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**sbisheff** · 03-10-2009, 10:24 AM

I had a very similar experience when I upgraded my power cable on my little X-Sub. Turned me into a believer if for nothing else, upgrading the wire guage (I went from 18 to 12 awg).

**kip** · 03-10-2009, 10:41 AM

What the heck is an umbilical cable? Some kind of interconnect?

**kingdeezieav123refugee** · 03-10-2009, 10:49 AM

An umbilical cable is what is refered to as the cable that connects the preamp to its outboard power supply.

My Mapletree Preamp has an external tube rectified power supply that has to get connected to the actual preamp unit.

It does this via an umbilical cable.

**DavidJames** · 03-10-2009, 11:11 AM

It would be interesting to hear from the preamp vendor regarding why they ship their product with such an inferior cable.

**kingdeezieav123refugee** · 03-10-2009, 11:33 AM

MapleTree Audio is really just one gentleman who point to point wires these preamps in Canada.

These preamps are phenomenal performers, and they only cost about 1000 dollars direct from him.

The cable that he ships with the preamp is most certainly good enough for it to function, but obviously given the small amount you pay for the preamp, the wire is bare minimum.

The 7000 dollar Cary Audio preamp's umbilical cable can also be upgraded using this same cable from Audio Revelations Labs with just different connectors.

Its also why there is an ENTIRE power cable market. OEM's make products within a certain price range, and ship standard cables within those expectations.

Nothing different here at all.

**DavidJames** · 03-10-2009, 11:42 AM

Originally posted by kingdeezieav123refugee

MapleTree Audio is really just one gentleman who point to point wires these preamps in Canada.

These preamps are phenomenal performers, and they only cost about 1000 dollars direct from him.

The cable that he ships with the preamp is most certainly good enough for it to function, but obviously given the small amount you pay for the preamp, the wire is bare minimum.

The 7000 dollar Cary Audio preamp's umbilical cable can also be upgraded using this same cable from Audio Revelations Labs with just different connectors.

Its also why there is an ENTIRE power cable market. OEM's make products within a certain price range, and ship standard cables within those expectations.

Nothing different here at all.

I find the concept of boutique power chords to be fascinating. A product has power requirements. The idea that a vendor will supply a cable which doesn't meet those requirements is interesting. If the requirements are met, it's equally interesting that there is belief that exceeding those requirements produces such amazing improvements.

Yeah, I'm firmly in the objectivists camp :)

**sbisheff** · 03-10-2009, 11:49 AM

Originally posted by DavidJames

I find the concept of boutique power chords to be fascinating. A product has power requirements. The idea that a vendor will supply a cable which doesn't meet those requirements is interesting. If the requirements are met, it's equally interesting that there is belief that exceeding those requirements produces such amazing improvements.

Yeah, I'm firmly in the objectivists camp :)

I was just going over this at my work (not power cords but a different application). In the Data/Comm world you have standards by which a product has to meet to be "certified" for that use. For example, a patch panel has to meet minimum specifications to be considered Category 6 compliant. Does that mean it is the same and will perform the same as an above compliant Cat6 patch panel? Of course not. The above compliant panel is going to perform better, have better headroom, less loss, less cross-talk, etc. The min compliant panel is built for people that want Cat6 but want it cheap while the above compliant is for those that want Cat6 and want to maximize everything they can out of this technology.

Why would a power cable be any different? There are various levels made that will meet the minimum required and those that are made for people that want to maximize their experience. No "placebo" needed, just different strokes for different folks.

I was extremely wary of it before until I tried it. My wife could easily hear the difference too even when I was doing it blind for her. She didn't know which cable was being used but could pick out the better cable every time.

**kingdeezieav123refugee** · 03-10-2009, 11:57 AM

Well, this is a conversation that has gone on forever.

You either believe it or don't.

My point was to state that Mapletree Audio makes quality products, and in no way is this observation a critique on the craftsmanship of MAD.

IMO a 180 dollar upgrade umbilical cord is not "boutique."

IMO, a cable that uses better materials, connectors, and cable shielding, should produce benefits.

Have you tried upgrading your power cables, or, are you merely speaking from what you suppose SHOULD be the case.

**skullguise** · 03-10-2009, 10:16 PM

Glad this is working out for you!

Brad @ RAL makes some amazing stuff, though he had gotten himself in some serious trouble due to (apparent) overcommittment and underdelivery some time ago. SOUNDS like he has caught up finally.

He seems like a great guy, though, and I just ordered a new headphone upgrade cable for some Ultrasones I have. I have had/heard 2 of his other cables (for Sennheisers, and twice for AKG's - still own one of the AKG's), and they are the best I've heard. Caveat: have heard many, but not all.

I should be getting a shipping notice any day now, though I may have to ping him to see about status.....

**Putz** · 03-10-2009, 11:42 PM

Do upgraded cables make a difference on "average" equipment?

For example, my stuff: Panny 46PZ85U , Samsung BDP1500, PS3, Yamaha RXV1800, Thorens TD280MK3, ML Mosaics, ML Fresco, Acculine A1s, ML Dynamo, MFW15 Mascarey Rosa

If so, what would make the most sense to upgrade: power cords, hdmi, sub, speaker, etc cables.

Finally, where do you draw the line? $200 cable on a $300-$500 piece of equipment? Or do I save my $ to upgrade the equipment?

p.s. I did spend $50 on spikes for my Mosaics and they do sound better.

**kingdeezieav123refugee** · 03-11-2009, 10:28 AM

I think if you could utilize it, it should make some sort of difference, if, for nothing other then increased gauge.

For instance, if that Yammy receiver have has a the ability to change the power cable, a nice cable increase should make a difference.

I wouldn't spend thousands on it though.

The cables that come with most equipment though is just enough to meet power requirements and allow the unit to function.

**Putz** · 03-11-2009, 10:41 AM

New Yammy cost $900
New Power Cord cost $?

What would you recommend and where is best place to buy?

Does plugging upgraded power cord into surge protector (not a $6 one) defeat the purpose?

**sbisheff** · 03-11-2009, 10:57 AM

Originally posted by Putz

New Yammy cost $900
New Power Cord cost $?

What would you recommend and where is best place to buy?

Does plugging upgraded power cord into surge protector (not a $6 one) defeat the purpose?

I'd check out Zebra Cables: http://zebracables.com/zc12.html

Or Signal Cable: http://signalcable.com/magicpower.html

Or you can just build your own with the same connectors, tech flex and some nice 10 or 12 awg power cord.

**Putz** · 03-11-2009, 11:56 AM

What about power filtering? Is anyone using this and is it worth it?

I checked out this "economy" model http://www.psaudio.com/ps/products/d...nter?cat=power

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