Prioritizing Power Cable Upgrades by System Component.


I'm digging into the world of power cables and it is kind of amazing. The promise that a good cable can bring along with its price is both exciting and staggering.

There are several components that need some kind of power cable and upgrading them, for me, needs to be done in steps.

For those that have upgraded power cables, how would you prioritize between the pre-amp (tube), power amp (ss) and powered sub...and possibly even the DAC? 

128x128imaninatural

@carlsbad  - This sort of aligns with my experience of hearing a significant improvement with the $50ish W Audio power cable on my Pathos integrated amplifier, but not with my other components.

Power amp, pre-amp, electronic crosovers, then signal sources: tape decks, CD/DVD payers, tuners, etc. Get good speaker cables and interconnects before worrying about power cables. Big improvements don't have to be expensive. Amazon lists serious power cables from $40. A used cable will save you $$ and not need break in.

I would start with one known good cable from a reputable manufacturer rather than a throwaway that may or may not be the highest quality.  On the amp.  The difference you hear will probably motivate you to stay upmarket.  I didn’t spend a lot, Straightwire pro thunder for my amp was pretty affordable and I was able to  buy direct since there is no distributor in my state.  I A/B tested with computer cords, the difference made me a believer.

I found the biggest improvement was on the power amp. If you want to upgrade one PC at a time - which is the wise way to do it, start on the power amp. 

As you work through the components the improvement will become less and less, so I would suggest get a good cable with good current capacity. (Don't skimp) Also check with the manufacturer what lengths they recommend. I found with Wireworld cables the longer the better, but the opposite some others. 

I use an Acoustic Zen Tsumani "Plus  power cable with my CD player: an Ayre CX7 MP which is supposedly my best source as recommended by an audio specialist

. The other components are a Conrad Johnson PV14L SE pre-amp and a P.S. Audio S300 power amp both use Pangea quality power cords  The Acoustic Zen cord is at least 15 years old, also awkward and thick and difficult to plug into the Furman power line conditioner.  I might move it over to the power amp or want to replace it with something newer. 

Cheers to all; It's great to be back on these forums

sunnyjim.