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Hearing is believing?........power cables.......

For anyone who is skeptical about the difference a high quality power cord can make in your high quality audio system........try it.......hearing is believing. About 10 years ago when I bought my first "entry level" hifi system (B&K amp/preamp, Canton speakers) my audio advisor dropped off a Tara Labs Prism power cord. He said just try it for a week and if you don't think it makes a difference just return it. I, like most unfamiliar with high quality cables, was skeptical.......how could a cable 1 meter long from the wall to my equipment make a difference? I put it on the power amp and yes I could definitely tell there was a more defined bass and overall clearer soundscape. I'm a musicians, so I figured maybe the "non audiophile" can't hear the difference. So my brother-in-law who is a bricklayer came over and we did a blind listening test. I randomly switched the Tara, sometimes trying to fool him......told him I switched but didn't........he could tell every time I used the Tara! So I was convinced that it was "wishful thinking on my part or particularly sensitive ears. If you don't think a great power cable can make a difference........take the challenge. Try one for a week and see (hear) for yourself!
128x128mikeelzeysguitarstudio

Showing 3 responses by kahlenz

kahlenz's avatar
kahlenz
263 posts
 
I have neither "golden ears" nor deep pockets, but I can hear the difference upgraded power cables make in many systems. To those who say it is only a placebo effect or the results of expectation bias, I challenge them to just try some aftermarket cables and listen.

Like some of the previous posters, in my experience the differences in power cables are more revealing after long sessions of listening to familiar music. A/B testing, for me at least, does not tell me much (as I suspect the influence of expectation bias nulls any critical analysis). I find that general satisfaction, pleasure, and involvement in the music are the more telling aspects of whether an upgraded power cable makes any difference in any given system.

Most manufacturers of quality audio components will include an adequately specified power cable for average conditions with their equipment. Your individual system may or may not benefit from a different cable. I agree with the arguments some of the previous posters made regarding the economics of including anything more than an adequately specified cable with their components. It is fun and interesting to try different things out with your system under your conditions. Just like tube rolling, trying out different inter-connects and speaker cables, room treatments, DSP, etc., upgrading power cables can sometimes produce profound changes in your listening experience.
kahlenz's avatar
kahlenz
263 posts
 
Remember, you are part of your system.  If upgrading power cables makes you happy (and doesn't take food off the table), then it is money well spent!
kahlenz's avatar
kahlenz
263 posts
 
I do not need a course in physics to buy a power cable.  There are plenty of choices available in all price ranges.  Try a few and decide what you like.
Exposure to poetry, however, can lead to a greater understanding of the human condition.  The study of humanities (art, music, literature, philosophy, religion, history) can yield significant and profound life changes, encourage creative thinking, and develop critical reasoning skills.  Not to disparage the hard sciences;  they are useful tools.  To suggest, however, that the hard sciences may be a superior course of study is at best disingenuous and understates the value of a balanced education.
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