Do CD Transports benefit much from upgraded power cords?

I believe they do...I had some cords left from downsizing and they did make a difference...how much i can't say, but i kept the cords rather than sell...on a PS Audio Perfectwave and Cambridge CXC...

A well appointed beautiful system like yours can definitely benefit from an upgraded power cord. That’s a very nice CD player, try something like Zavfino FINA OCC PC (14AWG) MKII and report back your findings.

Yes, they do....generally speaking, of course.

I have used many CD players of varying quality over the years.

IN GENERAL, the nicer the CD player, the better the unit responds to a nicer cord.

If you are using a cheapie CD player (say....under $1k), you probably won’t hear a difference.

When you start talking about $2K+ players with quality power supply(-ies), then yes, you can hear a difference. I don’t think you need to go overboard with the quality of the cord, but a couple-of-hundred dollar cord on a good CD player will be noticeable.

(It’s easily demonstrable with my Esoteric, Yamaha, Classe, modified Denon tube CD player, etc...)

Everything makes a difference on audiophile equipment, and CD players are no different.

P.S. Nice setup. Love the speakers!

Nice system.  Your CD played probably draws +/- .25 of an amp.  Unlike power amps that can require big and fluctuating power, the CD player requires a very small amount of current.  Any cable with some decent shielding is likely to be all you need.  I know this goes against some opinions but that has been my experience.  It never hurts to try something new, but a no questions asked return policy would be a good idea just in case you find there is no sonic difference.  Cheers. 

@coralkong: “ … IN GENERAL, the nicer the CD player, the better the unit responds to a nicer cord…

My take: Yep …. Big time ….  @coralkong = No truer words can be spoken here .

Perhaps I’m overlooking something obvious but a CD transport is an optical device. Power spins the disc and powers the laser which require a minuscule amount of current. I can’t imagine a power cord would have any detectable sonic effect. Why not give it a try and let us know?

@chocaholic

Yes, logic dictates. But the reality is the output is electrical. So, there is an optical reader, this is converted to a digital stream… the whole process subject to vibration, electrical noise, and who knows what else. Like all audio components… everything matters. As bazar as it is, power cords matter.

Rockadanny,

The more resolving the system, the more relevant a good cable choice is.....your system looks high end (sorry I've not heard your components), so I would add a nice power cable. No need to go nuts, but a nice DH Labs, Zavfino, Lavricables, Cullen Cables, or similar would do fine.

NO! Same for a microwave, hair dryer, fan, turntable. 

Shorter power cords can make your set-up a little more tidy. Replacing cords with  defective jackets or terminations might prevent a short.  Accomplishing this with good UL-listed products shouldn't cost much more than a few US dollars per foot.  Amazon sells 14 AWG Tripp Lite power cords  in many lengths.

I recently did some experimenting on this exact topic.  I have some very good DIY cable, solid core copper with silver plating, and have used it throughout my system.  I had been using it as the power cord to my Bel Canto CDT-3 transport with the pretty  good  IeGO 8075 rhodium plated copper AC plugs and thought the sound to be fine.  I found a pair of Oyaide 046 plugs that I had stashed and decided to give them a try on this power cord.  There was an obvious change in sound, a bit more inner detail, the images took on greater palpability being more specific and more rounded.  The change wasn't huge but easily noticeable. 

This had me wondering about further improvements by using the Oyaide 004 plugs instead, which are another step up.  The 046's are a bit sweet in my opinion.  The 004's offer greater detail across the board and greater control.  They also are more dynamic and the bass is more textured.  Honestly, I think the 004 betters the 046 in just about every way, unless you need the sweetness that the 046's have.

So yes, in my experience, it's well worth it to upgrade your transport power cord as much as you can afford.  In a resolving system, just about everything does matter

@jasonbourne71

"NO! Same for a microwave, hair dryer, fan, turntable."

About that microwave:

Years ago, the concept and theory of premium PCs pegged the needle on my BS meter. Long story, but let’s say I was dragged kicking and screaming in the the PC camp. After careful auditions, I didn’t just "drink the Koolaide". I chugged the whole pitcher. I expermented with premium PCs on good systems, "so so" systems, cheap systems, cheap gear -- automotive systems. Even upgradedthe internal wiring of amps, preamps, etc. The PC upgrades were clearly audible. Every time.

One day as I was watching a movie and eating popcorn, I was annoyed with the unpopped kernels I had to navigate around. But, if you cook it longer, it dries out the popcorn. What’s a movie/popcorn enthusiast to do? What was needed was more/better power. Hum? How about a hack of the Panasonic microwave and install better power delivery? I had no idea IF it would make a difference, but it would be fun trying.

I was (and still am) a dealer for a popular brand of PC, As a baseline test, I boiled a cup of water standing at room temperature and measured the tiime it took to bring it to a full boil. Then I cut off an end of a $150 (retail) cable, ran it internally into the chassis of the microwave, and attached via silver solder to the connection point. Then placed a cup of water (at room temperature) inside and hit the "start" button. The water came to a boil 10% quicker. I recorded these tests via video, and can probably find them inserted inbetween Christmas videos somewhere.

I thought it would be entertaining to write up a review and sent it to my <brand> rep. I titled it: "<Brand/Model> Special Orville Redenbacher Edition". The rep got a kick out of the review, and unbeknownst to me, it made it’s way up the ladder to the company president AND the cable designer. As amused as they were they, quite intelligently, decided NOT to publish it in company newsletter for a variety of reasons. But, I did get a call from thet cable designer (a guy with a strong history of successes and long pedigree) who stated that it actually made sense to him that a premium PC would improve the performance of the Panasonic microwave.

So, if you’d wondering if someone put LSD in my oatmeal this morning, this is a test that can be easily duplicated at home in your spare time. I’d be interested to see if the results are consistent.

And, oh yeah, the popcorn was better, too.

To answer the OPs question: Without a doubt

jasonbourne71 appears to be a hideous, miserable deaf person in his late 90s, whose only role in life is ruining things for others.  It makes me angry every time I read one of his posts, and I sincerely wish he would just go away.

Only a complete moron would equate a $4k CD transport/player with a hair dryer.

Ignore the troll.

It’s unfortunate, but the guy has no real equipment, and as such, feels the need to shout on every cable post that nothing matters. I mean, if you have no point of reference, I guess it doesn't. 

Same guy was "schooling" me on how his $15 DVD player sounds just as good as my $6K Esoteric. Uh-huh. Sure it does.

Some people just aren’t worth arguing with. He’s not here to learn anything. Ignore him.

Remember … 71, loves vintage gear. A style that of which he specializes, cables placed secondary or perhaps further down his list of priorities. Extremely important that we respect our elders.

I’m going to answer probably.  I had an Audience F3 pc not being used and I put it on my CDT6000.  Did I hear a difference adding a $275 pc to a $700 CDT? Probably, but I really didn’t do an A/B test.  Maybe this weekend?

kb54.....I totally agree!

No - especially for a CD transport.  That's as muddle-headed as upgrading the power cord on a turntable.  

Ahhh, and here come the angry emails from our resident troll.....lovely. Lol. 

Try a few and report back.

I've experienced changes in sound when swapping the PC's on DAC's and players with some being more to my liking and some not.

Also experienced an improvement in sound when changing the PC on a vintage/stock Thorens TT, but the original PC was a 40 year old (@ the time) lamp cord.

I pigtailed in the replacement which was a popular (under $50) PC 20 years ago.

The DOLLAR amount mentioned as to @ which point you should be able to hear a difference/improvement is complete hogwash IMO.

DeKay

Give it a shot, most have return privileges. 

I have found with my experiences of changing Power Cables, the most noticeable differences between Cables are to be discovered when trying out digital sources.

Either the CDT or DAC.

If the trialling of Power Cables is one that is on the list of 'to do's'. Try out different gauge wires before getting too caught up in particular Brands and their wire types.

I have made posts on this as a method in the past.      

JB71 isn’t wrong and doesn’t deserve ridicule. Here’s my take. We all hear differently. I enjoy clean, clear vocals, tight full bass, soundstage, the sound of the venue, etc., but simply cannot hear 1/10th of what many here do. Example…I use both Qobuz and Spotify but on most tracks, cannot tell the difference. I’ve swapped cables and cords on every piece of gear and detect nothing different. Or if it is different, it’s not enough to confidently state.

So much of this hobby is opinion and psychoacoustics. To those who can detect and appreciate the sound improvements from a carbon fiber switch plate cover or tinker toys under your cables, I’m jealous. I recently replaced a PrimaLuna amp for a Mac and Focal speakers for Revels. Big changes. Music still sounds great and is very enjoyable, but it was before too. But improvement? I can’t say.

So, ease up on Jason. He calls them as he sees them and I like that. Some will hear things others will not. It’s as simple as that. It’s important we appreciate the variability between people and that may be where Jason errs. But I suspect his opinions are honest

My thoughts.

@chocaholic 

I don’t think anyone needs to ease up on @jasonbourne71 @jasonbourne52. You got this backwards - he is actually the one ridiculing everyone else. He’s nothing more than a gum on a shoe with every power cord discussion. Look at his forum response history. It’s definitely time for him to STFU. 

@rockadanny in my experience, with every CD player, transport and streamers I had in my system, a good power cord made a difference. 

First off, thank you for the compliments. I've worked long and hard to cobble together a system which provides such happiness and joy. As for my post, I was hoping consensus would have been that it wasn't necessary to replace the stock PC on the CD player/transport. But, like so often in the audio biz, it seems I should at least try an upgrade to see if it makes an improvement, or changes anything. Thank you all for all opinions and relating your experiences. Once I clear my inbox and save some pennies I'll give it a go and report back. Thank you again, and as always, happy listening.

Good topic.  I was wondering the same thing.  I found lots of benefit upgrading PCs for my DAC and preamp.  I don’t have a way to try a new power cord without buying one.  Once again, a not so expensive experiment.  

many direct sale cable manufacturers and online stores offer free trials...

I use an audiophile AC cord for my blow dryer and my hair does have a certain luxurious sheen now. However, I did accidentally drop it in the bathtub and electrocuted my cousin...oops...

@chocaholic 

+1

Wow! The level of misinformation here is shocking. Obviously many contributors here have never tried experimenting with power chords on a transport or CD player. 

 I recently bought the well acclaimed Jay's Audio transport, ($2500), and used a low current Shunyata power cord designed for Cd players and other non amplifier uses and it sound great! It is an amazing thing. Then switched to a PS Audio power cord and the difference was immediately better in every way. So much so my wife noticed it as well while wail on the other side of a large room. And this is just regarding a transport. Many audiophiles swear that power cords make a bigger difference than interconnects. I am becoming a believer of this and have been at this hobby for over 40 years. Including working in a high end HI-Fi store in Chicago for ten years where all we did all day is experiment with every kind of high fi component, cables and tweaks. A good high end AC cord bought used  from ebay or Audiogon for just a few hundred bucks can make a BIG difference in the right place in your system. I'm talking about a WOW! , that's sounds great kind of improvement. 

 I enjoy clean, clear vocals, tight full bass, soundstage, the sound of the venue, etc., but simply cannot hear 1/10th of what many here do.

I can relate to that, @chocaholic . . . enjoying good sound but not having the acute hearing that others here possess.  But I also think that although I cannot readily identify that I am hearing something, I am but I just don't realize it.  What I do realize is that I am enjoying listening to my system more, even though I don't know exactly why.  Of course this opens its own can of worms and the potential of many rabbit holes.  

In my experience they can change the sound but not saying better or worse. Although several ac cords have done wonders and wouldn't think twice about spending $$$ for one.

I don't know why, but cables make more difference on digital components, IMHO and personal experience.

You don't always need to spend much money, but sometime once you hear a certain cable on a component, it can't be unheard. 

kb54

111 posts

09-01-2023 at 08:34am 

jasonbourne71 appears to be a hideous, miserable deaf person in his late 90s, whose only role in life is ruining things for others.  It makes me angry every time I read one of his posts, and I sincerely wish he would just go away.

After you.

Wow! The level of gullibility here is shocking!

@immatthewj 

You’ve touched on a profound aspect of audio enjoyment, the emotional connection to music often transcends analytical listening. While some enthusiasts focus on dissecting every sonic detail, the ultimate goal is to enjoy the music and feel immersed in the experience.

Ultimately, trust your ears. The best audio system is the one that lets you forget about the gear and lose yourself in the music. It sounds like you’re already there—enjoy the journey!

@lalitk , thanks for the vote of confidence, but actually I wish my hearing was acute to the point where I could immediately identify what gains or losses a piece of gear or a cable offered.  It would make the "quest" easier for me.  As it is, I do try to follow your advice of enjoying the journey and getting lost in the music.  If I could always  adhere to those words of wisdom I'd be less neurotic about the experience.

"jasonbourne71 appears to be a hideous, miserable deaf person in his late 90s, whose only role in life is ruining things for others.  It makes me angry every time I read one of his posts, and I sincerely wish he would just go away."

Or, you might try not reading his posts.

To bring this topic back (which is a good one) and off the complain-oh-wheel. I have found like some others, upgrading the source power cord, in my case a cd transport, made a very noticeable improvement.  I got a used cord for 180.00, Shunyata sidewinder vtx.  I worked for high end shops having heard many systems. I never thought you have to spend a lot to get 85-95% of what the very best can do.  Also for me, upgraded power cords in all my other pieces have made a nice improvement across the board. 

Alternating current (AC) travels back into circuit. Appliances poop into the circuit and that is why dedicated circuits make a difference when you have your components run on a dedicated line. You get cleaner power to your system. 
Every component generates EMI, your wifi, router, mesh nodes and access points/extenders radiate EMI and RFI. Switch mode power supplies dirty up the line. Different power cords use different materials (silver, copper, etc.), the power cord connectors are susceptible to interference, some more than others. With a spaghetti of cables, modern streaming systems using mesh networks with nodes near the system, it is critical now more than ever to have proper power cords on your components. Oh and good outlets as well with solid grip and as large a contact area as possible. Combined these higher quality power cords, outlets and dedicated lines reduce the potential of noise entering into your system. Shielding, dielectric, proximity of wires to each other all matter. Unfortunately it’s very difficult to separate cables and components to the degree that would completely eliminate EMi and RFI contamination. So yes power cables make a difference - supplying clean power to your components is key. 
Do we need to go crazy and have a $5,000 power cable feeding a $500 AV Receiver? No. But if you have invested a considerable amount of time and money into your components and room, running your system using good cables is critical in getting the performance your system is capable of. If you bought a new high performance car, you wouldn’t fill up with cheapest possible regular gas why…because you would compromise the performance you paid to expect. Same concept here. 

@immatthewj 

Merry Christmas! 

Speaking of identifying gains or losses…I can only share my experience.

I believe self-awareness is a gift. Sometimes we wrestle with the desire for acute perception and clarity in evaluating gear, but it’s important to remember and rely on time and context to form meaningful impressions. Patience is the key in evaluating a piece of gear as sometimes subtle differences reveal themselves over days or weeks, not in an instant. Trusting your intuition over time often leads to better decisions. 

And Quest, regrettably, it isn’t a straight line. We often go through iterations of gear before finding the one that has the highest synergy. I come to realize, no single piece of gear will “fix” everything or provide an immediate revelation every time. When I hear incremental improvements, I celebrate those small wins as they are the steps toward your ideal sound. 

The fact that you’re enjoying the music and staying engaged in the process shows you’re already succeeding. Acute hearing is just one tool; your ability to connect emotionally with the music is far more important. By balancing curiosity with patience, you’ll continue to refine your system and deepen your appreciation for the journey. Keep at it—I believe you’re doing great!

@audphile1 +1, on clean power and power cords. The combination of them made a profound difference in my audio system. 

@lalitk "...but it’s important to remember and rely on time and context to form meaningful impressions. Patience is the key in evaluating a piece of gear as sometimes subtle differences reveal themselves over days or weeks, not in an instant."

+1

@lalitk "...but it’s important to remember and rely on time and context to form meaningful impressions. Patience is the key in evaluating a piece of gear as sometimes subtle differences reveal themselves over days or weeks, not in an instant.

+1

I find the first few hours after a cable swap to be a very inaccurate presentation of what the SQ will eventually be.  Especially with power cords.   The more time, the better.

I always have a good laugh when I read about A/B testing by the measurement crowd.  It’s obvious that they don’t know what they don’t know.

This hobby that we are in takes time to learn it. It takes patience, money , time, familiarity of components and speakers, even cables.One thing I realize even experienced reviewers they spend weeks or months before they make conclusions on their findings .So who am I to say in a week concludes that my new cables or components or speakers sound good. I invested time to listen from jazz , classical, vocal , country music how my systems sounds.

One of the reason why at Axpona they can’t maximize the sounds because of acclimation period needed.why Sunday is the best time to listen though I know they are only maybe 80% at their best.

One bonus I have as audiophile , I have friends who have good ears. And willing to offend me to learn.They have musical system as well.Plus I attend axpona annually because I am 35 minutes away from the venue.This helps too.

To answer the thread yes in my experience power cords helps.merry Christmas to all.