So I just bought the PS Audio Power Plant 3, which will come in a few days, as well as the Audioquest 2m Thunder Power Cable. My system is a Chord HUGO TT2 to Cayin HA-300 SET 300b tube amp with Morrow Audio MAP 3 power cable into the Audeze LCD-3F headphone.
While I’m waiting for the Power Plant 3, I have a question. Will I get more improvement plugging in the $999 Audioquest Thunder power cable from wall to Power Plant and the $350 Morrow Audio MAP3 power cable to the Cayin HA-300 tube amp, or vice versa?
Will I get better sound having the more expensive Power Cable going to the Power Plant 3 or to the amp?
Welcome Joey,
Use your best (EDTI: Best sounding) cable for the power plant, and second best for the DAC. You can play it by ear, but that can be done only after burn in (power plant: 100+ hours ; power cable: 200+ hours). Also, it is advisable to plug your digital gear farthest from your power amp which you’d plug into the high current zone. Enjoy.
I would try it one way and settle in and listen to some very familiar music and then reverse cords in the other position and listen again to the same music and whichever sounds more impressive to you is the right position for you. That’s how I usually do it. Good luck.
Yeah, already the Thunder cable on my HA-300 amp is already giving me so much more clarity, separation, texture, and tightness without going overly sharp grainy or harsh.
I can’t wait to get the Power Plant 3, but I may be tempted to buy a 2nd Thunder cable for the amp, too!
My DAC is the Chord HUGO TT2, though, so I can’t use the normal power cable on it since it actually uses a switching power supply.
By the way, OT, anyone ever use an audiophile power cable to power their desktop computer if you’re streaming music from that computer? Do you also plug in your computer to a power conditioner?
Personally, I think computers themselves are a source of noise. Cleaning the computer’s USB output may be a safer bet. Moreover, I would not plug anything with a switching power supply into the power plant such as Roon Nucleus SMPS, router wall wart or computer SMPS.
What I said above, was my practice only Though they add noise, SMPS benefit a lot from a power plant. Chord Electronics is a ++reputable company, so their SMPS must be well designed. You may want to test it with the P3, direct to the wall, or behind a conditioner and make the best decision. Your USB upgrades will make a lot of difference. Please look up the threads on the forum. All the best.
Suggestion: Purchase a good quality receptacle for the wall. Doesn’t have to a super duper $200 job, even a basic Hubbell hospital receptacle will ensure a good grip on your high quality AQ cable. I use Furutech FPX Cu (about $60 each - I have a quad receptacle setup) for the dedicated circuit and Hubbell for the support receptacles which are on a shared circuit. The heavy cables like to detach themselves from the wall due to weight.
If you’re good with simple electrical work, it’s an easy DIY. If not, hire an electrician. With that kind of upgrade you may even wish to hire an electrician to install a dedicated outlet which is not shared with other electronics around the house. Cheers. —Robert
I’ve swapped cables right and left and up and down. Frankly the only issues I fight are the IECs and plugs wanting to come loose. I don’t hear that much difference. Sound quality wise they all seem pretty close. I am using good quality cords. AQ, Cardas, and homemade Furutech power cords with Fi-11 connectors. They’re all good cables. I don’t really expect much difference. The homemade ones go to the best stuff where possible.
Though they add noise, SMPS benefit a lot from a power plant. Chord Electronics is a ++reputable company, so their SMPS must be well designed. You may want to test it with the P3, direct to the wall, or behind a conditioner and make the best decision. Your USB upgrades will make a lot of difference. Please look up the threads on the forum. All the best.
