I was really hoping the first two responses to my question would be both impassioned and contradictory!
Thanks guys!
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.
Showing 5 responses by temporal_dissident
I think this topic jumped the rails pretty quickly. My bad. Reading my original post, I realize this is my fault. I know enough to understand that the cable debate is a heated one and is very subjective. I understand that no one can tell me what is "best" for me or my system. 10-4. Got it. I think what I *meant* to ask was this... What is the best way to test system quietness? Is it as easy as hitting "pause" on a source and then cranking all gain adjustments to the maximum setting? Would this allow me to amplify any noise in the system and possibly measure it with a decibel meter? Seems like a potentially interesting experiment, but I wanted to ask before I did this. That's it. I will now duck under my desk and await your replies! |
Settle down, people. We aren't curing cancer or defending the homeland. It's a hobby, and it lends itself to a lot of subjective opinion (wine?). robertcan I appreciate your perspective about $$$ spent on room treatments. I take your point. My OP was never about A/B testing a bunch of expensive cables and comparing "color" of each. The essence of the question was this: if you are investing $50k+ in a system, are you cutting off your nose in spite of your face to use the power cords that were included in the box? Is it a no-brainer to spend 5% of budget to upgrade cords and cables. My primary concern was always noise floor, not "color." Conclusion (for me anyway): Many "answers" have been proposed. The one I am choosing to take away: Not necessarily. There are other areas to spend with potentially higher ROI. Room treatments certainly being top of the list. (My room is FAR from perfect.) I choose to invest in cables and interconnects from the "Plus" and "MusicLink" lines from Transparent Cable. These are "lower end" from Transparent, but still a stretch for my budget. I also did two home-run circuits, 10awg romex, matching phase, Oyaide receptacles. Regarding power and cabling, I've done more than some and less than others. Money wasted? Maybe. Honestly, I won't do a ton of A/B testing so I may never know. I see it as an investment to eliminate a theoretical constraint on my system. I sleep well, knowing that I have not constructed my building (stereo system) on a foundation of sand (poor power). Speakers deliver tomorrow. I am shifting my attention to the music. Thanks all for input. |
Two homeruns are identical length romex, and on same phase. Seperate junction boxes. Grounds go to same panel, but not sure about them being "tied together." My thought was one circuit for power amp and the other circuit for all other components. XLR from DAC and Phonostage into PreAmp, and XLR from Pre to Power Amp. I have not tested it for noise yet,.... |