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Post by leonski on Mar 11, 2017 17:45:58 GMT -5
Here is a link to a reasonable DIY for a well-regarded 12 gauge power cord. diyaudioprojects.com/Power/diyMains/The cable referenced is BELDEN which is a top-line manufacturer and does a lot of OEM work for 'rebranders'. Blue Jeans Cable uses Belden almost exclusively. Price? at over 12$ per foot, it is on the expensive side for most EMO fans. IF 'we' could arrange a group buy, price will drop to under 10$ per foot. Maybe end up 80$ for a 6 foot cord with good connectors and an attractive 'cover'. 100 feet would be the minimum 'interestesting' level of purchase, but an entire 250foot 'spool' can probably be had for an even LOWER $$$. I'd like to gauge interest now and try to organze the money part, later, if enough people want to buy enough cable. I think the Shielding ALONE would be worthwhile. I see lots of 'noise' issues, especially with the HT guys whose gear might actually be stacked up or in a fairly crowded rack. Most amps come at least ONE gauge size short of optimum. This 12ga cable would be perfect for even the highest powered amps, especially those built to a price where the builder is looking to 'save money' to provide an otherwise good value. If enough support exists, I'll try to facilitate the 'buy' and distribute. |
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Post by RichGuy on Mar 12, 2017 13:16:04 GMT -5
I make my own power cords and I am very happy with them, they both look great and the shielding helps protect against unwanted noise. I use Belden shielded cable but you don't need to spend as much as the cable you're looking at. I use Belden 19364 shielded cable it is very good high quality wire and around $2.59 a foot for the wire. It is 14g 3 wire plus drain wire and aluminum foil shielding and quality insulation, very good stuff. I also use Marinco connectors like mentioned in your link, I use the Marinco 8215 hospital grade plugs and Marinco 320IEC15 IEC connectors. I have bought them from both Parts Express and also from Amazon. Typically around $12 for the plug and $18 for the IEC connectors, the Marinco's are high quality and very easy to work with. Then with some TechFlex and a little shrink tubing the power cables look great, the shielding gives you a little added noise protection and are very nice high quality power cords. Also they are exactly the length you need, in my system I have lengths as short as about 1 1/2 feet and as long as about 16 feet all plugging into my power conditioner. This is the Belden 19364 shielded cable.   |
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Post by leonski on Mar 12, 2017 13:22:50 GMT -5
Yes, for applications which can get by with 14 ga, the 19364 is PERFECT.
I was thinking mostly of the folks who own the XPR / XPA-1 amps and especially the one which has a recommended 20 amp service.
Some of the real DIY fans get all excited by stuff like Insulation Type, wire count (mo-betta) tinned and whatnot.
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Post by Gary Cook on Mar 12, 2017 14:36:48 GMT -5
I make my own power cords and I am very happy with them, they both look great and the shielding helps protect against unwanted noise. Where do you connect the shielding to? Both ends or one end? Cheers Gary |
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Post by leonski on Mar 12, 2017 15:14:04 GMT -5
Shield gets connected ONLY at the wall plug side, and than to ground (green wire). This provides a ground path for any interference the cord is exposed to.
Check out the DIY I linked. Easy.
Let me know if you want to buy some cable. If I can get enough people, we get a better price.
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Post by RichGuy on Mar 12, 2017 16:00:44 GMT -5
Shield gets connected ONLY at the wall plug side, and than to ground (green wire). Yes this is the best way, shield, drain and ground wire all connected together to ground at the beginning plug end of the cable (only the one end). Of coarse use the required gauge wire for your needs 14 gauge is good for most needs and going to a larger gauge than what is in your walls is useless. But shielded wire where it is near your system and running near your other cables can help reduce unwanted noise in your system. |
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Post by leonski on Mar 12, 2017 17:49:39 GMT -5
As kind of an aside, that's why I run OPTICAL when possible and balanced if I can.
Optical has NO ground path, not being electrical, and the balanced is great for longer runs and defeating common mode interference.
A shielded power cable, even 14ga for Digital and other devices while reservinge 12ga for power amps is icing on the cake.
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Post by leonski on Mar 16, 2017 13:00:38 GMT -5
Pretty much what I expected:
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Post by lockheed on Mar 16, 2017 13:20:18 GMT -5
I'm in
these have been on my list for a while
I have made most of my own wires - rca, balanced, trigger, speaker
its nice to have the right length and choice of wire and connectors
ed
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Post by 405x5 on Mar 16, 2017 14:40:04 GMT -5
Nothing beats the factory power cord that comes with the amplifier, period.
For starters they are, In most cases, a sealed molded assembly of the proper gauge (assuming we are talking Emotiva quality amps and cords.
sealed with no crimps, SCREWS or anything to get loose for a lifetime, unless that cat chews it up.
Of all the wonderful things that CAN be done to enhance the audio/video experience, this is IMHO, a colossal waste of time and effort, and does nothing more than add something that could become problematic down the road.
Bill
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Post by 405x5 on Mar 16, 2017 14:52:25 GMT -5
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Post by leonski on Mar 16, 2017 19:32:33 GMT -5
Nothing beats the factory power cord that comes with the amplifier, period. For starters they are, In most cases, a sealed molded assembly of the proper gauge (assuming we are talking Emotiva quality amps and cords. sealed with no crimps, SCREWS or anything to get loose for a lifetime, unless that cat chews it up. Of all the wonderful things that CAN be done to enhance the audio/video experience, this is IMHO, a colossal waste of time and effort, and does nothing more than add something that could become problematic down the road. Bill Don't be ridiculous. Power cords on most amps are probably 1 ga too small. I'll bet this is true to all but the highest priced stuff, which is still price / profit driven. I suggest ASKING EMO what power cord size comes with what amp. For example, whatever mono bloc EMO made which 'ASKED' for a 20 amp circuit should have come with a 12 ga cord. PERIOD. Did it? Even my Parasound amps are under-corded. I think my A23 comes with 16 but changing to 14 should provide benefit. The shielding is another good property and useful in some situations. I suspect that some system noise is power-cord related either as an entry point (Toroids defeat most RF) but also possibley as a 'radiating' surface. Otherwise known as an Antenna. As far as 'something problematic'? I take my system down Once-A-Year. All connections are cleaned. All get a quick dose of DeOxit. Sure, copper oxidizes. And at that point, believe it or not, has properties of a DIODE. The Belden is a tinned wire which helps in this regard. Take care of your gear and it'll take care of you. I made mistakes 30+ years ago and saved a sample of 'zip cord', which was green inside and sticky. Loved the pics in the next post: |
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Post by 405x5 on Mar 16, 2017 20:06:15 GMT -5
" Power cords on most amps are probably 1 ga too small." "I suggest ASKING EMO what power cord size comes with what amp." " For example, whatever mono bloc EMO made which 'ASKED' for a 20 amp circuit should have come with a 12 ga cord. PERIOD. Did it?" |
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Post by boomzilla on Mar 16, 2017 20:28:37 GMT -5
I'd go for 10 or 12 gauge. Count me in for about 25 feet.
Boomzilla
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Post by RichGuy on Mar 16, 2017 20:35:29 GMT -5
Nothing beats the factory power cord that comes with the amplifier, period. For starters they are, In most cases, a sealed molded assembly of the proper gauge (assuming we are talking Emotiva quality amps and cords. sealed with no crimps, SCREWS or anything to get loose for a lifetime, unless that cat chews it up. Of all the wonderful things that CAN be done to enhance the audio/video experience, this is IMHO, a colossal waste of time and effort, and does nothing more than add something that could become problematic down the road. Bill Wrong period. The factory power cord has no shielding and provides absolutely no protection at all from electronic interference, no protection from electronic noise from the power cord to other cables in your system and no protection from electronic noise being picked up by its wires and being brought into your system. The factory power cord can actually act as an antenna to bring RFI/EMI noise into your system. A power cord built with quality shielded wire does offer protection from RFI/EMI noise. The factory power cord comes in one length and it is usually either too long or too short for the ideal length needed. A custom made power cord can be built to the exact length needed, 18 inches, 18 feet or whatever length works best. Quality connectors are better than the factory molded plugs, they normally last longer and can have a better snugger fit as well as the ability to be removed to make any adjustments, etc. Hospital Grade connectors are required for life or death power cords used in the medical industry because they are built to stricter tolerances and have a less chance of failure. Custom power cords can also be an attractive addition and look nicer than the factory supplied power cord. No one says you have to upgrade your power cord if you don't want to, but yes your power cord can be upgraded and what anyone chooses to upgrade in their system is a matter of personal preference. |
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Post by Axis on Mar 16, 2017 20:48:34 GMT -5
Nothing beats the factory power cord that comes with the amplifier, period. For starters they are, In most cases, a sealed molded assembly of the proper gauge (assuming we are talking Emotiva quality amps and cords. sealed with no crimps, SCREWS or anything to get loose for a lifetime, unless that cat chews it up. Of all the wonderful things that CAN be done to enhance the audio/video experience, this is IMHO, a colossal waste of time and effort, and does nothing more than add something that could become problematic down the road. Bill Wrong period. The factory power cord has no shielding and provides absolutely no protection at all from electronic interference, no protection from electronic noise from the power cord to other cables in your system and no protection from electronic noise being picked up by its wires and being brought into your system. The factory power cord can actually act as an antenna to bring RFI/EMI noise into your system. A power cord built with quality shielded wire does offer protection from RFI/EMI noise. The factory power cord comes in one length and it is usually either too long or too short for the ideal length needed. A custom made power cord can be built to the exact length needed, 18 inches, 18 feet or whatever length works best. Quality connectors are better than the factory molded plugs, they normally last longer and can have a better snugger fit as well as the ability to be removed to make any adjustments, etc. Hospital Grade connectors are required for life or death power cords used in the medical industry because they are built to stricter tolerances and have a less chance of failure. Custom power cords can also be an attractive addition and look nicer than the factory supplied power cord. No one says you have to upgrade your power cord if you don't want to, but yes your power cord can be upgraded and what anyone chooses to upgrade in their system is a matter of personal preference. I have always used the power cord that came with gear. I have never had any noise or problems of any kind from the supplied cord unless it was damaged. How do you know that a Factory power cord has no shielding ? Did you read this ? |
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Post by boomzilla on Mar 16, 2017 20:55:58 GMT -5
Factory power cords HAVE NO SHIELDING (unless you're buying a really, really, really expensive component). Why? Two reasons - they normally don't need shielding and shielding costs more money. The power cord (in addition to providing power to the component) is also a radio frequency antenna. Most power supplies block the RF anyway, so it isn't an issue. BUT - if you're living in an area that has high RF content (and if you are, I recommend you move quickly) then the shielding blocks that interference & noise to a greater degree than does an unshielded cord. So I agree with RichGuy. You probably DON'T need a shielded power cord. For almost all of us, it's a waste of money. So why have one? My answer is "why not?" It does no harm, costs little (particularly if you DIY), and gives you the fun of having made your own gear. Boomzilla |
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Post by Axis on Mar 16, 2017 21:05:04 GMT -5
Factory power cords HAVE NO SHIELDING (unless you're buying a really, really, really expensive component). Why? Two reasons - they normally don't need shielding and shielding costs more money. The power cord (in addition to providing power to the component) is also a radio frequency antenna. Most power supplies block the RF anyway, so it isn't an issue. BUT - if you're living in an area that has high RF content (and if you are, I recommend you move quickly) then the shielding blocks that interference & noise to a greater degree than does an unshielded cord. So I agree with RichGuy. You probably DON'T need a shielded power cord. For almost all of us, it's a waste of money. So why have one? My answer is "why not?" It does no harm, costs little (particularly if you DIY), and gives you the fun of having made your own gear. Boomzilla This is a solution looking for a problem. I used to make twisted pair wire with a third wire ground only one end in car audio system and it worked when there was a problem. DIY is a hobby and you can make any wire you want and have fun. Don't try to scare everyone that there power cords are going to blow up after receiving signals from aliens in outer space. Your standard Factory fresh supplied power cord is up to the job ! Let's give those hard working power cords some thanks for all they do to power the music.  |
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cawgijoe
Emo VIPs 
"We made too many of the wrong mistakes." - Yogi Berra
Posts: 4,895
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Post by cawgijoe on Mar 16, 2017 21:10:39 GMT -5
I've made several power cords with Marinco connectors purchased from Parts Express and using power cable bought from Lowes.
Easy to do. They work great and look great and the cost is small.
The Marinco plugs are of very high quality.
It's a fun project.
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Post by RichGuy on Mar 16, 2017 21:40:17 GMT -5
Don't try to scare everyone that there power cords are going to blow up after receiving signals from aliens in outer space. Of course not..... aliens don't be silly. Everyone knows Emotiva designs their factory power cords to blow up after receiving a signal sent when an Emotiva Lounge forum member reaches their 6,975 post.  |
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