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Specifically Designed for High-Current Components

In spite of its name, Pangea Audio's AC-9 high-current power cord isn't a nine-gauge cable. It's actually a seven-gauge cable, which means it's even heftier than the nine-gauge! (The lower the gauge, the thicker the cable.) This explains why our customers have been so wildly enthusiastic about the sound of AC-9. This difference is especially noticeable in the bass, where the AC-9 outperforms every cable we're heard under $200, and most cables under $500.

The AC-9 has been designed specifically to deliver the high current needed by mono, stereo, and integrated power amplifiers. It's also ideal for powered subwoofers and makes a great choice for use with high-current-demanding line conditioners. Its combination of superior materials, advanced geometry, and noise-fighting shielding enhances the performance of connected components.

Because of their high-current requirements, power amps benefit from heavier gauge conductors than normal power cords offer. Although the AC-9 uses large-diameter conductors, it requires less shielding than power cables that are designed for use with source components. Therefore, the AC-9 offers greater flexibility than other heavy-duty power cables. That makes it kinder to your gear and easier to work with.

"You Don’t Always Have to Pay a Lot to Get a Lot"

"The AC-9 is a perfect example of the adage that you don’t always have to pay a lot to get a lot, notes Sean Fowler in his April 13, 2010 review for SonicFlare.com. "As I listen to the AC-9, I struggle to think of a time when I heard any other affordable power cord deliver such a natural presentation without committing some kind of damning caveat."

Superior Noise Rejection

The AC-9 boasts 99.99% purity OFC copper conductors for maximum conductivity. Its 7-awg construction facilitates high-current power delivery, while its five-way multi-gauge geometry optimizes 50/60 Hz AC power.

Counter-spiraled conductors offer superior noise rejection. Double-shielded provides high-current noise isolation. Special two-shot molded connector bodies protect vital AC connections for maximum current delivery and long life, while 24k gold-plated contacts provide superior electrical contact.

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.

When More Is Sometimes Actually Less

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. Because power amps do benefit from heavier gauge conductors, the AC-9 is thicker than its smaller sibling, the AC-14. However, it is only as thick as it needs to be for maximum performance, and it is still more flexible than competitive cords.

• Designed specifically to deliver the high-current power needed by audio amplifiers, powered subwoofers, and powerline conditioners
• 99.99% purity OFC conductors for maximum conductivity
• 7-awg construction for optimized high-current power delivery
• 5-way multi-gauge geometry for optimized 50/60 hz ac power
• Counter-spiraled conductors for superior noise rejection
• Double-shielded for optimized high-current noise isolation
• 24k gold-plated contacts for superior electrical contact
• Special two-shot molded connector bodies protect vital AC connections for maximum current delivery and long life

"As I listen to the AC-9, I struggle to think of a time when I heard any other affordable power cord deliver such a natural presentation without committing some kind of damning caveat."

"When you add the AC-9’s great looks, great build quality, solid cable topology, great price, great sound, and backing by a highly reputable retailer with a 30 day trial period, I can find no reason why an audiophile looking to try out a power cord should pass up on the Pangea AC-9. The AC-9 is a perfect example of the adage that you don’t always have to pay a lot to get a lot. While I cannot comment on how the AC-9’s compare to cables of uber exotic pedigree, the results I get from this Pangea cord is unquestionably solid. Moreover, their attractive pricing makes it easy for both audio newbies and experienced veterans alike to take their wares for a test drive."

"What more can I say? I bought the AC-9's outright (no 'reviewer discount', dun dun dun), I am keeping them, I am voluntarily writing about them, and hopefully this will be the very first and last time that I ever write about a freaking power cord. Recommendations don’t get much higher than that."

- Sean Fowler, SonicFlare.com April 13, 2010

Q: Can I use the high-current AC-9 power cable with my preamp, CD player or DAC?

A: Certainly! In some cases, the AC-9 will offer a sonic improvement over the AC-14 when used with source-type components. There are many variables here that affect performance, including the nature of your power and the design of your source component. The best rule of thumb is to try it and see if you like the change. If you experience little of no improvement with the AC-9 and a particular source component, you can always switch back to the AC-14 cable.

Q: Since the AC-14 is designed for source components, like CD players and preamps, can I still use it for my integrated or stereo power amp?

A: Yes! Thanks to its 14-gauge construction, the AC-14 will deliver many times the current of the stock cable that came with your integrated amp. And with its superior shielding, the AC-14 power cable will deliver far cleaner power, too. So your music will sound cleaner.

Audio Advisor Review - Pangea Audio AC-9 Power Cord