Looking for some Decent Power cords

[BrennanB]

I would like to look into replacing the power cords that came with my gear with something a bit better. I am not looking for a $500 Furutech but something that is quality and better than what comes with most AV gear.

I am good with DIY speaker cables but not power so DIY probably isnt the best choice. Any suggestions would be great!

 

[Matt34]

http://store.audioholics.com/product/2286/66228/jps-labs-gpa-2-ac-cord--2m

http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?powrcabl&1285451673&/Shunyata-Diamondback-15A

A bunch of used, pretty cables on the 'GON.
http://www.audiogon.com/cgia/fsb.pl?powrcabl&1&ctg&st1

 

[TLS Guy]

I would like to look into replacing the power cords that came with my gear with something a bit better. I am not looking for a $500 Furutech but something that is quality and better than what comes with most AV gear.

I am good with DIY speaker cables but not power so DIY probably isnt the best choice. Any suggestions would be great!

Are you under the misapprehension that the AC cords affect the sound, or is it just pretty cables you want?

 

[highfigh]

Parts Express has them in several lengths and they sound great! Best sounding power cords I have used and I take this kind of thing verrrrry seriously.

I love the sound of 60 Hz hum in the morning! Sounds like, VICTORY!

 

[BrennanB]

Are you under the misapprehension that the AC cords affect the sound, or is it just pretty cables you want?

I do not believe power cables have any effect on sound unless your ears are so sensitive that you can detect minute changes to your system. I'm 1/4 deaf in one ear so I don't fall into that category .

I have two components without power cables at all and two that came with what look to be unshielded so I wanted to find some of good quality. I do like pretty cables but won't pay much more for them. I am looking in the under $50.00 range. Thanks!

 

[j_garcia]

Just go buy some standard power cables. They are under $50 - more like $5-10 and they will work just as well as $50 ones.

 

[highfigh]

I do not believe power cables have any effect on sound unless your ears are so sensitive that you can detect minute changes to your system. I'm 1/4 deaf in one ear so I don't fall into that category .

I have two components without power cables at all and two that came with what look to be unshielded so I wanted to find some of good quality. I do like pretty cables but won't pay much more for them. I am looking in the under $50.00 range. Thanks!

Power cords aren't usually shielded. They're two or three conductors, twisted slightly because they behave better than untwisted conductors, when they add the jacket and wind them onto spools.

 

[Skwisgaar]

Are you under the misapprehension that the AC cords affect the sound, or is it just pretty cables you want?

It depends on how much power you want. What's the current rating on cheap power cables from Radioshack? Also, the cheap ones only come in one length - 6 ft. After that it's extension cords, and that can be a fire hazard. Adding that extra interface adds a lot of resistance.

There's also a noise issue - are you running a lot of power through a cable that's near a lot of other cables, like a computer with a big video card?

Element Cable makes reasonably priced enthusiast power cables. The Red Storm is shielded. There are other brands that will make power cables from the same or similar parts for a lot more money.

 

[highfigh]

It depends on how much power you want. What's the current rating on cheap power cables from Radioshack? Also, the cheap ones only come in one length - 6 ft. After that it's extension cords, and that can be a fire hazard. Adding that extra interface adds a lot of resistance.

There's also a noise issue - are you running a lot of power through a cable that's near a lot of other cables, like a computer with a big video card?

Element Cable makes reasonably priced enthusiast power cables. The Red Storm is shielded. There are other brands that will make power cables from the same or similar parts for a lot more money.

Cheap ones are available in lengths from 12" to 12', and longer. It's a matter of looking for them. Hosa is one brand and they're sold at places like Guitar Center.

The current rating of the cord depends on what the device draws, nothing more and nothing less. Long extension cords cause problems when the device draws a lot of current, like a table saw or a compressor but nobody here has recommended using a long extension cord, either. Any time an extension cord is needed on a permanent basis, it's time to either move the equipment or install a new circuit. A 6' power cord isn't going to make a difference unless it's undersized for the application. Using a heavier one won't matter.

 

[JerryLove]

It depends on how much power you want. What's the current rating on cheap power cables from Radioshack? Also, the cheap ones only come in one length - 6 ft. After that it's extension cords, and that can be a fire hazard. Adding that extra interface adds a lot of resistance.

I have inexpensive power cables well above 6'

Is that like the resistance added by the hundreds of switches and breakers up-stream? Are you going to advise against switched outlets and surge-suppressors with switches now?

There's also a noise issue - are you running a lot of power through a cable that's near a lot of other cables, like a computer with a big video card?

It's not a problem I run into with my building mains at work. Laptop works fine a couple of feet away. (haven't tried closer). Heck, I can work it near my open breaker in my electrical room at work.