2. cables
  3. 150210-127647

I wonder why......

If power cables offer such dramatic improvements (not saying they do or don't), why don't component manufacturers supply them as part of a component sale? All high end components come with power cords that can be disconnected. The cost of a mid level aftermarket replacement cord is only a fraction of what the typical high end component costs so if sound is improved so much, why wouldn't a manufacturer want to "improve" the sound of their components by providing an upgraded cord at the point of sale? 

High end automobiles (Porsche, Ferrari, AMG, etc.) are typically supplied with the best tires available on the market. Often these are specifically designed by tire makers to the auto maker's specs. This is to extract every ounce of performance from their product. If high car makers did what audio manufacturers did, they would be supplying their cars with average, run of the mill tires expecting the buyer to upgrade on his own. Wouldn't audio component makers want to extract the best performance from their gear?

The only thing I can think of is that audio component manufacturers don't think so called upgraded power cables are worth the added cost.

What am I missing?

J.Chiappinelli
128x128jchiappinelli
lhasaguy's avatar
lhasaguy
339 posts
 
My take on all of this is marginal cost, marginal gain.  I am married to an Ivy PhD economist who supports my music jones.

When you maximize your speakers, amp, preamp and source, the natural next step is power conditioners, power cords, etc.

At that point they have maximum value, before that not so much.  

I would also add room treatment comes before these items as well.  It is all part of a natural progression forward.

Aficionados of items beyond basic components typically over value their favorite, but they all have value.  Again, marginal cost versus marginal gain is my mantra.

There is room for all here
glupson
7,842 posts
 
Has anyone asked amplifier etc. manufacturers? Maybe they know the answer.
nonoise's avatar
nonoise
10,882 posts
 
That's been gone over before. Some say no, some say yes, by all means, try an aftermarket PC. One that comes to mind is Kinki Studio. 
Under the heading, UNPACKING, they state:
-El Cheapo Power Cord (Please use your own audiophile power cord for best sound).

All the best,
Nonoise
geoffkait's avatar
geoffkait
23,365 posts
 
Why does the sun go on shining?
Why does the sea rush to shore?
Don’t they know it’s The End of the World

[Verse 2]
Why do the birds go on singing?
Why do the stars glow above?
Don’t they know it’s The End of the World
tobor007's avatar
tobor007
135 posts
 
 I know many folks don't care for blind testing. However, why not use it as just a part of your buying decision? Get someone to plug in 1 cable (or any other power conditioner), listen to it for 1/2 day, do the other next. If the difference is huge, (as claimed by some) say, like the difference between a cheap speaker and a well reviewed audiophile speaker, you may only need a minute or so to discern the the difference. If the difference is subtle it may be still very worthwhile to add to your system. I keep hearing "trust your ears" not only the specs. I know there are variables in a/b switching but I would think a cable would be pretty straight forward. And who cares about the variables? Just pick the one that sounds better. I would also suggest a significant other to monitor the trial. This would substantiate the results and give you leverage to spend the extra money. 
More to discover