Power cable ripoff

[lanion]

http://www.audiojunkies.com/blog/119...-profit-margin


Virtual Dynamics Power makes cheap power cables.

[nspindel]

This is why so many people on this forum are fans of Signal Cable. Look at what beautiful cords you get for $59 and $69:




The one on top is 10ga wire. Want to add additional length - $5/foot.

[ShinAce]

I just laugh because you can upgrade the power cables as much as you want, you are really just upgrading the connectors.

You can shield a power cable, but how are you going to shield the wire that's in the walls? You can increase the wire size, but again, what about behind the wall?

[ben62670]

Isn't VD the company that does the "system upgrade" via the phone?
I figure about an hour to make one. Being generous $50 in parts when mass purchased. I wouldn't mind making $250 an hour if I didn't have a conscience.

[ben62670]

I just laugh because you can upgrade the power cables as much as you want, you are really just upgrading the connectors.

You can shield a power cable, but how are you going to shield the wire that's in the walls? You can increase the wire size, but again, what about behind the wall?

I have not tried any after market cables, but I do disagree with a couple things you stated. Shielding inside a wall isn't as necessary as shielding outside the wall. Components put out varying degrees of RF. Also shielding helps low voltage signal cable from picking up the noise the power cables produce. As far as wire Ga I understand where you are coming from, but a heavy Ga wire on an amp that draws quite a bit adds capacitance at the amp. Thats why car audio guys use capacitors next to their amps. I do realize that the added capacitance in heavy Ga wire is not like having a huge capacitor, but it helps.

[WilliamM2]

Isn't VD the company that does the "system upgrade" via the phone?

Nope, that's Machina Dynamica. Similar name, similar business practices.

[ben62670]

Thanks Bill.
Looks like they both are a rip off. Love that RV hose

[mantis]

If you take a minute to read about the materials used to make alot of these online retailer cable companies, you will find Liberity and Beldon wire. Nothing more nothing less.

Again I have been into custom for over 8 years and have seen alot of rip offs. Even highly respected cable companies don't give you what the price tag says. Some do.

But like said in that thead, if the value of the sound quality is the same or better then the asking price of the given cable, it's up to you to figure that out. It really doesn't matter to your ears what it's made out of, as long as it does it's job. Alot of people don't look at it like that. If it can change your sound for the better then I'm about it. If it does little or no difference it's not worth looking cool. I could care less how cool my cables look. **** I want less cables.

[haimoc]

For power cables, I prefer DIY cables with good Furutech or Oyaide connectors. The connectors cost the most in these cables.

[ben62670]

I was looking at the beldon shielded wire for building some for myself.

[sabotg]

I didn't buy a signal cable power cord but i did buy speaker cable. I would recommend signal to anyone looking for quality connectors. Frank at signal cable is a great guy and IMO he delivers a quality product in a timely fashion.

[nspindel]

Frank at signal cable is a great guy and IMO he delivers a quality product in a timely fashion.

What he said...

[venomclan]

The Signals look nice. The Marinco power connectors are also pretty good, I use them in commercial marine applications and are used in harsh environments.
Venom

[nspindel]

Frank's making a really nice product and selling it for a price that'll help put food on his table. He's not out buying a new Rolex every time he sells a few cables, that's for sure. He's a stand up guy making a product that he's proud of, selling it for an honest price, giving great customer service, and everyone seems in agreement that they sound as good as anything out there. What more can you ask for?

[Face]

Frank is the man!

[Rivrrat]

One of the things I do on my job is build ac power cables as needed, whether they're 15a/120v cables or 30a/240v twistlock cables, or even bigger.

Obviously, I'm in the wrong biz.

[dorokusai]

Frank's making a really nice product and selling it for a price that'll help put food on his table. He's not out buying a new Rolex every time he sells a few cables, that's for sure. He's a stand up guy making a product that he's proud of, selling it for an honest price, giving great customer service, and everyone seems in agreement that they sound as good as anything out there. What more can you ask for?

AMEN.

[Sherardp]

Plus one for SignalCable, some awesome product there, I replaced every power cable I could with Signal stuff.

[phuz]

Sad that someone would do something like that.

Signal cable helped make a cable believer out of me. Franks stuff is the real deal.

[miner]

I got two of those 'free' VD Power 3 cables and neither one will stay plugged into my Rotel equipment. The EIC size is a bit too small for a tight connection - the cord keeps coming unplugged. VD suggested I wrap the EIC plug with some electrical tape to help it fit snug. I am glad I didn't pay for this.

[bikerboy]

I have used Signal, PS Audio and others but the cryoed VH Audio wire and Furutech connectors make a great sounding cable. Smoother highs and not as boomy in the bass. Its very easy to assemble the connectors to the wire. One of the easiest cable you can make.

[Gadabout]

Not sticking up for VD here, but it does say what they are going to use in the cable...
- 14 Gauge THHN -
- 5 Dielectric layers
- True Ground Float
- Cold Crimped
- ProtecX Treatment

What I dislike about the website is the non-sensical / techno babble that is employed all over the website. Most of it doesn't make sense. What the hell is True Ground Float? I suppose also that in the above description that the 5 Dielectric Layers (Dielectric = insualtor) means the teflon on the THHN, the layers of the rubber tube and the techflex.

The build cost for this cable is around $45 or so. Sells for $100. So it's not as bad as the original link talks about. However, not impressed with the selction of materials or build.

Frank's stuff is of much better quality in build and components for a better price. I have never been a fan of Schuter connectors.

Just my .02
Scott

[reeltrouble1]

well its been awhile but I sense an anti hi-fi audio insurgent in the mix.

RT1

[mightymouse]

The cat in that picture looks kind of scary, seeing how he/she tore up that poor cable inside out. I am kind of scared budging in here with that cat guarding the door...:p


Does Signal cable make interconnects and speaker wires?

[Face]

http://www.signalcable.com/

I've bought a few products from Frank, all quality stuff.

[Gaara]

Does Signal cable make interconnects and speaker wires?

Yes, they are highly recommended around here and you get a 5% discount if you say you are a polkie. I personally use Belden 89259 (=Analog IIs) through out my HT and PC rig and love it.

[janmike]

well its been awhile but I sense an anti hi-fi audio insurgent in the mix.

RT1

Bingo Ted. This is going nowhere. X

[mightymouse]

Thanks for the info guys.

Looks like quality stuff. I'll keep Signal Cable in mind when I need new interconnects.