By now, most of you know that I own the BHK preamp and BHK 300 monoblock amplifiers. I’m constantly trying to figure out if I should change interconnects from my SACD player, or from the preamp to the amps, or speaker cables (not to mention single run or bi-wire).
Up to now I’ve avoided the issue of power cables. To me I can’t wrap my head around why they should make a difference.
I would like to get some opinions on their experiences with power cables on the BHK equipment, which cable is the first to replace, type of cable, price to expect to spend, what to expect, etc…
See my posts under latest upgrades for the interconnect I just replaced between my dac & preamp. I would start with one pair of interconnect, and see how that goes. The important location for the best interconnect is from source to preamp.
Also, see Ron’s comments regarding power cables, as well as a wealth of info from Al, Paul & Greg
I also had a post about the interconnect between the source and the preamp. I am using Audioquest Water XLR cables. On many older recordings they are a bit unforgiving. I also have a pair of older Audioquest Ruby RCA interconnect cables that were a bit more dull in sound.
I have them both connected from my SACD to the BHK preamp on input 1 and input 2. The difference in sonics is more than subtle. Works very well depending on the quality of recording I’m listening to.
I was disappointed many years ago to discover power cables really do make a difference. Disappointed because I surmised correctly that would lead to a long search and big expenditures over the years.
I would recommend the BAV power cables from Belden as a good starting point. You should hear a difference, a positive difference. If you don’t–cease and desist. If you do. . . you have my sympathy.
I started with the Decware cables of a few decades back. I heard a lower noise floor which gave more detail “presence” and I heard a fuller sound, mainly from a richer lower end. That took my system up a few notches. That was on the amplifier, and then I added the same cables to preamp and source. More of a good thing was the result.
You asked for input from those who have tried various power cables on BHK equipment. I have the BHK preamp, which uses a Snake River Amp Series power cord. It is in every way superior to the stock power cord: it improves everything, literally (except bank balances). On the same preamp I use Snake River RCA and Balanced interconnects. The same comment applies: a very significant improvement in every way. I suggest that if $$$ is a concern, to do your research, come up with some candidates, and then closely monitor the used market.