Upgrading power cables

[d_a_n1979]

I'm going to be after some new power cables for my NAD amp and CDP; the amp is fairly straight forward and has the 'kettle' type IEC lead so I'll replace that like for like with a Cleaer Audio Copper-line Alpha.

The CDP looks to have a figure of 8 power cable so I want to see if I can replace that; Clearer Audio do a figure 8 plug by the looks of it but it's an extra £25 on top of the £35 for the cable.

Are there any other suggestions?

Cheers

 

[Craig M.]

you mean apart from the obvious?

 

[AL13N]

I believe Clearer Audio also do a Figure 8 Adapter for around 5 pounds. Depends how you feel about using an adapter with your cable.

 

[Anonymous]

d_a_n1979:I'm going to be after some new power cables for my NAD amp and CDP; the amp is fairly straight forward and has the 'kettle' type IEC lead so I'll replace that like for like with a Cleaer Audio Copper-line Alpha.

The CDP looks to have a figure of 8 power cable so I want to see if I can replace that; Clearer Audio do a figure 8 plug by the looks of it but it's an extra £25 on top of the £35 for the cable.

Are there any other suggestions?

Cheers

Clearer Audio also do a figure of 8 adaptor for about £5.

Look in the online store under accessories.

 

[SonofSun]

There is a used Clearer Audio Copper-line Alpha cable on ebay at the mo, why not save a few quid.

Normal
0

false
false
false

EN-GB
X-NONE
X-NONE

MicrosoftInternetExplorer4

DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">

UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>

UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>

UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>

UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>

UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>

UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>

UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>

UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>

UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>

UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>

UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>

UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>

UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>

UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>

UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>

UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>

UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>

UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>

UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>

UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>

UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>

UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>

UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>

UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>

UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>

UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>

UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>

UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>

UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>

UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>

UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>

UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>

UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>

UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>

UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>

UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>

UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>

UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>

UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>

UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>

UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>

UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>

UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>

UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>

UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>

UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>

UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>

UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>

UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>

UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>

UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>

UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>

UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>

UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>

UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>

UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>

UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>

UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>

UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>

UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>

UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>

UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>

UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>

UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>

UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>

UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>

UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>

UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>

UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>

UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>

UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>

UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>

UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>

UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>

UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>

UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>

UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>

UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>

UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>

UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>

UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>

UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>

UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>

UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>

UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>

UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>

UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>

UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>

UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>

UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>

UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>

UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>

UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>

UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>

UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>

UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>

UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>

UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>

UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>

UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>

UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>

UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>

UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>

UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>

UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>

UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>

UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>

UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>

UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>

UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>

UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>

UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>

UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>

UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>

/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:"Cambria Math";
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:1;
mso-generic-font-family:roman;
mso-font-format😱ther;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:0 0 0 0 0 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Calibri;
panose-1:2 15 5 2 2 2 4 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:swiss;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-1610611985 1073750139 0 0 159 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin-top:0cm;
margin-right:0cm;
margin-bottom:10.0pt;
margin-left:0cm;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;
mso-fareast-language:EN-US;}
a:link, span.MsoHyperlink
{mso-style-priority:99;
color:blue;
mso-themecolor:hyperlink;
text-decoration:underline;
text-underline:single;}
a:visited, span.MsoHyperlinkFollowed
{mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
color😛urple;
mso-themecolor:followedhyperlink;
text-decoration:underline;
text-underline:single;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;
mso-fareast-language:EN-US;}
.MsoPapDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
margin-bottom:10.0pt;
line-height:115%;}
@page Section1
{size:595.3pt 841.9pt;
margin:72.0pt 72.0pt 72.0pt 72.0pt;
mso-header-margin:35.4pt;
mso-footer-margin:35.4pt;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.Section1
{page:Section1;}
-->

/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0cm;
mso-para-margin-right:0cm;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0cm;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=220585568762&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT

 

[d_a_n1979]

Cheers for the eBay tip

 

[d_a_n1979]

AL13N:I believe Clearer Audio also do a Figure 8 Adapter for around 5 pounds. Depends how you feel about using an adapter with your cable.

Cheers for that; hadnt noticed the accessories part.

Do you think the adapter would cause issues with sound quality etc...?

 

[AL13N]

d_a_n1979:Do you think the adapter would cause issues with sound quality etc...?
Personally, No.

However, there are some who dislike the idea.

 

[MattSPL]

What kinda money are you thinking of spending on power cables?
Search Dalkey Audio on ebay. Great cables at reasonable money.

 

[d_a_n1979]

About £50 or less per cable

The Copper-line Alpha's come in at £35 so TBH that's more than enough. I dont want to start paying too much as the electronics are less than £500 each!

I have had to order another Tacima as where the hifi will be i've only 2 sockets and one is in use already for a light!

 

[MattSPL]

Do some testing with and without the mains filter.

As you have probably read on the forum there is debate as to whether they improve or ruin the sound of a system.

With my previous amp i found my filter tamed the upper mid and high frequencies.

On my current setup, i didnt want to plug the amps into it but tried the cd player and although not totally accurate due to using a standard mains cable, it killed the sound.

 

[d_a_n1979]

MattSPL:
Do some testing with and without the mains filter.

As you have probably read on the forum there is debate as to whether they improve or ruin the sound of a system.

With my previous amp i found my filter tamed the upper mid and high frequencies.

On my current setup, i didnt want to plug the amps into it but tried the cd player and although not totally accurate due to using a standard mains cable, it killed the sound.

Yes I had paid attention to those posts...

Do you think just using a standard mains extension would suffice then but with the replacement power cables?

 

[Anonymous]

Russ Andrews do figure of 8 adaptors. I have a couple. Good quality.

 

[Anonymous]

look at russ andrews. I think their mains cables give the most noticeable results of mains cables I have demo'd .Their mains blocks are pretty good too and don't have any adverse effects on the sound. If you want a basic mains block in the meantime the tacima is worth having and can be got for about £20 new if you look around. 5 star what hi fi review and personally i found it made a difference.Not a lot, mind but it was noticeable.

 

[d_a_n1979]

Fraz1:Russ Andrews do figure of 8 adaptors. I have a couple. Good quality.

Cheers

They look to be exactly the same as Clearer Audio use

 

[AL13N]

d_a_n1979:About £50 or less per cable The Copper-line Alpha's come in at £35 so TBH that's more than enough. I dont want to start paying too much as the electronics are less than £500 each!
The Silver High Breed Accord 8awg Power Cable is £30 and comes with a 12 Day Trial Period. If your not happy you get a full refund including return postage. Worth an audition within your budget.

 

[d_a_n1979]

Thanks but 12 days just isnt long enough IMO

 

[Craig M.]

d_a_n1979:MattSPL:
Do some testing with and without the mains filter.

As you have probably read on the forum there is debate as to whether they improve or ruin the sound of a system.

With my previous amp i found my filter tamed the upper mid and high frequencies.

On my current setup, i didnt want to plug the amps into it but tried the cd player and although not totally accurate due to using a standard mains cable, it killed the sound.

Yes I had paid attention to those posts...

Do you think just using a standard mains extension would suffice then but with the replacement power cables?

i tried an isol-8 minisub mains conditioner last weekend, all it did was rob the bass of power and squash dynamics when used with my amp, with no benefits. and that was through the dedicated poweramp sockets. can't see any harm in using aftermarket powerleads (the ones i've tried haven't done anything), but conditioners might make things worse.

 

[d_a_n1979]

That's my issue!

I may just send the Tacima back and use a double plug for the light and just plug it in when it's needed. That corner light doesnt get used that much but it DOES get used if you follow me...!

 

[MattSPL]

You can make a very good quality extension lead for about £15, better quality than pretty much anything you'd buy for less than £100. Although it wont look as pretty.

You buy 3 core Screened flex cable from an electrical wholesalers of either 1.5 or 2.5sq mm. Whatever length you need your lead to be.
The screening around the cable prevents RFI and EMI entering the length of cable.

Then buy an MK 13amp plug or even a silver plated one if you like. Also buy 1 or more MK twin unswitched sockets and surface back boxes for them.

Put the 13amp plug on 1 end of the flex and a socket on the other. If you buy more than 1 socket, use a piece of the flex to loop from 1 socket to the other.

 

[Anonymous]

AL13N:d_a_n1979:About £50 or less per cable The Copper-line Alpha's come in at £35 so TBH that's more than enough. I dont want to start paying too much as the electronics are less than £500 each!
The Silver High Breed Accord 8awg Power Cable is £30 and comes with a 12 Day Trial Period. If your not happy you get a full refund including return postage. Worth an audition within your budget.
I can vouch for these, good improvement for the money and well built. The Accord seems to make a larger improvement than my Chord Superscreen, possibly due to the pair of ferrite magnets on it. If you buy from Clearer Audio then get these added as I'm convinced they're a good value improvement.

Making your own is a good idea, one I looked into before buying from SHB. The cable tends to be pretty thick gauge and unless you're a dab hand can be quite tricky to connect to IEC and mains plugs.