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... abit confused: how does a power cord affect the presentation of sound...

Hello to all...

I was shifting around components in my system, trying to squeeze out better controlled bass, more definition within the soundstage, and better define the "voice/midrange" presentation...

I presently have a tube preamp (hardwired with a wall wart) into an HT Receiver; source is a Marantz SA-8001 CD Player

Swapped out a Yamaha HTR -5550 (hardwired) for a Parasound HCA-750A (which needs a power cord).

CD Player is powered with a PS Audio Statement SC power cord, so I went in my closet and pulled out another PS AUDIO Statement SC power cord, hooked it up and expect to give it at least 5 days continuous re-break-in before serious listening.

Took a minute to lookup reviews about this power cord - and I read some rather confusing reviews: some luved 'um, some liked 'um, but some thought them " ...slow... " (?), and giving a veiled presentation...

I'm gonna listen and decide myself - but I'm abit confused: how does a power cord affect the presentation of sound - I know that interconnects and speaker cables would/could/Do affect sound presentation - but how could a power cord?

Explanation/thoughts please...
insearchofprat

Showing 2 responses by nicotico

nicotico
187 posts
 
PCs are going to have less of an impact on the sound of your system than ICs or speaker cables. Optimize after those are set.
Not if you have such an oddball PC that has a characteristic that permeates the entire sound, which is what the OP has.
nicotico
187 posts
 
Ok - that particular line of power cords by PS audio - the “SC” series - the jacket was impregnated with ferrite. While intended to reduce noise, ferrite also has the negative side effect of quashing dynamics resulting in the sound being “slow.” Pretty sure PS audio even admitted this flaw later, and ceased impregnating the jackets with ferrite on their subsequent line of power cords. Would use those only for video applications, or maybe something like a transport. Would not use those on a preamp or amp where the “slow” sound will be most pronounced. CD player/DAC - questionable. I know this from personal experience with these power cords. Most power cords for high end audio applications avoid the use of ferrite; you see ferrite donuts on a lot of power cords that come with computer equipment and other small appliances. Hope this helps.
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