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what's a good power cord?

post #1 of 22
4/30/03 at 6:22am
Thread Starter 
I'm getting a cambridge audio d500se soon and I know the power cord that comes with it is supposed to really suck. So can anyone recommend a good AC power cord with a 3 prong IEC connector? I don't want to spend too much, but it has to be a decent improvement over the stock cables. If it's possible to do so below $50 that would be ideal.

Thanks!
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post #2 of 22
4/30/03 at 9:03am
Check out signalcable.com

$59!!!
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post #3 of 22
4/30/03 at 9:07am

good n cheap

$50 is a price point where theres not a lot available thats really good. For a little more, I would check out a signalcable magic power cord; its my choice as the value leader.

www.signalcable.com

If you absolutely need to stay at or below $50 you can pick up used virtual dynamics power cords for good prices. Another good cord is the audioquest ac 15 h/w 6' that goes for $67.95 new from HCM Audio. I have an almost new 6' audioquest ac15 if you want to pm me tonight.
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post #4 of 22
4/30/03 at 9:14am

another happy Signal customer

I am using a Signal Magic Power on my Philips 963A and I like it alot.

I was so impressed with the build quality for the price that I just ordered some custom length ICs from them as well. They just arrived and are burning in as I type

Plus....turnaround is lightning fast.

John
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post #5 of 22
4/30/03 at 9:26am
SIGNAL CABLE
are very good in the under $100 range, get a 5ft Magic AC cord for $70 and you can't really go wrong. They are thick but reasonably flexible and not too heavy, very professional workmanship produces quality appearance.

There is new positive review at Audio Musings/Positive Feedback for Signal AC cord but reviewer has no experience with AC cords, but you can take it from me that they are very good for the price. Much better cords are available but you pay much more also.

Review
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post #6 of 22
4/30/03 at 1:55pm
How does this signal power cord compare to VD power3 or power2?
Anyone got some experience for both cords?
Thank you.
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post #7 of 22
4/30/03 at 2:19pm
Quote:
Originally posted by MoLtoSoLo
How does this signal power cord compare to VD power3 or power2?
Anyone got some experience for both cords?
Thank you.

I'll be able to do a comparison in a few days...I have two burned-in VD Power 2s on the way.

John
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post #8 of 22
4/30/03 at 2:57pm
Thread Starter 
thanks for the replies!

The magicpower one does look quite good, it's about the same price as the audioquest ac-15. Does having 10 gauge conductors help over 15 gauge ones for a CD player?

I notice there are lots of AC plugs and IEC connector options as well from Hubbel, Marinco, and Wattgate. Do these make a difference and which ones are better?
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post #9 of 22
4/30/03 at 3:15pm
Thread Starter 
Oh one more thing I forgot to add, does adding more length degrade the sound much? I was originally looking at 1 meter, but at the prices signalcable has, I can so 2-3 meters for only a little bit more, then my equipment placement will be more flexible. But I'm wondering if 3 meters will cause a reduction in sound quality compared to 1 meter.

Thanks!
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post #10 of 22
4/30/03 at 3:20pm
From what I can tell, the Marinco and the Wattgate's lower level connector are the same.
And I don't think you need to worry about the sound degrade between 1m power cord or 3m. If there is such difference in sound, it will be very little.
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post #11 of 22
4/30/03 at 5:30pm
You could build your own for around $35. If you don't want to touch a soldering iron just buy the Marinco solderless plug and IEC connector but that will raise the price to ~$55.

I'm not much of a DIYer myself and I found the Bob Crump designed Power Cord very easy to build (I used the solderless plug and connector myself). IMO this PC is as good as the PS Audio Micro PC and Audio Magic Xtream PC that I tried before building my own.
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post #12 of 22
4/30/03 at 5:57pm

power cords

The 10 ga vs 15 ga may not make a difference with a cd player, but the signalcable cord, for whatever reason, is slightly better sounding to me vs the audioquest ac15, using my sacd/cd player. Since you have said you could afford the extra cost, I recommend the signalcable. As for the length, I would go with a 6' cord over a 3' cord. I dont hear any loss in quality and the longer length comes in handy if you want to change your setup or use the cord for other gear. Example: I have a 3' and 6' minilab and using them with ultimate outlets I cant hear a difference. However, I often wish the 3' cord were a 6' cord so I could use it in other situations.
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post #13 of 22
5/1/03 at 10:50pm
Thread Starter 
I was just corresponding with audioquest about their new nrg-2 cables, they say it's better than their old ac12 cable. I wonder how these will work out. They seem much thinner and more flexible, but Audioquest claims they will perform better than 3x10awg cables because they use solid conductors. These look promising as a budget cable, the only concern being their cheap looking connectors. Anyone have a chance to demo these yet? Here's a link to what they look like, at the bottom of the page:

http://www.audioquest.com/new_products/
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post #14 of 22
5/1/03 at 11:14pm
Quote:
Originally posted by JMedeiros
I'll be able to do a comparison in a few days...I have two burned-in VD Power 2s on the way.

John
I have created a monster, haven't I?
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post #15 of 22
5/1/03 at 11:26pm
Quote:
Originally posted by ServinginEcuador
I have created a monster, haven't I?
That would be me

Selling gear to get more cables...tsk..tsk...tsk...where are my priorities??
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