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... abit confused: how does a power cord affect the presentation of sound...

Hello to all...

I was shifting around components in my system, trying to squeeze out better controlled bass, more definition within the soundstage, and better define the "voice/midrange" presentation...

I presently have a tube preamp (hardwired with a wall wart) into an HT Receiver; source is a Marantz SA-8001 CD Player

Swapped out a Yamaha HTR -5550 (hardwired) for a Parasound HCA-750A (which needs a power cord).

CD Player is powered with a PS Audio Statement SC power cord, so I went in my closet and pulled out another PS AUDIO Statement SC power cord, hooked it up and expect to give it at least 5 days continuous re-break-in before serious listening.

Took a minute to lookup reviews about this power cord - and I read some rather confusing reviews: some luved 'um, some liked 'um, but some thought them " ...slow... " (?), and giving a veiled presentation...

I'm gonna listen and decide myself - but I'm abit confused: how does a power cord affect the presentation of sound - I know that interconnects and speaker cables would/could/Do affect sound presentation - but how could a power cord?

Explanation/thoughts please...
insearchofprat
thyname's avatar
thyname
3,107 posts
 
twoleftears2,772 posts07-21-2020 1:45pm


I quoted Wireworld's claims above. Can anybody comment on them with some reasonable degree of level-headed knowledge/insight?

That "low triboelectric noise" refers to their insulation, what they call Composilex, which they claim is superior to any conventional insulation including Teflon (from Dupont).

I don't claim to know what "triboelectric noise" means, but a quick Google search:

https://experience.molex.com/triboelectric-noise-in-medical-cables-and-wires/

As for blocking outside interference, I am pretty sure they are talking about blocking stuff like radio, tv, phone signals etc. something that @boomerbillone described in very good details right above
djones51
4,947 posts
 
Headphone cables might have some triboelectric noise unless you sit very still. In modern not vintage ( over 30 years old) electronics  RF interference is mitigated by any competent power supply. 
kozka
130 posts
 
Local market is over flooded again by pseudo scientists....musikologz
andy2
1,553 posts
 
Let think about it.  If you're saying the cable is the last 3ft, then why would a power supply be any different?  That is the power supply is the last one after many miles of cables, just like the power supply cord as the last 3ft, then why a power supply would make a difference at all?

People who are using water analogy and conclude that a power supply cable should not make any difference.  But electrons are not water.  Before you turn on the kitchen faucet, there is no water in the kitchen in the first place.  On the other hand, before you power up your equipment, the electrons ALREADY in the equipment.

Look at the tiny fuse in your equipment.  You intuitively think that it has to be the bottleneck but obviously that is not the case.  Now if you're using a power supply cable as tiny as the fuse, things won't be very good.  Your equipment may not work properly.  Why is it that a fuse can be tiny and slim, but not the power cable?  Because electrons are not as intuitive as you think.
djones51
4,947 posts
 
You're asking why is a power supply different than a cable?  I didn't  notice anyone mention water but you. The power supply effectivly stops RF getting in and out with electrostatic screens between the primary and secondary in the transformer. As long as the power cord is of sufficient quality to provide the required current to the component that's all you need. 
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