Can a better power cable make a difference if NOT plugged directly into an outlet?

Those who say power cables never matter, please go watch a cute cat video instead of posting here, please.

Not into that thing myself, but cat videos have a huge following. I had a colleague a few years ago, who spent more time watching cat videos than doing any actual work. 

I use Pangea AC 9 SE and AC14 SE cords, at present.

This setup has been quiet and hum free. 

Improvement in power cords does not mean fixing audible noise issues you can hear, such as hum, buzz, distorted sound. Coincidence I received the following email newsletter this morning from Paul McGowan of PS Audio, copy/ paste below:

———-

Crossing wires

When my parents were coming of age, the telephone system used a massive number of patchbays and operators connecting one phone to another. On occasion, they would make the wrong patch which is where the term crossing wires comes from.

Not only telephone operators cross wires. 

In a recent video of mine I speak at length about how USB noise impacts audio quality. I further go on explaining that adding a USB hub or stepping up to our new galvanically isolated MKII DAC is needed to clean up and isolate this noise.

Not until a rash of negative comments about folks unable to hear this noise did it become obvious to me my mistake. Ears were placed next to tweeters with and without their DACs connected to USB without any additional noise.

Fraud!

My broad use of the term noise could easily be thought to meant audible noise: noise in the range of human hearing.

Noise that impacts sound quality on USB is, of course, outside the range of human hearing. It's in the megahertz region where computers are most active: side effects of high speed number crunching.

I am certain most of my readers understand this but—and it is my bad—I need to be a bit more careful throwing about words that have many meanings.

Otherwise, that which I am trying to communicate will get its wires crossed.

This is a pure example of a strange phenomenon:

1) Someone posts a question about cables, in the “cables” category of the forum. Looking for the opinions of people who have tried those experiments and experienced said cables

2) Like a clock, same exact people who always say cable make zero difference jump in, saying the same thing they said hundreds of times before. And with zero experience on said cables

Question is why? If a subject does not interest you, why chase the same exact subject over and over again? Is it so hard to ignore a subject that does NOT interest you?

@hilde45 : to answer your question, yes, the power cords plugged after power conditioner make a difference. IMO, the power cord feeding the power conditioner is often the most important.

‘Pangea are solid , decent entry level power cords, a step up typically from stock power cords, scratching the surface so to speak. But really, entry level power cord. Have you tried any Audience power cords? Since you are already using their power conditioner. Further, have you asked Audience what they think their own power conditioner is recommended to be paired with in terms of power cords? Before and after power conditioner itself. Lots of options out there in power cords. In order to hear any difference, you will need to experiment with above entry level power cords. Chances are an entry level power cord will sound very similar to another entry level power cord from another brand. Experimentation is key, and dare I say, fun

@hilde45 :

My Audience plugs directly into the wall. There is no place to insert a cord, there. The wiremold strip plugs into the audience and then serves everything.

Sorry about that, I was not familiar with your Audience conditioner, I just looked it up. It hooks up directly attached to the wall outlet, no power cord needed.

In addition to Audience power cords, you may also want to try Wireworld power cords, Electra and up. There may be good synergy with your Wireworld power strip. Wireworld power cords claim to be conditioning power cords, so probably plugged to your Wireworld strip, which goes directly to the wall, may be a good starting point to experiment. They recommend 2 meter lengths (or more) for best results

@hilde45 🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️. I thought the “mold” part was a typo, or autocorrect at work, meaning “world” instead. 🤦‍♂️. My bad. Bottom line is some experimenting you have to do. As long it’s fun, not a chore, it’s always good to experiment. It sounds to me you are in the right path. Best of luck, and please keep everyone updated. Most are good folks here, willing to share and help with their experiences

@hilde45 : did you explain to John what power cords you already have? Knowing the power conditioner you have, and I am assuming you conveyed this to John, I am not surprised by his suggestion. Logical considering the price of your Audience existing gear. 

Make Audio Great Again?

You rage infused MAGA dudes always find a way, don’t you Jerry?

You are OBVIOUSLY and CLEARLY the one and only deranged Jerry

Not sure whether this is because of your alleged stroke six usernames ago, or whatever, but you definitely need mental and professional, and medical help. I sincerely wish you a long, multiple months long and healthy life. Anger management can potentially help

@tomrk : If you want to question stuff, please feel free to do so directly with the manufacturer, or get an engineering degree. I have no horse on this race, as I don’t own any PS Audio pieces at this time, nor do I intend to buy one anytime soon. I brought it up simply to illustrate the concept of “noise” in the context of audible buzz, hum, etc.

It’s a bit of stretch to say all USB hubs are already galvanically isolated, but I will not entertain your questioning of this, simply because I don’t have time I can waste. Apologies in advance 

Come on Jerry g. You are reporting all my posts my man? So much for the free speech you dudes proclaim. Unless it’s Bud Light, Target, Disney, LA Dodgers, or all books of course 🤯