The Truth About Power Cords and there "Real" Price to Performance

As a mature engineer, vintage component lover, and a recent member of Audiogon - I am very skeptical about the actual benefits of the host of fancy, expensive power and speaker cords out there.  The first thing I notice about the ads and write ups for these devices is the lack of any hard technical performance data - such as improvements in distortion, frequency response, damping factor and noise levels.

I realize that technical performance specs do not tell the "whole story" in evaluating great, natural sound - but a technical explanation of how a particular power or speaker cable actually works to produce better sound over a "stock" unshielded cable is almost always lacking.  Instead, there are elaborate descriptions and diagrams of cable construction and materials - purely subjective evaluations of the resulting sonic improvement - and glowing praise for the expertise of the cable "designer".

As an example, I am the proud owner of a highly coveted Marantz Model 7 tube preamplifier, which was originally fitted by Marantz with a heavy, but otherwise standard power cable.  I cannot imagine how the impeccable performance of this unit could possibly be degraded by the absence of a "high end" power cord. 

The "Instruction Manual" for my Model 7, written by Marantz engineers Sid Smith and Dick Sequerra, states the following:  "Ordinary 18 gauge lamp cord may be used for connection between an amplifier and loudspeaker if the distance is short.  If more than 25 or 30 feet is required, it would be advisable to use a heavier gauge to reduce power loss and damping factor deterioration".

So my question to you all is simply this:  If some of the best audio designers in history were completely satisfied with using "ordinary" power and speaker cables with their superlative equipment - why are we now becoming obsessed with all these "bells and whistles" cables - and spending many thousands of dollars for them?  Don't we need more hard "scientific" data explaining what actually makes these "fancy" cables sound "better"?  I personally, will stick by the recommendations of Mr. Smith and Mr. Sequerra!

Thanks to dimora and turnbowm for introducing technical analysis into this discussion of the benefits of high end power cables.  I firmly believe that science should be the primary factor in deciding how lovers of pure sound reproduction should spend their money and set their priorities in making their purchases.

As I mentioned earlier,  "I am very skeptical about the actual benefits of the host of fancy expensive power and speaker cords out there. The first thing I notice about the ads and write ups for these devices is the lack of any hard technical performance data - such as improvements in distortion, frequency response, damping factor and noise levels."

In terms of power cables, dimora correctly pointed out that the house wiring leading to the actual power cable could entirely negate any benefits of an elaborate cable shielding or configuration.  In this situation, a power conditioner, coupled with quality standard cable would make a more sensible spending choice.

Electrical engineer turnbowm could find no valid justification for large expenditures on power cables, other than assuring that the current carrying capacity was generous and the quality of the contacts robust.

My “Handbook of Instructions” for my Marantz Model Fifteen vintage power amplifier, makes no mention of replacing the “stock” power cords of this dual unit - and again recommends using ordinary 18 gauge lamp cord for speaker connections up to 30 feet and heavier gauges for longer distances. A unit of this outstanding quality, would surely have suggested using upgraded cables - if “perfectionist” audio designers Sid Smith and Dick Sequerra had any concerns about compromising its performance in any way!

I am again questioning the rationale - other than pure subjective judgement - of expenditures that could be better diverted to more quality electronics or mechanical components in the system. In that case, technical or scientific data could be fully employed to guide purchasing decisions - rather than vague claims by the cable manufacturers to justify their outrageous prices!

Bravo to those who are starting to question the value of "high end" power cables to the quality of the sound that we hear as an end result.  There is simply no scientific or logical evidence to justify the expenditure of so much money for these units.

Good audio equipment is fitted with excellent  power supplies, which filter and stabilize during the rectification process to DC.  Power supply surges are a different story - but surge suppressors are the proper solution to protect our equipment from such damage.

Most of us are subject to budget limitations - and do not want to waste our hard earned money on "snake oil" solutions.  Science and logic should reign supreme in any technical endeavor - aside from the judgement of our ears - which can be overly subjective and misleading in some cases.  Let the buyer beware!