2. cables
  3. 175954-41

Power Cable Break In - Such a Change!

I installed a new AudioQuest Dragon Source power cord from my Lumin X1 to my Niagara 7000. The power cord from the wall to the Niagara 7000 is also a Dragon but the High Current version. I bought that cord used.

So, when I first started using the new power cord everything sounded great. However, after a couple of days I started hearing a strident sound. Especially in the upper mid/ treble region. The bass was also constricted. I started blaming the sound change on another piece of equipment that was installed concurrently.

Now, I was under the impression that the Dragon power cord with its DBS system required no break in. But I did inquire about it to AudioQuest who responded that it would still need about 150 hours to break in. It's been close to that now and sure enough yesterday I started hearing the glorious sound that I heard from day one with the power cord only perhaps better.

I must say the difference during break in and now is quite remarkable, I don't remember any other power cord going through this amount of dramatic change.

ozzy

128x128ozzy
jakesnak
176 posts
 

BTW, I agree with Ozzy. If you do as much listening as I do you can pick up changes in sonic delivery. Some systems are way more revealing than others. Difference in sound is not the same as changes in sonic detail. Why would anyone  invests this much time, money, and effort not attempt to achieve a proper sounding system?

ozzy's avatar
ozzy OP
7,455 posts
 

I’m getting off my own topic a little, but I would add that room treatment is also important in getting the best out of your equipment.

I have 4 very large ASC tubes in the corners along with 7 Stillpoint Aperture ll’s throughout.

ozzy

jakesnak
176 posts
 

Ozzy I didn't even realize you started the topic! Room treatment is also a good thing. Very difficult in my room. It's a log home with 6" thick logs. Its huge 30 X 26 X 26H, with an open loft. Head room is a must, hence the Mephisto. Seldom do I get out of medium bias. All this wood works well. The ceiling with exposed beams is 6" x1.5 thick. With 6" of foam sheets, furred out with plywood and shingles. I think that's why it sounds so good.  John

holmz's avatar
holmz
2,328 posts
 

It is not only the crystal structure that is changing with current. The diode effect has influence on the directivity of the cord, the saturation of the diëlektricum acts as an capacitor on the time domain and varies after burn-in. And then there are easier measurable things like the EMIRFI contribution/blocking attributes of the cord (on the surrounding cords for example) next to L,C,R measurements.

I can get the point of abiding this is true, for say, a speaker cable. But what sorts of time domain (smearing?) is in a 60Hz power cable that makes it into the power amp?

This thread reads is like a group therapy session. And it is getting apparent that out crowd has not experienced the effect.

high-amp
508 posts
 

 

https://youtu.be/BzPa2GpQCs8

More to discover