? 

@jhnnrrs - Well, "the Five" isn't actually an expensive cable... It's an economy-oriented cable... It sounds like you are skeptical around the effectiveness of different cables for equipment? If not, what is your best guidance for cable selection, etc? I'm new to this and still learning. 

@audioman58 - Thanks for the advice! 

@painter24 - Are you feeding the Puritan with "the Five?" Happy with the results. 

Well we all know that any manufacturer of high fidelity equipment will purposely include a super low-quality power cord so as to show their product in the worst light possible.  But seriously folks!  An expensive 3rd party power cord for a low-current device like a streamer?  Putting one of those on a power amp is dumb, but putting one on a streamer is comical.  

Perfect timing In our multi state audio club- get together we tested a bunch of power cords . Many think ever with well respected brands they are good for everything ,Not true ,many are High current Big cables.

without spending $1,000s the AQ Tornado - Source comes to mind 

we ever compared the HC Tornado . The source was more detailed and naturally resolved. Perrotta Consultants is having specials on WWorld ,and AQ .retail around $1200 .Highly recommended . Was it the best no it was not but I didnot have $3-4k 

for a source cable to spend and very close. I spoke with a AQ engineer and his lengthy explanation ,- condensed , a cable if done correctly filters and lowers the noise floor,I could not agree more. Highly Recommended.

That big power cable is delivering too many electrons and they are stacking up in your streamer like donuts during a police strike.  ...

JK.  No reason on earth to buy a smaller cable.

Jerry

I have the NRG Custom "The Five"; maybe feed your PSM156 with it from the wall, and maybe consider Triode Wire Labs "American Digital II" PC for your Zenith. I have this set-up, very good

When you upgrade to the Ultimate, see if you can either try it first or go used. I ended up not liking it in my system when I tried it on PSM156 - it was a bit too much. Treble glare, sibilance. I sold it.

That’s was a tough one for me to decide, with it being C19, and in my system that is the only place to put it. Being in Canada makes demo’ing much harder also. I debated trying something else on the PSM156 but the issue of the 20amp connector makes it harder to find suitable demo options or to resell it if it doesn’t work, and the Ultimate was well regarded, so I got the Ultimate. Sounds fine, but again it is not like I can roll some of the other cords I have in there to experiment. I may try a different 20amp cord for it down the road but other things to do first.

I wonder though @audphile1 , that was before your upgrade to the Aurender, right? Perhaps now with a smoother presentation and a little less digititus going on it might match better?

Glad to hear you are ditching the classic cable that  comes with the Puritan. It is average at the very best . You are going to get a serious upgrade with any kind of good quality 20amp PC. The Ultimate PC is just as good as the classic is bad. 

Voodoo digital cables I found to be the best on expensive DAC and Transport - they do make a difference.

I use Transparent Reference on my Streamer (you might try a premium) … nice sonic improvement. Audio Quest Storm series as good as you can afford likely to be excellent on your streamer. 
 

But given you are happy, try, don’t just buy.

@bluethinker I use Nordost Heimdall 2 on my Aurender N200 and have had good results with AQ Tornado as well.
But…I think upgrading the cable on your power conditioner will give you a better ROI since it will impact all of the components plugged into it.
When you upgrade to the Ultimate, see if you can either try it first or go used. I ended up not liking it in my system when I tried it on PSM156 - it was a bit too much. Treble glare, sibilance. I sold it.

 Have you addressed your streaming cables: What ethernet / USB/AES cables are you using? Any filters? 

Have you tried swapping cables around- putting the NRG on the pre and the Cardas on the streamer? 

@lwin - Thanks, Iwin. Having spent a good chunk of my life in the Bay Area, I've been curious about VooDoo cables since getting into the hobby. Thanks for the recommendation! 

Btw - do you have any personal experience with those cables? 

I would look at Voodoo cables. They have digital specific cables that make an audible difference. The Cable Company has some on sale and you can try them before you buy them .