Just a follow-up on the stock Linn cord and the Volex alternative:
I've just ordered a second set of Volex 17757 power cords, and they have different markings from the set I received back in August 2007. The previous (August 07) set was identical (save for length) with the stock Linn cord that ThomasOK kindly described. This new set has the same plugs as before, but the cable itself is different:
Previous Volex-17757 / Official Linn Cable Markings wrote: (UL) SVT E159216 VW-1 3X18AWG BAOHING CSA SVT LL112007-1 VW-1 3X18AWG LF
(I've rearranged the marking order on the new cable (it actually reads in a different order) so that it's easier to compare with the old one.)New Volex-17757 Cable Markings (Oct.2007) wrote: (UL) SVT E84516 VW-1 18AWG/3C TA HSING CSA SVT LL110850 FT2 105C LF
Basically, it's still an SVT, 3-strand 18-gauge, 105C-degree rated, VW-1, CSA, LF detachable power cord with V1625 and PS204 plugs -- but ..
A. The cable supplier is different (Ta Hsing instead of Bao Hing)
B. It's E84516 instead of E159216
C. LL110850 instead of LL112007
D. There's a new FT2 marking.
These two different Volex-17757 cords have the same part number and were ordered from the same distributor (Mouser Electronics), but were ordered 3 months apart. It appears that Volex has changed its cable supplier.
Now, the interesting thing (for me) will be if the cords that Linn supplies in the U.S. will also change over to these new markings sometime in the next year or so (or however long it takes them to draw down their current cord inventory). If they do, then Linn will be using essentially stock Volex 17757 cords, but at a custom 6-foot length.
(As for sound quality -- I'll try to compare the two 17757 cords, but it'd be better if someone with more experienced ears (e.g., ThomasOK!) did so too!)
All best,
-C
P.S. -- This past weekend I went home and installed the (original) Volex 17757 cord on my parents' Chakra 5100, replacing the random braided/shielded power cord that the Chakra came with (dealer demo). The voodoo continues: the improvement in treble and overall musicality was noticeable, significant, and substantial.
For years I've heard audiophiles go on about the audio qualities of different power cords, and I always thought they were crazy. :D It was only because I trust the voices on this forum -- and because the Linn / Volex cord is so inexpensive, and because the used / demo Linn equipment my family owns has so often come with mystery cords -- that I thought to experiment a bit. Now I'm a full believer!