Power Cord Grip

[prepress]

While many aren't necessarily fans here, the PS Audio power cords have the best IEC grip of any cable I've seen (not that that's a large number). Rock solid. The Jewel AC IECs don't move for anything. The Wireworld 5.2 series doesn't grip that well—I just spent a couple of minutes having to re-seat the one on my tuner; in times past I've had to fiddle with the cords on my amps and power conditioners too. The WW Series 7 seems not much better in this regard. If anyone wants to chime in, which power cord brands grip the best in your experience?

[mchydro]

Originally Posted by prepress

While many aren't necessarily fans here, the PS Audio power cords have the best IEC grip of any cable I've seen (not that that's a large number). Rock solid. The Jewel AC IECs don't move for anything. The Wireworld 5.2 series doesn't grip that well—I just spent a couple of minutes having to re-seat the one on my tuner; in times past I've had to fiddle with the cords on my amps and power conditioners too. The WW Series 7 seems not much better in this regard. If anyone wants to chime in, which power cord brands grip the best in your experience?

I thought grip was more a function of the outlet.

[audioguy3107]

Originally Posted by mchydro

I thought grip was more a function of the outlet.

I have all PS Audio outlets as well and combined with their power cords, they do have an incredibly tight fit. That being said, the Shunyata power cords I have all fit very tight as well. No worries about them becoming loose, that's for sure.

- Buck

[Masterlu]

I have zero issues with WW PC's on the IEC end staying put.

[prepress]

The WW IEC connectors have a lot of play, and I'm guessing I probably nudged the IEC on my tuner the other day (a MD) and didn't realize it when I went behind the system to work with the interconnects. I was confused for 2–3 minutes earlier today wondering why the tuner wouldn't come on, when I thought to check the connection. The WW connectors tend to sag, I've noted, and enough sometimes so that the connection is lost. It's also happened on my Furman SPR-20i. It's a tight squeeze behind the system so inadvertent nudges resulting in lost connection are possible, though NOT with the PS Audio cords still in the system.

This has also happened without my going behind the system, so sometimes I guess gravity takes over. But if there's something that can be done (short of never going behind the system) without going bonkers and overhauling my power cord setup, it would be great. I have noted that the WW cord on my blu-ray player isn't sagging; it's 1m versus the 2m on the tuner.

This isn't a regular occurrence, but it's happened often enough to annoy me today. I remember someone writing to The Absolute Sound about this same issue, though not with WW cables necessarily (I don't know what brand the gentleman had).

[Higgens]

I've never done this myself, but I've heard of people putting electrical tape around the power cord connector to increase the diameter and make it less likely to wiggle loose.

[prepress]

Originally Posted by Higgens

I've never done this myself, but I've heard of people putting electrical tape around the power cord connector to increase the diameter and make it less likely to wiggle loose.

As long as it doesn't affect/touch the connectors I guess it's okay. I've never done it, either.

I have several PS Audio Jewel ACs around and could experiment with them if I get flustered enough. I don't know how that might affect the sound; I went to Wireworld cords more for style than anything else (plus they are recommended highly here). And don't get me wrong, I like them. Looking at PS Audio's website last night, PS Audio still makes a limited number of power cords, the Jewel not among them apparently. I saw the AC3, AC5, and AC12, with nothing longer than 2m. A brief experience with the AC5 showed it to be stiffer than I preferred, hence I sent it back. I do recall the bass was better than with the stock cords on my 501s, though.

[prepress]

I moved my system out from the wall another seven inches or so over the weekend. Reconnecting everything, I had trouble with the power cords on the preamp and the SPR-20i, having to reseat and reposition the IECs several times, especially on the preamp. Annoying.

[The Lost Bears]

I think it all depends on the piece of gear. I use to have PS Audio Plus and Statement power cords. I found them stiff and heavy. The Plus cables would occasionally come loose on my Martin Logan speakers. I now use Shunyata power cords on my Audio Research gear. I no longer have the Martin Logan speakers. They seem to fit tighter and are more flexible. But I would imagine a lot depends on the type and quality of socket the piece of gear uses.

[Douglas]

This is one of the main reasons why I bought a Furutech Daytona 303 conditioner. It has "locked" receptacles which ensure a very tight grip.