Mains cable recommendations for Rega Aria phono stage

[Naim that tune]

Hi

I’m looking to upgrade the mains/iec lead to my Rega Aria phono stage, I already have a couple of naim powerline lite cables on my cd5si and xs2 so would happily buy another.. but are there any others I should consider?

Rega have a reference cable - anyone any experience?

[hifi_dave]

If you believe that mains cables make a difference, then the Rega mains lead is very good and reasonably priced.

[Yomanze]

I just use LAPP Olflex. I do have a couple of freebie cables that I use from LFD and Black Rhodium, but really, I'd be happy using all-LAPP power cables...

[ovlov854]

If you believe that mains cables make a difference, then the Rega mains lead is very good and reasonably priced.

I agree. Also periodic cleaning of plug pins and fuse is quite worthwhile although a little tiresome. I found that better quality fuses also help........but don't go overboard

[Primalsea]

While I have heard differences with mains filters, regenerators and isolation transformers, I have not yet heard a difference with mains cables unless they are used at the source of noise. To me mains conditioning in hifi is often used arse about face.

Personally I think that filters, ferrites and other rfi/emi blocking should be used to stop noise getting onto the mains, not to stop it getting into equipment. By this I mean using ferrites on boiler and appliance mains leads, filters used on things with smps power supplies and then a separate mains block for equipment with linear supplies.

[Haselsh1]

Yeah Sue and I have tried a few different types of mains cables and to be really honest we haven't come up with anything radical in terms of sound quality. There was/is so much debate on this we decided to do our own tests.
We also tried different interconnects and loudspeaker cables too and these were much more obvious in the effect they were having. So nothing scientific in our approach as we only used our ears to gauge a difference in sound and detail/tone but at least we both heard the difference and noted pretty much the same effects.

One thing we rejected immediately though was the loudspeaker cable by Van Damme that did not like our power amplifier at all. The cable in question was the 4mm blue braided cable. As soon as we swapped to our current Van Den Hul Teatrack everything was OK again.

So, not at all convinced by mains cables but completely open minded on all others.

[jandl100]

I've tried quite a few audiophile mains cables and they all have different sound characteristics imo.

These fairly recent Belden-wired cables are the best I have tried - clarity, dynamics - and they are far from the most expensive.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Belden-19364-Mains-Power-Cable-Clear-Plug-2-metres-Audiophile-High-End-Hifi/262640652761?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649

[wee tee cee]

Mark Grant does very good cables at good prices.

I have used his power and ICs for years-yet to hear anything that has bettered them.

Ive done quite a bit of power cable experimentation, wires/plugs/fuses.....MGs are spot on.

[RobbieGong]

Mark Grant does very good cables at good prices.

I have used his power and ICs for years-yet to hear anything that has bettered them.

Ive done quite a bit of power cable experimentation, wires/plugs/fuses.....MGs are spot on.

+1 - Quality at not daft money.

I have this one https://markgrant.co.uk/mains-power/83-mark-grant-gold-plated-dsp-25-dual-screened-power-cable.html on the end of my Paul Hynes SR7 power supply which powers my Techie.
Really nicely made as standard.
I did fit a Missing link EPS 500 silver plated plug with Hi-Fi Tuning gold plated silver ceramic fuse just to match the rest of my system but as I say, it comes with a nice plug and decent Bussman gold plated fuse anyway.

A no brainer for the money and a great reco' from Marco :thumbsup:

[kininigin]

Yep, Mark Grant makes well made cables and don't cost the earth.

[YNWaN]

Rega use LAPP Olflex and you can buy it as a Kit for as little as £10 from MCRU (who I have dealt with a number of times and are excellent):

https://mcru.co.uk/product/mcru-diy-mains-lead-set-2/

Or this one which uses the same cable but the really excellent MS HD plugs at each end - £45:

https://mcru.co.uk/product/mcru-no22-diy-mains-lead-set/

Or this one that uses the Belden cable I personally use:

https://mcru.co.uk/product/mcru-no-4-diy-mains-lead-set/

[Naim that tune]

Thanks - some good suggestions for me to look into and at reasonable prices too!

[YNWaN]

You are a bit spoilt for choice aren’t you :).

I’ve never personally used the Mark Grant power cable but it’s hardly expensive and looks likely to be good. Also, the eBay one Jerry links to is fantastic value for money. The DIY options are slightly cheaper again, but not by much!