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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
10,790 posts
 
Danoroo,
I admit that I do like sugar but my ears like music and an aftermarket PC makes it all the more enjoyable. You don't need to spend a lot to get a lot. Like I first stated, take the time to go back and "read" the thread I mentioned and then see how your statement stands up. You'll find yourself in a distinct minority.

All the best,
Nonoise
jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
06-03-13: Danoroo
You can hear a difference in power cords for the same reason that a sugar pill can cure a headache if the person ingesting it believes it's medicinal.

Danoroo, I find that to be true for many, and it works both ways. If you do NOT want to hear a difference, chances are you won't hear a difference. I have found many surprises when auditioning cables and power cords. I was a power cord skeptic a dozen years ago, but unfortunately, I did eventually hear differences. Not all differences were for the better, some were for the worse.

I still get many surprises, some times I will expect to hear more from a cable or power cord from reading reviews and others experiences, only to be disappointed. However, sometimes I also try something expecting little or negative results, and I'm pleasantly surprised. There are other times that I hear pretty much what I expected to hear.

So while many will hear what they expect to hear, differences or no differences, there are others who find this journey to be consistently interesting, with surprises around many corners.
jl35
3,966 posts
 
When I try a new cable I often hope to not hear a difference so I won't have to purchase it. But some cables and cords at reasonable prices do make things sound better.
b_limo's avatar
b_limo
2,273 posts
 
I bit the bullet and bought an ac9 for my quintet, another ac9 for my amp, an ac14se for my dac and another ac14se for my wadia170 welborne labs power supply.

They made a big difference in sound. More bass right from the start. They do take a while to settle in though and the sound has done funny things. Too much bass, then too bright, now it's getting to be just right. I noticed the sound as having more weight.

I don't get why some people don't think upgraded pc's make a difference. All cable change the sound.
rrog
1,958 posts
 
We all know they change the sound. Now go back to your original power cords to hear the real difference. Do you remember which one goes where?
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