I wish it wasn’t true…but definitely not a placebo effect (and so infuriating when others decide this to be the case) I’ve had 12-14 gauge $100 cables beat out by well built/shielded/terminated 10 gauge $50 cables in this way. The most discernible and palpable change for preamps and amps is the increase in response and low mid/bass weight (in my case). More stage depth too. “Can’t be tue” I told myself…. back and forth I went, each time a big grin on my face while having to readjust my sub to accommodate this difference. Can be fun, as long as one does not let this go out of hand? I do believe in the differences, but also believe our ears adjust over time (so always the danger of chasing the rabbit).
Interesting Power Cable Experience
I moved some items around in my office today and one of the items was a small Vizio tv and I noticed an aftermarket power cord was attached. It was a Dedicated Audio PDS1, 1.5m, 14ga. that I purchased in 2001. I removed and replaced it with a standard one as I now needed a more flexible one for the new spot the tv needed to be. During the process of deciding what to do with the extra cord, I remembered the Primare D20 cd player in my garage/shop. That along with a Pioneer RT-707 and a rebuilt/capped Marantz 1060 completes the system. I replaced the original, factory cord with the DA one and fired it up. Now, my standard settings for the Marantz is: all neutral tone control settings, all filters off, loudness off.
Holy crap, tons of bass Batman! Could not believe the difference, too much bass! So, I engaged the low filter, engaged the loudness, midrange up one click and the treble up 2 clicks. I have used aftermarket cords on all my gear since the late eighties, when I was in the business and never heard such a difference before. I was very surprised.