solid core wire for a power cord is illegal and for a good reason!
@atmasphere , this is a stupid question I am sure, but since I don't know the answer I have to ask it. Why is solid core wire illegal in a power cord? Thanks.
Question for Atma-sphere, will expensive power cables improve your amplifiers?
The reason I am asking is I feel manufacturers of high quality components include all that is ever needed, power cable wise. Sure, some people buy power cables because they need special lengths or have some out of the ordinary "noise" issues that need extra insulation. Some even like the visual aspect of the aftermarket cables. I’m just curious why many spend thousands of dollars on such when the manufacturer has taken the power cable into account when producing the product. I cannot see a High-quality audiophile component maker (especially some that sell volume) pass on a few dollars for a better sounding power cable if indeed the cable improved their product. I cannot see a person buying that $7000 amp is not going to balk if the product was introduced at $7100 (with the better cable).
I wonder if Luxman, Accuphase, McIntosh, Gryphon...you name it "dressed" their power cables up to look like expensive aftermarket cables, owners would be so quick to "upgrade"?
I’d be curious to hear Ralph’s opinion on the subject
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@aberyclark +1 Yep, fuse resistance is significant impactor of IR (voltage) drop in amp’s power supply. Major problem with amp’s internal power quality is power transformer/rectifier/capacitors, not PC! if outlet wiring exceeds 20ft length, PC becomes less relevant to listenable IR drop issue.. |
I'm not atmosphere, but I'll take a stab @immatthewj question: Standed wire in cords allows it to be flexible cord. If you used one solid strand of copper, it would be inflexible and prone to damaged if flexed too much. single strand in the walls is fine because it is a permanent installation and not subject to flexing. |
edit: what he said ^ just in different words:
It is quite possible (and rather likely) that after multiple handling and installations it could get bent back and forth enough times for one of the solid copper "rods" to break, which then would be a fire hazard. The same copper wires in your walls of course are static and are not flexed back and forth after initial installation. |
Thank you, @61falcon and @mclinnguy ; that makes sense. If voltage drop is the reason/advantage of after market power cords, on a strictly hypothetical (or strictly theoretical) basis, I guess if one was to run Romex straight out of the wall and connect it to a IEC connector and connect one's gear to household AC in that manner, that would be the best solution? And I did typed "hypothetical" and "theoretical": I am, in no way, intending to try this. |
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