General Asylum: REVIEW: Volex 17604(5) Cable by pmkap

Model:	17604(5)
Category:	Cable
Suggested Retail Price:	$6
Description:	Shielded Powercord with IEC termination
Manufacturer URL:	Volex
Model Picture:	View

Review by pmkap ( A ) on October 09, 2003 at 10:52:23
IP Address: 24.90.251.204

Add Your Review
for the 17604(5)

First, I'll state that I do not consider these industrial, mass produced, low margin 14gaX3 shielded powercords to be an 'upgrade', but rather, they are the minimally acceptable powercords for audio use (which is why I'm posting this in the General Asylum). For whatever reasons, vendors generally provide generic 18 or 16ga PCs, and I've never encountered a situation where the Volex 17604 or 17605 (2 and 3 meters) have not produced a major improvement in all areas, soundstaging, resolution, dynamics, extension, emotion.....Simply put, everything is 'mo betta'.
These powercords are ideal for anyone who wants to judge whether powercords actually make a difference or for judging what value a more 'bespoke' and expensive cord is providing.
Comparisons - In comparison to the 'Asylum' cord, the latter provides higher resolution, which may be attributable to the removal of the plummyness imparted to the bass (in comparison to most OEM cords, the Volex bass is tighter and more resolving). But realize that a premade 'Asylum' cord will cost about 10x as much, or if you DIY, each major component, the cable, plug, IEC, will cost as much as a complete Volex cord. My own DIY starquad powercords (IMO) and many other aftermarket cords are substantially better, but whaddaya expect for <$1/ft for the whole dang cord?
If you're unsure as to whether powercords make a difference, want maximum bang for the buck, or want a cheap baseline for evaluating audio specific cords, do yourself a favor and buy the Volexs. Many electronic distributors cary them - Allied, Newark, etc...

Product Weakness: slightly warm, bass a bit 'plummy', little pride of ownership, not the ultimate in soundstaging and resolution in comparison to > > $
Product Strengths: tremendous value, slightly warm, bass a bit 'plummy', sins are of omission, purchase doesn't anger your significant other.

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	Aksa 100/55, Llano a-50, Mac240
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	Aksa TLP, Melos 110(modded), Nak CA5II
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Nad533, Phillips LH1000transport, Modded D/IO, Monachy 33(modded)
Speakers:	Alon IVs, Met 7.7s
Cables/Interconnects:	Black Orpheus, 89259cc, 89259, JenaLabs, Volex,'Asylum',DIY Starquad
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	World Music (Anglique Kidjo, 3Mustapha3), Broadway (Assasins), Bouef ce le Trois. various rock, Ella
Room Size (LxWxH):	32 x 17 x 13
Room Comments/Treatments:	Rugs, Drapes
Time Period/Length of Audition:	2 years
Other (Power Conditioner etc.):	x2 caps wired into outlets
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner

Product Weakness:	slightly warm, bass a bit 'plummy', little pride of ownership, not the ultimate in soundstaging and resolution in comparison to > > $
Product Strengths:	tremendous value, slightly warm, bass a bit 'plummy', sins are of omission, purchase doesn't anger your significant other.