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Effects Of Power Cords On Electrostatic Speakers

Several weeks ago I took delivery of a pair of Martin Logan CLX ART speakers. I hooked them up with the supplied power cords from the seller. The sound was pretty underwhelming, so I let them settle in. After about 4 days the sound had not changed significantly. I decided to rob a pair of PI Audio power cords from my phono stages and put them on the CLX. Signicant change and was getting the sound I expected. 

The question I ask myself is why? This is a low current power supply that just feeds the stators. 

If it is indeed significant, and it seems to be, what level of cord is going to meet the needs? No reason to spend more than I have to. 

 

Looking forward to reading your thoughts or experiences. 

neonknight
carlsbad2's avatar
carlsbad2
1,382 posts
 

I have a pair of CLS speakers.  I am a power cord believer for amplifiers.  however, I haven't used heavy power cords on the electrostatic speaker.  

The power supply to the electrostat puts....you guessed it...a static charge on the panel.  It doesn't power the music so there is no need for short dosages of high current during dynamic sections.  So my thought is that power cords are irrelevant and I've been using generic 14 awg cords.

Based on your post I will try better cords and see if I can hear any difference.

Jerry

neonknight OP
341 posts
 

To be safe I should try the Belden again and see what happens. No reason to spend money if I don't have to. 

docknow
303 posts
 

@neonknight 

I have CLX ARTs I purchased used.  They came with Martin-Logan supplied power cords.  Are those what you got from the seller?

neonknight OP
341 posts
 

Yes. To the best of my knowledge.

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