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.


128x128temporal_dissident

Showing 2 responses by clearthink

clearthink
1,421 posts
 
millercarbon"First, you don't need lines for power and source. Not only is this a waste of time and money, you run the risk of introducing ground loop hum and/or DC offset causing transformer noise."

This is false and misleading for one thing it should be immediately obviously, clear, and apparent that using dedicated AC cannot possibly introduce, cause, or create DC offset in a component that is an absurd assertion, belief, and opinion as for dedicated lines if properly designed, installed, and implemented that will not cause an ground loop and in fact can prevent them.
clearthink
1,421 posts
 

roberttcan"I think the best way to A/B power cables is to first ask yourself, have I spent at least $3,000 - $5,000 on acoustic room treatments, and I would even go to $10,000."

The cost or expense of room treatments is unrelated in form of function to A/B'ing power cables if you cannot see that truth you are more confused than even I thought.
More to discover