The Truth About Power Cords and there "Real" Price to Performance

AtDavid and Dimora , Mi Casa es Su Casa for anything HiFi related. Its no trick of marketing , Im not smart enough for that. I’m sick of hearing this back and forth perpetual argument. I want to abolish it. I just offered anyone lets do this .. did you see how much interest there was in stopping the argument and getting to the bottom of it. ? Clearly nobody will come from overseas, that never crossed my mind. So you 2 are perfect, you guys dont know me and I will state for the record I dont think I know either of you, but based on moniker I dont know you guys.. So do either of you two have any $1000 plus power cords ? if so , we’ve got a shootout. If not, then you two are Audiogon forum users that can represent the AG Group for this thread. Keep in mind, I am a straight shooter. if something sounds better than my cable I will acknowledge it, furthermore if we become friends while you are here you must maintain an honest opinion even if you think Im a great guy and the other cable sounds better. Now if there is no $1K plus cable you can bring, then I need to know if you each are power cord believers or not, if you are , then come over any ways and we can listen to 3D Holographic imaging. Its a good reference point from which to judge other rigs, and its always fun for me to experience it in other peoples rigs because it is elusive. If you dont know what you think or better yet are a non believer that is OK with being converted to believer (if its truly heard) then come on over and Ill prove power cords work an a big way. There are some folks not willing to be converted , and that bias makes a closed mind, so its futile at that point. Every Friday is HiFi Fridays around here. I am in Smyrna by the new Battery Park if you google my username or just go to my username.com youll find my phone number to call and chat..

I am there for work every 8 weeks approximately, but no guarantees on a Friday. I am certainly in. I don't think it matters if me or Dimora is a believer or not, as long as you are. If you can pick your cables out blind (or between a basic shielded cable and yours) then you have proved they make a difference.

@lissnr 

I have been using Triode Wire Labs cables for several years simply because they are the best sounding cables my system has ever known. They are exceptionally well made and Pete has always been a pleasure to deal with. Great sound and tremendous value, it is no surprise these cables are now being part of the finest systems assembled.

I use the same 10awg Western Electric wire that Pete uses for his American Series power cords and speaker cables.  The cost is nowhere near what many here pay for cords and I agree with you that the sound is good.  Some believe simple Romex makes a good power conductor based on its uniform geometry (although it would not meet electrical codes if used as a power cord from the wall outlet to the equipment iec).  

As a mature engineer, vintage component lover, and a recent member of Audiogon - I am very skeptical about the actual benefits of the host of fancy, expensive power and speaker cords out there.  The first thing I notice about the ads and write ups for these devices is the lack of any hard technical performance data - such as improvements in distortion, frequency response, damping factor and noise levels.

I realize that technical performance specs do not tell the "whole story" in evaluating great, natural sound - but a technical explanation of how a particular power or speaker cable actually works to produce better sound over a "stock" unshielded cable is almost always lacking.  Instead, there are elaborate descriptions and diagrams of cable construction and materials - purely subjective evaluations of the resulting sonic improvement - and glowing praise for the expertise of the cable "designer".

As an example, I am the proud owner of a highly coveted Marantz Model 7 tube preamplifier, which was originally fitted by Marantz with a heavy, but otherwise standard power cable.  I cannot imagine how the impeccable performance of this unit could possibly be degraded by the absence of a "high end" power cord. 

The "Instruction Manual" for my Model 7, written by Marantz engineers Sid Smith and Dick Sequerra, states the following:  "Ordinary 18 gauge lamp cord may be used for connection between an amplifier and loudspeaker if the distance is short.  If more than 25 or 30 feet is required, it would be advisable to use a heavier gauge to reduce power loss and damping factor deterioration".

So my question to you all is simply this:  If some of the best audio designers in history were completely satisfied with using "ordinary" power and speaker cables with their superlative equipment - why are we now becoming obsessed with all these "bells and whistles" cables - and spending many thousands of dollars for them?  Don't we need more hard "scientific" data explaining what actually makes these "fancy" cables sound "better"?  I personally, will stick by the recommendations of Mr. Smith and Mr. Sequerra!

Vinylguy2016
As an example, I am the proud owner of a highly coveted Marantz Model 7 tube preamplifier, which was originally fitted by Marantz with a heavy, but otherwise standard power cable. I cannot imagine how the impeccable performance of this unit could possibly be degraded by the absence of a "high end" power cord.  

>>>>Define impeccable performance.