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Do IC and Power Cables Really Make a Difference?

If you had asked me a few months ago I would have said either "very little" or "not really" not from experience but from a generally cynical attitude regarding all the hype that often infects this hobby. However, I have come to a new opinion based upon my recent experiences with cable substitution that imparted such positive benefits that I had to share.

My system includes:

VPI Scout/JMW9/Dyna 20XH
Rotel RCD-971
Audio Research SP16
Audio Research 100.2
Harbeth Compact 7ES

I've had the system wired for several years as follows:

VPI Cable from the Scout to the SP16
Wireworld Eclipse from the SP16 to the 100.2
Wireworld Equinox III from the Rotel to the SP16
Naim NACA5 from the 100.2 to the Harbeth's
Stock Powercords for the SP16 and 100.2

And achieved very good results. However, after reading numerous posts extolling the virtues of Audience cables I decided to outfit the whole rig (except the VPI cable which I had custom made) with Audience wire. I began by replacing the IC's between amp and pre (Au24) and CD and pre (Conductor) and the speaker wires (Au24). I fired everything up and heard VERY slight differences in the sound--some of which I figured were in my head! As I listened further I began to feel that the new cables were slightly more musical, coherent and tonally correct than the previous set up. This was not a huge difference, rather very subtle. I doubt the casual listener would have heard it and I'm not even sure that I would have been able to tell the difference with a blind test. I attribute the small degree of change to the fact that the Wireworld cables were very good to begin with and that the Naim wire was no real slouch despite their inexpensive price tag. After about a month I took the next step of replacing the stock power cords with Audience Powercords. Holy Crap!! The system was markedly improved. The music emerges from a dead silent (blackness). Dynamics and speed are enhanced. Pace and timing are improved. Transparancy increased. This was not a minor change but rather a mindblowing one--akin to upgrading from an inexpensive integrated amp to full blown high end separates. And remember--I came into this very skeptical and fearful that I would be wasting my money. Bottom line: the Audience products and very good indeed and seem designed to work synergistically (in other words I don't think I enjoyed the full benefits of the IC's until I also put the powercords into the system). The powercords in particular were transformative. I don't know why or how they improve the sound but if you are on the fence about making the investment in aftermarket cords, are skeptical of their value or are looking for another excuse to upgrade your system (like you really need another excuse!) I cannot recommend these cables more highly. My system, which sounded good before, has reached another level altogether. I am particularly pleased with the additional openness, naturalness and dynamics that the cables provide. I just wish I had seen the light earlier.
128x128dodgealum
reggy
56 posts
 
@geoffkait the Hurricanes you bought is purely a mirage to make one think it really will make a significantly more enjoyable listening experience because, I guarantee if someone blinded you and told you were listening to the hurricane, meanwhile it could have been a Shunyata or Pangea, you would agree with confirmation bias what you were listening to "sounded better".

From the looks of it what I’ve read, is unfortunately when someone takes the plunge to buy these hyped up products their subconscious would force them into thinking they really do sound a lot better, only to sound different. The lack of comparisons or lack of objectivity with blind tests shows otherwise across the forums. And then they tout others on the forums to self-consciously reassure themselves that their money was spent well.

Have a laugh at this, it pretty sums up the marketing hype of cables in general: http://www.schiit.com/products/pyst-cables
geoffkait's avatar
geoffkait
23,365 posts
 
Hey, thanks! I did not know that. 🙄
ricred1
2,058 posts
 
Reggy,

I was going to type a very long response,  but the definition of crazy is repeating the same thing and expecting different results.  So, you're right, power cords don't make a difference. It's just a placebo effect! I'm selling all of my after market power cords and returning to stock power cords. 
Post removed 
ricred1
2,058 posts
 
reggy,

"Would you agree that there is a limit to spend on these power cables in respect to sanity regardless of how much money you have and the enhanced musical experience? "

I agree that 'for me" there is a limit on what I'll spend for every component, including cables. I would never suggest there should be a limit for someone else. I submit that everyone should have a home audition of cables/power cords. Individually we should use our ears/wallets to determine if the sonic benefits are worth the cost.

"Or are you the type of person who is no-cost objective to achieving that kind of performance you are ever so hoping for?"


I think I already answered this question, but just in-case let me make it clear. No, I establish a range that I'm willing to spend for every component!

"Can music sound great or "better" when the components are selectively and synergistically paired? Yes."


I agree:)

"Given everything is in order - DAC, preamp, amp, speakers can a $3000 cable make a substantial difference in comparison to the highest quality cables available using a bit of research <$300 - a "reasonably sane target price".

NO, -- probably not ever justified, music can sound great but it can't sound that great of an improvement over that kind of money spend on power cables."

This is where you and I have strong disagreement. I don't judge people or set limits on how they spend their money. If they want to spend $10K on a cable and/or power cord, who am I to judge them? 

Finally, I agree there is a law of diminishing returns, but it's different for everyone. Thanks for an honest discussion,
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