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How does length affect power cable sound quality?

Wanted to bug y'all about a basic power cord question: How does the length of the cord affect sound quality? My gut says that shorter is better, but maybe there is some form a filtering required that makes length a necessity. For me, a standard 6 foot cable is estheticly 3 feet too long (at least--I could use some one and two foot cords).
Does an 8 footer sound better than a 6? is 10 better than 8? How much worse is 3 feet instead of 6?
In short, what is the optimum length, and how does sound quality suffer when that length is shortened or lenghened? Obviously, the exact type of cable used must be considered. Specificly I've ordered a "$200 msrp, $150 retail, cord for $50" for a Virtual Dynamics Power 3 Power cord, currently on AudiogoN, and available at that price for about 30 days, according to Rick.
brtritch

Showing 1 response by sean

sean
6,231 posts
 
Since some cords use specific geometries to achieve desired impedance characteristics, it is possible that altering length could alter their overall performance. With that in mind, doubling the length of a cord could double the effective capacitance. In a reverse situation, using a cord that was half as long would cut the capacitance by 50%. Same can be said for inductance too. Whether or not this would come into play at all would vary from system to system and location to location.

Another factor that could come into play is susceptability to RFI. A longer cord makes for a better antenna. As such, if you're going to run long cords, make sure that they have adequate shielding or take advantage of geometries that offer "natural" shielding to RFI.

Also make sure that you're using a cable that is heavy enough for the device that it is connected to. Whereas an 18 gauge cord might be fine for a CD player, tuner, etc... it is not suitable for any reasonably sized power amplifier. Sean
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