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
@jfrmusic +1 on findings "I have tried several upgrade power cords on my Accuphase P4600 amplifier. None sounded better than the stock Accuphase supplies. Upgrded cords seem to darken the sound, reduce openness and airiness. Accuphase documentation is quite emphatic about only using their cord." -hopefully your Accuphase IEC receptacle's contacts didn’t get significant damage, often random aftermarket IEC plugs, leave heavy marks on contacts, and damage contact surface. |
@helomech +1 "Use caution when shopping for “audiophile” cables and cords. Some of them are poorly designed and actually inferior to cheapo manufacturer-supplied cords/cables." |
Some of the power cables I've seen pictures of are really thick and exotic looking. What could those manufacturers be doing in those designs? Are they adding capacitance or inductance that affects sound? I think most posts on this thread are just concerned with voltage drop so if you have proper gauge, that shouldn't be an issue. Most of my big class A/B amplifiers draw well under 6 amps so 14 gauge, 6' power cord should cover my needs. Some years ago, I had a Bryston 4BSST2 amplifier that would occasionally go out on a safety fault. I contacted Bryston technical support and the first concern they had is if I was using a non-OEM power cord. They explained that some of the "hopped up" cords could cause that condition and really frowned on the after market cords. It turned out to be a ground loop but I found the manufacturer's concern interesting. |
@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. |
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
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