match up power cables?

kelley

I have the B&K Ref 50 and also just ordered the Denon 2900. What's the normal procedure when buying aftermarket power cables? Do you use the same type for each component? Looking at the signalcable cords. Also need to order cables for SACD.

F1nut

Find one you like and use them on all your gear. I prefer PS Audio Statement power cords. I used them before and when they come out with the 20 amp IEC version I'll buy them again. If you do get the Signal power cord, write a review as I am curious.

dorokusai

If you are into the aftermarket PC, then it's moreso an application specific issue, as far as Signal Cable is concerned. Frank offers a few options for your needs.

Magic Power/ High Current/ Digital (12AWG)
Magic Power/ Digital (14AWG)
Magic Power/ Original (10AWG)

I don't think you need the MP Original to power your TV...but it can't hurt to overengineer as far as a power cable IMO. The more advanced TV's get, the more power required. I use a MPD for my TV and Computer(Just for fun, and it looks cool ). I plan on upgrading all my 2CH PC's, as the application becomes specific. I want the shortest run possible to outlet, and SC will terminate any length you wish.

I have tested the MP HC, actually it was THE power cord if possible at the Texas Polk Gathering, and found it works as expected. It is the usual high quality that SC makes on a daily basis. It became a staple in the "Cave" rig while we were there. We did not do any A B tests with the PC's, as we had so much else to do.

The PC's are at a cost level and comfort level of performance, that I personally have no issues with the upgrade. If it adds something to my system, then so be it....its nominal out of pocket.

kelley

Thanks for the reply's. I think I'll go ahead and order a couple pc's from signal cable along with 3 pair of interconnects for SACD.

steveinaz

I've heard that the ac cable on your digital gear has the largest impact on performance...just an FYI

dave shepard

After reading this post I looked at the Signal Cable sight and see they say that their power cables will widen the sound stage and give better low/mid/treb. How can changing the power cable change the sound of your speakers not to mention widen the sound stage? Has anyone changed only the power cords to see if the claims of better sound justify it? That is something new to me I never thought that changing just your power cord would make any differance, just doesn't seem to make sence.

Dave

dorokusai

I have conducted no tests to that upgrade, but most cable theory believers do indeed pass the positive effect onto power cables. I will probably change all mine out before bothering, but sound improvement isn't what I am concerned with in this case.

I know that if you have a high consumption of AC through power cable rated less than the application demands, you will start a fire. If that fire is preceded by a decrease in musical performance, I am unsure. I believe in cables, to a point, and think the larger and less restricive to AC/DC current, the better. This applies 100% to grounding, why wouldn't it apply to audio....but who cares.

F1nut

Dave,

I changed from stock to a PS Audio Statement power cord on my old SACD player that already had MIT IC's and speaker cables running in the system and yes it did improve. I'm sold!

goingganzo

it is like a port on a speaker the more air you move the more nioes you make but if you widen the port you can flow more air and you get less restance.

dave shepard

I would think that one should be more coincerned with having too many devices on the same outlet. If the units are starving for power (which I can understand that having a ill effect on performance) then the wiring in the room or house should be the first and most important thing that may need to be upgraded. If you have the most free flowing power cables it will only be as good as the outlet it is connected to. Which then the home wiring or socket could fail due to an overdraw of power causing a fire (like hooking too many Christmas lights to the same extention cord). I'm sure most people don't have a dedicated HT breaker box for the room to feed off of which would be the most ideal setup for power requirements.

Dave

faster100

what can you do when your receiver (denon 3803) has a built in cord, this really sucks because my Integra had a removable cord.. I want one for my new Svs and the receiver...

ezc

Power is very important (IMO). Dedicated circuit, & a wattgate 381 outlet is what we use. Next I want to replace the romex wire with fine strand 10 guage wires (4 hot, 4 neut. & 1 ground) Nine 10 guage wires in all. Other here have done this for thier high end 2 chanel setups & Ht systems with much improvement. I have upgraded all my IEC power cords with Kimber PK 10 & much improvment in sound & picture. I have replaced my Mits 55" power cord with Kimber pk10. Made a connector to the tv & used watt gate 330 plug end on the other end. The picture changed after the powercord change. I had to recalibrate the TV with dve after the cable change, & now after the power cable change the tv draws about .5 amps more with the pk10. The original Mits ac cable has a voltage conditioning built into the plug end, I think that limits the amount of current the set gets. My 2 cents Feed your equipment as much ac current as it wants! Enegery conservation is not important for my HT system.

dbnh

I think persons can spend way out of line on PCs. I also acknowledge PCs can make a wonderful improvement in your sound. I've used Groneberg and others, but finally settled on PCs by Chris VenHaus (http://venhaus1.com/VH_Audio_Test.html)l. For example, on my Jolida JD-100 cdp, I use a cryoed Flavor 1 cord, and it made a HUGE difference across the entire spectrum, and esp. in the bottom end. I also run cryoed Flavor 2 PCs for my Odyssey Stratos amp and Tempest preamp, with similar wonderful results. I don't work for Chris, but I can say he answered every question of mine, and puts out a great product at a price other places can't touch. Great value and no snake oil product.


I also note that home power is important (I'm out in the country, and may have less issues than urban listeners) - VenHaus has some interesting articles and opinions at his main site on this topic as well as DIY recipes for those who want to save even more $$$ (http://venhaus1.com/diymains.html), as well as product synergy. In my opinion, I find it questionable to spend huge amounts of disposable income on some PCs, and other audio components, when others product can do a better job at a fraction of the cost. It seems there is always someone out there who wants to make you pay an outrageous amount for a product, and then convince you that you made the right choice - see Audiogon postings and sales for what's turning over and what audiophiles are keeping and saying (http://www.audiogon.com/).

Happy listening!

Bill H

Okay, I'm at a loss here. If I have a dedicated 20 amp circuit of Romex 12/2 feeding my HT (thinking about running another one), how will a high dollar power cord make my system sound or look any better? What goes in comes out???

Bill

ezc

No not running another romex wire is not the same. Most of my friends have already added an additonal panel box for thier AV systems & use commercial panel box & commercial breakers. Others have just done a dedicated circut ususlly 20 amp breaker. All have run 4 wires hot, 4 wires neutral & one ground using all 10 guage wire the finest strands that can be found localy. Total each outlet will have 9 ea of 10 guage wires. We are all using the wattgate 361 receptacles. The wires are not romex but single 10 guage wires. We stay away from any wire that has back insulation too. I have listened & seen systems after the upgrade & I was amazed! I will do my panelbox soon & use all the 10 guage wires. Waiting for my electrican friend to get the permits & pull the 220 line in to the 2nd box. Sounds nuts but it works I have seen the difference first hand. Remember if single wires are used you need to use conduit!