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

Power matters to ESL’s. I have upgraded my Quads’ power supplies to the premium version offered by Electrostatic Solutions, and the difference is startling.

I also upgraded the SUT’s (big improvement) and delay ladder (very small improvement). Perhaps the biggest improvement was removing the protection circuit - which I could do because my amps were designed so that they could not under any circumstances drive the speakers into the danger zone.

ESL’s are the great, but stock versions of all but the best examples can be improved. IMO

@jhnnrrs

 

So you know the "truth". How comforting.

 

And what makes you think I own a lava lamp?

As a truth teller you should get the facts correct and not lean on conjecture.

@mrskeptic

 

But what happens if do not expect to hear a change? Do we then have unexpectation bias? If so what does that prove?

Yes but we have expectations. I expect to receive a paycheck every two weeks. When I get it does that mean it is a false paycheck and not real compensation? Isn’t it funny how we live and order our lives with expectations and yet people like you demean others for having them. Tell me, when you bought your audio equipment did you not have a set of expectations? If so how can anyone believe that your answers of anything audio have any level of validity?

@mrskeptic+1! Yes, the OP heard an improvement - but it had NOTHING to do with the power cord! ESL speakers charge their diaphragms through a 1 Million  ohm or greater resistor. This slow charging can take more than one day (24 hours). So the wrong conclusion again by the cable believers!

I use ordinary zip cord to charge my KLH Nine full-range ESL’s. Same for my Quad 57’s. The argument that "everything matters" in audio is just plain BS!