Optional power cords on AVA equipment

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aln

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Optional power cords on AVA equipment
« on: 24 Mar 2005, 08:50 pm »
Frank, would you consider making it an option to add an IEC male connector on your equipment?

avahifi

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Optional power cords on AVA equipment
« Reply #1 on: 25 Mar 2005, 12:11 pm »
Nope.

Frank Van Alstine

drystream

Optional power cords on AVA equipment
« Reply #2 on: 25 Mar 2005, 03:09 pm »
Frank--I think you should look at the issue of power cords as an opportunity.  In the other thread on power cords you stated that the PC is just an extension of the transformer.

That being the case, you could market a high-end 'extension cord' that connects on one end to the OEM cord and at the other to the wall socket.  Those so inclined could even snip off most of the OEM cord, install the plug of their choice, and connect the extension cord to the shortened hard-wired cord.

Of course, anyone with even modest DIY skills could cut off the OEM cord a few inches from the chassis, add their own IEC connector, and then use the aftermarket cord of their choice.

In the time it takes to complain to you about your philosophy on cords, one could do the mods and live happily ever after.

skrivis

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Optional power cords on AVA equipment
« Reply #3 on: 25 Mar 2005, 04:12 pm »
Quote from: drystream
Frank--I think you should look at the issue of power cords as an opportunity.  In the other thread on power cords you stated that the PC is just an extension of the transformer.

That being the case, you could market a high-end 'extension cord' that connects on one end to the OEM cord and at the other to the wall socket.  Those so inclined could even snip off most of the OEM cord, install the plug of their choice, and connect the extension cord to the shortened hard-wired cord.

Of course, anyone with e ...


It isn't quite that easy. Either they change the tooling for the chassis, or they modify each chassis by hand. It isn't much fun to nibble out a hole...  :D

It could also open AVA up to problems with liability. Right now there's a dedicated power cord, for use in N America. It's 2-pin, and is polarized if I remember.

Ok, so replace that with an IEC socket. AVA now has zero control over how power is wired. People can screw up and connect the pins wrong; even use uninsulated wire.  :D  Somebody in another country who doesn't know (and perhaps can't read the markings on the unit - in english) sticks on a standard IEC power cord for their country. Without an export xformer option, that could cause some real problems.

At least if you yourself put in an IEC socket, or hardwire a different cord in, it's your action. AVA can't be blamed if you modify the equipment after purchase. They gave you a safe unit and you changed that yourself.

Having an IEC socket allows you to plug in whatever you feel like, and it's not as easy to argue that the unit was modifed by the owner just plugging in an unsafe cord.

In this time of plenty for attorneys, a manufacturer has to assume that their clients are idiots and idiot-proof their products - especially when there's a change of fire or electrocution.

Note that I didn't even get into whether swapping cords is worth it or not.

AVA doesn't make changes unless there's some benefit, and I don't see how this would be beneficial. It could well be detrimental instead.

drystream

Optional power cords on AVA equipment
« Reply #4 on: 6 Apr 2005, 03:15 pm »
Ran across this item on another forum, and it seemed appropriate for the power cords discussed here lately.

http://www.audioasylum.com/audio/cables/messages/106709.html

boead

Optional power cords on AVA equipment
« Reply #5 on: 6 Apr 2005, 04:41 pm »
Quote from: drystream
Ran across this item on another forum, and it seemed appropriate for the power cords discussed here lately.

http://www.audioasylum.com/audio/cables/messages/106709.html


I have one on my T7 SLR. They work fine.

Marbles

Optional power cords on AVA equipment
« Reply #6 on: 6 Apr 2005, 04:44 pm »
If I recall, a year or so ago, I think Frank OK'd Wayne at Bolder to modify his amps with an IEC and the Warranty would remain.

DIY people would void the warranty.

Marbles

Optional power cords on AVA equipment
« Reply #7 on: 6 Apr 2005, 04:48 pm »
Found the thread..

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=5260&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0

"Installing a differnt power cord on one of our products will not void the waranty as long as a three wire cord is not installed replacing a two wire cord, the new cord is safely connected to the correct internal terminations, internal fuses and transient surge absorbers are not bypassed, and that user safety is not compromised. Think before you start hacking.

Installing a different power cord, or any modifications at all, will of course void the 30 day satisfaction return guarantee, and the warranty will not cover the cost to remove or repair after-market modifications, or their consequences.

Note that making after-market changes to any of our products may make the cost of a future AVA factory upgrade more expensive or impossible, and have a negative impact on future market value. We don't own a hole undriller.

Frank Van Alstine"

boead

Optional power cords on AVA equipment
« Reply #8 on: 6 Apr 2005, 07:32 pm »
I spoke to Wayne at Bolder and he said he’s done just one to a T7 and he didn’t install an IEC, only one of his wires all the way up to and back from the power switch. Said it made a dramatic difference.

aln

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Power cords
« Reply #9 on: 8 Apr 2005, 11:46 am »
Did he replace the stock cord as well?  Not sure from the description what was really done.