2. amps-preamps
  3. 189762-53619

New expensive power cord for amp and no change in sound?

I bought new an expensive(for me) well known and reviewed power cord for my very good amp and plugged it directly onto the wall socket. After a couple of weeks of daily use I hear no change in the sound quality from a $500 cord. I don’t want to name it for fear of getting my thread deleted. You would know it or at least be aware of the company. Did I throw away several thousand dollars? Before I get the snake oil answer I want to let you know that I bought an upgraded cord for my pre as suggested by the pre’s manufacturer and am pleased with the results.

I guess for full disclosure the amp’s manufacturer said don’t bother. But I had had good luck with the pre so I thought it would be a good idea.

Anybody else have this happen to them?

roxy1927

Showing 4 responses by noromance

noromance's avatar
noromance
10,054 posts
 

@atmasphere Not buying it. The voltage drop across a few feet of power cable can't be more than a volt. This is insignificant compared to the normal variability of the supply fluctuations between 114 and 126 VAC.

The reason you can hear changes with power cords has to do with the AC line Voltage drop across the cord. More expensive cables tend to have less Voltage drop.

noromance's avatar
noromance
10,054 posts
 

Cobblers. I use BLE Design (made in Florida) $40 OFC 10 gauge with rhodium or gold plated connectors, and you can plainly hear an improvement. 

You have to spend more than $1000 on a power cord to hear much. 

noromance's avatar
noromance
10,054 posts
 

There you have it.

"I bought into the never ending advertising but people had positive things to say..."

noromance's avatar
noromance
10,054 posts
 

I've found that items further up the chain can respond to better power cords while not so much on power amps. Can you get a refund? 

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