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Power Cords - Just Say Yes

I'm the biggest cable skeptic on the planet. I've never been able to tell the difference between one speaker cable over the other. I've never a/b tested because I just can't handle that sort of thing when all I want to do is listen to music. The power cord however is a whole different beast. I know. I just replaced a 18/3 that was powering my Rogue Cronus Magnum for two years with an Audioquest NRG4. I know some people aren't fans of AQ but that's what my local guy sells and I support him 100%. He sold me a broken in demo which is exactly what I wanted. I didn't do an a/b test and I didn't have to. I pulled the old one out and tossed it in the copper recycling pile and replaced it with the AQ. I fired up my amp this morning and let her warm up. I pulled out Sylvain Luc & Bireli Agrene's 'Duet' and hit the play button on the remote. Right off the bat I had to blink my eyes to make sure I was actually in my house. Everything tightened up with a dead silent background. I feel like a fool for waiting so long to come around on this one. I'm still skeptical of whether or not I will notice a difference when I replace the power cord to my CDP, but if you tell me I'll notice I might believe you. Either way, that's my next investment.
donjr

Showing 3 responses by foster_9

foster_9
1,638 posts
 
I will simply say that being cheap holds back one's rig FAR more than most think. This is one of the reasons why I say, "The greatest impediment to building an audiophile system is the audiophile. 11-04-12: Douglas_schroeder

"being cheap holds back one's rig FAR more than most think.?" I disagree. The greatest impediments to building an audiophile system have more to do with the audiophile's knowledge, experience, and funds; an audiophile's bank account in this economy is frequently an impediment. I'm confident that knowledge and experience often teaches audiophiles that cable quality matters in music reproduction. The decision to purchase more expensive cables only ocassionaly has to do with being "cheap," but for many it comes down to a choice between buying necessities and buying luxuries. Affordability becomes more important when finances are constricted. $1k (or more) power cords for many that are interested in quality audio are considered a luxury. Millions of people, audiophiles included, who formerly had good salaries are now unemployed or under-employed. Ones unwillingness to spend money on expensive power cords in these times isn't only a matter of being "cheap." I have no doubt there are many audiophiles that are not Fortune 500 executives or doctors making 6 to 7-figure salaries a year. I believe it's more often prudence rather than cheapness that stops many from buying more expensive cables now. Those who don't believe in the importance of cable choices are part of a different discussion.
foster_9
1,638 posts
 
Doug, when you describe some audiophiles using words like "cheap" and "cheapskates" you get my attention, since this pursuit is expensive and seldom cheap. Even an audiophile with a modest system has spent some considerable capital. I get your points however. I overlooked the "nil" part of your statement.
foster_9
1,638 posts
 
Lacee, you are correct all the way. Disconnecting, moving and reconnecting cables alters the sound coming from the speakers. From top to bottom there is a change in the presentation. It can take a day or so for the sound to restore. Changing out power cords also makes perceptible changes too and the sound can take days to stabilize before you can really evaluate the final result.
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