Thread: Best bang for the buck power cords

Let’s say under $1k for fun.

I've had the best results with cords from Shunyata (Venom) or Zu (Event) on digital/front-end and Transparent on amp(s). Haven't tried a gazillion but probably 5-10 other brands (under 1k). These are the ones I kept based on build quality and some perceived difference in sound.

I use Shunyata for my Denali.

All of the rest are Tripp-Lite 14 awg from Amazon, at about $10-20 each, depending on length.

Are they as good or better than Shunyatas? Of course not.

I'm on a mission to show audiophiles that the set-up is far more powerful than simply better components installed in a system that is compromised in set-up - usually - and sadly - on several levels.

Nearly all of the visitors who come here say it is the best - or one of the best - music playback systems they have heard. ALL comment on the strong ME factor. Musical Engagement.

Sorry for the distraction! I am amazed at how many audiophiles (the majority of them) ignore this aspect.

The fantastic news is that Mike does a great job when he is involved, much better than ANY other dealers whose work I've gone behind.

I like my Clarus Crimson. It really improved things back when I had my Pass amp and I stuck with it. I use a 20 amp on power amp and 15 amp on everything else.

A friend uses Triode Wire Labs, not sure the current pricing, but I was impressed at how close the performance was to my Clarus for les money. Interestingly, I thought the voicing was similar as well.

Originally Posted by jmusica

I've had the best results with cords from Shunyata (Venom) or Zu (Event) on digital/front-end and Transparent on amp(s). Haven't tried a gazillion but probably 5-10 other brands (under 1k). These are the ones I kept based on build quality and some perceived difference in sound.

How did Shunyata compare with Zu? I’ve had the Events in my system.

Originally Posted by Puma Cat

Shunyata Delta NR v2 right at $1K. I used mine to very good effect for my review of the Aurender N20 for TAS. It's really a great power cord for the money; better than the orignal Alpha NR version 1 for half the cost.

You get Shunyata's latest NR technology, providing ~12-14dB of noise reduction utilized where it matters significantly, which right near the component's own power supply, and blocks noise components coming back out* from the component's full-wave bridge rectifier power supply, where it can be distributed to the other source and amplification devices, and contaminate those devices with noise components.

If not that, then Venom NR V10. Quite comparable to the Delta NR v2, though the Delta NR v2 has CopperCONN plugs which make a notable improvement.

*-lest we forget, the current is AC; alternating current, which mean it runs...BOTH WAYS, into the component, and...OUT of the component. Doh! 😜

Are there any issues with competing noise reduction systems if one already has a power conditioner in place? The folks over at thecableco.com recommend the non-NR versions of the Shunyata if one has a power conditioner. Just curious if others have tried both versions.

Originally Posted by Puma Cat

No.


The non-NR power cords, e.g. the Shunya Omega, Sigma, Alpha, Delta XC, etc. power cords are intended for connecting power distributors (PD) to the AC mains because these power cords are specifically designed to deliver as much current to the PD as possible, which is what you want in a PC that is connected from the AC mains to the PD (in other words, these PCs don't need NR because the PD they are connected to provides that).

If you're connecting from the wall receptable directly to a say, an amp, then you want to use a NR power cord in this application, because there is no NR-capable PD to provide NR filtering coming in from the AC mains.

The other place to use an XC PC is with a product e.g. the First Sound preamps, which have external power supplies with Shunyata CCI-X NR tech already built into the input end (AC end) of the power supply, so you don't need to use a NR power cord here because it's already "built in".

I have a balanced power system with an Equi=tech 10Q. It is with this information that thecableco made their recommendation. I am not sure if that changes your comments.

Acoustic Zen Gargantua II is my go to power cord for anything under $1k used. This cable basicly does everything right and has a certain "musical/organic" sense, natural timbres and an easy flowing liquidity that is hard to find under a few grands.

I use the Krakatoa to my Pass INT-60

Originally Posted by Jim Smith

I use Shunyata for my Denali...

Sorry for getting this question out so late. This is possibly inconsistent with what Steve (PumaCat) is suggesting, which might be (I am not sure) that the cords after the power conditioner/distributor are more important than the cord from the wall to the conditioner (or at least the "needs" in each case are different)?

Originally Posted by KeithR

How did Shunyata compare with Zu? I’ve had the Events in my system.

I don't recall comparing them on the same components so can't really say, but I preferred both to other cords tried in those same positions, including the Transparent.

Originally Posted by rbbert

Sorry for getting this question out so late. This is possibly inconsistent with what Steve (PumaCat) is suggesting, which might be (I am not sure) that the cords after the power conditioner/distributor are more important than the cord from the wall to the conditioner (or at least the "needs" in each case are different)?

Since Puma Cat refuses to abide by the AS TOS and list any of his industry affiliations, I would take anything he says with a grain of salt. If he is an official spokesman/brand ambassador/photographer/shill for Shunyata, he needs to post that in his signature.

But how about just one expensive cord to the conditioner, as Jim suggests? That would appear to be reasonable, and I doubt there is good experimental evidence to support or refute?

Originally Posted by rbbert

But how about just one expensive cord to the conditioner, as Jim suggests? That would appear to be reasonable, and I doubt there is good experimental evidence to support or refute?

He's made the relevant points clear several times so you must be a dolt.

Originally Posted by rbbert

But how about just one expensive cord to the conditioner, as Jim suggests?

Rob, that PC does not need to be 'expensive' !

Originally Posted by mep

He's made the relevant points clear several times so you must be a dolt.

Good one! But perhaps you should be more respectful of your fellow reviewers

Originally Posted by Mikado463

Rob, that PC does not need to be 'expensive' !

I should have posted "high-quality" rather than expensive...

Originally Posted by Puma Cat

I've made the relevant points here clear a couple times: 1) the power cord (PC) from the wall needs to deliver as much current as possible when required by the musical content to the power distributor (PD). 2) the PC from component connected to the PD needs to mitigate noise from the component's internal power supply. Just using one type or the other will not provide the requisite or optimal functionality.

Despite making the relevant points here clear a couple of times, you managed to avoid answering my question (a time honored technique)...

Originally Posted by rbbert

But how about just one expensive cord to the conditioner, as Jim suggests? That would appear to be reasonable, and I doubt there is good experimental evidence to support or refute?

Rob, you should check out some of the Sablon Audio cables. They are great cables and less expensive than a lot of the others since Mark Coles sells direct so there is no middle man.

Originally Posted by dminches

Rob, you should check out some of the Sablon Audio cables. They are great cables and less expensive than a lot of the others since Mark Coles sells direct so there is no middle man.

Yes I have considered them, although the last time I checked he was having problems with his supply chain (surprise!). I'll take another look. WyWires is another small company with well-made reasonably priced cables (as you can see in my profile I have been happy with the ones I have). My old college classmate Garrett Hongo is very big on the new Audience cords and conditioners although without accommodation pricing I don't know if I want to go in that direction.

Keith-

No shortage of opinions amongst us audiophiles here so might as well toss my hat in the ring.

With my humble sound machine, I have found exotic cables to be anti-climatic at best.

Might this old time shop teacher entice you to a little DIY?

I like the DH Labs Red Wave AC cable. It can terminate with Wattgate or Furutech offerings. More recently, I tired some are gold plated Edison and IEC plugs available on Amazon; around $30 US shipped, the pair. If you need a 20 amp IEC, the options are more limited.

Food for Thought.

Enjoy the Sounds,

John