High current power cables

@bigtwin Thanks for posting. That is exactly the simple (and correct as far as it goes) understanding that causes people to buy too small a cable.  If you go by your amps power rating, lets say 200 watts, then you need less than 2 amps. An ampacity table will tell you that 26 awg is all you need.   Can you imagine a 26 gauge power cord?  A small to medium amp would run on it--and sound like crap.

In reality, your load is dynamic, not static.   You need to be able to change current values very quickly.  It isn't the steady state current that sizes your cable.  That is the steady state calculation you posted. 

But if people keep using power cables sized the way you calculated, there will be used amps for sale for the rest of us to buy.

Jerry

If small power cords are fine then how come Boulder's top of the line 3050 mono amps use a 32 amp 230 volt custom power cord and custom connectors, maybe the size of the cable really does matter.

Artemis 5:

Wrong.  

Example: Krell Audio Standard

Example: PASS XS300

Many more...

They will function and sound constipated.

Blanket statements don't fly in audio.

In my experience, higher gauge power cables make a difference. Even cheap ones. As it was partially explained in a video posted a few weeks ago- A thicker cable has more copper crystals per linear measure, and therefore more barrier options. So as the electrons wobble in their crystals, there are more boundaries they can bump into- (more options available) to transfer current. It is a faster transfer. Plus, a larger outer surface as well. This is why a thicker cable has more capacity for instantaneous dynamic loads. Which is why you notice improved bass response, bass drivers of course require the most instantaneous power- and improved power availability equals audibly improved performance. Run 10 gauge wiring on your dedicated 20a circuits in your wall. And 10ga cables to your equipment. 

If small power cords are fine then how come Boulder's top of the line 3050 mono amps use a 32 amp 230 volt custom power cord and custom connectors, maybe the size of the cable really does matter.

This caught my eye. It could have to do with their short term power output of 6,000 watts (claimed).

The connectors they use are nothing but simple brass. No fancy materials, no fancy plating, just brass. They seem okay with that.