Power cable dilemma

@jrimer

It would be interesting to see what the results would be if you switched the sequence of cables around next time in another study of your perception of amp temperature and performance, ie, starting out next time (with a cold amp) with the "plain black cord" for the exact same duration of time you used the Pangea cable last time (as the first power cable used). Understand what I’m saying? If the same results take place, maybe it’s just the amp venting some of it’s heat to the heat sinks after being powered up for a certain total length of time (using a combination of both AC cables), no matter what AC power cables were used, and in what sequence.

I don’t know the entire design of the amp, so I don’t know if all of the operating current flows through the front panel ML-23.5 ON/OFF power switch, or if the front panel switch operates an internal relay, and all of the AC power/current then flows through relay contacts. From over the years arcing, some AC switches that pass high amounts of in-rush current can develop dirty contacts. It’s possible that maybe working the front panel switch a few times cleaned the contacts on the switch. These are just a few of my initial thoughts, but I do find your discovery interesting.

It would also be interesting to measure the resistance of each cable, with a test meter (measuring one leg/conductor at a time), to see if there’s any kind of difference between the two.

@pennfootball71 

If you look over the posts, the "high end" cable was revealed.

It’s a $40 Pangea cord. 

@jrimer 

Again, where is the data that shows power cord technology has taken a quantum leap in the last 5 years?

How can I put this delicately (and I mean no offense)? Are you new to the audio scene? There's an immense amount of information out there on this particular subject. All you have to do is search for it. There are power cords out there that go for thousands and thousands of $$, and audiophiles swear by their performance.   

@jrimer @pennfootball71

Most older power cables are not great anymore and cable technology has made quantum leaps over the past 5 years!!!

I’m skeptical, but let’s see if pennfootball71 wants to maybe defend his statement.

@jrimer 

I’m not looking for it because I’m willing to bet it doesn’t exist.

I now see where you're coming from.

@jrimer

I’m also a rational thinking person that needs to see some concrete evidence to substantiate such absurd claims.

I’m not sure anyone is going to hand deliver that information to your doorstep. You may have to search for it yourself on various websites, as it is out there. I’m also not sure exactly what information you’re specifically looking for. Almost every AC audio power cable website will probably contain some. Here’s one I just picked at random:

audioquest Thunder

Disclaimer: Please be aware that I’m not the type that buys AC cables that cost thousands of dollars. In all of the cables I use, or have used, in home audio, or broadcast audio, I’ve never heard an AC cable that dramatically changed the sound of the equipment it was plugged into. Audio cables, yes. AC cables, no. One thing I do use is balanced AC power. Even then I don’t believe it has made a dramatic difference in audio quality in my audio system(s), but I still incorporate it.

@holmz 

A lot of that information is largely marketing.

Well put.

@jrimer 

I asked for a source other than the manufacturer or a reviewer.

If we're looking for lab tests, after searching, I can't really find any. I thought for sure there would be at least one or two out there, but as of yet, I haven't found one. It looks the only tests out there (beside manufacturer's descriptions) are mainly from audiophiles who have bought these cables, and have provided there own personal listening evaluations.

@jrimer 

Getting back to your initial post, did you ever try this?

It would be interesting to see what the results would be if you switched the sequence of cables around next time in another study of your perception of amp temperature and performance, ie, starting out next time (with a cold amp) with the "plain black cord" for the exact same duration of time you used the Pangea cable last time (as the first power cable used). If the same results take place, maybe it’s just the amp venting some of it’s heat to the heat sinks after being powered up for a certain total length of time (using a combination of both AC cables), no matter what AC power cables were used, and in what sequence.