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Hearing is believing?........power cables.......

For anyone who is skeptical about the difference a high quality power cord can make in your high quality audio system........try it.......hearing is believing. About 10 years ago when I bought my first "entry level" hifi system (B&K amp/preamp, Canton speakers) my audio advisor dropped off a Tara Labs Prism power cord. He said just try it for a week and if you don't think it makes a difference just return it. I, like most unfamiliar with high quality cables, was skeptical.......how could a cable 1 meter long from the wall to my equipment make a difference? I put it on the power amp and yes I could definitely tell there was a more defined bass and overall clearer soundscape. I'm a musicians, so I figured maybe the "non audiophile" can't hear the difference. So my brother-in-law who is a bricklayer came over and we did a blind listening test. I randomly switched the Tara, sometimes trying to fool him......told him I switched but didn't........he could tell every time I used the Tara! So I was convinced that it was "wishful thinking on my part or particularly sensitive ears. If you don't think a great power cable can make a difference........take the challenge. Try one for a week and see (hear) for yourself!
128x128mikeelzeysguitarstudio
williewonka
3,072 posts
 
Todd - I hear ya (LOL) 

I just finished a 9ft extension cable...

- LIVE: 9ft of DH Labs Power Plus
http://www.silversonic.com/docs/products/PowerPlus.html

- NEUTRAL: 3 x 24 ft -14 gauge conductors - Cryo Mil-Spec silver plated stranded Copper 
https://www.takefiveaudio.com/products/1097-mil-spec-14-awg-silver-plated-copper-cryo-treated-green

- GROUND: 12 gauge Teflon.Copper (home Depot.)

The ground and the neutral conductors provide close to 100% coverage of the live conductor, so it is very well shielded.

The three 14 gauge neutral conductors were coiled onto the rod all at once, but for a cable that long you need a 6ft rod. I had to lay the three neutral conductors out down a hallway to prevent tangles

My thumbs were numb after that, even though I used gloves.

The three 14 awg neutral conductors are equal to a 9 gauge conductor, which makes it a little thicker than the 11awg live conductor. Seems a thicker neutral is the way to go from what I am reading. And it's much easier to wind.

Glad to hear there were mostly positive results, but I agree with your assessment about allowing plenty of time for burn-in - about 50-60 hours should do it, but 100 will be better. The cable should become more mellow, but with much faster dynamics

Did you happen to notice any image improvements - like 
- better 3 dimensional presentation front to back and up and down
- wider image
- image envelopes the listener - i.e. you hear things behind you

You should hear that once you get a Helix IC between the pre/main amps :-)

Keep the updates coming - thanks 
toddverrone's avatar
toddverrone
840 posts
 
You're a pusher! I don't want to disassemble my current Interconnects to build new ones. I'd rather keep them to use between the DAC and pre. So I'll have to wait until I have the cash to buy a new set. If I totally love the helix ICs, then I'd consider dismantling the old set.. though I could gut them and use the two silver conductors to make two sets of ICs. Hmm
randy-11
1,913 posts
 
confirmation bias strikes deep
into your life it will creep
starts when you’re always afraid
...
Hey, what's that sound? 



I guess none of you realize the effect a transformer has on noise transmission(?)


toddverrone's avatar
toddverrone
840 posts
 
@randy-11 want a hug?
williewonka
3,072 posts
 
@toddverrone...

You're a pusher!
Sorrrrry - Guilty as charged :-(

I tend to get over enthused about this stuff - I've  seldom had anyone provide feedback on the Helix before

Regards... Steve :-)
 
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