Advice please on Power cords

Spirit · « **on:** 10 Nov 2006, 10:33 pm »

I would like some opinions on the merits of purchasing upgraded power cords to replace the stock
power cords that I am using with my Odyssey Extreme Monos.
Good idea or waste of money?
If yes, what would be my best bang for the buckaroo?

WEEZ · « **Reply #1 on:** 10 Nov 2006, 11:05 pm »

If you really think you need an aftermarket cord...buy a Volex cord.

WEEZ

Bob Reynolds · « **Reply #2 on:** 11 Nov 2006, 12:13 am »

I've tried a few different power cords on various amps (Jolida, Krell, Bryston) through the years -- Volex, DH Labs, Cardas, PS Audio and Shunyata. If there was any difference at all, it was one of those things you have to squint so hard to hear that it makes listening to music work. So I decided what's the point? There are other things that obviously improve the sound of a system - like changing speakers or adding a subwoofer. If the stock power cord is flexible, I'm a happy camper.

-- Bob

nonoise · « **Reply #3 on:** 11 Nov 2006, 12:31 am »

My only experience with upgrading power cords was when I owned a Cayin TA-30 that I got, modded, by Paul at bizzbee. At the time he had a $50 power cord that was the same gauage as the Romex wiring in your home or apartment (thick, hard to bend, needed support) and there was a BIG difference compared to the standard replacable 'lampcord' that came with the Cayin. The soundstage shrunk and the dynamics went down when I reinserted the lampcord. I even tried a well reviewed powercord from GTT Audio that Chesky Records exclusively uses ($60) that was a smaller gauge than the one from Paul and the same thing happened, only to a lesser degree. No hint of 'squinting' was needed to hear the difference.
What I'm saying, in my long winded way, is, you can get a quality powercord without breaking the bank.
You will appreciate the difference.

Regards,
Tim

fajimr · « **Reply #4 on:** 11 Nov 2006, 12:36 am »

Quote from: WEEZ on 10 Nov 2006, 11:05 pm

If you really think you need an aftermarket cord...buy a Volex cord.

fyi: http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=15325.0

TheChairGuy · « **Reply #5 on:** 11 Nov 2006, 12:56 am »

Additionally to what 'no noise' mentioned...Paul at Bizzy Bee sells no nonsense UL -approved, 14 ga. power cords with hospital grade plugs for $39.99 (or less, as they are on sale sometimes)

http://www.2baudio.com/

They are unshielded; I find unshielded to sound a bit more natural and impactful....if yo uare in a busy metro area with lots of RF, it may not be suitable. I'm 6 miles from San Francisco here and they work splendidly.

You'll see a link on that 2baudio link that'll bring you to a very all-encompassing review of some 20 power cords done on Headfi.org. It ranges the gamut from the $8 Volex to $500 power cords. Price has little to do with outcome in the end.

I've used the Bizzy Bee cords a lot - they seem to be about the best compromise of sound and price on power cords.

I also own $600+ Revelation Audio Labs cables......they are the absolutely best that I've heard, but at 15x the price of the Iron Lung JellyFish cords they ought to be (they are, however, outstanding - mostly so run into my CD playback gear)

RichardS · « **Reply #6 on:** 11 Nov 2006, 01:36 am »

I'm in the "I hear a difference" camp (what can I say--once you hear it you can't go back to stock). It's not that I like to throw money around. I've owned several really pricey cords (>$1K) that I thought were worth it at the time, but there are some very good mid-priced cords available now ($200-$400 used) so my pricey cords are mostly gone (except my Foundation Research LC-2 and Von Gaylord Chinchilla).

For amps, I highly recommend listening to the Black Sand Silver Reference and the VH Airsine. Both pretty neutral tonally. The Eichmann is also very good (and cheaper) as is the K-works. A lot depends on your equipment and your electrical supply, so you've got to listen for yourself and see if you like what you hear. If you buy used, you can usually resell for about what you paid.

Don't be dissuaded by those that don't hear differences, any more than you would by the all-amps-sound-the-same guys. To each his own. We all hear and prioritize differently. If you don't hear a difference, you've saved yourself some money, and if you do, you're listening pleasure is about to increase.

tvad4 · « **Reply #7 on:** 11 Nov 2006, 02:50 am »

Yes, there is merit in aftermarket power cords. That's my opinion.

Spirit · « **Reply #8 on:** 11 Nov 2006, 02:52 am »

Quote from: WEEZ on 10 Nov 2006, 11:05 pm

If you really think you need an aftermarket cord...buy a Volex cord.

WEEZ

Asking for advice precludes the notion of need. I will only "need" to buy something if I can be taught by other Circle experts that a stock cord is not good enough.

Spirit · « **Reply #9 on:** 11 Nov 2006, 02:55 am »

[quote
They are unshielded; I find unshielded to sound a bit more natural and impactful....if yo uare in a busy metro area with lots of RF, it may not be suitable.
[/quote]Pardon my extreme ignorance but could you explain the difference between shielded and non-shielded from an audio point of view.

Spirit · « **Reply #10 on:** 11 Nov 2006, 02:57 am »

Quote from: RichardS on 11 Nov 2006, 01:36 am

I'm in the "I hear a difference" camp (what can I say--once you hear it you can't go back to stock). It's not that I like to throw money around. I've owned several really pricey cords (>$1K) that I thought were worth it at the time, but there are some very good mid-priced cords available now ($200-$400 used) so my pricey cords are mostly gone (except my Foundation Research LC-2 and Von Gaylord Chinchilla).

For amps, I highly recommend listening to the Black Sand Silver Reference and the VH Airsine. Both pretty neutral tonally. The Eichmann is also very good (and cheaper) as is the K-works. A lot depends on your equipment and your electrical supply, so you've got to listen for yourself and see if you like what you hear. If you buy used, you can usually resell for about what you paid.

Don't be dissuaded by those that don't hear differences, any more than you would by the all-amps-sound-the-same guys. To each his own. We all hear and prioritize differently. If you don't hear a difference, you've saved yourself some money, and if you do, you're listening pleasure is about to increase.

Where can I find the Eichmann and K-works?

tvad4 · « **Reply #11 on:** 11 Nov 2006, 03:17 am »

Quote from: Spirit on 11 Nov 2006, 02:55 am

[quote
They are unshielded; I find unshielded to sound a bit more natural and impactful....if yo uare in a busy metro area with lots of RF, it may not be suitable.

Pardon my extreme ignorance but could you explain the difference between shielded and non-shielded from an audio point of view.
[/quote]

Less noise in a shielded cord due to reduced EMI/RFI. Whether you will hear the difference is something only you can answer by comparing cords in your system.

TheChairGuy · « **Reply #12 on:** 11 Nov 2006, 03:27 am »

Spirit,

It's okay to ask something without denigrating yourself

We were all newbies once and I still know less than I will in another couple years. Partly, because I'm dense

Shielding usually means there is a length of copper or aluminum (foil, mesh or otherwise) running along the length of the wire (under the cover, so you typically don't see it). Copper and aluminum have slightly differing properties at different frequencies, but both work to shield your wire/cable from picking up Electro-Magnetic Interference (all of your power supplies, for instance, radiate this...also called EMI) and Radio Frequency Interference (every radio and TV station casue this...also called RFI).

There is more noise (in the form of RFI and EMI) shielded from what is often a very nice (virtual)antenna...6' of power cord. I find that unshielded sound a bit better...but only because I live in the 'burbs now. When I lived in Washington DC pre-2002, and was 150 yards from the main TV and Radio towers, I definitely needed shielded power cords.

If you receive good picture quality and terriffic FM signals where you live - you probably will appreciate the shielding. If you don't pick up any TV unless it's cable, etc. and FM is spotty - you may be better off with unshielded

Spirit · « **Reply #13 on:** 11 Nov 2006, 03:34 am »

Quote from: TheChairGuy on 11 Nov 2006, 03:27 am

Spirit,

It's okay to ask something without denigrating yourself We were all newbies once and I still know less than I will in another couple years. Partly, because I'm dense

Shielding usually means there is a length of copper or aluminum (foil, mesh or otherwise) running along the length of the wire (under the cover, so you typically don't see it). Copper and aluminum have slightly differing properties at different frequencies, but both work to shield your wire/cable from picking up Electro-Magnetic Interference (all of your power supplies, for instance, radiate this...also called EMI) and Radio Frequency Interference (every radio and TV station casue this...also called RFI).

There is more noise (in the form of RFI and EMI) shielded from what is often a very nice (virtual)antenna...6' of power cord. I find that unshielded sound a bit better...but only because I live in the 'burbs now. When I lived in Washington DC pre-2002, and was 150 yards from the main TV and Radio towers, I definitely needed shielded power cords.

If you receive good picture quality and terriffic FM signals where you live - you probably will appreciate the shielding. If you don't pick up any TV unless it's cable, etc. and FM is spotty - you may be better off with unshielded

Thank you for the great explanation!
You are a gentleman.

JoshK · « **Reply #14 on:** 11 Nov 2006, 03:36 am »

Quote from: WEEZ on 10 Nov 2006, 11:05 pm

If you really think you need an aftermarket cord...buy a Volex cord.

WEEZ

FWIW, I tend to agree....sure you get maybe better, maybe different performance but you don't get as good for as little dough. It sets the standard. All else must compare to it.

tvad4 · « **Reply #15 on:** 11 Nov 2006, 03:46 am »

For an amplifier like the Odyssey Stratos, I would recommend nothing smaller than 10awg. The 14awg Volex cords are excellent for preamps and source equipment, but they are bettered by larger gauge cords on power hungry amps like the Stratos.

IMO, of course.

G Georgopoulos · « **Reply #16 on:** 11 Nov 2006, 03:50 am »

I would like some opinions on the merits of purchasing upgraded power cords to replace the stock
power cords that I am using with my Odyssey Extreme Monos.
Good idea or waste of money?
If yes, what would be my best bang for the buckaroo?
---------------------------------------------------------------------
you could use havier duty/high quality ones if you like
my opinion is this -not a good idea- power cords have
nothing to do with performance

Jim N. · « **Reply #17 on:** 11 Nov 2006, 03:56 am »

I'm using MAC Sound Pipe 5' power cords on my Stratos Stereo Extreme. They are only available in one length and are 10 AWG. I run them on both sides of my PS Audio Duet. I've picked them up new on Agon auctions for about 75 bucks each.

I use Black Sand Violet everywhere else.

tvad4 · « **Reply #18 on:** 11 Nov 2006, 03:58 am »

Quote from: Jim N. on 11 Nov 2006, 03:56 am

I'm using MAC Sound Pipe 5' power cords on my Stratos Stereo Extreme. They are only available in one length and are 10 AWG. I run them on both sides of my PS Audio Duet. I've picked them up new on Agon auctions for about 75 bucks each.

I use Black Sand Violet everywhere else.

The MAC Sound Pipe is very good. That's a nice price on a good cord for the Stratos amps.

95bcwh · « **Reply #19 on:** 11 Nov 2006, 05:31 am »

Quote from: tvad4 on 11 Nov 2006, 03:58 am

The MAC Sound Pipe is very good. That's a nice price on a good cord for the Stratos amps.

This is the first time I heard about this "MAC Sound Pipe" PC, have you got one on your system, tvad4?