It’s not the only thing. The late Charles Hanson once said that the power amplifier is basically a modulator of the power supply. In that sense, the power cable is like a speaker cable in term of how current is carried from the source to the speaker. Of course it's not just the power amp. The preamp, DAC, or CDP are all the same in term of driving a signal.
I have a set of power cable that is shielded, but the bass is somewhat slow, so shielding could be a double-edged sword. If the speaker cables were high inductance then it could “slow things down”. But high frequencies should be worse than bass… and “slow” probably would be phase shift? |
For me, shielding is the most important factor. It’s not the only thing. The late Charles Hanson once said that the power amplifier is basically a modulator of the power supply. In that sense, the power cable is like a speaker cable in term of how current is carried from the source to the speaker. Of course it's not just the power amp. The preamp, DAC, or CDP are all the same in term of driving a signal. I have a set of power cable that is shielded, but the bass is somewhat slow, so shielding could be a double-edged sword. |
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The guy at the stereo shop said that I want the power cord to be shielded.
They had the “ifi” brand and some active capacitor looking cans that plug into the sockets. |
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Thanks gentlemen. At this point, I think I'm just gonna toss the out the voltmeter! I agree. Or donate to some young person getting into the field? |
I would. I would base my decision on a short list on professional reviews of their sound characteristics and not measurement or technology. There are just too many variables involved.
I am sure most companies creating these things either started with an idea of the variables or just started swapping materials. Most ultimately converged on there designs with a combination of both.
I have heard dozens of discussions of one variable or technology or another. Only to find the very next better thing to violate the premise. |
Thanks gentlemen. At this point, I think I'm just gonna toss the out the voltmeter! |
Oldhvymec brought up weaves and routing.
When the current is high like a power amp, then the magnetic fields are high, and his suggestions are sage.
And it is hard to shield against magnetic fields. |
Interesting, learning lots, glad I brought this up! |
Shielding on power cords is not always a good option. It can induce eddy currents, a pathway for leakage currents, limit the bandwidth, make the earth wire noisier and create resonance. I also can kill the boogie factor because it messes up the subtle timing of transients.
The advantages are less EMI/RFI pickup and radiation of the cable itself. I only use shielded power cable on my TV and Computer. Power amp & DAC are not shielded. If you go shielded, use shielded connectors or connectors with a carbon shell at least.
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None of the above. It seems by the first two responses, my concerns have been negated. Thank you |
- When you turn it up all the way do you hear 60 Hz humming noises?
- Or some harmonic of 60 Hz?
- Or what is the frequency of the noise on the AC line that needs to be addressed with the shielding?
- Are you concerned with voltage leaking out or magnetic fields?
A few preamps have outboard power supplies and these feed DC to the main part of the preamp. But power amps, do not have the gain of a preamp. |
So, you feel this shouldn’t be a concern? |
Prescription for Belden and Kimber. |
If the amps are MB that will help, ay?
Routing is a very inexpensive way to reduce noise. Shielding is the number one way to dummy down sound. I like weaves for noise reduction and as little shielding as I can get away with.
Even TT RCAs that I use have very little shielding.
All the systems I put together are black as night. ZERO floor noise..
Routing and weaves... I have one noisy box (cable PS). I fixed it..
Regards |
By far the best power cords I have heard are Moneoone Supernova. Zero shielding. You can see the conductors through the mesh. So much for that theory.
That said, I’m surprised to see how many amps have the IEC connection on
the far right or for left on their units, right beside the speaker
binding posts. I think in the middle of the amp, as far away from any
connections would be best. This is done to keep the powerful AC fields as far as possible from the sensitive pre-amp stage. Once the signal is amplified to speaker level it is proportionally much less important that these be kept separate. It all makes perfect sense once you understand what is going on. |
