OK, I just finished a move to a new house, and am setting up all my
stuff. I'd been very meticulous about cataloguing my home theater gear
when packing ... with the apparent exception of one little element:
the detachable power cord for my DVD player.

In the manual for the player -- a Pioneer DV-656A -- we've got these
specs:

"Power requirements: AC 120V, 60Hz"
"Power consumption: "12 W"

For some odd reason, while the DVD player is the only console left to
hook up, I've got two power cords remaining here. And I'm not sure
which belongs to the Pioneer. Each fits into the AC inlet, and the
specs printed on each cord read:

Cord 1: "7A - 125V 875W (Hewtech-LTK)"
Cord 2: "LS - 7CWA 7A - 125V (Longwell)"

I'm great with audio, an idiot with electrical stuff.

Can somebody tell me if either of these cords is OK given the specs of
my DVD player?

Thanks so much...

Chris

They're electrically identical: 7 (amps) x 125 (volts) = 875 (watts)

Either is overkill for the player, by a factor of 70 (12/120 = 0.1 amps).

OK, thanks for the info. But given that I am, as I mentioned, an idiot on electrical stuff, does "overkill" mean "DO NOT USE THOSE CORDS!!!" ?

Or are you saying they're all right?

Also, just curious: Would the specs printed on the cord that came with the player necessarily mirror the precise specs listed in the player's manual? I'm just wondering if either of these is even the original Pioneer cord in the first place...

Overkill is a good thing.

Better to have too much power available than not enough.

Use either cord.

Thankee, both Larry and pilgram.

Understand that an abundance of power capacity does not 'force' power into a load, just like a powerful amplifier doesn't automatically overload a speaker (unless you have no restraint). In the second example, the ability is there because amplifiers have an adjustable output voltage, aka the volume control.

Either cord could have been original equipment. You'd have to ask the maker or a dealer if you really wanted to know, but rest assured that computer buffs don't sweat the same thing when it comes to computer power cords.

I only use Wireworld SilverElectra power cords, they make a world of difference.

http://www.wireworldaudio.com/

Ohhh yeah .... welll I use only the best !!!

I mean the best !!!

[Link: partsexpress.com]

Lets see.... $2.50 ,,, or .... $250.00

Fact is ... IMHO ... the important part (before you upgrade your power cords is a dedicated circuit for your gear - and good wire - good outlets. ( 12 gauge bx, hospital grade outlets .. or better.

[Link: psaudio.com]

G' luck - C Hyde

How can a short power cord make a 'world of difference'?

Wouldn't you at least have to upgrade all of they way to the transformer on the pole, if not all of the way to the sub-station and perhaps beyond?

I detect a little bit of snake oil!

Of all the electronic device things I've seen recalled, power cords/supplies are at the top of the list. Apparently power supplies/cords are often bought third-party and combined with a manufacturer's electronic device for sale. They usually work like expected, but occasionally cause shorts or overheating or fires.

My point? It's smart to MAKE SURE you plug the right power cord/supply into each device. Make sure you look for manufacturer recalls too. They often involve the power cord/supply, and usually get you a new one.

I don't know. I see that link to cheap power cords above, but they are only 10amp. Many of the devices in HTs require something a little better. Not $300 for some snake oil, but at least a higher rating.

Other than receivers and power amps, what in a home-theater stack would require 10+ amps??

Your run of the mill DVD/window air conditioner combo units?

Exactly, amps. What, is this a trick question? My sub came with a 13 amp cord. So did my projector, although it's only rated to require 4. And that's what I used for extension cords for both of these, too.

Why do half a job?





My jumper links.