Again in my continuing search for inexpensive alternatives to increase the performance of my home theater system. This time, I had the pleasure to evaluate the Signal Cable Magic Power Digital Reference Power Cord. This power cord is geared towards your digital sources such as CD, DVD, and preamps. Signal Cable is a company owned by Frank Dai who prides himself in providing high quality products with down-to-earth prices. You can also see my review of his Magic Power Power Cord geared for subwoofers at: http://www99.epinions.com/content_338236706436. When you call Signal Cable, you will find that Frank will answer your call and answer any questions you may have of his products. He seems very sincere, passionate and knowledigble, of the competition and especially of his products. Again, I will be comparing the Digital Reference Power Cord to stock and PS Audio xStreme Prelude, Plus SC and Statement power cords.

Quality and Workmanship:Again, like the Magic Power Power Cord, built quality is first rate. But I do like the look of the Magic Power Power Cord better because of the all black jacket. Others may like the reddish and black look better on the Digital Reference because it does look similar to other high end power cords. This power cord uses a Marinco hospital grade AC plug and a Shurter IEC connector. Both highly regarded in audio circles as high quality connectors. Stiffness of this power cord is a bit more than the PS Audio Prelude and Plus SC so make sure you have room to run this power cord.

Sound:Unlike my subwoofer evaluation, this time, I am able to use music and video that can capture the sound of instruments like guitar, piano, and vocals. Using the test tone generator out of my preamp processor, this power cord registered an additional 1.5-2 dB increase in sound over the stock and PS Audio power cords. Just as in the Magic Power Power Cord, I was able to measure a significant difference in actual sound output. After readjusting for this difference, the evaluations commenced. First, I listened to the title track of Sony Holland's, "On a San Francisco High," and noticed that this power cord presented a lower noise floor while creating more air around the instruments and Sony's voice. It was much easier to pick out placement of Sony relative to her bandmates. Also, there was a greater ease in music delivery relative to the other power cords. Dynamics were greater and the overall sound was smoother and warmer.

Next, I listened to Jamie Cullum's SACD version of Twentysomething and listened to the first track, "These Are The Days", and found again that the noise floor was lower, Jamie's voice was clearer and again, instruments had more air around them which made the overall presentation more believable.

Last, I listened and watched my DVD of Norah Jones, Live in New Orleans and went to the track, "Come Away With Me". The bass line and cymbals were more alive with the Digital Reference power cord than with the stock or PS Audio cords. Listening to this track gave me a real appreciation on how important a good aftermarket power cord is. The overall performance was more believable. Dynamics felt unrestricted while giving that sense of air and dimensionality necessary for a live performance. Using this power cord again made me realize that my PS Audio power cords were constricting the performance of my home theater. I also used this power cord on my Mitsubishi 52" DLP HDTV and like the Magic Power Power Cord, I found a similar increase in color richness and reduction of grain with the image viewed.

Conclusions:Overall, I was very impressed with the performance of this power cord. It had a lower noise floor, presented a more realistic performance and with a greater ease in dynamics without any harshness normally associated with products that help increase the highs and airiness in instruments. I even had a brief chance to compare this power cord to Synergistic Research's Active AC power cord ($1100) and the dealer who sells this product commented that the Digital Reference power cord sounded very similar which made him very unhappy. If you are looking for a AC power cord to replace those stock power cords without emptying out your wallet, you need to audition this power cord. You have 30 days to try this power cord in your system and if you don't like it, you can return for your money back. The Signal Cable Digital Reference power cord will make you a believer that aftermarket power cords can make a positive difference in your audio/video system. Hope this information helped you in your decision if this product is right for you.

Specifications: Via manufacturer's web site-
12 AWG 3 conductor twisted design

High purity stranded copper for maximum conductivity

Copper braid + foil double shield

Teflon insulation + Teflon outer jacket

UL listed and CSA certified

Voltage rating: 300 volts

Max. Amps @ 120V: 30A

Warranty and Return Policy:
30 day in-home trial with money back guarantee. Lifetime non-transferable warranty on manufacturing defects.

Pricing and Options: From manufacturer's web site-
Price - $69.00 for 3 feet standard length

Each additional foot - $7.00

Standard Terminations

Marinco hospital grade AC plug (Male)

Schurter 4781 IEC Connector (Female)

Optional Terminations and costs

SCHUKO AC plug (European 2-pole+earth) Additional $10

Associated Equipment:
Mitsubishi WD-52725 52" DLP HDTV
Parasound HCA-1205A 5-Channel Amp
Parasound AVC-1800 Pre-amp
Magnepan IIIa Front Main Speakers
Eminent Technology LFT-XII center channel speaker
Magnepan IIIa Rear Surround Speakers
Velodyne HGS-12 Series II subwoofer
Sony CDP-CX240 CD Player
Oppo Digital DV-970HD Universal DVD Player
Pro-Ject 1.2 Turntable with Sumiko Pearl Cartridge
Channel Island Audio VDA-2 DAC and VAC-1 Power Supply
Synergistic Research Interconnects and Speaker Cables
Stock 14 and 18 AWG Power Cord
PS Audio Prelude, Plus SC, Statement Power Cords



Recommended: Yes