Power Cords

Can people actually hear the differences in power cords? isn't this getting out of hand?

Yes, quite easily. Go get one on trial from a local dealer and compare it to a stock wire. Of course, it won't really matter if your equipment is not very good, but it definately affects good gear. Go listen for yourself.

Art Dudley editor from Listener stated in the recent issue that he couldn't hear the difference in power cords and he certainly has good gear. I agree with the postings that state listen for yourself in your system and make up your own mind.

Hey Lihifiguy - where did you get the most improvement with your EEL's? I just got one but my Meridian transport crapped out and had to be sent in for service - 30 days they want to keep it!!!! I'm using an old Rotel in the meantime. I'm burning it in on a Classe Amp and have noticed a nice improvement over MIT and SR Master but won't do any critical listening until I get my Meridian back.

Sometimes the point is missed. Hearing a difference in power cords is not like hearing a difference in interconnects. Your system runs off of the AC outlets in your home. The electrical wire in you home (many yards of it) is, by far, the largest FM, ham, TV and other..antenna you have. The trouble is that your system needs the cleanest power it can get to do it's best. This is what all the power conditioners, power cords...etc. are trying to do. The reason you can hear differences between power cords and conditioners is the impact they have (or may not have) on your components ability to do their jobs. Simply, if your pre-amp and/or power amp are spending time and effort on RF, or other noise, going through your system (even though you can't hear it) it has impact on the components ability to work on the signal it is designed to. The least expensive way to hear this, is to use some of the RF Stoppers (Audioquest) or other versions of the same type of device on your current power cord. Usually there is an effect of everything sounding quieter and easier... more silence between notes....and more subtle sounds because of the components added ability to do the small signals.. Sorry to ramble...but your car would run poorly on dirty fuel.....well, we are surrounded by RF and other noise and signals that can very much impact your system. Actually, shielding and powerline clean-up may be the most improvement for the least money...........and most people don't do it.. ....because it is not as obvious as a new component or different speakers.