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Are upgraded power cables for subwoofers worth it?

I recently have been filling in all of the holes in my secondary system.  Recently picked up a shunyata power conditioner, upgraded speaker cables, and power cable for my amplifier.

My question is, is it worth running higher end audiophile power cables with subwoofers, considering distortion is not as apparent to the human ear in the sub bass range?  I use a high end receiver for my DAC in this system with a normal power cable as well.  Would I get better performance increase from upgrading sub cables or my DAC(receiver w pre outs) power cable?

Any specific suggestions for sub power cables, or DAC power cables that are inexpensive (sub 200 or even $100)

Thanks for your time!

jrareform

Showing 2 responses by mitch2

mitch2
4,153 posts
 

Whatever power cord you use, make sure the wire gauge is big enough for the current draw of the sub’s amplifier (12awg should be fine), the connectors make good contact and fit snugly in the duplex, and the cable is shielded to reduce noise (although not necessarily a requirement if you don’t have a noise issue).

You can get this done for as little as $100 or less, with something like this one, or even this one. Here is one that you could construct as a DIY project using a typical Hubble plug and IEC. You should be able to find that cable by the foot.

mitch2
4,153 posts
 

Regarding wire gauge, the current limitations to your gear are:

  • Breaker size at the panel (usually 15-20 amps)
  • Wire size in the wall (should be right-sized for the breaker, so usually 14-12 awg)
  • Power cord gauge to the equipment (no need to be bigger than what's in the wall)
  • Fuse size in the equipment

Your equipment should not see more current/amperage than the limiting factor of the above conduits.  Considering even larger amps rarely input over 10 amps of current, a case could be made that a 14awg power cord is plenty big for even large power amplifiers.  Not trying to change anyone's mind, but that is what the science says.

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