Let's talk power cords

A difference for sure but that does not translate directly to an improvement.  Change can generate an heightened sense of awareness whereby the change is perceived as an improvement.  Listening for a period of weeks or months and then switching back to the original may lead to a different conclusion.

 I have tried several aftermarket cords that resulted in a less desirable performance than the standard cord.  I have one brand cord that works best with only one of my amps.  I have another that works great on my other two amps.  Then I have another brand that I find better than stock in every application but not the best in every application.

My reference system uses all stock cords because it sounds fine that way.  This system is not my main system but I do use it as a reference to assess changes I make to my main system.

So, if you're happy with sound you have keep on enjoying.   However, if you have that nagging feeling that it could be just a little bit better, welcome to another realm of exploration.

I am a believer in the ability of power cords to improve the sound over stock, from personal experience.  However, like most "improvements" in sound, it is really incremental, not "that new power cord blows me away." Case in point:  I switched out the stock cord for an Audience Power Chord on my Plinius SA100 Mk. III power amp.  The change made a noticeable improvement in the tightness of the bass.  I was very happy with the change in sound and the Audience PowerChord in particular.  Did it sound like a new system?  No.  Was it an improvement? Definitely.  Is a noticeable improvement  -- let's call it 10% -- worth $1500? Doubtful.  But $400 -- sure.  So it ultimately comes down to just how much you want to spend to chase that improvement on the margin.  Several times I have dreamed of getting some expensive preamp or power amp based on hype and reviews, only to put it in the system and find that while there appeared to be an improvement in the sound, it was not worth the huge outlay to get that incremental change.

I think that in general, fixing bad room acoustics will get you significantly more bang for your buck than expensive cables, followed by speaker placement, new speakers, new power amp and new preamp.  Doing the cable dance is the incremental fine tuning of a system that you are already happy with.  Luckily, since I will never, ever purchase a $20,000 cable of any type, nor do I know anyone nearby who would, I will be kept blissfully ignorant of whether such a cable will "blow me away."  :)

How so, toddverrone? Explain it so I'll understand it.

This question is getting old you figure it out.

@geoffkait  that's not what they mean by peer and you know it.

I have found that power cords along with power conditioning are both needed to achieve best results.  In my case I am presently using Audioquest power cords-NRG1000, NRG100's plus NRG10's, along with two Audioquest Niagara 1000's.  They together make a significant improvement to audio reproduction.  No doubt about it.  None whatsoever.  There are those who disbelieve, whatever their reasons.  I guess it is much like religion, and possibly what myself observe is just my imagination.  But every time I turn on my audio system the changes are easily apparent to me.  Perhaps it is like Steven Kings "Needful Things."  Possibly I only imagine it sounds better, when in fact, it actually sounds like crap.  Maybe the Devil is behind the whole subject of Audiophile wires and power conditioners.  Anyway, who am I to trust my own senses as opposed to the uninformed?

The problem is the Teleportation Tweak has no peer. So how can it be peer reviewed? Duh! Like applying for patents.it's not a good idea to submit to peer review if one wishes to keep a secret. Looselips sink ships. Besides let me remind you this is a hobby. There is no peer review committe or procrss. This is not the faculty of Harvard. Journal of Physics or AES.You could put 10 PhDs in physics in a room for a week and they would be unable to scratch the surface of the Teleportation Tweak. I do have an explanation of the Teleportation Tweak on my website,if that's of any help.

Peer review is designed to slow down the output of BS - that is its function.

@geoffkait 

so, you don’t need peer reviews. May people you disagree with use the same privilege?

Peer reviews just slow me down. Science has become a lumbering bureaucracy that impedes progress. Full speed ahead! Toot, toot! Science is blissfully unaware. Let sleeping dogs lie.

@geoffkait 

Where is the peer review of your teleportation thingy?

SHOW US!

@thirsty93 

it does not make any difference. Everyone who claims the opposite cannot prove a thing. ask them for a proof!

ASK THEM!!!!!

  I pondered this question too . What I did was go to a web site and click buy . Then when the little box opened up , I clicked “ 4 “. Then I clicked check out with Pay Pal . When they came , I hooked them up .  That was last year , I still have them . When Mr. Tesla chimes in , would somebody please let me know , thanks . Now I’m gonna take my directional ass to a different thread . 

All this discussion on whether or not that power cords make a difference or not o audio reproduction can be proved true or false by scientific measurements alone is a true fallacy.  Power cords, power conditioners, interconnects and speaker wires are all the same.  In the end it comes to trust in one's own hearing abilities.  All I know is that when working with quality audio products that they all make differences.  It is so easy.  For instance I find that Audioquest power cords as ell as their Niagara 1000 power strips really make a significant difference when used.  On the other hand, with my OPPO 205 I find that a JPS digital power cords makes a huge difference compared to using a over three times more costly Audioquest power cord instead.  And that is using the JPS digital power cord plugged into an Audioquest Niagara 1000 and matching Audioquest power cord.  The beter the audio gear used the more differences can be noticed.  One can argue all they want as to wires themself making any significant differences, but to those who have been around the audio game know tht what I am saying is true.  In fact the whole subject reminds me of  discussions reguarding religion.  One either believes or they do not.  But in the case of audio, anyone with good hearing can easily note the differences in reality that all this wire stuff does make a difference.  Otherwise Michael Fremer himself is a liar and a fraud.  All part of the audio conspiracy to spend one's money on nonsense.  You can say that Michael is a liar and a fraud and that I am just another hopeless fool.  But I turn on my own audio system and I know that I am not.  I am not hearing magical voices talking to me.  I can replace my power cords, interconnects and speaker wires with generic substitutions, but I know for a fact that my audio system would, in comparison, sound like crap.  One simply has to have an open mind on the subject.  

Several album tracks I play and enjoy a lot, were not altered by replacing power cords, they were improved upon in terms of resolution and or details.

What could not be heard prior to the swap could be heard after the swap.

How then is this possible if power cords do nothing but supply power and any power cord would suffice?

The areas of improvement were in the bottom most octave on a Stanley turrentine cut, and a clearer midrange depicting subtle cues in the Four Play track off the heartfelt album. What was once silent or audidbly invisible before hand, were plainly evident with a different power cable.

This was a repeateable affair. I put the current PCs back into the rig to ensure my discovery was not imagined. Sure enough those sonic cues disappeared. Replacing the amp (s PCs thereafter revealed these bits of the recording once again.)

These particular songs were among ‘go to’ cuts I used for determining the system consequent on going alterations.

Its about as scientific as any other testing scenario one can conduct in their listening room could determine.

An O scope would not have heard those missing sonics, or realized there abrupt presence I don’t think.

As said, by other feedback herein, dunno. Don’t care to know. All I know is what I’m hearing and I don’t drink, do drugs, I take nothing in the past couple decades and change, which could artificially change my mood or my mind, so I’m quite sure there was nothing supposed, imaginary, or delisional about my distinctions.

Neither did I very much like the notion of being faced with the proposition of having to find another $1000 for a pair of those PCs on the used mkt at the time.

But as with every thread of this sort. The only answer that will ever hold water is for the OP to get out there and try a few brands and a model or two within those brands … one at a time to see.

Experimenting with tweaking a stereo rig is at times, a labor of love. By golly Miss Molly, you’ll have to love it to deal with the frakin’ tedium that ensues when you start chasing sonic upgrades via cables. They do make a difference as does most any other portion of the outfit, provided it has exceptional resolution, but finding the mix which is in fact better and not just different is IMO frustrating.

One thing about doing the ‘’which wire’ dance’, is this, you’ll find out fairly quickly who are the pretenders and who are the contenders. Regardless their claims or pricing.

It will help you to have two things. Some IEC to NEMA adapters and more than one system on board. If for no other reason than preventing excessive wear on the main rig.

The adapters do the most work. The secondary system is merely further confirmation.

Best luck…

willemj
I am afraid science is not a democracy.

Wrong again, Professor. Science is the very definition of a democracy. That’s what the whole peer review process is all about. It’s essentially a voting process. This why it takes so long for new ideas like relativity or gravity waves or black holes to be accepted as real. If science wasn't a democracy any Yutz in town could say, here's some new science, let's go! It’s a process. Not unlike the process of electing a US President.

of course PC's make a difference.......but only if you run them along side those silly pebbles / rocks that some snake oil salesman tries to push.

I recommend you try an upgrade power cord and then you can speak with more confidence regarding that issue. It may or may not have much effect on the sound of your system. 

Regards Jim
Dealer of the month........

Happy atheist here.

You should look for a religios forum! That’s where you find “believers”. This is a forum for listeners - where ears are counting.

I am afraid science is not a democracy.

Let's see a show of hand. Of those who don't believe - or aren't sure if - power cords are important how many believe that direction is not important for power cords as well as interconnects and speaker cables and fuses? Results at 11.

The last (first) few millimetres is the most important, try better IEC connectors like Furutech NCF.

Fancy power cords look cool with all the carbon fiber plugs and big fat cords running all over. If they sound better - it is a bonus. If it doesn’t, it is still cool looking.

Give it a try and simply trust your ears! Why does this piece of wire matter? I don’t know - but may be one of you out there is smart enough to explain it to me. I tweaked my system for years but ignored power cables because I did not see how the last few feet can have an impact. Then I built one DIY cable following my experience with DIY interconnects and speaker cables - oversized solid core single conductor silver in cotton (plus heat shrink for power cord). I first tried it with my CD player (Esoteric K-01 on air platform). The experience was so drastic that I am still upset about myself today because I ignored this important piece of the puzzle for so long! Here is another crazy fun fact for you: When I started to build power cords for all my other gear I did not upgrade the power cord for my TT power supply. How in the world would a power cord have an impact on the sound of a turntable, right? Wrong!!! After itching started again (what the heck) I replaced the power cord to the power supply and the two cables between power supply and turntable of my Kuzma StabiM (all DIY - same recipe). Those three cables elevated the performance of my Kuzma into an even higher league. More resolution, information and detail, more punch, more like real music! Why? I have no clue! But I smile every time I listen to my favorite records and that’s all that counts for me.
My advice: Don’t listen to unexperienced sceptics like ... me ( before I messed with power cables). If you have a CD player, start there. If you are a bit handy, don’t waste your hard earned money on overpriced cables with funny names. If anybody is interested in the DIY recipe feel free to contact me. Happy Thanksgiving!

Transparent makes some real good low cost power cords Thirsty,  and they hold their value very well. As you can gather from this thread, some find aftermarket cords sound good, some do not, and some refuse to try on theoretical grounds...since it costs nothing to try...

@thirsty93 

Check out Cullen Cable. Fantastic power cords; great sound, build and value.

http://http//www.cullencable.com/


Cheers,

Scott

There are tuners you can use with thinner power cords to change the sound. They look like a thick wired spiral that you weave your power cord through and then listen to music as you slide it along the power cord until you like the sound. 

@willemj I know, but, when I used another power cord - a standard power cord, not a thick audiophile one - I was able to influence the noise by moving the cable, twisting the cable, and then I realized, it was acting like an antenna.  So I *think* it contributes to my issue.  Every little bit helps, and I will take what ever it takes - right now I'm taping aluminum foil all over my racks and it appears to be improving my situation. 👍🏻🤓✅

James, I have been following your thread on interference, and I am sorry that I have been unable to think of a good explanation. You have not yet established that the interference is picked up by your power cord (let alone that another cord would make a difference).

Do you really think I am that mad?

@willemj - Have you personally tried after market power cords on your system?

@thirsty93

You will find a general question on these forums to be taken very seriously. And this discussion has been very good, showing you just how important a power cord is to a system.

My power cords (Harmonix Studiomaster) are now picking up cellular frequencies in the 700-800MHz range. So in my system, I can hear this signal at a low level just above the natural room noise floor.

So now I’m on the hunt for a new power cord. I wonder if any manufacturer test against picking up Radio Frequency Interference?

Holy crap!,,,,,,easy guys
need a AV power cable under150 any good buys out there

I attached an artical I found regarding Shunyata Research power cables. 

..."Misconception #3: There is up to a hundred feet of wire in the walls, so the last 6 feet of power cord can't possibly make any difference.

Answer: “The power cord is not the last 6 feet, it is the first 6 feet from the perspective of the component. As stated in #1 the local current and electromagnetic effects directly affect the sonic performance of the component.”

At the end of the day, I use aftermarket power cords. They do make a difference in my systems. 

https://www.gcaudio.com/tips-tricks/why-power-cables-make-a-difference/

Regards,

N

I am now a VERY BIG fan of the Art Audio Cables. I just added a pair of their SE 1 power cables to my mono block amps....WOW!!
These cables are the real deal. Easily besting cables from Synergistic, Pangea and a host of others. The quality of these cables has to be seen to be believed! My pair came with the truly excellent Furutech connectors and brought my whole system up a notch. Bass is far more realistic and defined, the mids are more accurate and true to life, the upper mid boost that i used to have has been ameliorated and the top end air has increased dramatically. These power cords are incredible and I Highly Recommend them. Thank you Rob Fritz and Art Audio cable...superb sounding cables!!

Its not that its simply a matter of being a few feet between all the wiring in the wall and your equipment, saying the last few feet don’t matter. Its that the last few feet can mess up between the wiring in the wall and your equipment. Stock cables can degrade what is coming from the solid cable in the wall. That’s the point I believe some do not realize. Better cables do not "improve" the sound. They avoid messing up the sound... Then there are some cables that can color the sound in appreciated ways. Stock cords can simply be bland in comparison. The ideal connection? Would be having many outlets from the wall with the inside wiring extending out to the equipment without a power cord.   Shielding can matter.  Stock cords are generally not shielded.

My brother had just bought a $2k Synergistic research power cord 
this summer and it was a nice increase in soundstage and bass.
i was given a heads up on a lesser name brand using a special 
double foil technology from a Verastarr Audio.  On my digital 
power supply and umbilical cord I could not believe it was the same digital in my Lumin Player .it was not just one thing but 
the performance as a whole was just much more real and dimensional .my brother brought his $2k cable over and it was good but flatter in character compared. I have had several $1500
cables this is now my go to cable . That was in a Copper 
they make 2 even better ,hard to believe .Stereotimes had a similar 
experience as myself. Verastarr interconnects are next .

toddverrone759 posts11-16-2017 9:16am... Then I made great DIY cords and heard a bigger improvement. 

May I ask how you made it?

They absolutely make a difference.  As does cabling in general...as well as room acoustics / system synergy ETC.  Best thing for you to do is to try some...and make your own judgements.   

randy-11,
The change in sound quality is unquestionable. 

Try listening to your system without power cords and see if they matter.  Yes they play a critical role otherwise we would not need them. Try using a lamp cord to power your your bulky monoblock amps and see how that goes for your ears and system.  

We all agree power cords play a vital role. It seems rather narrow minded and unreasonable to NOT think construction methods such as shielding, conductor material, braiding configurations, dialetrics etc... play a role on this vital part of our audio system. 

They are in the signal chain folks. If you think not, then just remove them and enjoy your music. 

with gear that good I would think you would want to do your own double blind test with your own system. that's what I did...it was actually fun and didn't take very long, and improved my system for minimal cost...

Are there any blind studies on this issue??  You can find glowing reports from people claiming magnets on their wrists cured their arthritis. Such reports are as convincing as the reports here from listeners that such cords have an impact on their system. I have YG Anat 3s, Chord Electronics and a DSX processor and I have never been compelled to buy such aftermarket cords because the science is snake oil. Sorry guys your ears are easily fooled. 
Show me some research that is compelling that such power cord could and does make a difference both in the function of the downstream electronics and more importantly that when listeners have no idea what cord is being used and all other variables are controlled they can hear the difference. Until then this is snake oil. I want to be convinced.

RE UK cable dealer fraud case. Turns out it was just the usual audiophile goat rope in which the very well known audio dealer Russ Andrews was accused by some magazine of "hyping" some audiophile cables that were claimed to arrest RFI/EMI. As far as I can determine there was no real court case, just a nasty article in the magazine. The usual, in other words. There was the little tidbit at the end of the article I ran across on line, which is a quote from Russ Andrews,

"We’re told... Your correspondent’s brief career as a sound professional was curtailed when it emerged he has "no ears", and thus isn’t qualified to comment."

So it goes. 😀

Reminiscent of The Amazing Randi fiasco in which the well known reviewer of Stereophile magazine was the subject of a Million dollar challenge. The challenge was to hear the difference between Monster Cable and a $20,000 high end cable in controlled blind tests. What could go wrong with that, right? Same old, same old.

Jond,
I am busy right now but I shall try to dig up the details. What it amounts to is that the law in most EU countries in one way or another does not allow deception in sales. Here was a chain of audio stores that claimed that the cables they were selling were sonically superior. So the UK Consumer Protection Agency (I think it was them) took the stores to court because they could not prove that claim. I think expert witnesses were also called in.
Other groups could have done the same, like consumer organizations (they often do) or consumer tv programs that name and shame.
The store had to withdraw its claim, and without that claim there was little point in selling such expensive cables. Unfortunately this does not mean that things like this will not happen again, and many cases may remain under the radar, but it does mean that sellers have to be very careful with what they claim.

Not only power cables make a difference, also the IEC connector in particular and other connectors in the line, fuses if you use them, dedicated spurs and consumer units all have an effect on SQ.

experiential confirmation bias

Good thing you are not allowed near drug development labs

On topic - I've assembled my own power cords with great results using oyaide tunami cable & neotec connectors. 
Off Topic - Willemj, I want to thank you for reminding me on another thread (you've been hitting the wire topic pretty hard lately) that I needed to replace the coax cable between my DAC & transport. I did that this week. It isn't broke in yet but sounds great.