Question for Atma-sphere, will expensive power cables improve your amplifiers?

@carlsbad

I'm guessing the $4000 cable cost nowhere near the selling price to produce. I'm also guessing the external $4000 cable will offer nothing better than the internal wiring of the component power supply can deliver. Again, assuming we are not talking about a custom length or some super rare listening environment. A Lamborghini will come with everything you need to take the car to the fullest extent. However, someone in a rare case may need to put snow tires on it (I know bad example).

@jea48 Nothing negative at all. I love Ralph’s products. Ralph is the only high end manufacturer that I am aware of on these forums. I always respect his opinions. I’ve seen Nelson Pass quotes to where (paraphrasing) "high end" power cables are no better than the ones he provides. I’m just curious how Ralph views the topic. Now there’s many dealers on this site and we all know what they are going to say. One rarely hears from an actual high end designer/manufacturer.

I get some arguments for actual "audio" wiring and cables. High end (aftermarket) power cables and fuses are two things I have a hard time putting my arms around.

Good power cables are essential. I'm just wondering if the expensive aftermarket cables make things "better" over the stock cable. Honestly, I'm not certain Atma-Sphere even supplies a cable with their equipment. 

@yesiam_a_pirate I'm with you, I think my mind/ears think something may be better. I've never done a TRUE double blind test. 

@alexatpos Myy Luxman 595 came with a great power cable. I switched in A ZU Event cable and no difference at all. HOWEVER, The ZU cable was a smidge better with my old Nuforce ST120 (class a/b) vs the stock cord. Then again the NuForce was a $600 amp vs a $13,000 integrated.

@atmasphere Thanks for your response. What you said makes a lot of sense. One question, do you mean voltage drops from the "wall" or within the amplifier itself due to volume adjustment. Excuse my electronic engineering ignorance. If from the wall, would a voltage regulator/conditioner, etc...help with such?

I do agree if your amps were delivered without power cables, you would hear about it. I've read forums where somebody gives an impression about a device but points out that the remote did not include batteries. So you can only imagine if the person could not plug the thing in LOL

I’m 58 years old. Back in the old Stereo Reviews I read as a kid, I do not remember emphasis on cables like we have today. I’m sure there were others, however, the first "cable" manufacturer of any big advertising clout I remember was Monster. For myself, back then, cabling was easy. Most power cords were built in (on my components at least). I either used the cables that came with the unit or just went to Radio Shack and purchased their run of the mill interconnects. Of course, for speakers, I pulled the length I needed from the large spools at RS.

While rumor often has it that Pass doesn’t believe in upgrade power cords and cables, rumor and visitors also report that Pass uses expensive Silent Source Cables in their listening room and at shows...my Pass mono blocks came with good power cords, but I prefer my Cerious cords...

Many times, I believe, cable, audio furniture/accessory companies may help pay some of the "booth" costs if their products are featured. That is what I'm guessing. 

@atmasphere Thanks for clarifying

Do power cable have to have UL certification? Just curious

NOW, what about expensive "exotic" aftermarket fuses. What is one gaining (besides the case) with this $300 fuse?

https://www.thecableco.com/accessories/masterpiece-m1-fuse.html

@61falcon The Bryston reply is interesting. Bryston seems to have others with issues and the cord was the culprit in some cases. It goes to show, if you are having some kind of electrical issue, try the stock cords and fuses before contacting the manufacturer.