I've been searching for quite some time now, for replacement power cords on all my DACs and Amps. I wanted one that was the same or longer (at least 5 feet) than my originals. The idea in my mind was to get a stronger, well built cable (if one could be found) and not have to go parts shopping.
My stock power cords are all 3 connector 18AWG. They are thin with limited shielding, very flexible, and about 5 feet long. On more than one occasion, I have unplugged one of them from the back of my amp, and the wire, right behind the plug, was warm. Even though these are the cheapest factory molded junk power cords I have ever seen, THEY ARE U.L. CERTIFIED!!!
LOL
I searched here on HeadFi, and on other audio sites. I ran into a reference several times about a power cord made by Volex, called the 17604.
A few clicks later, and I was on VOLEX, Inc's website, looking up this power cord. A few clicks later, I was on Newark.com's website where I found this information in the nomenclature:
Shielded Power Supply Cord; Connector Type A: NEMA 5-15P; Connector Type B: IEC320-C13; Cable Length: 79"; Cord Category: SJT; Approval Bodies: UL, CSA; Body Material: Beldfoil Shield; Color: Black; Current Rating: 15A. It is a 14AWG 3 wire cord. The best part, they are $9.99 each!
I ordered 4 cords under Newark's SKU number 93K2606, and they arrived within 4 days after they shipped, via FedEx (my preference). They are pretty stiff coming out of the box and will most likely take a good warm day before they straighten out completely.
These power cords are made just like everybody else's molded power cords, with the exception of having much better wire, much bigger wire and better shielding. The connectors fit nice and tight, just like they should. Many of my old ones didn't fit very well. For a 6.5 foot power cord at only $10, they are a bargain waiting for you! I am ordering 4 more, to replace the rest of my HeadFi gear power cords; That is how good I feel about these cords.
Now for the answer to the question that is rolling around in your head right now: "But Penchum, tell us how they sound!". Right? Well, I gave this a lot of thought, decided to do an honest comparison with the stock cord, using my Little-Dot MKIVse tube amp, my Zune80 playing lossless and my HD-600s. After going back and forth for 1/2 hour, I realized that the "placebo" effect had taken hold, and I had lost my objectivity. Was I hearing something? Maybe. Could I define it? Maybe. Was the new power cord better? Yes. Was I swayed by thoughts of colorful and fancy audio terms floating around in my head? Maybe. Most importantly, would I recommend this to a friend? Yes!
So there you have it. A much better power cord, for a much better price, that is better than the old ones, say's my touch, my eyes, my wallet and maybe my hearing too. No matter how you look at such things as power cords, this 17604 power cord is worth your time and a little of your money.
P.S. My dog seemed totally disinterested in the new power cords, so maybe they are not so attractive to pets.
Linear Mode
