I had similar experience few weeks ago. I had Classe Cp-45 preamp driving Dunlavy V's through the Classe CA-400 amp. Sound was great. Then recently I added the $6500 (retail) Classe SSP-50 HT processor. The processor have thicker(better?) cord. Since I am an audiophile first, I used the 'better' cord for CP-45, 2 channel preamp. And the sound changed to not my liking: less focus,more grunge,soundstage change,etc. I was worried sick as to what happened. Then I remembered that only thing I changed for Stereo listening was the power cord switch. I changed it back and I got my original soundback after an agonizing 3.5 weeks! Yes power cords do make a difference, but like the one of the post said, it is trial and error method. Expensive or thicker does not mean ' better' . I also put a thread rightaway to discuss my findings. I got few good responses.Pl look it up. Their inputs generally were to install dedicated balanced poer line which is sure shot to make difference. Happy listening!!
wow, a newbie power cord convert
When I got my Cary sli80 integrated last month, I just plugged my old power cord into it- the one that came with my cheap s.s. previous amp. I noticed that it used bigger wire, so I figured it would be better. Then a couple days ago I decided to try the new stock Cary cord. I put it in, and didn't really think about it. Yesterday I moved my speakers around a few inches here & there over the course of the day, and did some serious listening. I was amazed at the difference I was hearing. I had forgotten about the cord switch. I put the speakers back in their original spots, and still was hearing way more detail, and more solid placement of instruments. It was then I remembered the new cord, I guess it had been breaking in over a day & a half, (about 15-20 hrs of music). Anyway, I was a skeptic, and now I'm a believer. All this with just a stock cord from a good amp company. Makes me wonder if I can get even more good results if I spend a few more bucks...