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How can power cords make a difference?

I am trying to understand why power cords can make a difference.

It makes sense to me that interconnects and speaker cables make a difference. They are dealing with a complex signal that contains numerous frequencies at various phases and amplitudes. Any change in these parameters should affect the sound.

A power cord is ideally dealing with only a single frequency. If the explanation is RF rejection, then an AC regeneration device like PS Audio’s should make these cords unnecessary. I suppose it could be the capacitance of these cables offering some power factor correction since the transformer is an inductive load.

The purpose of my post is not to start a war between the “I hear what I hear so it must be so” camp and the “you’re crazy and wasting your money,” advocates. I am looking for reasons. I am hoping that someone can offer some valid scientific explanations or point me toward sources of this information. Thanks.
bruce1483
kjg
171 posts
 
I have to say, this thread is *far and away* the most passionate, thoughtful (well, most of the time), and interesting thread I've read on this site (and there have been many). Thanks to all of you for playing a part in it and allowing a great number of us to listen in.

Jhunter: I'm in your area and would love to provide my ears to the experiment if you're willing. Prior to this discussion, I was rather in your camp about power cords (using stock cords myself), but have to admit my interest has definitely been peaked. Give me a holler if you'd like some skeptical, but reasonably open minded company. I'll be happy to bring down my cords and see how they fair against rest.

Thanks again to all for the both the information and entertainment.

Cheers,
Ken
redkiwi
1,092 posts
 
Jhunter, if anyone criticises you for posting what you hear, then the RHUBARB cavalry will be on your side.
fpeel
455 posts
 
Jhunter and Kjg, I am also in the San Jose area. Would the two of you be interested in dropping by for an afternoon of listening? If so please drop me a message with your contact info. No tests will be given or taken; don't need the stress. We could do it in a couple of weeks or so as I'm just getting settled into a new place. This invitation also applies to other interested Bay Area residents, too.

Frank Peel
mmccoy
12 posts
 
OK, my first post here so be gentle ;)

Pardon my ignorance. I may have missed the answer but 'logic' dictates that super esoteric (read VERY expensive) power cables would not make a difference for one (IMHO) simple reason:

Indeed I could see how ensuring the mechanical contact (on either end) is as good as possible but otherwise what difference would the last 5-6 feet of '6 ga multi-stranded platinum alloy, laser end cut terminated in pure 24ct gold' power cables make when the previous power feed (up to the aforementioned 'super' cable) is nothing more than run of the mill 3 strand bulk romex?
fpeel
455 posts
 
Mmccoy, that's a fair question, but one that's been answered in detail a number of times. To save you a bit of research, the short answer is, and please understand this comes from a non-techie, the differences lay in the shield configuration, conductor size and construction, quality and types of materials and workmanship, and, in some cases the additional components (i.e., filter materials, also called "magic dust"). None of that is to say I personally buy into the mega-price cable story, BUT I also do not have first hand experience with extremely expensive power cords. Certain of the claims do, on the surface, make sense. My ears say upgraded cables do make a difference, though. My only question is where does the "improvement curve" drop off into silliness, if it actually does? Hope that's helpful on some level.

BTW, if any of that is grossly erroneous, guys, please correct it. I try to pay attention, but don't always get it right.
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