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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
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?
jl35
3,966 posts
 
Good point Rrog. I've always wondered buying used gear how often the power cord included is not the original one.
photonman OP
96 posts
 
The original power cords, to best of my memory, were nothing special, just the same mass produced 18 awg stuff that Dell would give you with your new desktop computer.

no special design or science.
rrog
1,958 posts
 
For amplifiers the gauge of the power cord has to do with current draw. Just because a standard Beldon cable looks ordinary has nothing to do with what is on the inside. Manufacturers have used a variety of cables depending on gauge and the type of shielding. Unfortunately these cables do not have the appearance of audio jewelry.
tubegroover
2,320 posts
 
"5 dollar leviton outlet Joe General Contractor buys at Home Depot."

Ah, I think you're a little high with that 5 dollar quote on the outlet, try about .50 for the el cheapo's the one's most prevelently used. For 5 bucks you can buy a decent commercial grade outlet receptacle, not hospital grade but sure better than the el cheapo model. This should be the FIRST thing changed out prior to a serious investment in power cords. Hell if the cord is too heavy on the end the line bus grips may not hold and cause arcing.
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