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Transparent Audio power cords

I have a question for experienced users about certain Transparent cords. The application is on a McCormack Audio DNA-500 amp (w/ the SMC audio Silver Plus upgrade) driving Focal Sopra 2 speakers. The cord in use now is a Transparent Powerlink MM2 (mm2x serial number). This cord was the next step above the Reference in the mm2 generation. The name of the Powerlink MM2 cord was changed to XL for the Gen 5 and Gen 6 products.

I have tried both the Reference Gen 5 and Reference Gen 6 cords on this amp which according to theory, they should sound better than the Powerlink MM2. Both are, in general, respectively, a step up in sound quality as would be expected. However, we now get to my issue, neither of the two Reference cords has enough "meat on the bones" compared to the Powerlink MM2. They are just lighter weight sounding. The likely thought is to try a Gen 5 or Gen 6 XL cord but, the price point for a new Gen 6 XL cord is getting uncomfortable.

So, will an XL cord give me that weight and solidity I'm after or might I want to be looking at another brand to get the sound where I want it to be while trying to rein in the cost.

Ag insider logo xs@2xmwh777
soix
9,672 posts
 

The amp you have is known to be very detailed, neutral and on the analytical side of the spectrum. This is why the older Transprent was appealing… it wasn’t as neutral. 

I actually don’t agree with this as a long-time owner of an SMcAudio amp, and the DNA 500 was the pinnacle of Steve’s stock creations and was not at all pegged as “analytical” sounding.  If anything it’s probably your Focals that are leaning more to the analytical side of things and necessitating some warmth.  That said, the only thing we know about your system is the amp and speakers so would be most helpful to know what pre and source you’re using because all of this contributes to what you’re hearing.  There could well be another source of what you’re hearing and trying to fix through cables when it could well be another component that could be the source of the issue.  More info is always better in these situations, so please share if you want better/more well-informed recommendations here. 

audphile1's avatar
audphile1
5,292 posts
 

I owned DNA-0.5 Deluxe, DNA-125 and DNA-225 stock and modified. These amps are very musical and engaging. You can make it work with the focals but you will need to find the right combination of components and cables. I used ARC LS-25 and Ref1 with DNA-225. Good synergy and the combo paired well with B&W N803. 
 

As @soix pointed out, providing more context about the rest of your system will help. Upgrading power cord on the amp will just highlight what the upstream components are doing. What’s the rest of your system, components and cables…any room acoustic treatments?

audioman58's avatar
audioman58
4,197 posts
 

Why not go with another brand ?  What awg gauge  are these ?

The AQ Tornado HC  would be very good , if you contact. Anthony at Perrotta Consultants  he gives very good deal on them , and for digital the Tornado -Source power cords.

retiredfarmer's avatar
retiredfarmer
354 posts
 

Personally  I would start upstream of the powercord if you have not already. I would try a new plug. Get yourself the top end furutech plug wire that in and then decide  what you think of the system.  

roadcykler
158 posts
 

Why are the gen 5 and gen 6 a "step up" other than in price? By the way, power cords make no objective difference. 

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