Main cables

[steffy72004]

As many have read (thanks once again for the precious advice) I have just built up my new system as in signature. I am truly satisfied with the result, but you always try to obtain the maximum from what you got[😉]

I was wondering if it could be a good complement to replace the standard power cables of my amp and cd player:

- would it be an upgrade in sound quality?

- which would benfit the most, amp or cd? (I've read that many users in particular suggest to change Apollo power cable)

- I have the chance to grab a couple of Van den Hul Mainsserver Hybrids, would it be a correct choice?

Thanks as always!

 

[shooter]

VDH can be a bit soft sounding.

Personally i would use Russ Andrews, something like the Classic or second hand Reference would work nicely.

 

[chebby]

You don't need to worry. Rega are a long established and technically competent company who learnt a long time ago how to equip their components for effective use of the mains.

 

[AL13N]

chebby - Well put.

steffy72004 - Also, if you visit the Rega website, you'll notice that apart from the TT PSU they don't make any mains products. Definitely no mains cables.

This is despite the fact that you can buy an entire system - from stylus tip to tweeter (or in your case, from proprietary CD operating mechanism to tweeter) - including all cables from them.

Seeing (from your sig) that you love the Rega sound, I'd say stick with your current setup and keep enjoying the music

EDIT 14.06.2010: Rega have recently 'updated' their website

 

[Anonymous]

I have been living and breathing power cables, conditioners and isolation for the last month. Been trying to find the best cables etc for my setup and my friends very sweet Audionote, Audion and Cairn setup.

I think the first thought needs to be on the power coming out of the socket. Pick up a power conditioner or a decent power strip like the Tacima CS929 (See Reviews). I have tried this against the Monster Powercenter HT800 and found no difference on either system. So for something a third of the price its a good buy at £40.

The upgrade is not like upgrading from 44Khz to 192Khz, we have found the sound is less cluttered. If there are quiet parts with a piano solo, it seems clearer and there is a real sense of silence which helps the with the sense of dynamics.

I think the best option is to look at the amp first, then the CD. From what I have tested I would say the Chord Company Supershield is the best value for money with very good results. The Wireworld Stratus 5 is amazing however, its questionable if its worth twice the Chord Company cable. QED Conduit didn't make that much of a difference and there are great cables around that price. I would rather go for the Black Rhodium Fusion.

Not tested Van Den Hul cables but I can safely say if you look at a decent power cleaner/conditioner then Chord Supershield.

I just wanted to say that I was a mains cable sceptic. I listened with my ears and watched with my eyes, when testing on my cinema setup, and I could tell the difference.

🙂

 

[Anonymous]

Heed Chebby and AL13N. Don't go wasting your money on power leads, conditioning and all that bunkum!

 

[SonofSun]

Keep you money in your pocket, imo.... they don't make any difference. If you think about it how could they, you have miles of cable are connected to your house and then you expect the last 1 metre to make any difference.

You have a good system, the temptation is to tweak, just sit back and enjoy what you have bought.

A question I would ask is, why don't manufacturers of high end audio equipment supply there goods with a multicoloured esoteric mains cables? Is it because mains cable have no impact on the sound?

 

[robg1976]

I HAVE TO AGREE WITH PETER i have a nad arcam and ma br5 set up and was not convinced

i DONT THINK YOU NEED TO SPEND HUGE AMOUNTS I HAVE the tacima mains block and serious the bass is tighter and more controled and at around £30 its a quality mains block anyway.
AS FOR MAINS LEADS M USING RUSS ANDREWS POWER MAX CABLES THEY ARE GREAT QUALITY AND RUSS IL LET YOU SEND IT BACK IF YOU DONT AGREE, ALSO A BONS THE RETAL COST WAS £45 NOW ON OFFER FRO £30 THEY CLEAN UP THE SOUND TIGHTER BASS AND MORE DETAIL.

IV ALSO GOT A BLACK RHODIUM MAINS LEAD WHICH ASOUNDS GREAT BUT THE RUSS ANDREWS JUST A LITTLE BETTER WITH MY SYSTEM ANYWAY. HOPE THIS HELPS

Rob

 

[MUSICRAFT]

Hi steffy72004

I would advise you to use the original mains cables supplied as these will simply allow your components to breathe.

Thanks

Rick @ Musicraft

 

[d_a_n1979]

I agree Steffy; stick with what Rega provide; it'll do just fine

I do have to pip in though that I've recently removed the Tacima mains conditioner from my hifi system and it's made a world of difference.

Bass is deeper and tauter; midrange has really opened up and the treble is sublime.

I plugged the seperates back into the Tacima and it went a bit dull again!

It IS all deffo trial and error so make your own mind up but for me; the Tacima does a great job with the TV and surround sound system but for the hifi... It's a 'nay bother'!

 

[steffy72004]

Thanks to everyone as always! Very competent advice. So I won't mind with mains, and I will spare money for new cds to enjoy this new system that makes me fall in love with any time i switch it on