Re-terminating power cords. Any sonic benefit?

[sleepyguy24]

Hi everyone

Just wanted to ask people here if they have ever re-terminated their stock power cords or re-terminated their power cords with different metal types. What results did you find with the re-termination if any good or bad? In your experience did you find it worthwhile?

Here is where these questions is coming about. As I'm re-doing my HT system I'm finding I'm just tired of dealing with the rigid 2 meter Atlona OFC copper power cords. They keep slipping out of the newer Hubbell Porter Port plugs I installed which really surprised me. The original plugs in my power conditioner were old and the Atlonas kept slipping out. I thought the change to the Hubbell's would help.  That is how heavy they can be and they are only 10 AWG. I bought these from a closeout and now I know why.

I may try to use some fishing line or twine to suspend them again to take pressure off the outlets and IEC inlets like I did before but it was really ugly.

Since I value my stereo systems more and want to spend as little money as possible on my HT system my thought process was buy some Rhodium plated IEC connectors from ebay. They are under $30 shipped. There are other Copper ones ends I've seen that are cheaper.

I was thinking about cutting the Atlona cables to the size I need and then re-terminating them. If that still doesn't help I was going to then chuck the Atlonas and maybe re-terminate the original Belden 17604 cable I have and maybe some stock power cords.

Any thoughts on all this are much appreciated. Also if you have any spare power cord ends you don't want let me know. I'd rather spend money here rather than sending the funds abroad.

Thanks

[TomS]

I made a simple junction box with a single flexible inlet cord (DH Labs PowerPlus) to the wall outlet. It feeds the J-Box with a Neutrik PowerConn (locking!). The J-Box now has all PowerCons on it, so I then re-terminated all of my cords with PowerCons. I'd never go back. They have 32A and 16A versions and are very inexpensive compared to most IEC hardware in the audiophile market.

I can't say there is a sonic benefit as I changed a lot of stuff, but it is definitely no loss and I never worry about whether they're tight or not.

[richidoo]

Cool idea Tom

http://www.neutrik.com/en/lighting/powercon/

[StereoNut]

Cool idea Tom

http://www.neutrik.com/en/lighting/powercon/

Look like the same termination that's on my battery / charger cable for my battery powered Dodd VGP Pre-amp.

SN

[JBNY]

I have tried a few different PC connectors and didn't notice much if any sonic change from different connectors, so I would say just re-terminate it if you are unhappy with your connector. I've used connectors with copper and Rhodium. Most of the times I have done it purely for aesthetic purposes.

[TomS]

Cool idea Tom

http://www.neutrik.com/en/lighting/powercon/

Look like the same termination that's on my battery / charger cable for my battery powered Dodd VGP Pre-amp.

SN

Yes I think that is the 20A version (blue/gray), but there are 3 different versions which each must be paired up to work. No mixing and matching. I used the 32A version (black) for the AC inlet but the power cords and outlets use the True1 20A versions (black/yellow).

[sleepyguy24]

Many Thanks guys for your prompt suggestions and thoughts. I wish when I had first encountered the plugs slipping out of the original outlets in my power conditioner I had posted a thread here looking for solutions. The Neutrik PowerCon connector idea would have really worked. If I were to do this I presume I would also have to change the IEC inlets on my amp and HT processor to accommodate the PowerCon connectors?

[TomS]

Many Thanks guys for your prompt suggestions and thoughts. I wish when I had first encountered the plugs slipping out of the original outlets in my power conditioner I had posted a thread here looking for solutions. The Neutrik PowerCon connector idea would have really worked. If I were to do this I presume I would also have to change the IEC inlets on my amp and HT processor to accommodate the PowerCon connectors?

I only changed the male connectors and outlets in the J-box, not the IEC's on the gear itself, as long as those fit tight. Otherwise I just wrap a little teflon plumbing tape around them to tighten the fit a bit.

[rollo]

Cool idea Tom

http://www.neutrik.com/en/lighting/powercon/

Look like the same termination that's on my battery / charger cable for my battery powered Dodd VGP Pre-amp.

SN

      Ir certainly is Ollie. Excellent choice BTW. Sleepyguy if you like the power cords sound as is then leave it alone. try using a wood block or other  means to support the plug.
    Plugs IMO do sound different. Rhodium being on the bright side and copper on the warm side.
     IMO audio manufactures and PC manufactures should consider the powercon connector. No exotic nonsense just a great connection with no sonic harm.
     The other option is to remove plug from cord and hard wire to component.
      A juntion box works but adds extra wire and connections that can affect sonics. Just keep it simple.


charles

[sleepyguy24]

Thanks everyone for the help. I'm going to keep the cables as they are. I do like they synergy they have with some of the components I paired them with. I'll just deal with the annoying details that go along with them.

[rollo]

  That a boy. Draw that line in the sand. Good decision.


charles