So your wondering about Power Cords?

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Comments

  • Toolfan66
    Toolfan66 Posts: 17,259
    edited July 2010
    I say replace them all with quality power cords... In steps if you have to as stated above.. and I don't think you need to fork out $300 on one power cord, not everyone can..If you can rock on baby..
  • Ric5811
    Ric5811 Posts: 400
    edited July 2010
    Yeah, just wondering, I saw a difference when I added the Belkin for the better, so I am intrigued...
    Polk RTi A7's FrontPolk CSi A4 CenterPolk Tsi 100's SurroundOnkyo TX-RZ50:)Oppo BDP 83 (Collecting dust)MIT Terminator 3 Speaker CableMIT Terminator 2 IC's (Oppo 2 chan)Signal Cable HT TWOEpson PowerLite Home Cinema 1080Hisense 55 U8GBelkin PF 60 Power Center
  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,137
    edited July 2010
    I say replace them all with quality power cords... In steps if you have to as stated above.. and I don't think you need to fork out $300 on one power cord, not everyone can..If you can rock on baby..

    Yeah Ric, if you are already a believer in the improvements aftermarket power cables make then Larry's right go for the gold.

    Here's the latest craze here about power cables and they are really inexpensive but perform like cables many times the amount they cost.

    http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=99103&highlight=Power+Cables

    If your not sure about PCs then try out this threads offering and go by the steps I stated in the above post to see if you like the way they improve the sound or if you don't hear any difference at all.
  • Toolfan66
    Toolfan66 Posts: 17,259
    edited July 2010
    Joe those are the ones I went with for the cost it made sense to give them a try, after I put one on my PC and Amp I called and ordered the rest. AC-9's for the PC and AMP and AC-14SE's for the rest...
  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,137
    edited July 2010
    Joe those are the ones I went with for the cost it made sense to give them a try, after I put one on my PC and Amp I called and ordered the rest. AC-9's for the PC and AMP and AC-14SE's for the rest...

    Man, I wish!
  • Toolfan66
    Toolfan66 Posts: 17,259
    edited July 2010
    Man, I wish!


    Look what it made me do Joe. I was like well now I need to upgrade the IC's and Speaker Cables... I feel like I'm getting closer to the rabit hole..LOL:eek:
  • Ric5811
    Ric5811 Posts: 400
    edited July 2010
    Yeah Ric, if you are already a believer in the improvements aftermarket power cables make then Larry's right go for the gold.

    Here's the latest craze here about power cables and they are really inexpensive but perform like cables many times the amount they cost.

    http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=99103&highlight=Power+Cables

    If your not sure about PCs then try out this threads offering and go by the steps I stated in the above post to see if you like the way they improve the sound or if you don't hear any difference at all.

    Can't say I am a believer. But willing to be convinced. I see a lot of the reviews commented on was background noise being eliminated. That's the one thing I have to say I usually eliminate first. If anything you can say about my car or home systems is they are very "quiet". My friends are amazed how my car is so quiet, no hiss, no background in between tracks or silent passages during a song. I would say my home system is there now also.
    Polk RTi A7's FrontPolk CSi A4 CenterPolk Tsi 100's SurroundOnkyo TX-RZ50:)Oppo BDP 83 (Collecting dust)MIT Terminator 3 Speaker CableMIT Terminator 2 IC's (Oppo 2 chan)Signal Cable HT TWOEpson PowerLite Home Cinema 1080Hisense 55 U8GBelkin PF 60 Power Center
  • Ric5811
    Ric5811 Posts: 400
    edited July 2010
    Look what it made me do Joe. I was like well now I need to upgrade the IC's and Speaker Cables... I feel like I'm getting closer to the rabit hole..LOL:eek:

    You're half way down!
    Polk RTi A7's FrontPolk CSi A4 CenterPolk Tsi 100's SurroundOnkyo TX-RZ50:)Oppo BDP 83 (Collecting dust)MIT Terminator 3 Speaker CableMIT Terminator 2 IC's (Oppo 2 chan)Signal Cable HT TWOEpson PowerLite Home Cinema 1080Hisense 55 U8GBelkin PF 60 Power Center
  • Big Dawg
    Big Dawg Posts: 2,005
    edited July 2010
    Someone (OP McLoki?) please PM me with the address of the next recipient, and let me know if you have any specific requests as to how I pack and ship. If not, I'll be sure that they are very well and safely packed and shipped (how much would you like me to insure it for?).

    I'll write up a brief review in a couple weeks, after I live without them for a bit, as my system changed drastically just as the PCs arrived. I'll fess up and admit I was a skeptic going into this trial. I am very curious what I'll hear as soon as I pull them and put stock PCs back. But, I THINK I hear a pretty obvious improvement, and if that impression holds up, I'm quite impressed. More later.

    BTW, how do these cables that I've been trying compare to the affordable Pangeas?
  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,137
    edited July 2010
    Ric5811 wrote: »
    Can't say I am a believer. But willing to be convinced. I see a lot of the reviews commented on was background noise being eliminated. That's the one thing I have to say I usually eliminate first. If anything you can say about my car or home systems is they are very "quiet". My friends are amazed how my car is so quiet, no hiss, no background in between tracks or silent passages during a song. I would say my home system is there now also.

    You may be quite suprised how much lower the noise floor is with these cables.
  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,137
    edited July 2010
    Look what it made me do Joe. I was like well now I need to upgrade the IC's and Speaker Cables... I feel like I'm getting closer to the rabit hole..LOL:eek:
    Ric5811 wrote: »
    You're half way down!

    You beat me to it except Larry's been in a couple of chambers in that rabbit hole that have no exits.
  • GMJim
    GMJim Posts: 18
    edited July 2010
    I respect your knowledge and experience and I'm certainly not as informed as you all when it comes to audio but from the raw source of power, through thousands of electrical connections and sub stations and finally to your wall plug.... and you think the last 3 or 4 feet make a difference in the sound quality??????????????
    Panasonic TC-P65VT25 Plasma
    Panasonic Blu-Ray DMP-BDT350
    H/K AVR-347
    Polk speakers
    Fronts RTi12
    Center CSiA6
    Surround rear FXi5
    Sub DSW PRO500 10"
  • nooshinjohn
    nooshinjohn Posts: 25,421
    edited July 2010
    GMJim wrote: »
    I respect your knowledge and experience and I'm certainly not as informed as you all when it comes to audio but from the raw source of power, through thousands of electrical connections and sub stations and finally to your wall plug.... and you think the last 3 or 4 feet make a difference in the sound quality??????????????


    Yes.

    If you personally have not tried it, I would suggest you try it and then post your thoughts. This can be a rough crowd for those that come in to stir up shiznit and lack the experience to support your position.

    Get your learn on first and welcome to CP.
    The Gear... Carver "Statement" Mono-blocks, Mcintosh C2300 Arcam AVR20, Oppo UDP-203 4K Blu-ray player, Sony XBR70x850B 4k, Polk Audio Legend L800 with height modules, L400 Center Channel Polk audio AB800 "in-wall" surrounds. Marantz MM7025 stereo amp. Simaudio Moon 680d DSD

    “When once a Republic is corrupted, there is no possibility of remedying any of the growing evils but by removing the corruption and restoring its lost principles; every other correction is either useless or a new evil.”— Thomas Jefferson
  • doctorcilantro
    doctorcilantro Posts: 2,028
    edited July 2010
    Of course it does make a difference. It's the first 3-4 feet the component sees.

    You must have sufficient gauge and construction; whether one needs boutique cords is another matter.

    I'd also remind that power supply is so critical to sound that this may be much relavent than swapping ICs and speaker wire.
    For Sale 2019:
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  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,137
    edited July 2010
    Of course it does make a difference. It's the first 3-4 feet the component sees.

    You must have sufficient gauge and construction; whether one needs boutique cords is another matter.

    I'd also remind that power supply is so critical to sound that this may be much relavent than swapping ICs and speaker wire.

    Very well stated Doc!
  • McLoki
    McLoki Posts: 5,231
    edited July 2010
    Shipping info sent for Praedet. Let us know when they go.

    Thanks,

    Michael
    Mains.............Polk LSi15 (Cherry)
    Center............Polk LSiC (Crossover upgraded)
    Surrounds.......Polk LSi7 (Gloss Black - wood sides removed and crossovers upgraded)
    Subwoofers.....SVS 25-31 CS+ and PC+ (both 20hz tune)
    Pre\Pro...........NAD T163 (Modded with LM4562 opamps)
    Amplifier.........Cinepro 3k6 (6-channel, 500wpc@4ohms)
  • McLoki
    McLoki Posts: 5,231
    edited July 2010
    Here is the current order of things.

    Huck344 .................. Results:.... Difference: Yes.........Worth Cost: MC - Yes, DRC - perhaps (mixed results)
    nooshinjohn ............. Results:.... Difference: Yes.........Worth Cost: Yes
    ben62670................. Results:.... Difference: Yes.........Worth Cost: Yes
    Conradicles............... Results:.... Difference: Yes.........Worth Cost: Yes
    Big Dawg...................Results: Waiting on Review

    Zitro - Dropped from test at their request
    BlueFox - Dropped from test at their request

    Praedet ***** Cords shipping out soon from Big Dawg*****

    TNRabbit
    comfortablycurt
    squeeb
    dbaldus
    cstmar01
    VirtualDean
    LessisNevermore
    Ric5811


    I think this is the way the list currently stands. If I have forgotten anyone or got them out of order, just send me a PM and I will get things added/adjusted. At this point no one has been purposely excluded, so if you think your name should be on the list (or just want it to be) send me a PM.

    50 post minimum (before the cables are shipped to you) is all it takes to get your listen on and form your own opinions as to if it makes a difference or not. Stop arguing about what should be and tell us what is based on what you hear, not what you think you know or understand.

    Michael
    Mains.............Polk LSi15 (Cherry)
    Center............Polk LSiC (Crossover upgraded)
    Surrounds.......Polk LSi7 (Gloss Black - wood sides removed and crossovers upgraded)
    Subwoofers.....SVS 25-31 CS+ and PC+ (both 20hz tune)
    Pre\Pro...........NAD T163 (Modded with LM4562 opamps)
    Amplifier.........Cinepro 3k6 (6-channel, 500wpc@4ohms)
  • McLoki
    McLoki Posts: 5,231
    edited July 2010
    Big Dawg wrote: »
    BTW, how do these cables that I've been trying compare to the affordable Pangeas?
    I have two of the PC's...the Pangea AC-14 & the Pangea AC-9. I did a search on the designer, Jay Victor & he holds a boat load of patents on cable technology & design. He's very well known in the audio circles. But what really swayed me was this info found on PC Audio's site...http://www.psaudio.com/ps/products/description/perfectwave-ac-12-power-cable?cat=cables-accessories. PC audio relies heavily on Jay's patents & cable design for their best cables. I figured if Jay's knowledge is good enough for PC audio then why not give his cables a shot.

    Be for warned though, the build quality, looks & especially the massive size of the AC-9 is off the charts at this price...hell even at the PC Audio cable prices these cables are a steal. I'm extremely happy with both of Jay's cables & highly recommend them.

    The AC-9 is so massive that you need to allow extra length to get a good bend without too much pressure. At these prices they're worth a listen in your system. I know I'll be purchasing more.

    Also check out this thread....

    And this one...

    Michael
    Mains.............Polk LSi15 (Cherry)
    Center............Polk LSiC (Crossover upgraded)
    Surrounds.......Polk LSi7 (Gloss Black - wood sides removed and crossovers upgraded)
    Subwoofers.....SVS 25-31 CS+ and PC+ (both 20hz tune)
    Pre\Pro...........NAD T163 (Modded with LM4562 opamps)
    Amplifier.........Cinepro 3k6 (6-channel, 500wpc@4ohms)
  • Conradicles
    Conradicles Posts: 6,082
    edited July 2010
    Can I just keep them? (just kidding)

    SignalCable just seems to do everything the correct way. Their cost is perfect for a guy like me, and performance and quality always impress.

    The digital cable made a slight improvement in picture quality to my Pioneer Plasma. Enough to bring a smile to my face and that is all I need.
    No doubt I will get some of these in the near future...

    Somebody PM me shipping information for the next in line.

    Thanks again McLoki for your gracious offer!
    Eric.

    Here was my piss poor review.:o
    These SignalCables were great and thanks for the demo McLoki.
    Put me down as "Cables do make a difference and well worth the cost".
  • McLoki
    McLoki Posts: 5,231
    edited July 2010
    Here was my review.
    These SignalCables were great and thanks for the demo McLoki.
    Put me down as "Cables do make a difference and well worth the cost".

    Thanks for the review. (and with time to adjust my list. :))
    Mains.............Polk LSi15 (Cherry)
    Center............Polk LSiC (Crossover upgraded)
    Surrounds.......Polk LSi7 (Gloss Black - wood sides removed and crossovers upgraded)
    Subwoofers.....SVS 25-31 CS+ and PC+ (both 20hz tune)
    Pre\Pro...........NAD T163 (Modded with LM4562 opamps)
    Amplifier.........Cinepro 3k6 (6-channel, 500wpc@4ohms)
  • kawizx9r
    kawizx9r Posts: 5,150
    edited July 2010
    Awesome thing you got going on here.

    NOT in for this, since I'll say that in my experience yes, power cables did make a difference for me.

    :)

    -Freddy
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    For Sale
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    heiney9 wrote: »
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  • praedet
    praedet Posts: 314
    edited July 2010
    McLoki wrote: »
    Shipping info sent for Praedet. Let us know when they go.

    Thanks,

    Michael
    Michael,
    Cool, thanks again for doing this!

    Ted
    HT: Ninja Master LSi9s, Ninja Master LSiC, Slightly Modded LSiFXs, Modded LSi7s, Outlaw LFM-1 EX and Polk PSW125
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    2 APC H-15s and a Panamax 5400 for good measure ;)
    Stereo: DIY Alix Music Server, DODD Audio Battery Tube Buffer, Modded DAC-60 and MF V-Link (for now), DIY Silver ICs, Battery Powered Class D SDS-254 Amp, and GR-Research N2X Speakers
  • GMJim
    GMJim Posts: 18
    edited July 2010
    Yes.

    If you personally have not tried it, I would suggest you try it and then post your thoughts. This can be a rough crowd for those that come in to stir up shiznit and lack the experience to support your position.

    Get your learn on first and welcome to CP.

    My intention was not to stir up anything but to make a humble comment/question. I may not know much about audio equipment but I do know a few things about electricity and electricity is what was being discussed. Volts is volts, amps is amps and watts is watts. As long as the power cord will carry the supply demand of the device there's not much more to it. The gauge of wire and quality of the conductor are important but most of the manufacturers of these devices would supply an adequate power cord for their device or at least you would think so. If not the upgraded cord would be the better choice but I see no magic in these high dollar power cords. I spent a while fixing radar equipment in the military where power conditioners and high dollar cables were commonplace. I don't claim to be an expert in electrical engineering but just saw an opportunity to add to the discussion and provide some thought inspiring info. Sorry if I rocked your boat.
    Panasonic TC-P65VT25 Plasma
    Panasonic Blu-Ray DMP-BDT350
    H/K AVR-347
    Polk speakers
    Fronts RTi12
    Center CSiA6
    Surround rear FXi5
    Sub DSW PRO500 10"
  • concealer404
    concealer404 Posts: 7,440
    edited July 2010
    Nobody's boat is rocked, so no worries.

    But if you doubt, then go ahead and take a listen. :)

    If you won't take a listen, then unfortunately, you have no experience in the subject matter. We aren't talking about whether or not we think they WILL make a difference in theory, but what we hear. If we hear a difference, then what exactly do we care about the science behind it?

    You'll be pretty hard-pressed to convince me that i don't HEAR a difference based on something that you can show me that i'll have to LOOK at.
    I don't read the newsssspaperssss because dey aaaallllllllll...... have ugly print.

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  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,137
    edited July 2010
    GMJim wrote: »
    I respect your knowledge and experience and I'm certainly not as informed as you all when it comes to audio but from the raw source of power, through thousands of electrical connections and sub stations and finally to your wall plug.... and you think the last 3 or 4 feet make a difference in the sound quality??????????????

    If you do a search on power cords or power cables here you will find that same statement above 1000 times. Do a search on DarqueKnight and you will find in depth analysis on power coming into a home and why and how the cables make a difference.
    GMJim wrote: »
    My intention was not to stir up anything but to make a humble comment/question. I may not know much about audio equipment but I do know a few things about electricity and electricity is what was being discussed. Volts is volts, amps is amps and watts is watts. As long as the power cord will carry the supply demand of the device there's not much more to it. The gauge of wire and quality of the conductor are important but most of the manufacturers of these devices would supply an adequate power cord for their device or at least you would think so. If not the upgraded cord would be the better choice but I see no magic in these high dollar power cords. I spent a while fixing radar equipment in the military where power conditioners and high dollar cables were commonplace. I don't claim to be an expert in electrical engineering but just saw an opportunity to add to the discussion and provide some thought inspiring info. Sorry if I rocked your boat.

    Didn't rock any boat man. Just try the cables out and see for yourself if they make an improvement, a difference, or no change at all to the SQ.

    BTW Welcome to Club Polk.
  • GMJim
    GMJim Posts: 18
    edited July 2010
    There is no question that I can't say it doesn't sound better if you think it does. They're your ears. My house like most is wired to the receptacle with 14 gauge wire. Increasing the wire size or quality of the conductor in the power cord will not change the quality or quantity of the electricity coming from the wall plug. This is an electrical fact not something subjective. Anyway thanks for accepting my comments as constructive and not argumentative. I'm a science oriented guy and I jumped into this thread offering an opinion outside the scope of the conversation. If you can give me a factual reason why it should sound better, I'm a believer. In the mean time I'll try one of these cables as I'm always open to trying something different.
    Panasonic TC-P65VT25 Plasma
    Panasonic Blu-Ray DMP-BDT350
    H/K AVR-347
    Polk speakers
    Fronts RTi12
    Center CSiA6
    Surround rear FXi5
    Sub DSW PRO500 10"
  • nooshinjohn
    nooshinjohn Posts: 25,421
    edited July 2010
    If you do a search on power cords or power cables here you will find that same statement above 1000 times. Do a search on DarqueKnight and you will find in depth analysis on power coming into a home and why and how the cables make a difference.



    Didn't rock any boat man. Just try the cables out and see for yourself if they make an improvement, a difference, or no change at all to the SQ.

    BTW Welcome to Club Polk.

    Plus a million to all of what was said here. You will find no more scientific member on this board(or any other) than DK. He not only can hear the difference in sound, he can document it as well. Study this man's profound contributions to the knowledge base and You will see we do not simply "think" we hear something.

    I did not take offense to your post, and am sorry if you think I did GMjim.
    The Gear... Carver "Statement" Mono-blocks, Mcintosh C2300 Arcam AVR20, Oppo UDP-203 4K Blu-ray player, Sony XBR70x850B 4k, Polk Audio Legend L800 with height modules, L400 Center Channel Polk audio AB800 "in-wall" surrounds. Marantz MM7025 stereo amp. Simaudio Moon 680d DSD

    “When once a Republic is corrupted, there is no possibility of remedying any of the growing evils but by removing the corruption and restoring its lost principles; every other correction is either useless or a new evil.”— Thomas Jefferson
  • GMJim
    GMJim Posts: 18
    edited July 2010
    Thanks guys. I'm still a skeptic but always have an open mind.
    Panasonic TC-P65VT25 Plasma
    Panasonic Blu-Ray DMP-BDT350
    H/K AVR-347
    Polk speakers
    Fronts RTi12
    Center CSiA6
    Surround rear FXi5
    Sub DSW PRO500 10"
  • McLoki
    McLoki Posts: 5,231
    edited July 2010
    GMJim - about 40 more posts in the next 3 months or so and you will get to try them out... for now, feel free to consider yourself added to the list. (assuming you are willing to try them out for the low fee of shipping them to the next in line)

    Michael
    Mains.............Polk LSi15 (Cherry)
    Center............Polk LSiC (Crossover upgraded)
    Surrounds.......Polk LSi7 (Gloss Black - wood sides removed and crossovers upgraded)
    Subwoofers.....SVS 25-31 CS+ and PC+ (both 20hz tune)
    Pre\Pro...........NAD T163 (Modded with LM4562 opamps)
    Amplifier.........Cinepro 3k6 (6-channel, 500wpc@4ohms)
  • BlueFox
    BlueFox Posts: 15,251
    edited July 2010
    McLoki wrote: »
    Here is the current order of things.

    BlueFox - Dropped from test at their request

    Just a brief note on this. I was a power cord skeptic, but I pay attention, and keep an open mind, to what I read. So, I thought I would try it, and see if it really made any difference . Anyway, before I received these cords I ordered some Pangea AC-14 cords after reading all the good press about them in this forum. Since I now had power cables on order, I felt there was no sense in tying up the cables and delaying somebody else, so I dropped out.

    Anyway, to make a short story long, the Pangea AC-14, and soon after the AC-14SE, cables on my Wadia, DAC, SACD/CD, and pre-amp made a big, obvious, difference in improving the sound. I was amazed it was so apparent. I could care less how far the electricity traveled to get to my outlet. The last 1 and 1.5 meters through a good power cable make a BIG difference.
    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

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    Three 20 amp circuits.