Power Cord Possibilities

[prepress]

As a result of my IEC connection woes (detailed in another thread), I am more actively looking at brands other than Wireworld. Since My ICs are Kimber and Transparent, I thought I should look at them first, but am also including Furutech and Pangea. I see no need to go beyond these four at this time.

The budget is tight, so I won't be looking at their premium stuff. Preliminary perusals of literature reveal that Furutech and Pangea make specific mention of tight-gripping IECs. I will most likely take a chance on one of the four brands to start, and if I'm pleased with the connection, move to order more of that cord over time for all sources except the turntable, which has a captive cord (the phono preamp, however, does not, so I guess the turntable qualifies after all). Meantime, I'm trying to use photographer's tape to support the WW IECs that are the most troublesome.

[PMCH]

My preference is Acoustic Zen cables. They are large and heavy though.

[Masterlu]

I think it is very important to note the following: I have been using WW power cords for over 20 years, and not had a single case of a sagging cord.

I employ over 200 of them throughout all my installations; here is just one system.





In addition, a while back I used a micrometer to measure the WW IEC end and compared them to Furutech, Pangea, MIT, and Cardas. They all varied less than .001"









Your problem is on the receiving end (gear side) not the power cord.

[PMCH]

Ivan, that is an amazing cord management system. My head spins just looking at it.

[prepress]

Originally Posted by Masterlu

I think it is very important to note the following: I have been using WW power cords for over 20 years, and not had a single case of a sagging cord.

I employ over 200 of them throughout all my installations; here is just one system.

In addition, a while back I used a micrometer to measure the WW IEC end and compared them to Furutech, Pangea, MIT, and Cardas. They all varied less than .001"

Your problem is on the receiving end (gear side) not the power cord.

Well, your equipment is better than mine.

In Furutech's case, their grip is due to a "wire-clamping mechanism" unique to them, which wouldn't have much to do with the outside dimensions. As you noted, the IEC connectors are all pretty close to one another in that regard. Pangea supposedly discovered a new IEC that has a "death grip" (not my language, theirs), which is incorporated into their newer cables. And that's probably tied to the internals of the IEC as well.

One thing about the WW cords' flat profile is that it's more difficult to maneuver them side-to-side if the IEC's not vertical; up and down is fine. The lateral inflexibility is magnified by the short lengths I have (1m on the BDP and preamp). I will be taking another look at the existing setup before I go whole-hog on replacements, but some of this is curiosity as to what difference, if any, other brands would make. That's why Kimber and Transparent come in, frankly.

[prepress]

Originally Posted by PMCH

My preference is Acoustic Zen cables. They are large and heavy though.

The El Nino is 12AWG, not bad. Maybe I should consider that as well.

[Masterlu]

FWIW, I have quite a few new Furutech PC's and they don't grip any tighter on the IEC end than other brands.

[prepress]

Originally Posted by Masterlu

FWIW, I have quite a few new Furutech PC's and they don't grip any tighter on the IEC end than other brands.

That's good info. Thanks.

Your photos have given me an idea regarding my previous statement about "taking another look" at my setup. The longer cords might be repositioned to reduce any downward pull of the IEC, whether or not those cords have been a problem. The shorter ones, however, are another issue. With those, either the tape will work or they'll have to be replaced, whether with longer WWs or another brand. So I'll be working both ends of this.

[prepress]

I put an extra piece of tape on the preamp cord (the biggest troublemaker), and it's holding quite well, nice and level. The extra piece isn't all the way around, just on the underside of the IEC connector.

The extra piece of tape was put on because I took my preamp out to change tubes, and when it was reconnected the IEC drooped and didn't keep the connection. I also pulled up some more slack in the cord.

[prepress]

I changed tubes in my preamp this past Saturday, and again had to struggle with the power cord as it drooped and lost connection. I am now considering actively a new PC for the preamp. Since the ICs and SC are all either Kimber or Transparent, perhaps I should start with their cords. The other PCs are Wireworld, however; haven't thought seriously about changing them just yet, as they are far less trouble, not being moved as often. But I have thought about it.

Right now I'm checking out Kimber's Ascent series and Transparent's High Performance series. With the Ascents, the main difference between them and the Basics is the connector being gold-plated. The jacket seems gray, versus the Basics' black. Transparent Premium is the comparable PC to the Plus ICs I have, but comes in the 2m length only; custom lengths are optional, but not really worth it to me. Those I've wondered about for my amps, wit the High Performance ones for the sources.

I should wait, probably, until the holidays and attendant expenses blow over since I'm not rich, but these "replace" impulses tend to be insistent.