How important is powercord synergy?


I understand the importance of system synergy as it relates to interconnects and speaker cable. Is matching the PC to the system as important or is just "clean" power all we're trying to achieve. I'm in the process of slowly upgrading my system and have been holding off with buying new cables until I have all the new components. My PC is Monster Cable which runs through a cheap power strip / surge protector. I'd like to upgrade sooner rather than later. Any opinions?
mootsdude

Showing 2 responses by stehno

To wait to address any AC deficiencies (which we all have) is bass ackwards IMO. But then again, I don't use any power cables per se.

I would think theoretically, that if one properly addresses all electrical AC before purchasing any components would be the best way to go.

Any system capable of a certain caliber of sonic quality or better will benefit from an AC environment that has been properly addressed.

For example, assume one installs the following first:

o Dedicated circuits and lines from the service panel for each component with appropriate amperage.

o Aftermarket or custom 10 ga. 99.95% OFC house wiring for all lines.

o Quality-oriented audio-grade outlets for all dedicated lines.

o Quality-oriented line conditioners for each dedicated line. (Yes I am aware there are many inferior line conditioners).

Once the above is done, then no matter which components one purchase thereafter, one should hear close to or the very best each component is capable of producing.

Thus allowing one to make better informed decisions.

Caveat:
This methodology would not necessarily work best for those components whose mfg'ers have already attempted to suppress AC noise by altering/filtering certain offending frequencies instead of properly addressing the AC noise itself. For these components, a line conditioner may not benefit.

-IMO
Mootsdude, please keep in mind that I do not use aftermarket power cables per se. I use dedicated in-line passive line conditioners for each component that just so happen to include their own built-in power cables. This is ideal for those with dedicated lines.

I see what others say about waiting until after one purchases their components or at least wait until later to take care of the power cables and/or electrical and I don't understand that logic for two simple reasons:

1. There is potentially no 'after purchasing' to speak of unless of course one dies. It is pretty natural to continue the upgrade process until that day comes. Or until one experiences hearing loss. In other words, there is no afterward for some to many. It's 'ongoing' and constantly changing.

2. If one were to wait until any selected later point-in-time, one simply is not able to enjoy the benefits NOW of an AC power environment that has been properly addressed.

Every electrical tweak I have, which are several, are entirely independent of any component/system I may own at a given time.

And lastly, I have difficulty understanding why people go thru great pains in order to attempt to 'match' a power cable to a specific component.

I would think that either the power cable provides benefit in and of itself, or perhaps somebody is trying to correct flaws found in either their equipment and/or power cable and they are attempting to find the best sonic compromise because of a shortcoming.

-IMO