Carefully selected recommended power cables! A comprehensive guide to choosing the right one and the difference in sound quality
Speakers and amplifiers tend to be the elements that determine the performance of audio equipment, but did you know that the power cables that supply energy to those devices also affect sound quality?
Power cables are often overlooked as "just a means of transmitting electricity," but they are directly connected to the elimination of power supply noise and the stable supply of power, which in turn has a major impact on the signal-to-noise ratio (quietness) and driving force of the sound.
In this article, we will thoroughly explain how to choose an audio power cable, recommend some carefully selected models , and explain the difference in sound quality that can be achieved by changing the cable.
Four points to consider when choosing a power cable
A power cable is a cable that connects the power inlet (IEC connector) of an audio device to a wall outlet or power strip. Here are four points to check when choosing a power cable.
1. Conductor (core) material and purity
The conductor material determines the power transmission efficiency and sound characteristics.
| material | Features | Sound quality trends |
|
OFC (oxygen-free copper) |
High-purity copper that does not contain impurities (oxygen) |
Neutral and high resolution. Wide sound field and natural sound. |
|
PC-Triple C/6N, 7N copper |
High-purity, oxide-free copper |
High cost performance and well-balanced sound. Ideal for beginners. |
|
Silver (or silver-plated copper) |
High conductivity and excellent high frequency characteristics that flow on the surface |
A sense of speed and vibrant high frequencies |
2. Cable structure and shielding performance
Power cables are also a source of noise, so noise prevention is extremely important.
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Twisted structure: By twisting the conductors in a complex manner, noise generation and the intrusion of external noise are suppressed.
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Multi-layer shielding: Using multiple layers of aluminum foil and copper braid shielding prevents the intrusion of electromagnetic noise and RFI (radio frequency interference), improving the system's signal-to-noise ratio (quietness).
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Thickness (cross-sectional area): The thicker the cable, the greater the current it can withstand and the less loss there will be, but it will also be harder to bend, so it is important to find a balance between this and ease of handling.
3. Plug/connector quality and plating
The quality of the outlet and the connection to the device (plug and IEC connector) is directly related to the stability of the signal.
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Plating material:
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Gold-plated: Resistant to oxidation, maintains stable contact, and tends to produce a gentler, richer sound.
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Rhodium plating: High hardness and excellent durability. The sound tends to be clearer and tighter.
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Unplated (e.g. copper): Highest conductivity, but requires maintenance to prevent oxidation.
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Robustness: It is important that the joint structure is solid and resistant to vibrations.
4. Select by the type of device you want to connect
Power cables tend to have sound quality that is suitable for different devices.
| Connected devices |
Cable Trends |
Desired effect |
|
Amplifiers (especially power amplifiers) |
Thick and powerful type |
Powerful low frequencies and expanded dynamic range |
|
CDP/DAC/Preamp |
High resolution and strict noise suppression |
Enhanced high frequency extension, fine detail, and quieter soundstage |
A thorough explanation of the "differences" in sound quality: What difference does a cable make?
The changes in sound quality caused by changing the power cable can be summarized as follows:
1. Improved S/N ratio (quietness)
Improving the shielding performance of a cable reduces the interference of external and internal noise.
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The result: the background noise floor is lowered , revealing subtleties and reverberations previously buried in the noise. This deepens the sound field and improves the dynamics of your music.
2. Low-frequency driving power and stability
Thick conductors and high-quality connectors reduce supply loss of the large instantaneous current required by the amplifier.
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The result: not only is the low end tighter and more voluminous, but the attack and convergence of the sound is quicker . The amplifier's controllability is improved, and you get the feeling that the speakers are being driven more firmly.
3. Tone balance and texture
The balance (tone) from high to low frequencies is affected by the conductor material and type of plating.
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Gold-plated: Relatively warm and tends to have a rich mid-low range.
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Rhodium-plated: Neutral, tends to make the sound contours clearer and give a sense of speed.
Differences in power cable plugs
The power cable's plug (on the outlet side) and connector (on the device side) are the final gateway that passes the electrical energy transmitted by the cable to the device. Differences in materials and plating have a significant impact on the final sound impression.
1. Plug base material
The base materials used for plug electrodes are mainly brass, pure copper, and phosphor bronze.
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Pure copper: High conductivity, straight and powerful sound quality.
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Brass/phosphor bronze: Relatively hard, durable, and tends to produce stable sound balance.
2. Plating and sound quality
The plating applied to the surface of the plug has a significant impact on stabilizing the contact resistance and tone.
Characteristics of each power plug manufacturer
FURUTECH
| Field | Features |
|
Product Concept |
High-end audio grade. Designed with sound quality as the top priority and using high-quality materials. |
|
Materials/Technology |
α (Alpha) Process (ultra-low temperature processing). High-purity α-conductors (OCC and pure copper). NCF (special material for static electricity and vibration prevention). Thorough use of non-magnetic materials. |
|
Sound quality trends |
Based on high resolution and a high S/N ratio (low noise), it offers a wide range of refined sound quality. The tone varies depending on the materials and plating used. |
| Main Applications | Make your own power cables for high-end audio equipment that pursues the highest sound quality. |
Meikosha
| Field | Features |
|
Product Concept |
Mainly electrical materials and industrial use. High safety, reliability and durability. |
|
Materials/Technology |
They are famous for their lineup of hospital-grade products that comply with the medical JIS standard (JIS T-1021). They offer high strength, chemical resistance, and stable grounding performance. Many products come with transparent covers that make it easy to check the wiring status. |
|
Sound quality trends |
Medical grounding plug (hospital grade): It has significantly higher strength and grounding performance than ordinary plugs. It is also widely used by audio fans as a standard product with high cost performance. |
| Main Applications |
Places where high safety standards are required, such as medical facilities, factories, offices, etc. In audio, it is a standard for DIY power cables. |
American Electric
| Field | Features |
|
Product Concept |
A specialized manufacturer of wiring devices for industrial and commercial use. A wide variety of products with high functionality. |
|
Materials/Technology |
High-performance resins are used depending on the usage environment, such as nylon resin with excellent heat resistance and tracking resistance, and polycarbonate with excellent impact resistance. A wide range of hook-type (with locking function) and waterproof plugs are available. |
|
Sound quality trends |
Hook-type plug: When inserted into the outlet and turned, it locks in place and prevents it from coming loose. Ideal for environments that require a secure connection. We also have a wide range of space-saving models, including L-shaped plugs. |
| Main Applications |
Commercial environments such as factories, construction sites, and data centers that require reliable power connections and high durability. |
IeGO
| Field | Features |
|
Product Concept |
Power plugs for audio equipment. We are particular about the materials we use. |
|
Materials/Technology |
The blade is made of high-purity Furukawa pure copper, and is cryo-treated (freezing at -196°C), giving it a distinctive approach to sound quality. |
|
Sound quality trends |
Taking advantage of the direct acoustic characteristics of pure copper, there is a trend to aim for high S/N and high resolution sound. Some products have unique and vivid tones. |
| Main Applications |
A DIY audio power cable for users who want to enjoy the changes in sound quality that come from the properties of materials such as pure copper. |
Why the IeGo plug is "tight" and its benefits
Audio-grade power plugs , such as the IEGO plug, are designed to fit much tighter into the outlet than standard plugs. This is not a defect, but a deliberate design intended to improve sound quality and ensure safety.
Preventing deterioration of sound quality
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Modern power cables are thicker and heavier to improve sound quality.
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General outlet plugs do not have a locking mechanism to prevent them from coming loose.
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If the cable is too heavy, the plug may give in to the weight and loosen its connection with the outlet.
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A loose connection will result in poor electrical contact and poor sound quality .
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The tight design allows the cable to withstand its weight, maintain a secure connection , and ensure consistent sound quality.
Reduced fire risk
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In the worst case scenario, loose connections can increase contact resistance, causing abnormal heat generation and potentially resulting in a fire .
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The tight fit of the audio-grade plug prevents this loosening and also serves as a safety measure.
What to do if it is difficult to insert
Some devices have a very difficult plug to insert, so you may need to adjust the width of the metal part (blade) of the plug slightly to allow for proper clearance with the device's socket.
⚠️ Notes:
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When adjusting, be careful not to use too much force and proceed carefully.
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After adjustment, check that the connection is not too loose, but is strong enough to allow for easy insertion and removal.
Currently, we are the sole authorized importer of IeGo's audio-grade power plugs under an exclusive contract in Japan, and we take full responsibility for everything from product supply to after-sales support. We have a system in place that allows us to deliver safe and reliable products to our customers.
We cannot provide support for parallel imports. Furthermore, parallel imports have not been certified by the PSE in Japan and may pose safety issues.
[By price range] Recommended power cables carefully selected
We have picked out some recommended power cables based on your budget and the sound quality you are aiming for.
Entry to middle class (priority on cost performance)
ONKODO 19364 Power Cable (ME2591-4781)
Features: BELDEN cables are equipped with Meikosha's highly reliable ME2591 (outlet plug) and ME2781/4781 (IEC connector), which are also used for medical applications. The robust, disconnect-resistant structure and high-purity contacts that do not rely on plating provide both stable high-current supply and noise suppression.
recommendation: It can be used with any device, including amplifiers and CD players. When connected to an amplifier in particular, it tends to improve the stability of the low frequencies and the dynamic range. Due to its high reliability, it is recommended for long listening sessions and the playback of high-quality rock and orchestral music.
cable : BELDEN 19364
plug : Meikosha ME2591
Inlet: SCHURTER 4781
Price: From 7,880 yen
To product page >>
Oyaide PC-23 Soft OFC Unplated Power Cable (7112GN-4781)
Features: The cable uses Oyaide's soft OFC conductors, and the power plug and IEC connectors use unplated brass terminals. This eliminates the sound coloration caused by plating and achieves the clear electrical conduction that is the conductor's natural strength. Its flexible design also makes it easy to handle.
recommendation: It is ideal for those seeking high fidelity to the original sound and delicate, pure sound quality. It demonstrates quiet, clear reproduction capabilities, especially in genres where subtle nuances are important, such as acoustic, classical, and vocals.
cable : Oyaide PC-23 Flexible OFC Power Cable
plug : American Electric 7112GN
Inlet : SCHURTER 4781
Price: From 8,700 yen
To product page >>
Mid to high-end class (pursuing high sound quality)
ONKODO 19364 Power Cable with Unplated Pure Copper Plug (FURUTECH FI15ME-CU-FI15E-CU)
Features: This model combines Belden's high-performance cable with Furutech's unplated pure copper plugs and connectors. By eliminating the sound coloration caused by plating and maximizing conductivity, it achieves powerful, direct sound transmission that is extremely faithful to the original sound.
recommendation: Ideal for listeners who value a fast attack and freshness of sound. In particular, it emphasizes the texture of instruments in jazz and classical music, and the vivid nuances of vocals. It really shines when you want to bring out all sounds straight.
cable : BELDEN 19364
plug : FURUTECH FI15ME-CU-FI15E-CU Pure copper
Price: From 14,380 yen
To product page >>
Oyaide C-1011 PC-23 Soft OFC Pure Copper Plug Power Cable (Ti2000-8055)
Features: This power cable combines OYAIDE's pure copper unplated plug connectors with highly conductive soft OFC conductors. By avoiding plating and pursuing the sound quality inherent in the material, it achieves an extremely neutral and natural response, bringing out the full potential of connected devices.
recommendation: Ideal for those seeking a reference sound quality across all genres. It reproduces natural resonance and smooth texture, particularly in classical and acoustic jazz, which emphasize acoustic instruments and delicate ensembles. It's also recommended for those who want to minimize the changes in sound quality caused by power cables.
cable : Oyaide Soft OFC Power Cable PC-23 4N Oxygen-Free Copper
Plug : IeGO Ti2000M-8055 4N 99.99% Furukawa pure copper unplated
Inlet : IeGO Ti2000G-8055 4N 99.99% Furukawa pure copper, no plating
Price: From 14,000 yen
To product page >>
ACOUSTIC REVIVE PC-TripleC 4800 Power Cable with IeGO Pure Copper Plugs
Features: The world's first audio-specific conductor, PC-TripleC 4800, is used to achieve ultra-wideband, lossless power transmission. The plugs are made of IeGO's unplated pure copper, providing the ultimate in conductivity and power supply noise rejection.
recommendation: Ideal for systems that want to maximize the amount of information in high-resolution audio sources, SACDs, etc. Particularly recommended for classical and jazz listeners who seek a wide sound field, realistic instrument textures, and quiet reproduction.
cable : Acoustic Revive AC-TripleC4800
plug : IeGO Ti2000-8055 Pure Copper Plug
Price: From 17,000 yen
To product page >>
High-end class (for ultimate sound quality)
Acoustic Revive POWER STANDARD-Triple C8800 Power Cable
Features: This flagship model uses the world's first audio-specific conductor, PC-Triple C, in an extra-thick 8.8 sq (square) diameter. In addition to high transmission capacity, the plug combines unplated pure copper with vibration-damping materials such as carbon to thoroughly suppress vibration and noise.
recommendation: Ideal for orchestras and large-scale classical music performances that require overwhelming dynamic range and resolution. Furthermore, the stable power supply improves low-frequency control when connected to a power amplifier, delivering vibrant sound in all genres.
cable : Acoustic Revive POWER STANDARD-TripleC8800
plug : Furutech FI-11M (cu) - FI-15plus(G)
Price: From 28,500 yen
To product page >>
Features: The PC-Triple C/8800 conductors, considered the highest quality for audio conductors, boast an extremely thick 8.8 sq. diameter for impressive power delivery. The IeGO pure copper, unplated terminals eliminate the tonal nuances of plating, delivering high-resolution, powerful, and faithful reproduction of the original sound.
recommendation: Ideal for orchestral music with a wide dynamic range, and rock and electronica that require driving power. Recommended for listeners who want a clear, powerful sound that brings out the full energy and detail of the original sound, without any muddiness across the entire frequency range.
cable : Acoustic Revive POWER STANDARD-TripleC8800
plug : IeGO PUM 4N 99.99% Furukawa Pure Copper Unplated
Price: From 26,500 yen
To product page >>
The power cable is the "source of sound"
Power cables are the "source" of audio equipment to maximize its performance.
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First, try using a cost-effective product such as OFC cable to experience the change in sound quality.
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Next, choose the cable type that matches the characteristics of the device you are connecting (amplifier or source device).
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If your budget allows, upgrading to a model that focuses on conductor purity and shielding structure will unleash the potential of your entire system.
Find the one that will take your audio system to new heights.
