2. cables
  3. 193538-10803

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

The reason I am asking is I feel manufacturers of high quality components include all that is ever needed, power cable wise. Sure, some people buy power cables because they need special lengths or have some out of the ordinary "noise" issues that need extra insulation. Some even like the visual aspect of the aftermarket cables. I’m just curious why many spend thousands of dollars on such when the manufacturer has taken the power cable into account when producing the product. I cannot see a High-quality audiophile component maker (especially some that sell volume) pass on a few dollars for a better sounding power cable if indeed the cable improved their product. I cannot see a person buying that $7000 amp is not going to balk if the product was introduced at  $7100 (with the better cable). 

I wonder if Luxman, Accuphase, McIntosh, Gryphon...you name it "dressed" their power cables up to look like expensive aftermarket cables, owners would be so quick to "upgrade"?

I’d be curious to hear Ralph’s opinion on the subject

aberyclark
aberyclark OP
1,410 posts
 

@atmasphere Thanks for clarifying

 

aberyclark OP
1,410 posts
 

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. 

rettrussell's avatar
rettrussell
202 posts
 

If every wired audio component forms a "link in a chain", how can replacing just one "link" in the chain have an appreciable effect on the whole chain?

Is the goal of substituting one less-effective link with a more-effective link to improve the conducted "signal" from the improved link onward, and how does that work?

(i believe atmasphere partially answered that question above, but I'm perhaps too dense to comprehend the explanation)

jl35
4,136 posts
 

I agree the cable companies "loan" the cables...but if Pass thought their own cords sounded better, can’t imagine not using them in their voicing room and at shows...I read where Nelson Pass was loaned a pair of Kimber speakers cables, and quite liked them, until he learned they were $54.000 a pair...in their older manuals Pass simply said your cables shouldn’t cost more than your components...it's a fun company...

audition__audio
1,598 posts
 

I have MA-1s and noticed some improvement with aftermarket power cords. Very expensive and borrowed. Didnt like the high end Shunyata power conditioner on these amps so they go right into my wall.

 

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