AudioCircle
Audio/Video Gear and Systems => Low Wattage Systems => Topic started by: holman on 18 Mar 2018, 09:33 pm
-
Any recommendations for a (4W SET amp) power cord. I am looking to buy a power cord and would like some input. Thanks
-
Here's a good start.
https://global.rakuten.com/en/store/chuya-online/item/92479/
-
Take a look at the Bottlehead Power Cord, it's less than $100.
-
Any recommendations for a (4W SET amp) power cord. I am looking to buy a power cord and would like some input. Thanks
I suggest you DIY make your cable or buy a cheap one.
Power cord is something I do not like to buy assembled, due the hi profits margins, its a thing very simple to made.
Manufacturers do not know my needs and do not know the electrical installation of my house, it has no grounding, so the 3th grounding wire is a waste of wire and could be used as input wire force.
Most condos and homes have a ground but it dont works, due oxidation etc so I use a virtual ground I made.
-
Here's a good start.
https://global.rakuten.com/en/store/chuya-online/item/92479/
If interested: https://global.rakuten.com/en/store/chuya-online/item/92509/?l-id=rgm_search_en_rvp_widget
http://www.partsconnexion.com/product33233.html
-
I have been using Aural Thrills active power cords on my 300b SET mono amps with great results!
Don't let the cost scare you ask him for a discount.
http://auralthrillsaudio.com/
-
I have been using Kimber Pk-10 power cords on my 300b SET mono amps with great results! recommended
-
.........................................................................
Manufacturers do not know my needs and do not know the electrical installation of my house, it has no grounding, so the 3th grounding wire is a waste of wire and could be used as input wire force.
All manufactures are required to follow the rules about Safety Ground/Protective Earth connections.
If your area has NEC type rules, you should add a GFCI wall receptacle. While it doen't add ground fault protection it does add human protection.
Most condos and homes have a ground but it dont works, due oxidation etc so I use a virtual ground I made.
a virtual ground will NEVER act as a Safety Ground/Protective Earth!
-
A miracle has occurred. . I agree with Speedskater.... :thumb:
For the op. any decent powercord is going to work. Some may change the sound a little.
My favorite is Pangea. Generally the quality is better than the same cost in home made parts.Wattgate basic plugs $13 and $20 some decent wire $8 a foot DH Labs Say you buy 6 ft $48 plus plug is $81 when you build it yourself. For $80 you can get a 2 meter Pangea AC14 SE Signature.I would recommend either one...
I use them. They are pretty good for $80.Though with my DH Labs $8 ft wire I use Furutech $130 a pop plugs.
Everyone has a favorite. It is the way audiophiles are.
-
I recently discovered Pine Tree Audio, I took a chance because they were hand made, but still very inexpensive. They sound quite good, they look cool AND you can get them in different colors so you can color-code your equipment. For example I have red for my Dennis Had Inspire monoblocks and green for my Almarro A318B. I'll probably pick up a blue one from my TAL Korneff 45. $95 for 6 feet of braided power cord is a pretty good deal:
https://sites.google.com/view/pine-tree-audio/power/iso-braid-ac
-
A couple things.
1. Connectors often make more difference vs the wire in AC power. If you can afford it, rhodium plated pure copper contacts are the best and Furutech has the best quality plating and overall plug design out there.
2. If you're going to spend more than a little bit of cash demo the cable 1st. Many cable companies offer free demos, imo this is key because results may vary. What 1 person thinks of a cable may not apply to your tastes or your system.
-
$95 for 6 feet of braided power cord is a pretty good deal
Is it? Lots of 12g stranded copper wire is way under $1/ft. You can get mil-spec sliver-plated wire with teflon insulation for $.60/ft from Apex Jr. $.60 x 3 = $1.80/ft x 1.2 for braiding losses = $2.16 x 6 = $12.96 + about 5 minutes to braid it.
This makes excellent budget power cable and is what I'd personally recommend, except use 2 runs for ground and a 4-strand braid.
-
Is it? Lots of 12g stranded copper wire is way under $1/ft. You can get mil-spec sliver-plated wire with teflon insulation for $.60/ft from Apex Jr. $.60 x 3 = $1.80/ft x 1.2 for braiding losses = $2.16 x 6 = $12.96 + about 5 minutes to braid it.
This makes excellent budget power cable and is what I'd personally recommend, except use 2 runs for ground and a 4-strand braid.
Are you recommending that for a 4 watt amp? Or just a general recommendation?
I have a Bottlehead Seductor which is 4 watts.
-
Are you recommending that for a 4 watt amp? Or just a general recommendation?
I have a Bottlehead Seductor which is 4 watts.
Yup, it makes a really nice budget PC imo. Gauge is excessive but some components like it, with others it doesn't matter as much.
I've found SET and class A amps are a little less responsive to PCs in general but they do help. A lot of it is in the plug, the wire clamps and better materials in the electrical contacts are much better vs molded plugs.
-
A little SET amp doesn't need a 12AWG or even a 14AWG power cord. Nor do pre-amps, DACs and other low wattage components.
-
One can purchase power cords designed for use in data / network centers for low dollars. They are usually 14GA/3 with double shielding. Designed to carry lots of power and to reject the high levels of EMI present in such centers. These are commonplace cables and can usually be purchased for $12-$15 each. Just make sure to get a cable with NEMA 5-15 and IEC32013 connectors.
-
All manufactures are required to follow the rules about Safety Ground/Protective Earth connections.
If your area has NEC type rules, you should add a GFCI wall receptacle. While it doen't add ground fault protection it does add human protection.
a virtual ground will NEVER act as a Safety Ground/Protective Earth!
a virtual ground will NEVER act as a Safety Ground/Protective Earth!
A house in a wet area with a new 10mm dia. 3M long copper bar insert on the ground will work fine(resistance under 2 ohms) about 6 months, after 2 years(2 winters) the copper bar will be correded and resistance increase to 5 to 10 ohms and its not operational anymore as a electrical ground.
These electrical rules you mention are valid only to US that use a low tension 120V to homes.
-
One can purchase power cords designed for use in data / network centers for low dollars. They are usually 14GA/3 with double shielding. Designed to carry lots of power and to reject the high levels of EMI present in such centers. These are commonplace cables and can usually be purchased for $12-$15 each. Just make sure to get a cable with NEMA 5-15 and IEC32013 connectors.
Got a link for said cord(s)?
-
a virtual ground will NEVER act as a Safety Ground/Protective Earth!
A house in a wet area with a new 10mm dia. 3M long copper bar insert on the ground will work fine(resistance under 2 ohms) about 6 months, after 2 years(2 winters) the copper bar will be correded and resistance increase to 5 to 10 ohms and its not operational anymore as a electrical ground.
These electrical rules you mention are valid only to US that use a low tension 120V to homes.
That copper bar inserted in the Earth has nothing to do with the Safety Ground/Protective Earth system or it's functions.
While the Safety Ground/Protective Earth systems are similar world wide.
It's ground rods in the garden and GFCIs rules that are different. But that's a different story.
Note to others:
A ground rod in the garden is NOT a substitute for a Safety Ground/Protective Earth system.
-
Wolf Ear Audio makes a good one for about $100. Wolf Ear is on the child boards here on AC. It made a big difference on their 2 watt SET amp that I listened to.
-
Got a link for said cord(s)?
There are a lot of places which sell them. Here's a 6'7" long, 14AWG Shielded power cord for $9.
https://www.alliedelec.com/volex-power-cords-17604-10-b1/70115980/
Or go with the 6'7" (2M) 16AWG Shielded for $6.58
https://www.alliedelec.com/volex-power-cords-17602-10-b1/70115978/
These are an upgrade from what many companies include as stock power cords, some being just simple 18AWG unshielded cables.
-
There are a lot of places which sell them. Here's a 6'7" long, 14AWG Shielded power cord for $9.
https://www.alliedelec.com/volex-power-cords-17604-10-b1/70115980/
Or go with the 6'7" (2M) 16AWG Shielded for $6.58
https://www.alliedelec.com/volex-power-cords-17602-10-b1/70115978/
Thank you Tom.
-
The GiFT is fantastic with my 45 and 50 amps.
http://www.found-music.com/conductors/ac.html
-
A miracle has occurred. . I agree with Speedskater.... :thumb:
For the op. any decent powercord is going to work. Some may change the sound a little.
My favorite is Pangea. Generally the quality is better than the same cost in home made parts.Wattgate basic plugs $13 and $20 some decent wire $8 a foot DH Labs Say you buy 6 ft $48 plus plug is $81 when you build it yourself. For $80 you can get a 2 meter Pangea AC14 SE Signature.I would recommend either one...
I use them. They are pretty good for $80.Though with my DH Labs $8 ft wire I use Furutech $130 a pop plugs.
Everyone has a favorite. It is the way audiophiles are.
How true. Power cords make a difference especially on digital. I but used power cords and try to keep the price around $100.
-
Look at used Moray James cables - individual out of Canada. He weaves the cables with excellent effect and cryo treated copper.
Excellent value.
I moved on to more expensive stuff. But also have a low watt system.
-
Any recommendations for a (4W SET amp) power cord. I am looking to buy a power cord and would like some input. Thanks
Used Triode Wire Labs 10+ PC.
charles
-
Empirical Designs - specifically sell two models one of which is for lower power components. Not to be confused with Empirical Audio...
-
Hey!
My own home brewed Carol 12ga/3 rubber jacket from Home Depot, Leviton 20A plug from also from Home Depot and cheapest Wattgate ICE on the other end feeding my PS Audio P600, the outlet is the original PS Audio 20A outlet of which I think they are now call "Classic" The reason for 20A plug and outlet is that my previous apartment has 20A outlet, sadly my current apartment doesn't have one :cry:
If you ask me... don't go crazy and spend big money on this. Yes, I have tried a few cords and some pricey ones. They do have they own sound, but at the end of the day I pretty comfortable going back to my cheap home brewed power cord. Maybe because I have been using this for over 12+ years now. Yes, I also made my own speaker and interconnect cables for my system too.
But if you are going buy, look for a place that let you return them if you don't like them. Good luck!
Buddy
-
Google "Iron lung Jellyfish" power cables ( site now defunct ) but you can buy them cheap from Quail Electronics
-
I happened on this page after doing a search for Pine Tree Audio. Having made a few cables, somehow they never turn out looking like I hoped they would...oh well, beauty is in the eye of the beholder they say.
The reason for this post is that I see that Pine Tree is making a hex braid that is pretty cool looking...maybe not so much for power cords but definitely for interconnects and speaker runs...
And holy cow...this link is unbelievable!!!!
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Audiophile-HexaBraid-Symmetrical-6-Wire-RCA-Interconnects-Pine-Tree-Audio/264299678461?_trkparms=ispr%3D1&hash=item3d897d0afd:m:mCKkynNNvE_xqa6RgYKAdow&enc=AQAEAAACQBPxNw%2BVj6nta7CKEs3N0qV03sel6NG0s2O358ErCZLtZba4%2FVr9NkuacBUEAUeqPcbZtufbt2W910u0vuNi90%2FkYIUcN3HIeOvMiQLVxCMwD3bk4ZooJmqr0X%2FFaA8q3Vl4hiXXhwytXgGnAY02QKcfe2cqe94zO%2FZJgc1zkAJs0I5uPL%2FYggWgQ3Xwyt%2B%2FoHi%2FusKcLpLmInMkoxXid4Z%2BhJBjH%2BM4lLfK%2BSWiJg1EMyGlsWMYwEWPhfbWyBvxF8%2FrwlxQE79MSlGzrssFhuNhAR8wLiKUPa4Dr9sXF%2BfH92nuRlI4vD2SLb0tnRS9nSk3VD%2FLYrkc3pr0zE%2BDyPj3rIGz2NllvLHx7VbLZW3JnMVk92TyxXuwoeHBNhCA5f4GGrq7vs9k7yHXn5W%2Fr9S64iv3H6GpvrfS0d4WbW0BQaAM6m%2F2t3n64BB0c1SbDyX%2B5xxviyZYndjv5Rqz2Txpx4XSF2FenozHyZAGpaufapK6P3FZ5ngxS%2BGxZFUVWAp%2B9EkXpXhkx8HliOJqUGJXJqQ9IZTxcLyml8eJe%2FGAfcoa6xIgw%2BKDzu1%2B9KKL28KWpzdWMRLxvr1xTUfBM0QCZIS9EfUmy%2F56aRLWdPDRla51BhndLQP2cjj5Go7TP9a3o9dAo0Wp%2BUUVWT%2BvMzUzxg8MzhB819HQVqocH6%2Fx4Qc%2B0Eh4ciqARfbsV4s2GhiJm%2By4FswjhOexNbSYR5ZtOYQnrfiPzbRBg8%2F0mCZJIOBxntQ1y1WVbog0qW1eIQ%3D%3D&checksum=264299678461756ccc16ab7b470e8823dbbce1c6d796&enc=AQAEAAACQBPxNw%2BVj6nta7CKEs3N0qV03sel6NG0s2O358ErCZLtZba4%2FVr9NkuacBUEAUeqPcbZtufbt2W910u0vuNi90%2FkYIUcN3HIeOvMiQLVxCMwD3bk4ZooJmqr0X%2FFaA8q3Vl4hiXXhwytXgGnAY02QKcfe2cqe94zO%2FZJgc1zkAJs0I5uPL%2FYggWgQ3Xwyt%2B%2FoHi%2FusKcLpLmInMkoxXid4Z%2BhJBjH%2BM4lLfK%2BSWiJg1EMyGlsWMYwEWPhfbWyBvxF8%2FrwlxQE79MSlGzrssFhuNhAR8wLiKUPa4Dr9sXF%2BfH92nuRlI4vD2SLb0tnRS9nSk3VD%2FLYrkc3pr0zE%2BDyPj3rIGz2NllvLHx7VbLZW3JnMVk92TyxXuwoeHBNhCA5f4GGrq7vs9k7yHXn5W%2Fr9S64iv3H6GpvrfS0d4WbW0BQaAM6m%2F2t3n64BB0c1SbDyX%2B5xxviyZYndjv5Rqz2Txpx4XSF2FenozHyZAGpaufapK6P3FZ5ngxS%2BGxZFUVWAp%2B9EkXpXhkx8HliOJqUGJXJqQ9IZTxcLyml8eJe%2FGAfcoa6xIgw%2BKDzu1%2B9KKL28KWpzdWMRLxvr1xTUfBM0QCZIS9EfUmy%2F56aRLWdPDRla51BhndLQP2cjj5Go7TP9a3o9dAo0Wp%2BUUVWT%2BvMzUzxg8MzhB819HQVqocH6%2Fx4Qc%2B0Eh4ciqARfbsV4s2GhiJm%2By4FswjhOexNbSYR5ZtOYQnrfiPzbRBg8%2F0mCZJIOBxntQ1y1WVbog0qW1eIQ%3D%3D&checksum=264299678461756ccc16ab7b470e8823dbbce1c6d796 (https://www.ebay.com/itm/Audiophile-HexaBraid-Symmetrical-6-Wire-RCA-Interconnects-Pine-Tree-Audio/264299678461?_trkparms=ispr%3D1&hash=item3d897d0afd:m:mCKkynNNvE_xqa6RgYKAdow&enc=AQAEAAACQBPxNw%2BVj6nta7CKEs3N0qV03sel6NG0s2O358ErCZLtZba4%2FVr9NkuacBUEAUeqPcbZtufbt2W910u0vuNi90%2FkYIUcN3HIeOvMiQLVxCMwD3bk4ZooJmqr0X%2FFaA8q3Vl4hiXXhwytXgGnAY02QKcfe2cqe94zO%2FZJgc1zkAJs0I5uPL%2FYggWgQ3Xwyt%2B%2FoHi%2FusKcLpLmInMkoxXid4Z%2BhJBjH%2BM4lLfK%2BSWiJg1EMyGlsWMYwEWPhfbWyBvxF8%2FrwlxQE79MSlGzrssFhuNhAR8wLiKUPa4Dr9sXF%2BfH92nuRlI4vD2SLb0tnRS9nSk3VD%2FLYrkc3pr0zE%2BDyPj3rIGz2NllvLHx7VbLZW3JnMVk92TyxXuwoeHBNhCA5f4GGrq7vs9k7yHXn5W%2Fr9S64iv3H6GpvrfS0d4WbW0BQaAM6m%2F2t3n64BB0c1SbDyX%2B5xxviyZYndjv5Rqz2Txpx4XSF2FenozHyZAGpaufapK6P3FZ5ngxS%2BGxZFUVWAp%2B9EkXpXhkx8HliOJqUGJXJqQ9IZTxcLyml8eJe%2FGAfcoa6xIgw%2BKDzu1%2B9KKL28KWpzdWMRLxvr1xTUfBM0QCZIS9EfUmy%2F56aRLWdPDRla51BhndLQP2cjj5Go7TP9a3o9dAo0Wp%2BUUVWT%2BvMzUzxg8MzhB819HQVqocH6%2Fx4Qc%2B0Eh4ciqARfbsV4s2GhiJm%2By4FswjhOexNbSYR5ZtOYQnrfiPzbRBg8%2F0mCZJIOBxntQ1y1WVbog0qW1eIQ%3D%3D&checksum=264299678461756ccc16ab7b470e8823dbbce1c6d796&enc=AQAEAAACQBPxNw%2BVj6nta7CKEs3N0qV03sel6NG0s2O358ErCZLtZba4%2FVr9NkuacBUEAUeqPcbZtufbt2W910u0vuNi90%2FkYIUcN3HIeOvMiQLVxCMwD3bk4ZooJmqr0X%2FFaA8q3Vl4hiXXhwytXgGnAY02QKcfe2cqe94zO%2FZJgc1zkAJs0I5uPL%2FYggWgQ3Xwyt%2B%2FoHi%2FusKcLpLmInMkoxXid4Z%2BhJBjH%2BM4lLfK%2BSWiJg1EMyGlsWMYwEWPhfbWyBvxF8%2FrwlxQE79MSlGzrssFhuNhAR8wLiKUPa4Dr9sXF%2BfH92nuRlI4vD2SLb0tnRS9nSk3VD%2FLYrkc3pr0zE%2BDyPj3rIGz2NllvLHx7VbLZW3JnMVk92TyxXuwoeHBNhCA5f4GGrq7vs9k7yHXn5W%2Fr9S64iv3H6GpvrfS0d4WbW0BQaAM6m%2F2t3n64BB0c1SbDyX%2B5xxviyZYndjv5Rqz2Txpx4XSF2FenozHyZAGpaufapK6P3FZ5ngxS%2BGxZFUVWAp%2B9EkXpXhkx8HliOJqUGJXJqQ9IZTxcLyml8eJe%2FGAfcoa6xIgw%2BKDzu1%2B9KKL28KWpzdWMRLxvr1xTUfBM0QCZIS9EfUmy%2F56aRLWdPDRla51BhndLQP2cjj5Go7TP9a3o9dAo0Wp%2BUUVWT%2BvMzUzxg8MzhB819HQVqocH6%2Fx4Qc%2B0Eh4ciqARfbsV4s2GhiJm%2By4FswjhOexNbSYR5ZtOYQnrfiPzbRBg8%2F0mCZJIOBxntQ1y1WVbog0qW1eIQ%3D%3D&checksum=264299678461756ccc16ab7b470e8823dbbce1c6d796)
-
There are a lot of places which sell them. Here's a 6'7" long, 14AWG Shielded power cord for $9.
https://www.alliedelec.com/volex-power-cords-17604-10-b1/70115980/
Or go with the 6'7" (2M) 16AWG Shielded for $6.58
https://www.alliedelec.com/volex-power-cords-17602-10-b1/70115978/
These are an upgrade from what many companies include as stock power cords, some being just simple 18AWG unshielded cables.
Unfortunately, I do not recommend the linked Volex 17604 (14 AWG) and 17602 (16 AWG).
I really liked the sound of old school Volex 17604 years ago, but now Volex cords are sourced from various
Asian oem's and sound nothing like the original Volex. Yes, I have ordered a bunch of them, and they sound quite meh.
The old school Volex was great because it seemed to do the least harm to the sound and not change the overall tonality of the component
much while helping out with detail resolution and richness still.
Many expensive audiophile cords that use overly heavy AWG wire (especially for SET) and/or go overboard with exotic wire/plug materials
or too-heavy shielding change the overall tonality and signature of the component too much IMO. In fact, I have the original Volex on
my SET currently after it bested much more expensive cords for sheer "do no harm" neutrality.
In this photo, the top Volex is the more recent versions to avoid, identifiable by nickel(?) plug blades and harder/shinier jacket material.
he original good Volex has brass-color blades and thicker/softer jacket.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49245861801_ebf5585c48_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2i2FV1M)Volex17604OLDvsNew (https://flic.kr/p/2i2FV1M) by drjlo2 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/60017347@N03/), on Flickr
-
I personally really enjoy demo and used market for power cords and IC/speaker cables. I have owned many. Two I enjoy most for this applications (7.5 Watt PX25 SET) - Audience AU24 (se vs. sx) - used. The newer models are very very expensive. The old ones are amazing! Or the Allnic ZL3000 power cable. The ZL3000 vs the more expensive ZL5000 power cable are exact in design, from what I can tell, other than gauge of the wire. This is a low wattage system, the ZL3000 would perform and of excellent value when purchased used.