I recently bought a new power cord but there isn’t much difference in sound quality between this new cord and the previous Wireworld Elektra 7 which it replaces. The cords are used on the DAC.
Any ideas if the cord needs to burn in to open up and sound better? It currently has about 5 hours on it and I think I prefer the sound quality of the previous cord which costs 10 times cheaper.
"Marcomarmo",- said; "There isn't any physical process that causes any modifications to the marcroscopic or microscopic structure of a cable during what you call 'burn-in' ".
That would be incorrect. And the, "physical processes" involved, never cease. Imagine yourself sitting for a long period. Not moving. Ten feet away no one looking may "see", you move. But you are moving. You breathe. And the air you breath? It moves too. A truck passes outside billowing smoke. Some time later you smell that smoke. You cough. And now anyone even 100 feet away, could see you move. And the reflected wave of light right now allowing you to peruse this forum? Like everything else? It cannot stop it's movement. Slower than molasses the "light wave", "Physically" moves. Reactive, proactive and subjectively moving according to the rules. And changing, always evolving. And at some point it shall discorporate from being that "wave". But It's sum of different parts still exists. And is even still roughly in the same location. And the "power", in your cable is made up of the exact same articles as the light-wave. Maybe arranged just a little differently, at a level "intangible", to us. And still with the exact same parts. You cannot, "See" magnetic polarities. But you can "feel" them when strong enough, against your own polarity. You also cannot see the tree that fell in the forest. But it is still on the ground.
+1 for "Shunyata Research"! Power and also USB cabling which I secured from them are very good. I personally, have never noticed "much" as far as "Burn-in" with power cables. Maybe that's me, maybe my gear. I DO notice with certain cabling the effects of "Cryo-Treatment" more than "Burn-in" though. I've been doing that myself at times for over forty years. "I started with my guitar strings and hand-wound, (pick-ups), actually". (Circa 1977). After hearing "Eddie V.H.", loved the way it changed his sound.. "R.I.P." Eddie........
Anyone, genuinely interested in some of the parameters/considerations, possibly governing the faithful propagation of our signals/voltages, as regards cabling and components, should study the following. Having no formal (or other, it seems) education in Physics; the typical Naysayer Doctrine adherents, will undoubtedly offer their ubiquitous, Newtonian (1800’s Electrical Theory), ceremonial whines, for your Communion and salvation. It’s common knowledge, to anyone with a background in the Physics of dielectrics, that the better a dielectric (ie: Teflon, polypropylene, etc), the longer it takes to polarize, with smaller signals/voltages. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dielectric and: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Speed_of_electricity#:~:text=Speed%20of%20electromagnetic%20waves%20in... Even the Wiki-scientists are more knowledgeable, regarding modern Electrical Theory (not to mention QED), than the Naysayers.
There is no sound difference from power cords other than what you imagine you are hearing. Signal cords yes due to capacitance. Power conditioners help isolate noise but most pwer supplies do that anyway.
Invest your money on better amps or speakers or DACs. Buy a good quality 12 AWG IEC power cord from Amazon for $12.
" There isn’t any physical process that causes any modifications to the marcroscopic or microscopic structure of a cable during what you call ’burn-in’ .Cables burn-in does not exist."
-- Ok, we finally got the word, no sense in talking, debating or experimenting anymore. I wonder what other absolutes we might be enlightened to, can’t wait.
There isn't any physical process that causes any modifications to the marcroscopic or microscopic structure of a cable during what you call 'burn-in' . Cables burn-in does not exist.
Really hate to tell u this I have several wireworld power cords sitting around because they really don’t do much to improve the sound of my systems their interconnects and speaker cables are much better than their cords in the pass I have replaced 400$ wireworld cords with 99$ Shunyata venom and the difference was more than noticeable. Power cords do need burn in for sure now I have moved from venoms to more expensive shunyata cords and they just keep getting better!
Did you remember to tape; silver duct tape, not scotch tape; the power crystals to the top of plugs? Remember the tapered ends of the crystals must be facing true north, not magnetic north. If you can get some of those power crystals from Indonesia, the ones that have passed through a flying monkey, well those definitely sound the warmest as the molecular make-up of the stone shave been warmed by the animal. Thanks for the laugh today, you guys are a hoot, I needed it.-E
Kind of like the Emperor's New Cloths. I am sure there must be a certain dollar amount that is considered fine enough quality. I would be more likely to purchase a power conditioner.
There's theory and there's audibility. In theory, as per AJ van den Hul, who IS an authority on wiring all would agree, any time a wire is even moved, the sound changes. It reverts back if it just moved, unplugged, etc. So of course changing the type of wire changes the sound. The issue is if it is audible, noticeable, etc. The burn in should not be long so long as you keep the wire in place. Try not to touch it with any other wire, and if you must, make it perpendicular at the point where they touch.
I wouldn't spend more than $1-$200 on a power cord. It's not transmitting a signal, just power. The components themselves also filter the power.
The longer the power cord the better, the shorter the speaker cables and interconnects, the better. These are established facts. The main benefit of power conditioners is that you have to plug the cords into somewhere and get some protection against lightning. I didn't hear much if any difference but got the convenience of the 2 issues I just mentioned. They're better than a power strip because they can separate the outlets into different banks.
Ha, ha....it doesn't sound different because there is no difference. Just witness the wiring before and after the power cord. Hope you didn't get sucked in to spending too much!
However this does not apply to lamp cords. A better quality lamp cord will definitely improve the color, quality and luminance of the light bulb. Same concept with refrigerators and washing machines...even fans.
The question is do you hear SQ improvement on other types of cables after break in? If you do, then of course AC cords also need break in. If you don’t, my next question is do you hear SQ improvement after components break in? My personal experience with AC cords is thick cables need more time than thin cables. And if you move them around, same rule apply with lesser time.
But I know some do not hear any difference. First you need to be very familiar with the sound of your system. 2nd is analyzing SQ changes is nothing like listening to music. It does take time to learn what to listen to.
But again, I know non believers will not hear anything different still.
I assume you have a power conditioner of some type. If not I would suggest a Shunyata with their cords which have been broken before shipping. Use NR cables for equipment and XC cable to connect from the wall outlet to the power conditioner. Also, replace your wall outlet if you have not done so with a hospital-grade outlet. The outlet will provide better wall connectivity.
I installed a Nordost QX4 a few months ago and it has made a significant and positive difference in my system. More soundstage and more depth. Power and its handling is the heart of the system. Power cords and a conditioner. Try Nordost.
I’m a believer in PC burn-in because I can hear the changes. I’m not going to debate in yet another cable break-in thread, I'm only giving an opinion. I use two different brands of power cables in my system, one inexpensive, the other rather pricey. It’s interesting that both manufacturers believe in break-in of their cables. One is a dealer/manufacturer for Furutech and he puts his PC’s on a cable cooker for hours. The other designer recommends a break-in period. They site specs and measurements, but still the cable needs to be run-in. Maybe it’s because they’ve designed and built the cables with certain materials for conductors, dielectric, shielding, etc. that provides them this knowledge of cable performance.
I do believe that if your system isn’t revealing enough, sonic changes in cables may not be noticed. And some low current components may not present a perceived change in aftermarket and stock cables.
It just seems so "Odd". Odd that, "certain people", wish those of us whom have found that using a different power cable may change, "For the better" the music we hold so dear. As if they are going to somehow, "Save us from ourselves". And they believe- They are doing a good deed. To, "Save us",- Some of our money, some of our time. And apparently, They are VERY worried about us. Worried about us, "Looking Silly". But To whom?
They remind me of "teenagers". Which at certain stages are always embarrassed by their parents. Embarrassed by absolutely everything a parent "does", "say's", or even, "thinks". Because in a nutshell? We do not, "Look Cool". "To them". But I "Feel cool"....
So in order to show us all the error's we are making. So that we may learn to mend our way's? And see things, "Their way"? They are armed with more tools than we could possibly ever even think to counter. And OH!, their "Mastery", of these tools! And the tools are? "Well typically"...... Basic, "Math, Physics and Ohm's Law". And, "Oop's" I forgot! About, (Common sense). There is usually one to throw that in as well. So, a voltage drop calculation and maybe a quote from the, "NEC" and then a smart remark, "As pop used to say". And as teenager's always do, they then share those secret, "knowing looks", Because they are just so sure that "We", have never really been around the block as they have been. OR, we have just gotten too old and forgotten, "Everything", "POOF"~! Sound familiar?
My rig sounds amazing, "Both". And, I look cool too.
Depends on the cord...MIT Oracle or REV AC 2 from Joe Abrams may take a hundred hours or so due to parallel networks but mostly for wire and insulation to loosen up. Everything sounds better after it’s been used awhile!
It needs at least about a month of cooking on the barbecue at low heat. Another 10db of bonus if you also soak it in King's original hawaiian pineapple bbq sauce during that time :-)
I claimed that I can calculate the speaker cable cross section, by the Amp’s DF and cable length. The speaker (load) has nothing to do in that deal. I still claim the same. Even better. I found that if you go over the board and get even a thicker cable, the sound won’t improve.
For you, I would recommend you to try it, and use the power cable as your cattle power cable, for ever! to deepen its burn in. the more you burn it in, the better it will sound. This is a very good deal for you.
Thank You for the update. The Acrolink will become better with more hours. I am familiar with the WW Silver Electra 7. A very fine Power Cord indeed. I would think that the Acrolink is better than a standard WW Electra7 ?
Happy Listening!
Thanks for the information. Certainly good to know. WW Silver Elektra 7 is a range higher than the standard Elektra 7 so it should be better.
Yes, the Acrolink is now proven to be better than the WW Elektra 7. I currently have 2 Acrolink cords in the system. With the removal of the WW E7 which is now replaced by the Acrolink, a lot of harshness and digital noise are now gone. The overall sound is more organic and illuminating in the treble, almost tube-like without any grain. Everything sounds clearer as new details such as accompanying singers in the background are now easily audible. The midrange and bass also improved with better punch, definition and detail. Basically improvement is across the whole spectrum.
"It could also be, that the very air in the room, requires a burn in period. " Now that is funny! OP, had a similar experience when I tried to replace Cardas Quadlink interconnects with the "new and improved" Parsec. The Parsec was clearly inferior straight out of the box...burned it in for a month straight, no change. I did not send it back. Don’t be me...send it back for your refund.
It's taken me years to develop my "Cooling" techniques, not everything works on everybody..:-)
NEVER met a person I didn't like, but sometimes, you got WAIT to make them whole again, someone that hurt. Sometimes they are broke, by choice some by bad circumstance, still BROKEN non the less.
People forget quick unless it's just malicious, I haven't seen that here, sure it was gone pretty quick. I have seen a nutter or two, me I just like having a little fun without being called "vomitus", YUK, something yukie.. YUK... double yuk....Triple yuk...
Have to keep things in their proper order, ay
The cable cookin' thread, Yea, I complained when it left. I thought "CRAP", but I tried NOT to be TOO big of, "I did it, I own one guy", but I am, and I did. If you got one you get to spew, got your own opinion, you don't and start telling EVERYBODY they are, you know EVERYTHING.. LOL Uncouth unhinged, uneducated, unfair, unNICE, UnUN-NICE, that is a real bad one...
I always like information with that many differences, entertaining if nothing else... BUT no name callin' and no Yoko Ono.
I'm gonna have a nice opportunity to use one HELP break in a couple of NEW, one end to the other, Tonearms, carts, preamp, SUT, integrate an RtR and SEE if it helps AGAIN.. lot of new goodies...THUS new cables...
douglas_schroeder Good to know and I stand corrected. If you have the transcript, I will pay you to re-post oldwhatsyhoosit’s response to me. Otherwise my original post in this thread is out of context and certain of us can continue to pretend priestliness and purity when true nastiness is at the core of who we really are. ‘Can’t wait for the next mind dump attacking me for being what he is - or for this post to be removed “for other reasons”
tbakin63, no, you are incorrect. I removed my own thread because I realized that I would spend more time than I wished curating it. I sought productive input from those associated cable cookers, and it resulted in being swamped with unwanted discussion. Solution? Kill it.
My experiment in a more public initiation of a review was met with a decisive result, and I learned very quickly that it's a waste of time to seek well-balanced discussion on a forum to initiate a review. I spend a lot of time unpaid to write; I'm not going to add to that investment of time on articles with unproductive activities.
For being Mr YourBUTTholeyness to everyone on this site, still admitting you can’t hear and you have bad manners, what else is new. SHUT UP, your a bad person, you can’t hear. You keep takin’ smack. YUP !!
The archive is here, for the chosen few, your not part of that group. Your just a person with a big mouth and nothing nice to say.. Just a..... fill in the blank... Everything I was gonna say qualifies as part of a human, but I can always feed the pigs from the fence. I may have to wade a little.
BUT all in all, I can KB war with the best of them... really, no balls required RIGHT?? LOL Gettin’ my dog riled up. She really want’s to hump your leg...
You see I never said I was perfect.. But I ran out of cheeks with you...
Plane and simple... you’re a big ol BUTT, you eat boogers too, neener, neener, neener, booger eatin’ spaz, so there. top that one... I don’t want to hear how your nose is so close to your mouth, I’ve hear that one (though not bad).
Regards, NO NO REGARDS,, you got some apologizing to do...
Are you color blind, did you mix up the green one with the blue one again, you know the PILL!!
Geezzz, have to go over and over this with you....Pay attention!!
Thank You for the update. The Acrolink will become better with more hours. I am familiar with the WW Silver Electra 7. A very fine Power Cord indeed. I would think that the Acrolink is better than a standard WW Electra7 ?
So it’s over...I’m satisfied, ‘Trumped’ up a little voting humour threw in a little opinion, snake oil based...voilà. Posts were Pulled mine included, tempers flared we had fun. People still hear what they want, spend what they can nothings changed. Cheers
Jafant, it's an Acrolink Mexcel 8N-PC8100 Performante. Thanks for all responses though I didn't expect the animosity displayed on this thread. Anyway for closure just to update that I'll be keeping the cord after all as the sound has improved approaching 50 hours and it's now sounding a lot better. It really sounded quite horrible out of the box (below 5 hours).
Sounds like an admonishment from a priest. This guy is off the deep end, for sure. His is the type of personality that gets profiled on cold case t.v. shows.
Your name will not be spoken, you will be publicly shunned, you will apologize to all openly and publicly. You and your views and writing will be stricken from the record of the publics mind, they will view it with distain.
You will always be seen for what you are, there will be NO quarter given.
What you produce, is what you will consume.
You will live and be seen by your works.
And this sick, twisted crap is allowed to stand? Moderator, moderator...?
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