Pigtails

[dflee]

Guys: Recently I got an Accuphase C11 pre and have a couple of question. I am running everything through a Panamax Max5100 which while not the greatest, works pretty well.
Would a power cable make much of a difference from the stock?
If so, would you suggest hard wire or have an IEC? To not mess with internal and cut the chaise, can I cut the stock pc and hook up the IEC to the the little bit of cord sticking out of the unit.
Or, since I am using a filter, does the stock work as well as anything else?

[richidoo]

Hey Don,  Installing an IEC into the C11 would be messy and difficult job.  Even with a empty chassis that you can wash out with soapy water, the IEC is a tough job to do well with hand tools. If it is a steel chassis you need to cut through then just forget it.  Dangling an IEC on the outside is a clever solution, but the IEC must be rated for that use, I've not seen any like that.

Hardwiring the upgrade PC is your best idea, imo. An IEC, being a temporary connection, would increase the source impedance of the mains power, so there is a good technical reason to avoid adding an IEC connection.

Make sure that you have grommet protection and an excellent cable restraint on the new hardwired cable. You might have to improvise since it will be a thicker cable.

[dflee]

Rich:
Could the cord be shortened to just outside the chassis and then put a good female and male plugs on a decent aftermarket? Or would hard wire be the best route? If I do shorten the pigtail, what would be a decent male plug.

[richidoo]

With enough time, money and enthusiasm you can do anything!  

Assuming you want an IEC inlet on the end of your pictail to allow standard aftermarket PCs, here are some IEC C14 bare wire inlets for your pigtail:
Consumer: http://www.amazon.com/Conntek-60905-Bare-Connector-Sheet/dp/B001H4J3M4
http://www.amazon.com/IEC-C14-Power-Cord-Connector/dp/B002T0JMW6
http://www.cyberguys.com/product-details/?productid=37700
http://cpc.farnell.com/1/1/16822-rewirable-iec-connector-male-r47320000-schurter.html

If you are willing to put a panel mount IEC in a plastic "junction box" (small hobby project box) then you could use audiophile quality inlet like Furutech FI-09 or FI-03 on a pigtail.

http://www.vhaudio.com/connectors-ac.html

You'd need to mount it into a small plastic box for shock protection and pigtail strain relief.

Hardwiring a new cord to the preamp would be the best solution, for cost and performance. Converting the preamp to built in IEC would be good too, but it's harder to do and adds a temporary connection for convenience.

[AcidJazz]

Easiest solution

http://store.cableorganizer.com/iec-c14-power-cord-plug-connector_EFL-1212620?gclid=CLyIvPHatrMCFUYw4AodR3oAyQ

[rollo]

  The adapter plug is a good idea. Another suggestion is Mapleshade PC for your situation. Comes with wire crimp connectors in kit form. Ya just cut off the existing PC wire extending out from component about 3 inches attach cord and be done.
     You can also make your own PC assembly.


charles