Power Cables

Mains leads in IEC C13, C15, C19 and Figure 8, with most available made to order in the length you need. Usually the first power upgrade people make.

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Choosing a mains cable

Start with the connector. Your equipment takes one of four inlets. C13 is the standard kettle style socket, C15 is the notched high temperature version used by some amplifiers, C19 is the larger high current type on bigger power amplifiers, and Figure 8 is the small two pin fitting on lighter source components. The wrong one will not fit, so check the back of the unit before ordering.

Current capacity comes next. A power amplifier draws far more than a DAC or a streamer, and a cable designed for a source component can restrict a large amplifier on dynamic peaks. Where a manufacturer specifies a minimum, follow it.

On what to expect: changes here are usually described as a lower noise floor and better dynamic control rather than a shift in tonal balance, and they tend to be clearest on amplifiers and on digital sources with switching supplies. It is also the area of hi-fi where the gap between claim and result is widest, which is exactly why the 60-day money-back guarantee matters here. Put one on your amplifier and decide for yourself.

4.95/5 from 20,659+ reviews Award Winning Dealer Since 2013 UK Specialist since 2005

12 of 196 products

  • Merlin Tarantula UK Mains Power
    ★ Award

    Merlin Cables

    Merlin Tarantula MK6 UK Mains Power Cable

    SKU: Merlin Tarantula UK

    (54 reviews)
    From
    £62.49
    Ex. VAT

    The current Tarantula MK6 uses the latest construction introduced in 2023, replacing the earlier grey MK6.2 version.

    The Merlin Tarantula MK6 is a UK-designed power cable that delivers enhanced audio fidelity. It features high-purity copper conductors for superior current flow, ECG technology to reduce electrostatic interference, and natural cotton with Ali/Mylar shielding to block noise. With advanced XLPE insulation, it offers a purer soundstage, maximising your hi-fi system’s performance in a noisy environment.

    View Available Worldwide Shipping Available
  • AudioQuest

    AudioQuest NRG-Z3 Mains Power Cable

    SKU: NRG-Z3

    (31 reviews)
    From
    £216.62
    Ex. VAT

    Following on from the success of the Storm Series NRG power cables (Thunder, Tornado, Hurricane & Dragon), AudioQuest have utilised trickle down techniques to create a new series of affordable, entry level NRG power cables. Featuring the excellent Noise-Dissipation technology employed in the Storm Series, this new range of NRG-Y and NRG-Z cables outperform their old NRG-X and NRG-1/1.5/2 counterparts by a landslide. The NRG-Z3 replaces the NRG-2 however it outperforms previous higher models.

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  • Furutech

    Furutech FP-TCS31 PC-TripleC Power Cable

    SKU: FP-TCS31

    (28 reviews)
    £131.67
    Ex. VAT

    α (Alpha) PC-Triple C is flexible, strong and can be drawn into a very fine wire. This new conductor, while not single-crystal like PCOCC, features crystal grain boundaries that are almost totally free of impurities which allows even the smallest of signals to be transmitted.

    At FutureShop we can custom make this cable for you. All you need to do is select the plug that you want from the source and receiver end from the drop down menus

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  • Sbooster

    Sbooster BOTW MKII Linear Power Supply - 5-6V Rating

    SKU: BOTW MKII 5-6V

    (21 reviews)
    £290.83
    Ex. VAT

    The Best of Two Worlds Power & Precision ECO MKII linear audio upgrade power supply (BOTW P&P ECO) is the successor of Sbooster's BOTW P&P ECO, which was introduced in the summer of 2015. The BOTW P&P ECO upgrade power supply combines power, precision and efficiency in a unique innovative manner and is the best choice for every audiophile.

    View Available
  • AudioQuest NRG-X2 UK Mains Power Cable
    SALE

    AudioQuest

    AudioQuest NRG-X2 Low-Noise UK Mains Power Cable

    SKU: AQ NRG-X2 UK

    (21 reviews)
    From
    £53.33 £54.12
    Ex. VAT ✓ Save £0.79

    As with the previous versions of NRG-X cables, new NRG-X cables use Direction-Controlled Long-Grain Copper (LGC) in superbly simplified Semi-Solid Concentric Conductors — packing the same 12 amp rating (X3,120V) into 7 strands instead of the previous 37 strands. That’s an incredibly tiny percentage of the previous strand interaction. Sounds so simple, but the resulting improvement is so delightfully clear.

    View Available Worldwide Shipping Available
  • AudioQuest

    AudioQuest NRG-Y2 Mains Power Cable

    SKU: NRG-Y2

    (20 reviews)
    From
    £108.29
    Ex. VAT

    Following on from the success of the Storm Series NRG power cables (Thunder, Tornado, Hurricane & Dragon), AudioQuest have utilised trickle down techniques to create a new series of affordable, entry level NRG power cables. Featuring the excellent Noise-Dissipation technology employed in the Storm Series, this new range of NRG-Y and NRG-Z cables outperform their old NRG-X and NRG-1/1.5/2 counterparts by a landslide. The NRG-Y2 replaces the NRG-X2 & NRG-1 however it outperforms even the NRG-1.5.

    View Available Worldwide Shipping Available
  • AudioQuest

    AudioQuest NRG-Y3 Mains Power Cable

    SKU: NRG-Y3

    (20 reviews)
    From
    £129.12
    Ex. VAT

    The NRG-Y3 is AudioQuest's new generation entry-level mains power cable, replacing the old NRG-X3. Borrowing some manufacturing techniques from the industry-leading Storm Series, the NRG-Y3 delivers no Characteristic Impedance for uncompressed current transfer on Long-Grain Copper conductors, with silver-plated shield drains mitigating RF noise.

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  • Merlin Tarantula EU Mains Power
    ★ Award

    Merlin Cables

    Merlin Tarantula MK6 EU Mains Power Cable

    SKU: Merlin Tarantula EU Mains Power

    (18 reviews)
    From
    £62.49
    Ex. VAT

    The current Tarantula MK6 uses the latest construction introduced in 2023, replacing the earlier grey MK6.2 version.

    The Merlin Tarantula MK6 is a UK-designed power cable that delivers enhanced audio fidelity. It features high-purity copper conductors for superior current flow, ECG technology to reduce electrostatic interference, and natural cotton with Ali/Mylar shielding to block noise. With advanced XLPE insulation, it offers a purer soundstage, maximising your hi-fi system’s performance in a noisy environment.

    View Available Worldwide Shipping Available
  • Merlin Tarantula Blue Edition
    ★ Award

    Merlin Cables

    Merlin Tarantula MK6 UK Mains Power Cable QSA Edition

    SKU: Merlin Tarantula MK6 UK

    (18 reviews)
    From
    £95.82
    Ex. VAT

    The current Tarantula MK6 uses the latest construction introduced in 2023, replacing the earlier grey MK6.2 version.

    The Merlin Tarantula MK6 Power Cable QSA Edition marries Merlin’s ECG system with QSA’s advanced fuses, aiming to offer unparalleled sound quality. Available in Black or advanced Blue variants, it sets new fidelity and noise suppression standards within its price range, designed to deliver an audio experience that rivals more expensive counterparts. This union of leading technologies from Merlin and QSA exemplifies their commitment to pushing the boundaries of audio performance.

    View Available Worldwide Shipping Available
  • AudioQuest Monsoon Mains Power Cable
    SALE

    AudioQuest

    AudioQuest Monsoon Mains Power Cable - Special Offer

    SKU: Monsoon

    (14 reviews)
    From
    £290.83 £357.50
    Ex. VAT ✓ Save £66.67

    Limited stock, limited time — your chance to own a high-performance cable at a special price. Available in 1m, 2m, and 3m; the 2m comes unboxed for extra savings.

    The Monsoon Power Cable's performance resembles that of its name. With an impressive 18mm outside diameter, the Monsoon Power Cable has a tremendous capacity for current flow. This makes it perfect for providing extensive current to your equipment for increased dynamics and detail.

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  • Merlin Black Widow MK6 UK Mains Power Cable (NEW 2019)
    SALE

    Merlin Cables

    Merlin Black Widow MK6 UK Mains Power Cable

    SKU: Merlin Black Widow UK

    (13 reviews)
    From
    £83.33 £166.67
    Ex. VAT ✓ Save £83.33

    The Merlin Black Widow MK6 UK Mains Power Cable showcases an advanced design, reducing electromagnetic and radio frequency interference for superior performance. Inspired by the Tarantula MK6, it features 2.5 mm^2 high-purity copper conductors, coated with a premium PE, surpassing conventional PVC. Additional features include an anti-electrostatic earth conductor, natural cotton fillers for noise reduction, and a protective external jacket that combats electrostatic energy. Best suited for substantial equipment like amplifiers and mains conditioners due to its robust construction.

    View Available Worldwide Shipping Available
  • AudioQuest

    AudioQuest NRG-X3 Low-Noise UK Mains Power Cable

    SKU: AQ NRG-X3 UK

    (13 reviews)
    From
    £66.62
    Ex. VAT

    As with the previous versions of NRG-X cables, new NRG-X cables use Direction-Controlled Long-Grain Copper (LGC) in superbly simplified Semi-Solid Concentric Conductors — packing the same 12 amp rating (X3,120V) into 7 strands instead of the previous 37 strands. That’s an incredibly tiny percentage of the previous strand interaction. Sounds so simple, but the resulting improvement is so delightfully clear.

    View Available Worldwide Shipping Available

Not finding what you need?
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Yes. Upgrading power cables can significantly improve system performance, even more so when using components sensitive to noise. AudioQuest power cables are designed to reduce radio-frequency and electromagnetic interference (RF/EMI), stabilise current delivery, and improve the noise floor of your system. Many customers report noticeable gains in detail, dynamics, and overall tonal balance, especially when paired with AudioQuest Niagara power conditioners.

Yes. Supra LoRad power cables are specifically engineered to minimise electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio frequency interference (RFI). By reducing the noise that can be picked up by audio components, LoRad cables help lower background hum and improve overall system clarity. Many listeners find they deliver a cleaner, more dynamic sound with greater focus across the frequency range.

Absolutely. IsoTek power cables are designed with advanced shielding and high-quality conductors to reduce electromagnetic interference and optimise current delivery. Upgrading to an IsoTek EVO3 Premier or EVO3 Sequel cable is one of the simplest ways to improve performance.

Yes. Even adding one Shunyata power cable to a key component (like a DAC, streamer, or amplifier) can reveal more detail, reduce harshness, and improve timing. Many listeners choose to upgrade step by step as the improvements are cumulative.

Yes. Longer cables or high-current components benefit from thicker conductors (e.g., 2.5mm² or 12AWG) to maintain low resistance and voltage stability.

Standard power cables are designed to meet safety regulations at low cost, not to optimise audio performance. Upgraded power cables use higher-quality conductors, improved shielding, and better connectors to reduce interference and improve current delivery.

In resolving systems, this can result in clearer detail, improved dynamics, and a more stable soundstage. While the effect varies by system, power cables often become more beneficial as the overall quality of the equipment increases.

Clean mains power matters to both digital and analogue systems, but in different ways. Digital equipment can be affected by electrical noise that impacts timing, clarity, and perceived smoothness. Analogue equipment, especially turntables and phono stages, is sensitive to noise and interference that can mask low-level detail.

Improving power quality can help systems sound more composed, quieter, and more consistent. The more revealing the system, the more noticeable the benefits of cleaner power tend to be.

For most systems, speakers, headphones, and core electronics deliver the biggest initial improvements. Power upgrades are usually most rewarding once the system fundamentals are already strong.

That said, if you are experiencing noise, hum, or inconsistency, addressing power can bring immediate benefits. Power upgrades work best as part of a wider system approach rather than as a standalone fix.

All cables matter, and your system will require good quality cables for all of it's connections, however, if you were looking for the cable which will make the biggest difference, then we would recommend looking at the power cables from your wall socket, to your distribution block and/or amplifier. More often than not, we hear from customers, manufacturers, and our own tests that higher quality power cables can have a significant impact of the quality of your system.

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