2. cables
  3. 151407-134953

How to A/B Test Power Cables & Interconnects?

Looking for some advice. Here is the situation:

  • I am building out a new system (dCS Bartok > Parasound JC 2 BP > Parasound JC 5 > Floorstanding Speakers)
  • Equipment is on-hand. I am in the process of re-wiring the A/C circuit with two matching, 10awg home-runs (one for power Amp, one for sources)
  • I have the opportunity to try some high-end power cables and interconnects
  • I will invest in the cables if there is a discernible difference. I am somewhat skeptical.
  • I am trying to come up with a test protocol to determine what these higher end cables do. Everyone advises that I do A/B testing will listening to music. Of course I will do this.


My question:

Is there some more objective way to A/B test power cords and interconnects? I prefer to do this by listening,...not using lab equipment. How can I A/B measure system "blackness" or noise level?


Any advice appreciated. Thanks in advance.


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Showing 3 responses by builder3

builder3
752 posts
 
If you have a modern breaker panel in the U.S., all of your grounds are joined at a single bus bar in the panel, and then go to ground. If you have dedicated circuit(s) going directly to the panel, you shouldn't have any metal electric boxes for outlets. Or anything else. They're obsolete, and a liability in a modern electrical layout, in all but a few exceptions.
builder3
752 posts
 
Why not just have one circuit? There’s no load to speak of. A single run of 12 wire and whatever outlets and box you care to use should be more than adequate.
On a separate note (and run this by a real electrician), I’m wondering if there’s any reason you’d be prohibited from having the two separate circuits, but only use one of the grounds for both. Leave the second ground unused in the back of the box. May be reasonable, may not be, talk to a pro.
builder3
752 posts
 
robert, first, I’m not an electrician, so take anything I say with a grain of salt. That being said, I have been in residential construction for 30 years. I’m in the Pacific NW. I’ve never seen an electrician here use a metal box in a home without good reason. Something heavy, like a ceiling fan, or remodel work in an older home. I wouldn’t think audio AC cables would rise to that level, given a quality box like a Pass & Seymour, etc.I wouldn’t run a ground like you describe. An electrician may or may not, I’m not sure. Generally, from my limited understanding, it’s not advisable to just bond grounds together at random. I’d have two separate circuits, or only one.

P.S. My panel has two bars, one on the right, one on the left. Grounds and neutrals connected to the nearest spot. Both bars are connected behind the main breaker I believe, and then to the ground lug.
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