I upgraded my Baseline Blue Speakon high-level input cables on my REL's by building my own cables with better wire (Meddiabridge 12 gauge) and Neutrik NL4FC Speakon cable connectors. Definitely an improvement in sound from the REL subwoofers at a fraction of the cost of purchasing something already built. I also purchased custom-built (inexpensive) 10-gauge power cords which as far as I'm concerned was also an improvement (12' long each). I simply upgraded to a 10awg 99.99% pure OFC copper using a good IEC and AC plug, all cryo-treated.
What Power Cords for Rel S510 Subs?
I’m considering a pair of Rel S510s to go with my Diablo 300 and B&W 802 D2’s. I’ve invested quite a bit in cabling: Audioquest Dragon for my amp, Hurricanes for my source equipment, and Nordost Valhalla 2 for my speaker wire. I can clearly hear the difference between a Hurricane and a Dragon cord when powering my amp. The Dragon puts space and air around vocals and instruments with front to back depth.
There is no way I can afford anything better than two 3m Hurricanes for the Rel S510’s but my question is, how much do power cords matter for subs? Sadly for my wallet, I’ve found that higher grade cords do make a considerable difference for all my other components, verified through blind tests. Not as much as speaker cables, but still a big difference.
I also have a Innuos network isolation switch and also an Innuos USB reclocker, to support my Innuos Zenith Mk 3 streamer.
Does power cord quality matter less with subs than with everything else?
For the record I’ve seen other threads on this subject, with what seems to be consensus that power cords don’t matter with subs, but I was hoping others who, like me, appreciate the difference a top tier power cord can make, can comment on whether there truly is no benefit to using one when it comes to subs. Has anyone compared a Hurricane grade (or better) cord with a stock cord, connected to a high end sub?
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Quote: nyev OP947 posts I pretty much expect the trolls to emerge whenever posting about cables, lol!!! Trolls are part of the fun. But I also think there are some who legitimately can’t wrap their heads around how better cables can help. These folks simply are new to the discussion and can’t figure out how “the last few feet of power can make a difference when the power has travelled hundreds of miles” etc. I actually just happened on a post where someone was stating all of the usual arguments, posting links to support their case, telling everyone not to waste their money. He was not a troll, but just new to the age-old debate. Others challenged him to go hear the difference himself, and to his credit, he agreed. He clearly stated his plan for the test, and was ready to come back and say he was right. Again, to his credit, he reported back saying he clearly heard the difference a better power cord made, and indicated that he was dumbfounded as to how it could possibly make a difference. He then said “I was wrong”. Something you don’t normally hear at the end of internet debates! So not every anti-cable poster is a troll. I completely agree it goes against common sense for a power cord to make a difference. And, don’t get me started on USB cords…. It doesn’t make any sense at all, but they make a difference! Tested the very expensive Nordost Valhalla 2 USB cord and yes it does improve the mids and treble. Bass definition was also better, however overall bass energy was reduced. Much like the Nordost Valhalla 2 power cord actually. This is in comparison to my much less expensive Audioquest Diamond USB. In the end I found the improvement to be too minimal for the silly cost, and stuck with my Audioquest’s which are decent. Of note, the length of the cord makes a massive impact and not in the way you think. Longer than 1m gives much, much better performance for both USB and power cords in my experience. Response: I agree with your whole comment. Also the length need to be at least 3 feet for a significant difference (or influence), and it maxes out at about 8 feet. 8 feet can be impractical for all components, and would make a snake pit in some systems. So I try to have a minimum of 4 feet. |
1971gto455ho371 posts Quote: Nasty term Troll.. that said they do like to chow down. Perhaps a testing diet of more than a hammer, screwdriver, vice grips, silly stories and imagination. Let’s have Figures, Comparables derived from how / what ? Frequency instrument tests, Low resistance ohmmeter tests, possibly oscilloscope digital and / or analogue, Wow even simple fluke multimeter tests but something ?? We’re hungry feed us ! That said.. Please please hear what I hear.. Just doesn’t cut it ! My reply: That is your viewpoint. I have a few meters to test with, but they don't tell me how anything sounds. If I want to know how a component sounds, or an accessory, I listen to it. |
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