Power cables, what are your thoughts?

[migliore]

Please put yourself in one of three categories:

a) never tried after market power cables

b) tried them but didn't make a difference

c) tried them and did make a difference

If you tried some, which cables and what is/was your system?

I've tried Harmonic Tech Pro AC-11, Synergistic Research A/C Master Coupler, and Perfect Cable 312.

My system is EAD Ovation/PM2000 with AE520 speakers and a Rega Planet transport. I mostly tried the power cables on the pre-amp.

I found the SRACMC to carry the most heft and bass. The HT was a slight bit wider in the soundstage. And the PC312 was similar to the SRACMC with a higher noise floor and slightly narrower soundstage.

Rob

PS: The formal reviews are on my website.




Reviews and System

[KennyG]

A) Never tried them...I've always been to busy upgrading components or interconnects to justify spending 2 or 3 hundred in that area.

[John Holmes]

Cat: A.

I'm not quite where you are equipment wise so, I have yet to try one. However, it is something that I plan to try when I move into sperates.




"I came here, to chew bubble gum and kickass. And I'm all out of bubble gum!!!" My DVD's

[Andrew Pratt]

haven't tried them...mostly b/c I'm too busy upgrading the rest of the gear to the point where power cords will make a difference

[migliore]

Consider picking up a used power cable from audiogon, priced from about $120-160. Try it on your CD player or pre-amp. If you don't like it, turn around and sell if for the same $$.

Or if that's too risky, you can get trials from Bob@audionut or some other cable companies. If you don't like 'em, send 'em back.

You've nothing to lose other than $5 in shipping..

Rob




Reviews and System

[Markj]

I am in the b category. The Salesperson mentioned all of the great things that a power cord would do for my amp. I needed a new power cord because I lost one when moving into your new house. I still have it but only because I could not find the original cord.

[Lexman]

CATCables might be doing some things on this line later on, but not yet. Additionally, I would not do power cords unless I am incorporated and each one is certified as being assembled by a licensed electrician. It's the only way I would mess with power cables. Anybody that isn't this cautious manufacturing isn't using very good judgement.

But to answer the question, no I have not tried them as yet- Would I sell something I don't believe in myself? Probably, lol. Who am I to tell people what they should or shouldn't think makes a difference in their system? That's not my job. My job is just to show them the best products I can for the best value I can.

I am perrsonally curious, but like the other guys, when I was spending on my gear, always to caught up in hardware or RCA/speaker cables to spend the bucks.

Lex

[JohanK]

I use homemade power cords made out of ordinary 12/3 wiring using Volex connectors. They did make a small difference when used on power amps (Bryston 3B-ST and Rotel RB-985II) but they do look better than the OEM units. I have yet to try it on a preamp and source component.

Using a dedicated circuit made a larger difference in my setup and I think that such an upgrade is a better place to start. YMMV.

[KennyG]

Actually I love to try some.
At this time, my problem is my room, it's too small, I've got an 8 foot screen behind my speakers (will have heavy drapes up soon...I hope), my speakers aren't far enough away from the walls, and they're way to big for the room size/ seating distance. So at this time I'm not sure I could hear a difference.
I'd probably do better with my smaller system's dynaudio speakers in place of the big system's legacy's..Kenny