Importance of Power cords feeding Conditioners

Ptm, my point was NOT that one can make decisions based strictly on objective (scientific) criteria. I don't know how you could have thought that from my comments. First of all, there are just too many choices out there even AFTER narrowing down the field!

My remarks had to do with putting together a credible short list of products that all have the basic physical characteristics necessary to do the job you want (one of them) to do. And that's when the listening should begin -- to find which one most satisfies your own sonic preferences.

But when something comes from out of left field (a "happy accident"?), or as you say, "something that just shouldn't work as well as it does", that seems to suggest the laws of physics don't apply to audio electronics. But they DO APPLY, don't they? And you will eventually discover (if you're curious) that for reasons you didn't yet understand, your 'miracle product' is working just exactly as it should. It's a learning experience ;--)
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I would strongly suggest that Nsgarch ad Ptm both have valid points. Yes, conductor size, material, and shielding will have major effects and may serve as the foundation of a great power cable. However, if physics and theoretical equations were all at stake, all cables would eventually converge to that configuration.

Materials and connections can have profound effects on the sound, and cable manufacturers actually do have to approach these from a trial-and-error perspective. For example, some have found that lower-priced IEC inlets and plugs perform better than those with costlier metals with mirror finishes in carbon houses.

My view is that it is the job of the cable manufacturer to make the breakthrough "happy accident" through an obsessive and exhaustive approach. Then, the consumer can make a minor happy accident in finding a match with their gear and tastes.

Throw in variables of marketing, emotion, a new-cable-launched-each-day, and that most people are looking to use cables as tone controls. Now you have a volatile situation where no one is apt to agree.

I have heard cables retailing above the 5k bracket that underperform, two cables antagonize each others best qualities, and some good cables reveal other weak links. My current cables contain exotic hardware and materials only found through an extremely limited number of sources, as well as ridiculously mundane materials found at your local hardware or hobby store. Let's call it part science, part art.

No matter the cable hour sound will change. Then your room acoustics play a huge role. So it not easy to tell anyone what works because I once changed my drapes behind my speakers and I had to reset my system. My advise is to try before you buy. How any PC impacts your gear power supply is a crap shoot. I can say Harmonic Technology makes a Magic power cord that is superb for front end gear.