I’m just wondering if anyone with active speakers use any fancy mains cables with them and were they worth the upgrade?
A screened cable that makes good connections at each end would be my only criteria.
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Usual response I guess, borrow a couple (with correct fuse) to try. But I’m sure someone will have tried!
One of the few upgrades to demonstrate an immediate audible improvement was when I auditioned a Naim PowerLine on my SuperUniti 
. Therefore one might assume a high quality power cable might have a similar positive effect on the performance of active speakers’ power amplifiers…….?
Only an audition will tell for sure though, and there are a great many to choose from…..
ATB, J
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I use puritan ultimate on my atc 40a’s I changed these from standard puritan cables as i got them at a very good price. The standard ones are also very good and reasonably priced.
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Not allowed to link here (still getting used to it) but if you go on the bay and put in 1m Audiophile Screened Mains Power Cable UK 3pin to IEC C13 Kettle Plug
it comes up with a decent screened cable at not much more than a normal kettle lead. Complete with measurements for the unconvinced.
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I use a couple of Naim PowerLine Lites on mine, which seem fine.
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Why not ask ATC? Or even better, why not just use the stock cables and enjoy music on your new system for a few months?
Roger
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[quote=“ninanina, post:170, topic:42952”]
I am currently over the moon with the HE and 19a’s and l definitely won’t have upgrade pangs anytime soon
[/quote]
….from the other thread…
Bruce
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I have just had my Atom HE arrive this afternoon, destined for an office system, although with a Class D poweramp and compact passive speakers rather than powered/active speakers.
A good place to start with the power cables is to get some MusicWorks “SOX” for £65 each - they do work although apparently not with full-fat power lines - since both are designed to reduce micro-vibrations they could be cancelling each other out.
I’ve had the HE playing in my main system this afternoon via my NC250 into my main passive speakers.
I have got some increasingly good sounds this afternoon by using my existing Omex 2S vibration feet (no Fraim-balls fly around here !) , Puritan Ultimate power cable (with SOX), and ADOT fibre optic single mode cable & FMCs from my ‘clocked’ buffalo switch - playing local 96/24 files from my server.
Linn Silver XLRs as interconnects
The NC250 has a Farad power cable feeding it (Furutech connectors), again with a SOX.
Compared with the base configuration just adding these ‘accessories’ has made a great improvement.
Just use the ones that came with the speakers. They will be fine
If you study the technical specifications and rating of connecting wires, you will get a good idea.
You can save a ton of money for better things, like music, if you are diligent and do a little research. Or just buy cables from a shop that sells to the professional market, like I do.
Be smart and do not fall for the Snake Oil solutions.
PS Google Headphonesty and snake oil They have a few article and lots of links that kill the psuedo science and pure sales BS that abounds.
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However, on a transparent system, the cables make a big difference… on my 40A I replaced the original ones with Wireworld Electra 7s, the sound is better everywhere.
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You have seem to have come to the conclusion that ATC know what they are doing.
I use the supplied power cables with my 50 actives and have no issues.
Your mains supply may be troublesome and requires unique interconnects but I doubt it!
Having spent half a day at the factory with their Engineering Manager, I am absolutely convinced they know what they are doing, but if you think you know better, then invest/waist your money on some exotic (snake oil)/cables.
Paul
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That would be the belt and braces approach.
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Sorry HH didn’t intend to “like” your reply!
Just because Naim power line lights are different does not mean that they are better for the ATC actives.
Having designed electronics (not for audio) but for military and civil flight critical avionic systems for 40 years I think I know that undarstanding the characteristics of the source of electrical supply is essential to achieving the necessary performance.
My recommendation to anyone is start with the manufactures solution first.
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I agree, I was just saying what I was using, partly to offset those who suggest you need to spend loads. My PMCs come with 3m long mains leads, and as the speakers are close to the power sockets I would have needed to have halved them in length. I happened to have a spare Lite and found another one for about £40, so it seemed sensible, and meant I could leave the PMC originals intact, which is always useful should the speakers ever be sold on, which seems unlikely.
Your mention of being an engineer tickles me. Someone was doing it on another thread, as though it gives them some sort of special powers. With hifi I like to think I’m qualified by experience, having owned Naim for 43 years. It seems blindingly obvious that one should use what’s in the box for a good while before splashing the cash on something else. Without a baseline, how can one know whether an alternative is actually better? I don’t need to be an engineer to know that, I just need a bit of common sense. I do have a PhD in zoology though, which is much more fun. And a basic food hygiene certificate.
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I have a law degree and am CPR certified, but I don’t have active speakers yet so I suppose I will keep my opinions to myself for now.
Go on, throw your thoughts into the ring. Let’s show those engineers! After all you are a Cable PRoffesional.
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I’m inclined to agree with Osiris above, after trying 5 or 6 power leads on my Nova to minimal effect, the addition of a Powerline made an immediate positive impact. I doubt it’s placebo, I tried more expensive options and heard nothing, the Powerline was the only one that seemed to make any difference at all.
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That’s more like it. I have a PowerLine on my Atom HE, hence how I had a spare Lite to use on one of the speakers.
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