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Why does an audiophile grade power cord matter?

probably another beaten horse topic but I cannot find answers to quell my question.

Basically, most of us have homebuilder standard supply solid core copper wire with nylon, plastic or rubber sheathing that runs the length of our homes from some cheapo metal utility company supplied junction box to a 5 dollar leviton outlet Joe General Contractor buys at Home Depot. So the current at that 5 dollar outlet is what it is until we hook it up to our system.

So why does plugging in a 1.5 meter or what ever length of audiophile grade xxx hundred dollar power cord matter to go that last couple of feet to our components???
photonman
nonoise's avatar
nonoise
10,876 posts
 
Do a search for some pretty exhaustive discussions on power cords. There was a nice one not more than a couple of months ago. Long story short: they do make a difference but you don't have to spend a lot to get an improvement over the stock power cord that comes with whatever it is you buy.

If you can't hear a difference, you're either deficient in hearing acuity or your system isn't revealing enough or you don't feel it's worth it and refuse to come clean even though you do hear a difference (which seems to be the underlying reason).

:-)

All the best,
Nonoise
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rrog
1,958 posts
 
I'm thinking about trying one on my Audio Research CD player. Which one would you recommend?
photonman OP
96 posts
 
Ah, thanks for the tip on the AC9se...changed my order to 2m.

I have been using after market cords for a while now, but the way I implemented them was not scientific. I was getting into hifi about 8 years ago when I put together my system, and right off the bat, I used new power cords so I do not know what my system would be like with out them.

Only recently I have a reactivated interest in my system as I had a rough last few years personally but all is well now.

I have a mix of cords and just ordered a Pangea AC9se which will go to amp.

Kimber PK 14 to source and pre
PS Audio from 2005 that cost around $200 to amp

Not sure what model the PS is?
photonman OP
96 posts
 
Thanks Jea48 for the link. That info helps make some sense why the last few feet of current are impactful.

the current at my $5 Leviton may be "dirty" but once it enters the power cord, its a new ball game and at its most pivotal point of transmission. that is my take on it.
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