What difference do power cables make?
I’m considering a purchase (about $1000) that will include a power distribution box and a couple of very good cables to service my power amp and subwoofer..
For those who have upgraded power cables, how you would describe the sound quality difference in your system?
Do you feel that it was worth the additional investment?
Showing 3 responses by ghdprentice
I have been fascinated for a while with the differences between folks that try to contribute to the forum by saying, I tried this and that and this is what I found… maybe this can be helpful to you. Versus… stuff like @1971gto455ho above who adds no actual experience to the conversation but just judgment and a put down to folks that may actually have experience to the contrary. I am always puzzled at the point. If I had tried five or six different power cords and not heard a difference, that is what I would say… this is my system, this is what I tried and heard… but why the indictment of those who have other experiences. I can easily tell the differences among different power cords… particularly on amplifiers. It is obvious… so can every other audiophile I have ever known. I guess I just don’t get the point. For those of us that know what is going on it is like a proclamation of stupidity. But why publicly broadcast it.
When I was an executive I remember occasionally having an employee somewhere that thought he was so superior to everyone in the company and just railed at his lowly position. He would reach the breaking point and on the way out the door send out an email to everyone in the company proclaiming how incompetent everyone else was. The rest of the executives and I would get together an never need to discuss the email… it was so clearly written by a deranged individual… it was not worth spending a minute of time on. Every bit of evidence to prove the sender had no credibility was included in the email. I actually kept track of a few of these people… they got another job and were terminated in a very few months. |
OP, Typically you would not plug an amp or subwoofer into a power conditioner or distributor. They typically will restrict the dynamics. A high end power cord for a subwoofer is unlikely to make a noticeable difference. For an amp there are two things likely to produce a significant increase in sound quality… 1) a high end power cord and 2) a direct line. Given the way you phrased your question, it sounds like you have not done this before. So, it would be good if you got a very unambiguous positive result on the first thing you do. For that reason I would recommend using all your funds to purchase a single power cord… preferably trying several different options first. Buying used can double your purchasing power (typically sold at 1/2 price). Buying in the $1 - 2K range will get you a very good cord. One likely to have a very profound effect. It would be hard to get a good power distributor and a power cord of any quality for $1K. This would likely be spending a lot of money and get something that has almost no / little positive effect on the sound. A direct line will have a positive effect on all components… but if you have not experienced the result in the past, it will feel like higher risk because it cannot be returned and does not go with you when you move.
A dealer should be able to lend you two or three cords to try. Most companies produce special power cords for amps… they have heavier conductors because of the greater current demand. Also the cable company and others will rent cords. Take your time read reviews in Stereophile, The Absolute Sound, and HiFi+. Most companies have many levels. You can go to the level you can afford.
The largest selling suppliers are: Audio Quest Transparent WireWorld
|