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The Ultimate AC Power Cable for Source Components
Pangea Audio's AC-14SE MkII is the ultimate affordable AC power cable for source components. This fourteen gauge cable uses three conductor groups consisting of a combination of solid and Litz conductors. The large-gauge center conductor is made of solid Cardas Grade One Copper. Surrounding this conductor are six cores consisting of one medium-gauge solid OFC copper conductor, which in turn is surrounded by six Litz conductors.
The net effect of Jay Victor's patented design is that every conductor is individually insulated. The braided shield is made of silver-plated copper for lower noise.
"Quite Simply the Best Copper on the Planet"
The original version of AC-14SE used a center conductor made from PCOCC copper, an extremely high purity form of Japanese copper. The new MkII version goes a substantial step further, upgrading to no-compromise Cardas Grade One Copper, which George Cardas of Cardas Audio developed for his own premium cables.
George’s copper is mined in Arizona, then shipped to a New England factory where it is very S-L-O-W-L-Y drawn into conductors in a process that includes reduction annealing between steps to further purify and meld the copper into what George calls "the most amazing audio conductor I have ever experienced. It is quite simply the best copper on the planet."
"The bottom line is that the best phono cartridges manufactured in the world, the best transformer winders, and the best cable manufactures in the world are converting to this smooth sounding Cardas Grade One Copper," George reports.
"It is simply stunning how using a combination of space age technology (reduction annealing) and ancient drawing process (diamond dies and a slow multi stage annealing) can result in such a refined product."
Specifically Designed for Source Components
Pangea Audio's AC-14SE MkII Signature Edition power cable is specifically designed for source components, which do not require the same large amounts of current as receivers, amps and subs. The AC-14SE provides more than enough current while offering multiple shielding and other features that facilitate extremely clean and noise-free power.
Pangea designed the AC-14SE MkII specifically for wide-band delivery of power to line-level AV components. It will enhance the performance of preamps, CD players, DVD players, DACs, and other line-level components.
Superior flexibility means easier installation, and the lightweight design doesn't impede the effectiveness of isolation devices. The AC-14SE MkII uses solid copper blades for the AC connections for superior electrical contact, along with a screw-in/out solid copper ground pin. This helps the cable grip the AC receptacle tighter and makes it easy for customers to cancel any ground hum by removing the ground pin. Special two-shot molded connector bodies protect vital AC connections from oxidation and corrosion for long life.
The Inside Story of Pangea Audio MkII Cables
Pangea Audio's AC-14 was one of the first cables designed from the ground-up as a high quality power cable for audio gear. Veteran cable designer, Jay Victor, designed the AC-14 specifically for source components like preamps, CD players, DACs, etc. Jay kept the price low thanks to his expertise with manufacturing processes and materials and also by using high-integrity molded connectors. Introduced for only $30 for a 1.0-meter length, the AC-14 was intended as a replacement for the cheapo stock cable thrown in the box with almost any high-end audio gear.
Soon after the Pangea AC-14 was introduced, something unexpected happened. Audiophiles around the country began reporting that the inexpensive AC-14 sounded better than other upgrade power cables costing five to ten times the price. Word of the AC-14's excellent performance spread quickly among audiophiles. Over the next few years, more than ten thousand AC-14 cables were sold.
Birth of the AC-9 and Beyond
Pangea Audio's AC-14 was quickly followed by the AC-9. This massive seven-gauge cable was designed for the high-current demands of power amplifiers, powered subs, power conditions, and more. More advanced Pangea Audio cables soon followed. These newer cables featured better shielding and higher grades of copper for even better performance. These cables sold incredibly well until suddenly and without warning the Japanese manufacturer announced they were ceasing production of the two higher grades of copper used in these newer Pangea cables.
Now, what to do?
An American Solution to the Japanese Problem
With the Japanese copper unavailable, Pangea Audio discovered another form of premium copper that was being produced by industry legend George Cardas, founder of Cardas Audio. Some years earlier, George was unhappy with the quality of the copper conductors available for his high-end cables. He decided to produce his own high-end copper, which he calls Cardas Grade One Copper.
Starting with the best available electrolytic copper mined in Arizona, Cardas very S-L-O-W-L-Y draws the copper into conductors in a process that includes reduction annealing between steps to further purify and meld the copper into what George calls "the most amazing audio conductor I have ever experienced."
So what started out as a problem for Pangea Audio with the loss of premium Japanese copper has turned out to be a huge benefit now that the company has upgraded to no-compromise Cardas Grade One Copper.
Pangea Audio Power Cables
Pangea Audio power cables offer the perfect balance of power, shielding, and flexibility for audiophile components. These cables have been designed, not from the AC wall outlet to the component, but the other way around – from the component to the wall outlet. The result is a cable that not only fully satisfies the 'real power requirements' of audiophile components, but which also delivers improved performance for both power and component isolation.
Pangea's 'component to the wall outlet' design results in a better cable that's designed just for the component you want to power. The cable gives you precisely what you need - no more and definitely no less.
More Isn't Always Better
Until now, all upgrade power cables have been designed according to a 'more is better' philosophy, leading manufacturers to increase the diameter of the conductor and the thickness of the insulation in an attempt to improve performance, but at the expense of flexibility. The resulting thick, noncompliant cables put a severe strain on the chassis of connected components.
Heavy, inflexible cables can also reduce the effectiveness of component isolation and suspension systems. This is a particular problem for sensitive source components (such as preamps, CD players, phono preamps, tuners, and DACs) that are typically placed on lighter suspension systems. Therefore, the AC-14SE has been engineered for flexibility and to put less strain on your gear, including isolation accessories.
