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Do power cords really matter?

I'm sure this has been discussed ad nauseum in the past, but while reading an ad for a power cord, I've had a very simplistic thought on which I would enjoy hearing other's opinions.
Case in point : The idea of dedicated lines appealed to me, but as we will be moving in the not too distant future, I just grabbed a left over roll of 14-3 Romex and strung about 60 ft. through the basement, and terminated in a box w/ a couple of audio grade duplexes. I did run the ground wire directly outside to a separate ground rod. (I realize for optimum performance I should have several runs to separate amp, digital, analog, etc.) My question is this: am I really to believe the last 6 ft. of power delivery can be that critical, when it has already traveled a much greater distance in ordinary wire. As we use outlets for convenience only, why not just terminate a 6 ft piece of Romex w/ high grade connectors? Are we just buying eye candy? Have we been duped w/ the hype?
Without having studied power conditioners, perhaps they can actually "clean" the raw power electronically?
Thank you for enduring my Sunday morning musings - all opinions cheerfully received.
Best regards,
Tom
tburn
bmpnyc
713 posts
 
Tburn, you don't have much to lose by tryng a few different brands. There are some very good quality pc's around here at Audiogon at very reasonable prices which can easily be sold if not to your liking. You stand to gain an improved listening experience. Bishop, have you ever tried a few different power cords?
I don't "believe" they make a difference, they do. It is simply a matter of trying a few and unless your a poor listener or have a crappy system you will notice a difference. I really don't care anymore about the science behind this. There are many scientific explanations for why they make a difference, and hundreds of opinions to the contrary. I'm a musician and have better things to do than debate the obvious with a bunch of sourpuss pseudo scientist objectivists. Every method of testing has its flaws, trust your ears. Good luck.
sugarbrie
3,854 posts
 
A lot the talk about cables uses terms like "hospital grade". Would you feel safe if you were in a hospital ICU, hooked up to a respirator that is keeping you alive; and all it had was a two prong toaster cord?? Yes, cords do matter.
bobgates
535 posts
 
I seriously believe that power cables make more of a sonic difference than interconnects and speaker cables. I'm especially impressed with power cables utilizing the WattGate IEC connectors and power connectors.
greh
134 posts
 
I recently purchased 3 Virtual Dynamics pc's for my Cary 303, Rogue 66 Magnum and Odyssey Stratos. The difference coming out of my speakers was not subtle.
I,m not an engineer, but the music definitely sounded better.
My remark to my wife was why don't component mfg.'s recognize and acknowledge the benefits of a good pc.
tburn OP
35 posts
 
Gentlemen - thank you all very much for your input. Seems the consensus is that a properly designed pc can make a difference, regardless of how subjective this topic may be. No doubt there will never be a clearly dominant argument to this debate, beyond what each individual hears in his own system, and come to think of it, I guess that's all that matters anyway. Peace ...
Tom
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