Jule Amps Monique part 5

[Groove Doctor]

I'd prefer a locking IEC to the fancy other one - on the off chance you lost the cable. Standard IEC would work as a backup in a pinch.

Also, I own and usually carry a spare cable for EVERYTHING so I would have to buy two.

 

[Jule Potter]

Thank you everyone. I do appreciate you all considering this with me. There are serious mechanical/electrical advantages for the PowerCon from Neutric over the IEC configuration. The good thing about the IEC is that it can be found everywhere. There may in fact be no choice but the PowerCon when the results are well considered. I've been testing the 700 watt with these and the results are pretty shocking.

I do worry about some of my International customers (they make up about 40% of all customers).

Because of the difficulty of knowing which three prong plug configuration goes into the wall for all my International customers, I do not send their Monique to them with any power cable at all. I leave it up to them to come up with the proper cable.

Maybe I could send them a PowerCon cable with no three prong wall end. Just a PowerCon cable with bare wires on the wall end, but PowerCon ready for Monique on the other end. Then the International customer would only have to find a three prong plug and wire it up. As I write this last, it seems a bit iffy.

I do appreciate the help.

 

[Jule Potter]

I agree 100%!!! Made the decision a few weeks back to use these going forward. Have several here and they are very solid as you'd expect. With regards to replacement, I think offering a spare at a nominal cost, or at least the connector (which can easily turn any cable into one with minimal effort - no soldering required) is the way to go. If folks can leave the cable locked in during transport, that should minimize the occurrence of lost cables. Glad to see someone else is thinking the same thing!

Good point about the locking.

I wonder if we'd still want to remove the power cable for transportation? Probably.

 

[Jule Potter]

What about the power cable from Analysis Plus Cables??...easily obtained!
I still find the power cable to my Monique Dove Cage very poor...not a very positive fit !

Shoot me an email, please. I have an idea.

 

[Jule Potter]

I'd prefer a locking IEC to the fancy other one - on the off chance you lost the cable. Standard IEC would work as a backup in a pinch.

Also, I own and usually carry a spare cable for EVERYTHING so I would have to buy two.

Thank you. As I mentioned above, it is out of the US that the picture gets a bit murky.

We'll figure it out.

 

[Jule Potter]

My dove cage cable was a little loose feeling as well - I stuck one of these in there & all is well....

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

I had some concerns that someone (including me) might not know it was locked in place & try to force it out - so I stuck a little warning note to it as well...

I'll order some of these for testing. Thank you.

 

[Jule Potter]

My dove cage cable was a little loose feeling as well - I stuck one of these in there & all is well....

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

I had some concerns that someone (including me) might not know it was locked in place & try to force it out - so I stuck a little warning note to it as well...

They should be here in 5-7 days. Thanks.

 

[Groove Doctor]

Hi Jule, the link for infinite cables above shows a locking receptacle that receives a standard IEC plug & locks.... best of both worlds!! :yep:

Is there a reason OTHER THAN LOCKING that you like the PowerCon connectors? Any difference for countries with 240V power?

What are your thoughts on the powerCON TRUE1 connectors? Safe to connect or disconnect under load/live = ultimate idiot-proofing.
Invalid Link Removed

 

[Randyt]

Shoot me an email, please. I have an idea.

Thanks Jule....I have sent you an email

 

[maisbass]

Power con cables are easy to get. It has been a standard in the audio industry for a long time. I have used them for years and never had one fail on me. Yankee parades, giant parades, inaugurations, etc, never an issue. Also, not sure why people think this is not readily available, it absolutely is from the major music stores.

As working musicians, we should always carry spares of everything (tubes, strings, cables, etc), so I really don't understand the concern. Power con cables are readily available in music stores just as IEC cables.

Not to stray from the topic but a point about using any old IEC cable... Just because you may be able to obtain an IEC cable from the computer of the club you may be gigging at doesn't necessarily mean it is the right cable for your equipment. Many IEC cables are manufactured in very light gauges such as 18g, which really isn't sufficient for your high powered amps. When using a light gauge power cable for an amp which draws a lot of power, you are doing a disservice to your tone and quite frankly risking a potential problem happening to your amp. Have you ever seen the IEC cable for the old crown 2402's? They are a thick gauge (I think 12g).

My point is that the manufacturer pairs a power cable for their equipment because it has been tested and rated to give you the best possible performance and reliability.... So you just can't use any power cable safely. And if Jule can get better performance from a cable using a power con connector, well the answer seems like a no brainer, especially since we are all on the never ending quest for the holy grail of tone. Lol!

I have a Glock Blue Soul and I purchased the upgraded thicker gauge IEC cable for it. I can tell you it makes a difference. I have better low end and quicker response from the amp, and there seems to be better clarity and performance as well, as opposed to using any old IEC cable. With that being said, my Glock cable sometimes wiggles lose. I had to put a layer of gaff tape around it to make it a tighter fit. I would much rather have had a power con connector which locks in so I wouldn't have to worry about my singer climbing behind my amp and knocking the power cable out.

I'm no electrical engineer so I leave those decisions to the pros. So Jule, if you think the power con provides more reliability and performance, we'll then, sign me up.

 

[Groove Doctor]

Great point maisbass, but we're talking apples and oranges here.

I do think a quality IEC cable + locking IEC receptacle would work just as well and sound perfectly fine though.... but if Jule thinks there's a significant tonal difference I'll be happy to go with his judgement.

 

[maisbass]

Great point maisbass, but we're talking apples and oranges here.

I do think a quality IEC cable + locking IEC receptacle would work just as well and sound perfectly fine though.... but if Jule thinks there's a significant tonal difference I'll be happy to go with his judgement.

Agreed Groove Doctor I would have no problem if it was equal results as well. I was actually trying to attempt to make the point that you shouldn't just use any IEC cable.

 

[Kirk Bryant]

This reminded me of a funny (to me) story. Yrs ago playing a gig with a friend, his guitar just sounded like shite for 2 sets he struggled complaining of a lousy sound but coming from home his rig sounded great there. I looked his stuff over, examining cables I noticed his guitar cable was an el-cheepo. I handed him a low end Monster guitar cable and voila! Problem solved. I have looked at my cabling in a more serious light ever since. I now use high end cables throughout from axe to amp To AC in the wall and no I haven't bought a $1K power cord, but I do know it all matters some bits more than others.

 

[Jerry Ziarko]

I use a powered RCF wedge that uses a Powercon. I picked up one of these, Invalid Link Removed cut off the IEC end, and put on one of these. http://www.parts-express.com/neutrik-nac3fca-powercon-cable-connector-power-in-blue--092-280 It takes up no room, and in a pinch, pair it with an extension cord, and you're good to go.

 

[Baird6869]

I have somehow accumulated about a dozen good quality lower gauge (thicker) IEC cables and can't see myself using anything else in the forseeable future.

If Jule made the new connector/cable standard/mandatory on the 700 combo, I would likely buy 2-3 cables and live with it, but my preference is the basic IEC.

Also, in almost 30 years of gigging, I have had a power cable pulled out of an amp once.

To each their own though...

 

[foderaman]

The Berg IP,s used a Powercon cord.

 

[Jule Potter]

Power con cables are easy to get. It has been a standard in the audio industry for a long time. I have used them for years and never had one fail on me. Yankee parades, giant parades, inaugurations, etc, never an issue. Also, not sure why people think this is not readily available, it absolutely is from the major music stores.

As working musicians, we should always carry spares of everything (tubes, strings, cables, etc), so I really don't understand the concern. Power con cables are readily available in music stores just as IEC cables.

Not to stray from the topic but a point about using any old IEC cable... Just because you may be able to obtain an IEC cable from the computer of the club you may be gigging at doesn't necessarily mean it is the right cable for your equipment. Many IEC cables are manufactured in very light gauges such as 18g, which really isn't sufficient for your high powered amps. When using a light gauge power cable for an amp which draws a lot of power, you are doing a disservice to your tone and quite frankly risking a potential problem happening to your amp. Have you ever seen the IEC cable for the old crown 2402's? They are a thick gauge (I think 12g).

My point is that the manufacturer pairs a power cable for their equipment because it has been tested and rated to give you the best possible performance and reliability.... So you just can't use any power cable safely. And if Jule can get better performance from a cable using a power con connector, well the answer seems like a no brainer, especially since we are all on the never ending quest for the holy grail of tone. Lol!

I have a Glock Blue Soul and I purchased the upgraded thicker gauge IEC cable for it. I can tell you it makes a difference. I have better low end and quicker response from the amp, and there seems to be better clarity and performance as well, as opposed to using any old IEC cable. With that being said, my Glock cable sometimes wiggles lose. I had to put a layer of gaff tape around it to make it a tighter fit. I would much rather have had a power con connector which locks in so I wouldn't have to worry about my singer climbing behind my amp and knocking the power cable out.

I'm no electrical engineer so I leave those decisions to the pros. So Jule, if you think the power con provides more reliability and performance, we'll then, sign me up.

Power con cables are easy to get. It has been a standard in the audio industry for a long time. I have used them for years and never had one fail on me. Yankee parades, giant parades, inaugurations, etc, never an issue. Also, not sure why people think this is not readily available, it absolutely is from the major music stores.

As working musicians, we should always carry spares of everything (tubes, strings, cables, etc), so I really don't understand the concern. Power con cables are readily available in music stores just as IEC cables.

Not to stray from the topic but a point about using any old IEC cable... Just because you may be able to obtain an IEC cable from the computer of the club you may be gigging at doesn't necessarily mean it is the right cable for your equipment. Many IEC cables are manufactured in very light gauges such as 18g, which really isn't sufficient for your high powered amps. When using a light gauge power cable for an amp which draws a lot of power, you are doing a disservice to your tone and quite frankly risking a potential problem happening to your amp. Have you ever seen the IEC cable for the old crown 2402's? They are a thick gauge (I think 12g).

My point is that the manufacturer pairs a power cable for their equipment because it has been tested and rated to give you the best possible performance and reliability.... So you just can't use any power cable safely. And if Jule can get better performance from a cable using a power con connector, well the answer seems like a no brainer, especially since we are all on the never ending quest for the holy grail of tone. Lol!

I have a Glock Blue Soul and I purchased the upgraded thicker gauge IEC cable for it. I can tell you it makes a difference. I have better low end and quicker response from the amp, and there seems to be better clarity and performance as well, as opposed to using any old IEC cable. With that being said, my Glock cable sometimes wiggles lose. I had to put a layer of gaff tape around it to make it a tighter fit. I would much rather have had a power con connector which locks in so I wouldn't have to worry about my singer climbing behind my amp and knocking the power cable out.

I'm no electrical engineer so I leave those decisions to the pros. So Jule, if you think the power con provides more reliability and performance, we'll then, sign me up.

All amp manufacturers must deal with this issue - or ignore it and leave it to the customer. I very much appreciate you all here who have taken the time to respond. Thank you. Again, I find this community full of knowledgeable, supportive, kind folk.

The technical issue is simple, and a bit boring. The total contact area (metal to metal) of a Power Con Connector is greatly larger (about twice as large), and more firmly held in place than the total contact area of the IEC. . . and that does make a difference in tone when we are driving something that can momentarily dim the lights in a small home upon power up.

The way it works technically is very simple. It is exactly like water flowing through a pipe. The larger the wire or contact area (pipe), the easier it is for current to get through it. When the wire or contact area is on the small side, it creates a restriction for current. When that happens, (unlike water) heat is generated, and more importantly for us, the current is impeded. For us as musicians, the fact that a cable might be a bit warm to the touch is less important than the fact that the amplifier is not getting a steady source of power/current to give us the playing characteristics and tone we must have. Don't tell any Electrical Inspector I care more about tone than a bit of heat, please. ;-)

Monique by herself doesn't need much power at all. The "usual" IEC cable is plenty. And yes, I have found that some of the computer IEC cables only have 24 gauge wiring in them. That is way too small to power anything but a computer, and then it is questionable. It is only the 700 watt amplifier that requires the steady source of power. As mentioned above, some quality manufacturers have simply moved to the Power Con with no discussion, and I can see why they did.

I would rather hear from you good folks here on TB first before I make what may in the end be a primarily technical decision on products going forward.

Thank you all.

 

[Groove Doctor]

It'll sound better.... that's all I needed to hear. :thumbup:

 

[SCT1422]

I've been using my Monique 700 with my HD-112's and it sounds fantastic, but has anyone tried any of the Moniques with a HT-322 ???

 

[MarkA]

I've had instrument cables yanked out of amps by stray doofuses (doofii?), but never a power cable - and then I don't know that I'd prefer having the amp yanked from its perch to losing signal. There is something to be said, too, for having a readily available connector should you forget yours for some reason.

All that said, if Jule feels that there is even a small, positive difference either in the tone of the amp or its feel with a Powercon vs. a good IEC cable, then I'd prefer the Powercon. I'm not concerned about the cable coming loose, but if you're spending in the neighborhood of $2K on an amp (and sometimes tube rolling after that) to eke out every last iota of tone you can, it seems silly to me to compromise it for a power cable. (Jonathan, ditto for your amp.)

I'd carry a spare or have some other method of backup, but it would be worth it to me as long as there is a performance benefit, even if small. If nothing else, I'll pay more attention to which cable I take out now! I have some heavy ones, and some skinny 18 gauge.

Would the pre-only Monique ship with a Powercon for consistency/possible future amp installations?