Power Cables: Your Opinion

[dane_peterson]

So I just ordered my collection of Signal Cables last week, and I was skimming the site to find any other "necessary" connections. Except for a component cable for my cable box, the only other connection that I would be able to use is a power cable. I've seen several different options with quite varying prices.
My question: If you were to upgrade one power cable, what component would get the upgrade? Are they noticably beneficial?

[Early B.]

Amp.

Yes, power cords are noticeably beneficial. Buy one, hook it up, then listen. If you don't hear a difference, return it. I recommend PS Audio. You can find them starting at $49 NIB.

[Porter]

The absolute best budget cable on the planet is a Volex 17604. It is 14AWG, 3 conductor, and shielded.

See the thread on AudioCircle here:

http://www.audiocircle.com/circles/i...?topic=15325.0


Available from many local sources, searchable on http://volexpowercords.com/distributors/
or on http://www.volex.com/index.php?optio...mid=90&lang=en

[IanD]

I received my Signal Cable MacicPower Digital PC this week and plugged it into the Yammy RX-V1500. Right away there was a noticable difference in SQ. Frank told me that it would take about 30-40 hours for the cable to "burn-in" to really appreciate the improved sound. Two weeks ago I replaced the stock PC on my Panasonic plasma with a PS Audio cord and that made a visable diference in PQ.
Upgraded power cords are a really great, not that expensive tweak.

[dane_peterson]

Cool, thanks for the update Ian. That's exactly the kind of experience I was looking for.

[Ferres]

So I just ordered my collection of Signal Cables last week, and I was skimming the site to find any other "necessary" connections. Except for a component cable for my cable box, the only other connection that I would be able to use is a power cable. I've seen several different options with quite varying prices.
My question: If you were to upgrade one power cable, what component would get the upgrade? Are they noticably beneficial?

The pre-amp/processor/reciever would come first if you're trying out powercords.:D

[RuSsMaN]

I'd do your amp, or your sub amps in your towers first.

[LuSh]

I have found little to no gains in upgrading power cables to my intergrated amps. I have noticed improvements when using a different PC on my digital end. The DAC made the biggest difference, followed by the transport. Most makers of power cables will usually tell you the source should be the first area of concern. Most amplifier companies recommend you don't change their PC's at all such as Bryston and Krell. Alot of digital source companies will actually admit better PC's can make a difference.

[markmarc]

Go to this thread on the Steve Hoffman audio board. A guy did a 5 year study of 22 power cords, pretty amazing effort.
http://www.stevehoffman.tv/forums/sh...d.php?t=103597

[shack]

The absolute best budget cable on the planet is a Volex 17604. It is 14AWG, 3 conductor, and shielded.

See the thread on AudioCircle here:

http://www.audiocircle.com/circles/i...?topic=15325.0


Available from many local sources, searchable on http://volexpowercords.com/distributors/
or on http://www.volex.com/index.php?optio...mid=90&lang=en

I tested a Volex against a Signal Cable Magic Power cord and a stock cord on my Cambridge Audio CDP and found the Volex was marginally better than stock and no where near the SC. Given the outcome of that head to head test I would recommend to skip the Volex and getsomething better. If $ is an issue save your pennies until you can afford better. Here is my review:

http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/show...032#post198032

[dane_peterson]

Great resources... I supposed I could have performed a search.

But while you guys are helping, IanD mentioned he noticed a PQ improvement on his display with the SCMP cord. Has anyone else noticed this in their experiences?

[joeparaski]

Well I didn't waste any time on this decision. I've got lots of older equipment that definately need PC upgrades and this Volex fits right into my limited budget. I read the reviews, and this is good enough for me. I ordered "30" 17604 cables. Thanks for the heads up on this cables guys, that is why I love this forum so much, the cumulative knowledge here can lead to good things.

I'm willing to bet that the prices of Volex cables are gonna go UP real soon.

Joe

[Porter]

Joe,

Yep... it's not a "high end" cable by some standards but it's a world better than most stock cables, and you can't beat the price.