[Welly Wu]

My fellow Head-Fi members:

My top audio-related goal is to replace the stock AC cord on my Denon DVD 2900 universal player. I am beginning to suspect that the sound is a bit dry and congested compared to stock NAD C 541i HDCD player when it comes to Redbook CD playback (bad). My budget is $200 - $250 USD. Sound wise, my goal is not necessarily absolute neutrality but to complement the DiMarzio M-PATH ICs & Grado RS-1 synergy: clarity, openness, warmth, punchier bass that extends downward by an octave, a lush & rich midrange, and a wider soundstage. I am not sure if the DiMarzio M-PATH AC power cords will fit the bill. By the way, I am learning on the job when it comes to power cords so I will spare you all the idiocy of teaching me; search is my new way of life.

Here is my current audio gear:

Denon DVD 2900 (not fully burned-in; stock model)
HeadRoom Cosmic (Reference Module)
HeadRoom Cosmic Power Supply Upgrade (110v)
Grado RS-1 (bowl pads; spare me the flat pads sales pitch)
Balanced Power Technologies BP-Jr. II Ultra (stock; to be upgraded sometime down the road)
DiMarzio M-PATH ICs (1M)

This is a statistical breakdown of my paltry album collection:

Classical / Opera / Broadway / Vocalists / Chamber / Symphonies / Soundtracks / Featured Soloists: 60 percent

Jazz / Blues: 5 percent

Rock / Pop: 30 percent

Poetry & Spoken Word: 5 percent

Has anyone ever auditioned or used the DiMarzio M-PATH AC power cord? I've done three different searches within Head-Fi and came up with reviews / impressions about the DiMarzio M-PATH ICs but I found nothing about their AC cables. I also did searches through Audiophile Audition, AudioREVIEW, AudioRevolution, Enjoy the Music, Hi-Fi Choice, Stereophile, The Absolute Sound!, and WhatHiFi; suffice it to say, I obviously did not find anything of value on the DiMarzio M-PATH AC power cord. Does this mean that these power cords sound terrible?


Best Regards:


Welly Wu

 

[yidimsum]

I really like the Acoustic Zen Tsunami powercord. These can be found used in your price range. I'm using three of them in my system right now, with substantial improvements in bass tightness, soundstage, and musicality. They aren't the most neutral powercords, as I can easily tell them between some other PC like the Custom Powercord Comp. Model 11 in a blind test. They sound pretty good.

 

[DanG]

The K Works Empowered powercord has been working wonders for me. It's very flexible, too, so it's a lot easier to deal with than some of the other powercords around.

 

[Welly Wu]

Thank you for your replies. I will start my research tomorrow in between classes. I still am curious about the DiMarzio M-PATH AC power cords but I am finding zip on them. Anyone with experience with these specific power cords is encouraged to post their impressions with them. It would be greatly appreciated.

 

[radrd]

I think a VD Reference would probably be a good choice. Virtual Dynamic's power cords are known for having good bass and warmth. I really like my Audition, and I know that a lot of people like the Reference (one level higher) as well. You should be able to find one used for ~$200.

 

[Welly Wu]

Radrd:

Thank you for your reply. I too have been looking into the VD Reference PCs because of the frequency with which they are either mentioned, reviewed, or sold here at Head-Fi. They are the only brand that comes to my mind when it comes to "audiophile" cabling. I will put the VD Reference at the top of my list. Thank you.

 

[markl]

Quote:

clarity, openness, warmth, punchier bass that extends downward by an octave, a lush & rich midrange, and a wider soundstage.

You've just described the Virtual Dynamics cables to a "T". Sounds like they'd be right up your alley.

 

[Ebonyks]

I'm personally fond of the venhaus offerings, all of them avaible well under your price range as well. Remember that there is no direct corelation between cable quality and their price. Don't be a sucker for brands, and i'm skeptical of gemoetry making a large sonic difference. Look for wire gauge, and what plugs are used on a power cable to get a more accurate idea of how it compares to other cables, perhaps in different price ranges.

 

[Howie]

The VD Reference is (or at least was) an excellent value. However "punchy bass" is a very good word to describe the powercord. Depending on your system that can be good or bad. For the classical stuff you might like a softer more fleshed out representation. It depends on how your system sounds right now and your personal tastes.

 

[Welly Wu]

Now, I'm comparing PS Audio X-Stream Plus against Virtual Dynamics Reference...

 

[fyrfytrhoges]

the ONLY problem with the VD power cords is the stiffness, I actually cracked the plug input on my mg head trying to use one of their cords, you must make sure that you "flex" them up so that they are flexible enough to make the bends you need for your setup.

 

[tom hankins]

I've been using nothing but Lat International AC'2 power cords on all the audio I've owned over the last 5-6 years, and no other cords, at more or less price range have beeen as good. They go for 169.00 and come with a money back guaranty.

 

[sacd lover]

For the price, signalcable power cords are quite good with a full, rich somewhat dark sound. I have heard the LAT speaker cables and they are excellent. If their power cords have a similar sound I would get them; very refined and focused with a wonderful midrange. The audioquest ac12 h/w is another very good cord; detailed with good bass punch and a warm overall sound.

www.signalcable.com

www.latinternational.com

www.hcmaudio.com

 

[Welly Wu]

Thank you all for your input and guidance on this very difficult subject matter. I have an offer from a fellow Head-Fi member for a near mint five foot long version of the Virtual Dynamics Reference PC for $240 USD. Is this necessarily a fair price or should I wait for another offer at a lower price? Thanks!

 

[SENOR4Q]

Don't overlook voodoo power cords. Those are the products that put the company on the map, not their interconnects. Also, what about zu cable. Both can be had new or used for about $200 or so.