Pangea PC-9 Power Cord

I have to admit that I've been skeptical that a power cord could make any difference in the sound of an audio system, but the prices and appearance of the various Pangea models available at Audio Advisor caught my interest.

The PC-9 is super-thick (actually, according to Pangea, 7-guage and not the 9 guage their literature states), and pretty hefty too. The 1.5 meter cable I purchased was quite heavy. At a price of only $75 - an incredible bargain, considering the multi-thousand dollar prices for many AudioQuest power cords - and with a 30-day returrn policy, I figured, what the heck?

So? Does it work? Absolutely YES, and quite well too! The claims are that the PC-9 is best mated to a "high-current" amp, which mine is (the Adcom GFA-5800),. My speakers (slightly modified Dahlquist DQ-10's) gobble up both high current and power easily.

The differences? First, dynamics. When music gets loud, as most symphonic music does, it gets really LOUD, and a good deal louder than before. I've had to back off on the volume control several times during some listening trials. Second, everything has a smoother, less restrained sound, with a very significant improvement in bass response (quite an accomplishment, since the power cord isn't connected in any way to my suboowfer, but is only involved with the DQ-10's whose bass response was never anything to write home about). In a nutshell, music now sounds less compressed, though I didn't think it sounded compressed before

Is the difference night and day? No, but it's easy to detect. The dynamics of an orchestra, specifically much of the 3rd and 4th movements of Bruckner's 4th on a BIS SACD, have never sounded so good. Fortunately, it isn't just louder, but smoother and more lifelike too.

I suspect several will think I'm nuts, and that a power cord couldn't possibly make any difference. To those who may feel that way, I have but one suggestion: buy one yourself: it isn't expensive, and if you don't think it makes any difference, you can get your money back. So, you can't lose by trying. My guess is that, if anyone does buy one of these, who doesn't already own some super-expensive model from some other manufacturer, that person will keep the PC-9.

Highly recommended.

I do have some other power cords I found effective. I've heard good things about the Pangean cords and it's good to hear your experience. If you can replace the cord on your CDP or phono stage you will really hear a benefit, the improvement I found more noticeable than on my power amp.

Emaidel,

Thanks for posting you review of this product. I've wondered about the Pangea power cord for some time. Glad to know its working quite well for you.

LeRoy

[QUOTE If you can replace the cord on your CDP or phono stage you will really hear a benefit, the improvement I found more noticeable than on my power amp.[/QUOTE]


My next planned purchase is a different Pangea cord, designed specifically for either source material (like CD and SACD players) and/or preamps. The cable is a good deal less bulky than the PC-9, and is also less expensive.

Since my wife hates it each time I purchase another "tweak," it'll be a little while before I make these purchases though!

Well, I just placed the order for a PC-9. I was on the fence between the Pangea or the mains lead from Rega. I'll probably get the Rega power cord later since it's got my curiosity but for now the Pangea is en route.

edit: I've been utilizing the Wire World Aurora power cords for my sources and amplification needs. I'm eager to see what difference the Pangea adds or subtracts to the mix.

Hmmmm. You guys got my attention now....as I have to be wondering about the power cords. I think a purchase is in order for me now. Thanks.

...sells the Pangea a little cheaper than AA but he does not have any in stock. But I did place an order with him so mine should be here next week.

I'd be very interested to hear what you guys think of the Pangea PC-9, once those you've ordered arrive. I have no other comparison for the PC-9 than to the stock power cord that came on the Adcom GFA-5800, which was fairly substantial to begin with, though nowhere hear as enormous as the PC-9. I did use that Adcom stock cable on my Marantz SA-8001 SACD player to replace the stock cable that came with it, and noticed a subtle improvement, so at least that power cord didn't go to waste. That is, of course, until I buy another Pangea cord...

Now, several days later, I'm still mightily impressed with the improvements the PC-9 has made, but have to state that the one that is the most substantial is the imrpovement in dynamics. On many a disc, I have to turn the volume down, as the music is so much louder, that it's downright uncomfortable!

Of course, the "surpreme" test is whether or not my wife hears any difference, as she usually thinks my replacing cables, power cords, etc., is silly. And, yes, she DID hear a difference!

the "Supreme" cable..:)

Emaidel, thanks for blazing the Pangea trail. I got my Pangea AC-9 yesterday and the thing really made a difference in my system. I connected the AC9 to the Belles Soloist amp and immediately I heard I darker background in the music plus bass I never knew the system was capable of delivering. Said another way, until I put the AC9 into service my Belles, Musical Fidelity X-Ray, and Canton GLE 403's were simply missing low end depth and fullness.

So, first thing this morning...I've already placed another order for an AC9 so I can use that on the Rega Brio 3. Also, I've ordered 3 of the AC-14SE power cords to put into service with the XRAY and Stello units. Additionally, I ordered the Pangea C7 power cord for my Marantz DVD/CD player for H.T.

I am now going to redirect the Wire World Aurora 52's to the H.T. system, Arcam and RBH sub woofer. The Pangea AC9 power cord is a no-brainer product and the idea of a Pangea system of power cabling was too good to pass up especially at the price point.

LeRoy

Edit: Here is the link to AA.
http://www.audioadvisor.com/products...title&sort_by=

Well emaidel, you have sparked an interest in me to trying these also. I can't seem to find a PC-9 on the site, did you mean an AC-9 like LeRoy stated?

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Originally Posted by Luvin Da Blues

Well emaidel, you have sparked an interest in me to trying these also. I can't seem to find a PC-9 on the site, did you mean an AC-9 like LeRoy stated?

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You're right, and I stand corrected. Check the post just before yours for the link to buy one.

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Originally Posted by LeRoy

I heard I darker background in the music plus bass I never knew the system was capable of delivering. LeRoy

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I noticed the same thing, but what I find so amazing is that I'm using the AC-9 on my power amp that's driving my Dahlquist DQ-10's, and it is in no way connected to my subwoofer! While my DQ-10's have been modified in several different ways, all I did with the woofers was have them rebuilt several years back, just restoring them to their original performance specs, and as most of us know, the bass response of a DQ-10 isn't anything to write home about.

I also plan to replace the power cords in my preamp and SACD player with Pangea cords, but not until my wife gets over my having bought the AC-9. She's really not that into tweaking, as I am, and asked me, "When does it stop?" My response? "Never."

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Originally Posted by emaidel

You're right, and I stand corrected. Check the post just before yours for the link to buy one.

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Thanks E, just wanted to make sure I order the right one. :2:

Just placed an order for a 1.5m AC-9. Hope they don't ship with Fed Up, er I mean Fed Ex, to the Great White North!!!!

What the hay, added a 3 pack of the 1.5m AC-14's to my order. they are on sale 3 for $110.00, regularly $112.50 each. This works out to less than $115.0 CDN right now.

Might as well see if this power cable thing is real. :) Certainly can't hurt to have decently shielded power cables and for this price what's to loose.

This thread is scary :) Glad to see you guys trying for yourselves.

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Originally Posted by Mr Peabody

This thread is scary :) Glad to see you guys trying for yourselves.

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:lol: You know what they say " when emaidel talks, people listen".

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Originally Posted by emaidel

I noticed the same thing, but what I find so amazing is that I'm using the AC-9 on my power amp that's driving my Dahlquist DQ-10's, and it is in no way connected to my subwoofer! While my DQ-10's have been modified in several different ways, all I did with the woofers was have them rebuilt several years back, just restoring them to their original performance specs, and as most of us know, the bass response of a DQ-10 isn't anything to write home about.

I also plan to replace the power cords in my preamp and SACD player with Pangea cords, but not until my wife gets over my having bought the AC-9. She's really not that into tweaking, as I am, and asked me, "When does it stop?" My response? "Never."

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Hey, I recall drooling over the DQ 10's many times over back in the mid to late 70's. I used to think they were the coolest speakers I'd ever seen or heard though today I can't recall what they sounded like. Anyway, good to know you have a classic in you audio empire.

Well, its interesting that the AC9 is able to improve your overall all system sound and performance simply by being connected somewhere in the chain. Have you tried to connect "the thing" into any other part of the system to see if it has the same overall effect?

Stay thirsty my friend.

LeRoy

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Originally Posted by Luvin Da Blues

What the hay, added a 3 pack of the 1.5m AC-14's to my order. they are on sale 3 for $110.00, regularly $112.50 each. This works out to less than $115.0 CDN right now.

Might as well see if this power cable thing is real. :) Certainly can't hurt to have decently shielded power cables and for this price what's to loose.

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I agree it can't hurt at the price point. It should be interesting to see what the AC14's will do for overall system SQ.

I don't think I saw the special that you mentioned you bought into. I had my blinders on and simply went for the SE version and placed the order. I'll be interested to know what your impressions are on the whole effect of the Pangea power cable system in your rig.

LeRoy

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Originally Posted by Mr Peabody

This thread is scary :) Glad to see you guys trying for yourselves.

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The value of aftermarket power cords was illustrated to me many years ago when a reviewer friend brought over his three Kimber Palladians and we auditioned them in my system. I got it. Despite the inability of the non-experiential theorists to imagine the kinds of differences power cords or power supplies can make, the improvements are real

rw

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Originally Posted by LeRoy

I agree it can't hurt at the price point. It should be interesting to see what the AC14's will do for overall system SQ.

I don't think I saw the special that you mentioned you bought into. I had my blinders on and simply went for the SE version and placed the order. I'll be interested to know what your impressions are on the whole effect of the Pangea power cable system in your rig.

LeRoy

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The special only applies to the AC-9's and the AC-14's, one would think that they could offer it for the SE's to. It also only applies to the 1.5 and 2.0 meter lengths. :crazy: Must of built up their stock of those too much.

I hope I have enough patience to try a cable on each component individually before I put them all in.

Cheers

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Originally Posted by E-Stat

The value of aftermarket power cords was illustrated to me many years ago when a reviewer friend brought over his three Kimber Palladians and we auditioned them in my system. I got it. Despite the inability of the non-experiential theorists to imagine the kinds of differences power cords or power supplies can make, the improvements are real

rw

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Kinda natural progression of building a system up over time. I liken it to good housekeeping after the components, speakers*, IC's and speaker cabling is looked after.

*I do need a speaker upgrade but that's going to be a lot bigger ticket item.

Two words that keep coming into mind to describe the new SQ with the Pangea. First, vitality. The darker background and added bass depth simply make the music more energized in overall presentation. Second word, vividness. The Patricia Barber live recordings, Companion, and Live a Fortnight in France, which are both already very, very high SQ simply got even more vivid. Also, background music,voices, noises in recording are easily audible so the AC9 is somehow impacting resolution in the CD playback in a very positive manner.

I've not been able to detect a change in tonality or changes in mid or high end extension. It's all good. So, there it is in two words. Pangea AC9 in my system equals vitality and vividness added into my audio system.

LeRoy, you describe the effect of better power cables very well. With the stock cord we don't notice the noise but with the after market cable cleaning it up you sure hear when it's gone.

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Originally Posted by LeRoy

Two words that keep coming into mind to describe the new SQ with the Pangea. First, vitality. The darker background and added bass depth simply make the music more energized in overall presentation. Second word, vividness. The Patricia Barber live recordings, Companion, and Live a Fortnight in France, which are both already very, very high SQ simply got even more vivid. Also, background music,voices, noises in recording are easily audible so the AC9 is somehow impacting resolution in the CD playback in a very positive manner.

I've not been able to detect a change in tonality or changes in mid or high end extension. It's all good. So, there it is in two words. Pangea AC9 in my system equals vitality and vividness added into my audio system.

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I'm glad your experiencing these results, I look forward to the same.

Agreed. Lookin for new power cords myself. I have been absolutely unimpressed with the PS audio cords I'm using now (possibly the worst audio purchase i have ever made) and want to replace them as soon as I can but don't want to shell out major cabbage. May have to give the Pangea's a try. Thanks for the info LeRoy.

I usually hear good things about PS Audio, be sure to post back what happens with the Pangean.

Will do Peabody. To be honest I can't tell the difference between the stock power cables and the PS Audio's. I've tried to trick myself into liking them to avoid buyers remorse but it's not happening. Plus the darn things just don't fit the IEC receptacles on any of my equipment snug enought for me to consider acceptable.

Anyway, reading LeRoy's statements about the Pangea's are pretty encouraging.

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Originally Posted by TheHills44060

Agreed. Lookin for new power cords myself. I have been absolutely unimpressed with the PS audio cords I'm using now (possibly the worst audio purchase i have ever made) and want to replace them as soon as I can but don't want to shell out major cabbage. May have to give the Pangea's a try. Thanks for the info LeRoy.

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You're welcome for the info. If you decide to get a Pangea power cord let us know how it turns out for you. Have a nice day.

LeRoy

Well, I just inserted the PCs into the rig. Because it's difficult to get at the back, I decided to put them all in at once. I picked up one for the oppo DVD but it will need an adapter so I put that PC on the LCD for now. The system, except for the power amp, is run through a PureAV power conditioner.

I have only an hour or so on them but my initial thoughts are pretty much what LeRoy has stated, the bass notes just seem to be reproduced more effortlessly. I also hear more detailed micro-dynamics, background vocals and instruments are more precisely located and pronounced. Vivid while remaining neutral.

Most of us here know our systems very well so any small change to it is readily noticeable, I'm no different but I perceive these improvements to be more than a small subtle change.

Would I buy these again, you betcha!

Good for you and a Bummer for me....I placed my order with my dealer here in St. Louis over 2 weeks ago, and still have not received mine. Emailed him Saturday only to find that the warehouse is out and they are waiting a new shipment.

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Originally Posted by Luvin Da Blues

Most of us here know our systems very well so any small change to it is readily noticeable, I'm no different but I perceive these improvements to be more than a small subtle change.

Would I buy these again, you betcha!

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I'm in total agreement with you. The improvements are quickly apparent with the Pangea.
I am still waiting for my second shipment to arrive.

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Originally Posted by LeRoy

I'm in total agreement with you. The improvements are quickly apparent with the Pangea.
I am still waiting for my second shipment to arrive.

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You certainly get a sense of the equipment 'breathing' easier now, no more gulping for air (current) through a straw (16 AWG stock cords). This is of course more apparent the lower the bass note.

I may order a couple more with the IEC to C7 adapter for the rest of the gear.

Here is a review from the Sonic Flare website that potential power cord buyers may want to read:

http://www.sonicflare.com/archives/a...power-cord.php

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Originally Posted by LeRoy

Two words that keep coming into mind to describe the new SQ with the Pangea. First, vitality. The darker background and added bass depth simply make the music more energized in overall presentation. Second word, vividness. The Patricia Barber live recordings, Companion, and Live a Fortnight in France, which are both already very, very high SQ simply got even more vivid. Also, background music,voices, noises in recording are easily audible so the AC9 is somehow impacting resolution in the CD playback in a very positive manner.

I've not been able to detect a change in tonality or changes in mid or high end extension. It's all good. So, there it is in two words. Pangea AC9 in my system equals vitality and vividness added into my audio system.

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Well my friend...I got my Pangea 9 and not only is the background darker, but on my Bob James CD...the highs coming through the Cantons are more crisp and I seem to have more profound detail. On Paul Desmond it seems to have more dynamics...energy as well....Its as if the cord really gave my system a shot in the arm....and the cord is not even broken in yet. I will be ordering cords for every component in my system.

And tomorrow after work...I have to go and get about 2000 albums a friend is giving me...he is going into an senior retirement home, so has no need for them. Then I will be playing with the Rega Brio and Stello CDP and External DAC....before the missus drags me off to a wedding...:cryin:

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Originally Posted by frenchmon

Well my friend...I got my Pangea 9 and not only is the background darker, but on my Bob James CD...the highs coming through the Cantons are more crisp and I seem to have more profound detail. On Paul Desmond it seems to have more dynamics...energy as well....Its as if the cord really gave my system a shot in the arm....and the cord is not even broken in yet. I will be ordering cords for every component in my system.

And tomorrow after work...I have to go and get about 2000 albums a friend is giving me...he is going into an senior retirement home, so has no need for them. Then I will be playing with the Rega Brio and Stello CDP and External DAC....before the missus drags me off to a wedding...:cryin:

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Good deal Frenchmon. Once I hooked up my AC9 I knew immediately I would be ordering more PC's from Pangea. Earlier in the week I did get my AC14 C7 cord which I connected to the Marantz 6001 DVD/CD/SACD player. I thought the connection was a little too loose but the unit does turn on so it must be okay. While I really have not done a very critical analysis of the C7 cord one thing that I have noticed is the movie dialogue is much, much more clear. I also connected the second AC9 cord to the Arcam AVR 200 and that is also contributing to the overall sound improvement, including the control now over the RBH subwoofer. I am still waiting for 3 of the AC14 SE power cables as they are on back order with AA.

Glad to know you are experiencing a system improvement with the Pangea. There is no going back to stock cables ever again!

Good luck with the RB3 and Stello experiment. I am assuming you have enough cabling too? Have a good time this evening....

LeRoy

Well The Marantz 6001 SACDP is just smoking with the Pangea AC-9. I have never heard Grover Washington sound this good before. I once heard someone say that music really lives in the mid-range and they where correct. I've had this cord for one day so it cant be broken in yet...This thing makes my stereo really loud....much louder than before. I am hearing detail that was subtle before, now more defined...The sound stage is thicker and more expanded...and the bottom end is more fuller and more pronounced. The Rotel is acting like it really has been juiced up. Before the night is over I am going to have to really do some critical listening while comparing the Rotel sound to the Rega Brio 3 sound.

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Originally Posted by frenchmon

Well The Marantz 6001 SACDP is just smoking with the Pangea AC-9. I have never heard Grover Washington sound this good before. I once heard someone say that music really lives in the mid-range and they where correct. I've had this cord for one day so it cant be broken in yet...This thing makes my stereo really loud....much louder than before. I am hearing detail that was subtle before, now more defined...The sound stage is thicker and more expanded...and the bottom end is more fuller and more pronounced. The Rotel is acting like it really has been juiced up. Before the night is over I am going to have to really do some critical listening while comparing the Rotel sound to the Rega Brio 3 sound.

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These cables have to be rated as one of the best values in audio right now. Makes one wonder why good equipment manufactures don't include a higher end PC or at least give one the option.

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Originally Posted by Luvin Da Blues

These cables have to be rated as one of the best values in audio right now. Makes one wonder why good equipment manufactures don't include a higher end PC or at least give one the option.

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I agree..for the price of the AC-9 alone is a very good value....The way manufactures re-baggage gear as their own these days, they could have their own product sounding really superb for a least $50-$75 dollars more if they included a re-baggaged AC-9 as their own product.( lets hope they are not reading this....the AC-9 is a real steal sold as is.)