Need Power Cord recommendation for my budget

cheezy
cheezy Posts: 148
edited March 2013 in Speakers
Hi all,

Need power cord recommendation for my audio. My budget is anywhere from $2000~ $10,000. Need 2 cords. Do you know any good brand / model that you know of or have experience with? Please share.

My rig is HTPC with sound card and a pair of Focal CMS65 speakers.


Thanks!
Post edited by cheezy on
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  • ZLTFUL
    ZLTFUL Posts: 5,655
    edited March 2013
    *facepalm*
    "Some people find it easier to be conceited rather than correct."

    "Unwad those panties and have a good time man. We're all here to help each other, no matter how it might appear." DSkip
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  • B Run
    B Run Posts: 1,888
    edited March 2013
    :eek:
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  • ZLTFUL
    ZLTFUL Posts: 5,655
    edited March 2013
    I feel like Jesse's cynicism is rubbing off on me...
    But here goes...

    First, you post up in the *Speakers* forum requesting power cable recommendations.
    Second, you list your budget as $2000-$10000. If you have that kind of scratch to throw at power cables, chances are, your source is going to be something better than a "HTPC with sound card" and your speakers are going to be much better than a $1400set of nearfield monitors.
    Granted, there is nothing wrong with upgrading the power cables on the Focals but with the source, you would probably want to focus on how the sound card is connected to the speakers first, then worry about PCs.

    As for a recommendation that is far better than your stock cables but unfortunately doesn't meet your ridiculously exorbinant budget, look into Shunyata Research or Pangea cables that are a vast improvement over stock.
    "Some people find it easier to be conceited rather than correct."

    "Unwad those panties and have a good time man. We're all here to help each other, no matter how it might appear." DSkip
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  • pitdogg2
    pitdogg2 Posts: 25,677
    edited March 2013
    Ever felt baited? This one sure does.
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  • ZLTFUL
    ZLTFUL Posts: 5,655
    edited March 2013
    Yup. I mean those are some solid nearfields. But yeah...lol.
    "Some people find it easier to be conceited rather than correct."

    "Unwad those panties and have a good time man. We're all here to help each other, no matter how it might appear." DSkip
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  • BlueFox
    BlueFox Posts: 15,251
    edited March 2013
    Buy a decent stereo first. Then we can talk about improvements.
    Lumin X1 file player, Westminster Labs interconnect cable
    Sony XA-5400ES SACD; Pass XP-22 pre; X600.5 amps
    Magico S5 MKII Mcast Rose speakers; SPOD spikes

    Shunyata Triton v3/Typhon QR on source, Denali 2000 (2) on amps
    Shunyata Sigma XLR analog ICs, Sigma speaker cables
    Shunyata Sigma HC (2), Sigma Analog, Sigma Digital, Z Anaconda (3) power cables

    Mapleshade Samson V.3 four shelf solid maple rack, Micropoint brass footers
    Three 20 amp circuits.
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  • cheezy
    cheezy Posts: 148
    edited March 2013
    B Run wrote: »
    :eek:
    :)
    ZLTFUL wrote: »
    I feel like Jesse's cynicism is rubbing off on me...
    But here goes...

    First, you post up in the *Speakers* forum requesting power cable recommendations.
    I wasn't able to find the forum section for power cords or audio cables.
    Second, you list your budget as $2000-$10000. If you have that kind of scratch to throw at power cables, chances are, your source is going to be something better than a "HTPC with sound card"
    I have tried a few dedicated external DAC's including the Benchmark DAC-1 but they gave softer sound and the dynamic range was weak. The Xonar sound card sounds better.
    and your speakers are going to be much better than a $1400set of nearfield monitors.
    It's $2000. You must have gotten confused with the CMS50's.

    Granted, there is nothing wrong with upgrading the power cables on the Focals but with the source, you would probably want to focus on how the sound card is connected to the speakers first, then worry about PCs.
    It's connected via cheap Wireworld Oasis RCA cables (1m $110). I also have a mini 3.5mm Audioquest Angel cable ($1200) but it doesn't fit. :(

    As for a recommendation that is far better than your stock cables but unfortunately doesn't meet your ridiculously exorbinant budget, look into Shunyata Research or Pangea cables that are a vast improvement over stock.
    I am currently using Shunyata Research Venom 3 power cord from wall outlet to the HTPC but it lost bass punch / impact for the low ends. The high frequencies have been improved however. The treble is crisper and background detail is moved forward to the sides and towards the center. It doesn't sound the contrast has improved. This cable is geared for the highs, not all around. It also sounds a bit analog.


    cheezy
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  • cheezy
    cheezy Posts: 148
    edited March 2013
    I have heard a few good stories about the Wireworld Status and Aurora power cords but according to end users they find the Venom 3 to be superior, but I don't find it to be superior, as mentioned above. It sounds lean / lack impact. The stock power cord actually had more oomph in the bass region, and doesn't sound analog which I liked.


    cheezy
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  • Jhayman
    Jhayman Posts: 1,548
    edited March 2013
    Holy Cow I hear ya Pittdog2..
    Cheezy since money seems to grow on trees for you, can I try out your Venom 3 when you replace it with whatever costs $10k..
    As usual Bluefox is bang on with his insulting comments, you can always count on him for that..
    But seriously Cheezy maybe a speaker upgrade is needed before a ,,cough cough.. Power cord is needed..
    ATC SCM40's,VTL TL 2.5 Preamp,PSB Stratus Goldi's,McCormack DNA 500,McCormack MAP-1 Preamp,Pro-Ject Xtension 10 TT,Ortofon Cadenza Red/Nordost RedDawn LS Speaker cables, Bryston BDP-2, Bryston BDA-2,PS Audio AC-3 power cables
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  • brgman
    brgman Posts: 2,859
    edited March 2013
    Check with Pepster.He has the ELITE line that runs up to 20k for a 1 meter cable but i'm sure he can design something down to your range if you ask.
    Pepster is a member that does cables but only made to order stuff.
    Main Rig-Realistic AM/FM Record player 8 track boasting 4 WPC

    Backup Rig-2 CH-Rogue Audio Zeus w/Factory Special Dark Mods,Joule-Electra 300ME Platinum Preamp,OPPO-105 w/Modwright Tube Mod, Auralic Aries G2.1,Polk 2.3TL,3.1TL's,Dreadnought,RTA-15TL's,1C's All Fully Modded,2xRTA-12c's ,Benchmark DAC3 HGC,Synology NAS,VPI Scout w/Dynavector DV-20XH and Rogue Audio Ares Phono Preamp,Sony PCM-R500 DAT,HHB-850 Pro CDR,Tascam CC-222SLMKII Cassette/CDR,MIT S3.3 Shotgun Cables,Shunyata Hyra-8,Shunyata and Triode Labs Power Cords

    I’M OFFENDED!!!!
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  • ZLTFUL
    ZLTFUL Posts: 5,655
    edited March 2013
    Depending on where you are located, see if you have a local HiFi shop that has a audition program that will allow you to take a few power cables home with you to test out.
    If you are finding the Venom 3 reduces your bass response, I am not sure what to tell you. I haven't experienced that in any systems I have used them in.
    Personally, I am not a fan of Wireworld cables at all. Bad experiences between my uncle and one of his buddys.

    As for the Focals, nope...a local shop sells them for $750 each online or $700 each in store if you pay cash. A local friend recently picked up a pair which is how I know anything about them at all hehe.

    As for the Xonar, internal or external? The Essence One is pretty amazing overall but I still find it lacking in several areas. It's nice that it has the built in DAC and headphone amp but then so does the Audioquest Dragonfly, it costs half as much and it cuts out all the extraneous processing of the soundcard.
    "Some people find it easier to be conceited rather than correct."

    "Unwad those panties and have a good time man. We're all here to help each other, no matter how it might appear." DSkip
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  • ZLTFUL
    ZLTFUL Posts: 5,655
    edited March 2013
    Jhayman wrote: »
    But seriously Cheezy maybe a speaker upgrade is needed before a ,,cough cough.. Power cord is needed..

    This comment alone makes me discount quite literally everything you say out of hand and makes me realize you know nothing about nearfield listening. Because the Focals he has are a pretty fantastic pair of nearfield monitors by any definition of the word.
    Nearfields are designed for *gasp* listening up close. And as such have completely different requirements and specs than a set of bookies on stands 10 feet away.
    "Some people find it easier to be conceited rather than correct."

    "Unwad those panties and have a good time man. We're all here to help each other, no matter how it might appear." DSkip
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  • pitdogg2
    pitdogg2 Posts: 25,677
    edited March 2013
    http://www.pangeaaudio.com/products.html

    or try moving up the shunyata line.. Synergy is everything and they just might not harmonize with the gear.
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  • B Run
    B Run Posts: 1,888
    edited March 2013
    Well i'll be honest I didn't expect an actual response from the OP and did feel a little baited, no offense Cheezy. If that's what you want to spend and think it's best spent on power cables that's up to you, I don't have any experience with cables in that price range so I can't offer any advice honestly but i'm sure some others can.
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  • cheezy
    cheezy Posts: 148
    edited March 2013
    Jhayman wrote: »
    Holy Cow I hear ya Pittdog2..
    Cheezy since money seems to grow on trees for you, can I try out your Venom 3 when you replace it with whatever costs $10k..
    As usual Bluefox is bang on with his insulting comments, you can always count on him for that..
    But seriously Cheezy maybe a speaker upgrade is needed before a ,,cough cough.. Power cord is needed..
    Shall I find no use I will send one to you. It is likely that I will be moving the Venom 3 to my TV screen once I get better power cords.
    brgman wrote: »
    Check with Pepster.He has the ELITE line that runs up to 20k for a 1 meter cable but i'm sure he can design something down to your range if you ask.
    Pepster is a member that does cables but only made to order stuff.
    Pepster? Intriguing.. I will have to read up more about it. Never heard of it before.
    ZLTFUL wrote: »
    Depending on where you are located, see if you have a local HiFi shop that has a audition program that will allow you to take a few power cables home with you to test out.
    the cableco has library for the users to try out their cables as a trial.
    If you are finding the Venom 3 reduces your bass response, I am not sure what to tell you. I haven't experienced that in any systems I have used them in.
    Personally, I am not a fan of Wireworld cables at all. Bad experiences between my uncle and one of his buddys.
    I believe most if not all cables are system dependent. I also heard from another source that the Venom 3 provided very lean sound. If you have subwoofer running, it will be more difficult to hear for difference.
    As for the Focals, nope...a local shop sells them for $750 each online or $700 each in store if you pay cash. A local friend recently picked up a pair which is how I know anything about them at all hehe.
    You can certainly get the CMS65's for that price out there but they are used, or demo.
    As for the Xonar, internal or external? The Essence One is pretty amazing overall but I still find it lacking in several areas. It's nice that it has the built in DAC and headphone amp but then so does the Audioquest Dragonfly, it costs half as much and it cuts out all the extraneous processing of the soundcard.
    It's internal, and it's not Essence line. It's DX7.1.
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  • ZLTFUL
    ZLTFUL Posts: 5,655
    edited March 2013
    One of the Asus AV chipsets or the C-Media? The AV chipsets are fine for gamers but lack quite a bit for the discerning audiophile.

    They are brand new in the factory sealed boxes. Not used. Not demos. He has his demos listed for $625 each because nobody ever listens to them. Most of his customers aren't into nearfield so he has a hard time moving them.

    I typically don't use my sub for 2 channel listening unless a specific album benefits from it. My RTA-15TLs tend to produce plenty of bass on their own. Of course, I am still using the stock cables on my amps so that very well could have something to do with it.
    I am going to be picking up a set of Pangea AC-9s to see what, if any difference there is.
    "Some people find it easier to be conceited rather than correct."

    "Unwad those panties and have a good time man. We're all here to help each other, no matter how it might appear." DSkip
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  • cheezy
    cheezy Posts: 148
    edited March 2013
    pitdogg2 wrote: »
    http://www.pangeaaudio.com/products.html
    That looks to be low end.
    or try moving up the shunyata line.. Synergy is everything and they just might not harmonize with the gear.
    Yes.. I was looking at the King Cobra CX which could well be a very good performer for the money. I heard in some review that the Audioquest WEL Signature power cord ($7000+) seemed to have better 3 dimensionality. I don't know how good is the low end impact though and low end detail.
    B Run wrote: »
    Well i'll be honest I didn't expect an actual response from the OP and did feel a little baited, no offense Cheezy.
    Non taken.


    I already bought a $50,000 White Night Power Distributor 2.5m (essentially, a powerstrip) from coconut-audio about 6 weeks ago but I still haven't received it. I am worried that it lost on the way. :( Here is a video of what this cable looks like.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R4mwNlRnuaQ

    If you see there is my name engraved to it. "Cheez" with build # "001". I'm the guy that bought it.

    The seller is contacting the International Inquiry Center to start the investigation on this package... I really hope they find it. It would be a huge loss for me if it gets lost. :(


    cheezy
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  • BlueFox
    BlueFox Posts: 15,251
    edited March 2013
    B Run wrote: »
    Well i'll be honest I didn't expect an actual response from the OP and did feel a little baited, no offense Cheezy.

    Exactly, it was the user's first post, it had very little information, and was asking for a power cord between 2K and 10K in price for a 'stereo' consisting of a PC, sound card, and two powered speakers. Troll was written all over the post. It was almost as if our resident troll Jhayman was posting under a new handle. However, since he is appearing serious, check with the Cable Company for their used cables. You can keep swapping until you find what you like.
    http://www.usedcable.com/Catalog/Power-Cable
    Lumin X1 file player, Westminster Labs interconnect cable
    Sony XA-5400ES SACD; Pass XP-22 pre; X600.5 amps
    Magico S5 MKII Mcast Rose speakers; SPOD spikes

    Shunyata Triton v3/Typhon QR on source, Denali 2000 (2) on amps
    Shunyata Sigma XLR analog ICs, Sigma speaker cables
    Shunyata Sigma HC (2), Sigma Analog, Sigma Digital, Z Anaconda (3) power cables

    Mapleshade Samson V.3 four shelf solid maple rack, Micropoint brass footers
    Three 20 amp circuits.
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  • cheezy
    cheezy Posts: 148
    edited March 2013
    ZLTFUL wrote: »
    One of the Asus AV chipsets or the C-Media? The AV chipsets are fine for gamers but lack quite a bit for the discerning audiophile.
    It's the AV chipset.. I may upgrade the sound card to the Essence line later down the road. But I am not sure how it will sound.. for better or worse:question:
    I am going to be picking up a set of Pangea AC-9s to see what, if any difference there is.
    Please feel free to post your findings and how it compares to the Venom 3.
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  • Jhayman
    Jhayman Posts: 1,548
    edited March 2013
    Now we know..
    Nice video
    ATC SCM40's,VTL TL 2.5 Preamp,PSB Stratus Goldi's,McCormack DNA 500,McCormack MAP-1 Preamp,Pro-Ject Xtension 10 TT,Ortofon Cadenza Red/Nordost RedDawn LS Speaker cables, Bryston BDP-2, Bryston BDA-2,PS Audio AC-3 power cables
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  • B Run
    B Run Posts: 1,888
    edited March 2013
    I already bought a $50,000 White Night Power Distributor 2.5m (essentially, a powerstrip) from coconut-audio about 6 weeks ago but I still haven't received it. I am worried that it lost on the way. :( Here is a video of what this cable looks like.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R4mwNlRnuaQ

    If you see there is my name engraved to it. "Cheez" with build # "001". I'm the guy that bought it.

    The seller is contacting the International Inquiry Center to start the investigation on this package... I really hope they find it. It would be a huge loss for me if it gets lost. :(


    cheezy

    Dude seriously?
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  • pitdogg2
    pitdogg2 Posts: 25,677
    edited March 2013
    cheezy wrote: »
    I already bought a $50,000 White Night Power Distributor 2.5m (essentially, a powerstrip) from coconut-audio about 6 weeks ago but I still haven't received it. I am worried that it lost on the way. :( Here is a video of what this cable looks like.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R4mwNlRnuaQ

    If you see there is my name engraved to it. "Cheez" with build # "001". I'm the guy that bought it.

    The seller is contacting the International Inquiry Center to start the investigation on this package... I really hope they find it. It would be a huge loss for me if it gets lost.cheezy

    I'm calling poo poo caca on this whole thing. IF you spent 50G's for that!!! Just send someone 50G's sight unseen let alone to listen to to make an informed decision just because? once again poo poo caca!! Guy's go out to the http://www.coconut-audio.com/ and let me know if I'm the only one who thinks it's poo poo

    I'd like to know why you chose the PF to ask these questions to? If you have that kind of money to throw around I'd think you'd be much more well informed...
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  • ZLTFUL
    ZLTFUL Posts: 5,655
    edited March 2013
    Yup...pretty sure I am out on this one.

    Good luck in your search for insanely extravagant ways to waste money.
    "Some people find it easier to be conceited rather than correct."

    "Unwad those panties and have a good time man. We're all here to help each other, no matter how it might appear." DSkip
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  • pitdogg2
    pitdogg2 Posts: 25,677
    edited March 2013
    thanks B-run
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  • B Run
    B Run Posts: 1,888
    edited March 2013
    Yeah the second I heard Coconut Audio I was done. Nobody is that gullible, seriously.

    My apologies pitdogg, it's fixed haha.
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  • ken brydson
    ken brydson Posts: 8,781
    edited March 2013
    pitdogg2 wrote: »
    I'm calling poo poo caca on this whole thing. IF you spent 50G's for that!!! Just send someone 50G's sight unseen let alone to listen to to make an informed decision just because? once again poo poo caca!! Guy's go out to the http://www.coconut-audio.com/ and let me know if I'm the only one who thinks it's poo poo

    I'd like to know why you chose the PF to ask these questions to? If you have that kind of money to throw around I'd think you'd be much more well informed...

    72424_504199466309264_2055053706_n.png
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  • Jhayman
    Jhayman Posts: 1,548
    edited March 2013
    Cheesy he's a thought wait till you hit 100 posts then you are allowed in the flea market by then maybe Bluefox will have his 2k PC's up for sale..
    ATC SCM40's,VTL TL 2.5 Preamp,PSB Stratus Goldi's,McCormack DNA 500,McCormack MAP-1 Preamp,Pro-Ject Xtension 10 TT,Ortofon Cadenza Red/Nordost RedDawn LS Speaker cables, Bryston BDP-2, Bryston BDA-2,PS Audio AC-3 power cables
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  • pitdogg2
    pitdogg2 Posts: 25,677
    edited March 2013
    Ken I take it I'm off base with my thought's ??
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  • ken brydson
    ken brydson Posts: 8,781
    edited March 2013
    pitdogg2 wrote: »
    Ken I take it I'm off base with my thought's ??

    Absoultely not. That was meant for the OP. I was agreeing with your poo poo caca:cheesygrin:
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  • cheezy
    cheezy Posts: 148
    edited March 2013
    B Run wrote: »
    Dude seriously?
    Yes, seriously. But I didn't pay full $50k. Since I am an early adopter he sold it to me for a very low price (still very expensive for high-end audio term).
    pitdogg2 wrote: »
    I'm calling poo poo caca on this whole thing. IF you spent 50G's for that!!! Just send someone 50G's sight unseen let alone to listen to to make an informed decision just because? once again poo poo caca!! Guy's go out to the http://www.coconut-audio.com/ and let me know if I'm the only one who thinks it's poo poo

    I'd like to know why you chose the PF to ask these questions to? If you have that kind of money to throw around I'd think you'd be much more well informed...
    It's his writing style and honesty. At first I didn't buy his stuff either. I thought it was ridiculous.. but since I can get it for cheap, I wanted to take the chance and see for myself. Based on the specs and his knowledge about cables, I believe it.

    I also had / have other cable manufacturers in mind, such as Kimber, Nordost, Synergistic Research, etc. But I feel they are overpriced for the performance they offer.


    cheezy
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