Power Cords Rule


Just finished another DIY power cable using Ohno Continuous Cast copper. This is the third cable added in the past two months, the first two for my ARC mono blocks, this latest for my Wadia 861SE CDP, now over ten years old. I am trying to wring every bit of performance from this player, modified by GNSC. This new cable has lifted that old player to a new plateau of sound stage and clarity; there's just more information in the music not previously heard. All of these cables have first replaced Transparent Reference AC cables, and, after those, three other DIY cables containing OCC copper but with a PVC dielectric not well-suited for AC cables, but vastly superior to the Transparents, circa 2002. My newest versions have polypropylene dielectric over a combined 8 AWG OCC copper, mated to Furutech rhodium plugs. All together, these AC cables have improved my system as much as upgrading the front end would have, IMO, and that would also require a pre-amp in going away from Wadia. And so, my fellow audiophiles, this is where it's at--get that clean power and those great power cables--make 'em yourself--all else depends more on that source of pure power than your other cables can achieve, good as they have to be, as well. Every piece of your system will improve with a purer current--any way you can get it.
128x128jafreeman
Jam, see my power cable report of 12/14 in this forum--just one example of making the materials work, but you can use any high-quality DIY AC cable and plugs with screw/clamp terminations--eg, Furutech. Basic tools--vices help--love the Klein Catapult wire stripper--sheath with a mesh braid--see Techflex for that. It's a fun project and not very difficult, although mine was due to the large conductor sizes I wanted to use. A 12 AWG wire is more realistic for Furutech plugs. Two 14 AWG conductors per terminal will still give you an 11 AWG cable--recommend OCC, of course. And, just ask a question on this forum for lots of advice.
You are absolutely right on major role of Power cords and how they change musicality of front end devices. I changed my previous power cords by putting new NEMA/IEC plugs and mixing them where I got an excellent result.

You mentioned usage of Ohno Continuous Cast copper. This is a processing name of copper wires invented like 20 years ago. There are different brands and everybody claims to be the best, I was wondering where did you get your copper cables?

thanks,
Yes indeed, Jafreeman- power Cords Do Rule!

Care to post some pics of your cords? I would be very interested in seeing them. Howlong have you been building?

Happy Listening!