Good Power cables that won’t break the piggy bank
- Thread starter S0und Dragon
- Start date
I've probably mentioned this before but wth. Several years ago I bought the entry level Wireworld Stratus power cords from Underwood Wally. The website then indicated the power cables are all the same design, it's the materials that change (along with the price). This was around 2011 when the exchange rate was much more friendly. The 1 and 1.5 metre cables were both under $100 at the time.
These are billed as "power conditioning" cables and I'll be damned if they didn't do a fine job reducing hum/noise when connecting the wall outlet to the PS Audio Duet. Whether it was by design or just a better connection I don't know, but they definitely helped an issue that was driving me nuts at the time. I'm happy sticking with them.
These are billed as "power conditioning" cables and I'll be damned if they didn't do a fine job reducing hum/noise when connecting the wall outlet to the PS Audio Duet. Whether it was by design or just a better connection I don't know, but they definitely helped an issue that was driving me nuts at the time. I'm happy sticking with them.
Try1256
Very Special Member
I use Harmonic Technology AC-11 power cables on everything. The first HT AC-11 I acquired with my power amp. I was using the aforementioned DH Labs power cables at the time and was quite satisfied. I decided to give the HT a try on my preamp and it literally blew me away. I started looking and eventually found enough used ones to do my whole kit. All my cables are PCOCC, I either bought them used or put them together myself. They pop up frequently on Audiogon and usaudiomart and it's Canadian counterpart. Won't break the bank but the Ohno continuous cast copper seriously changes the game.
I have exactly one of those AC-11 power cords, it was a dealer demo that was slightly scuffed, I have no idea what the retail was/is, but the dealer pretty much gave it away to me for $100 as I recall. This was over 15 years ago.
I concur, that is a fine sounding power cord, which in itself sounds weird. A power cord "sounds" a certain way even though it isn't carrying an audio signal? Yes and in the case of the AC-11, I find it to have soaring open airy high frequency portrayal, superior in that regard to various other much pricier power cords I have. That soaring open airy crystal clear high frequency extension character seems to stay consistent on most any component I use that cord on, suggesting it is the character of that cord and not just some one-off synergy with a single particular component or component type. Crazy but true. YMMV.
I really like Gotham Audio. Very well made. Some more flexible than others depending on the gauge.
Europe's biggest pro audio cable manufacturer. No nonsense good stuff with a US distributor.
I buy raw cable and terminate with various plugs.
Gotham USA
Europe's biggest pro audio cable manufacturer. No nonsense good stuff with a US distributor.
I buy raw cable and terminate with various plugs.
Gotham USA
+1 on Gotham, though I've never used any of their power cords, but I've made both analog interconnects and DC umbilicals using Gotham microphone cable and it is fine quality stuff. A proud old Swiss brand originally imported/distributed in the U.S. out of New York City, along with Neumann and EMT.
Their Gotham Museum is quite cool too, an archive of product brochures and advertisements of various Gotham, Neumann, and EMT products of yore.
Now you've got me wanting to pick up a Gotham power cord, just for the heck of it. They look both highly flexible and pro quality durable too.
Nothing blingy going on here. I like the tough rubbery outer covering. Made to withstand touring and heavy speaker cabinets rolling over them.
Check out their remnants for deals on various cables. Great for all things AV as well due to their excellent shielding.
They also have a sister company that makes "finished" and custom wires. I bought a 3.5 mini to RCA (for Iphone duties) that is very well made.... which for some reason, is not easy to find.
Some may remember the solid affordable power cable from Paul Gryzbek called the Iron Lung Jellyfish.. I have a couple of the exact copies you can get on Amazon (although I'm sure it was Paul who was just reselling these hospital grade PC's)
At that Price, It is really hard to pass up. This is awesome guys! A lot to chew on here.
5.0 out of 5 stars Audiophile grade power cable
Reviewed in the United States on August 19, 2020
Length: 6 feetVerified Purchase
I have several $100-$250 power cables and these are a hidden gem. These are also what Paul Gryzbek of TAD audio sold as Jellyfish Iron Lung power cords.
One person found this helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Naim Tibia upgraded
Reviewed in the United States on September 9, 2020
Length: 6 feetVerified Purchase
The cables I received had "Well Shin" stamped on them. Well Shin is one of the companies which supplied the Naim Tibia for Naim North America. The specs of both cords are the same. But this one comes with hospital grade plugs.
👍👍
Reviewed in the United States on August 19, 2020
Length: 6 feetVerified Purchase
I have several $100-$250 power cables and these are a hidden gem. These are also what Paul Gryzbek of TAD audio sold as Jellyfish Iron Lung power cords.
One person found this helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Naim Tibia upgraded
Reviewed in the United States on September 9, 2020
Length: 6 feetVerified Purchase
The cables I received had "Well Shin" stamped on them. Well Shin is one of the companies which supplied the Naim Tibia for Naim North America. The specs of both cords are the same. But this one comes with hospital grade plugs.
👍👍
240sx4u
Technically It's LexusGuy
I already added one to my Amazon cart. Count me in
ICTWoody
No longer a junior member
Shhhhhhh. Don’t tell everyone about them. These are actually what I was using with my LS50W’s. I have a couple of them in the closet... great cords for the money.
- Woody
I have to admit that my use is not really conventional for these cords--they are used for electrostatics that have a built-in woofer section. So it is powering an amp, in addition to energizing the panels to ~1,000 volts. So it's not like these are on a full-range amplifier, preamp or source component. That's why I needed the longer length, too. I have a lot of the cord coiled up right now but, once I move to a better place, the cord won't be restricting me.
They are very well made, and that smooth outer jacket actually has a bit of a "high-tech" glow to it. They look nice!
240sx4u
Technically It's LexusGuy
I did end up ordering one of those cords from amazon for fun. They seem to be of better quality than the garden variety stuff supplied with equipment. Jury is out as far as sound because 1 - I'm too lazy to actually try an A/B comparison, and 2 - It's still sitting in a box.
My buddy works at McMaster-Carr and did the same--purchased some heavy duty hospital-grade power cords. I don't know if the shielding or noise rejection in his are notable, but he's been enjoying them nonetheless. 👍👍
We're like the grown-up version of those kids that your mother told you to never hang around with.
That's a good find! I'm set on power cables but for my desktop system and subwoofers, this would be a perfect cable for where I want something better, but don't want to blow up the bank account to do it. The only thing I would need for the subwoofers is a 90° IEC connector on the end. Shouldn't be too hard to find.
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