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

@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.

+1 vinylguy2016! You are indeed a lucky fellow to own a Marantz 7! A true classic! 

vinylguy2016

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 ... 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!

A great many audiophiles rely on their own listening tests to make decisions about things such as cables, so I don’t think "we" require more scientific data. Of course it’s fine if your preference is to review data before listening.

Have you ever auditioned what you call "fancy" cables? You’d be a good test subject; because of your skepticism, you wouldn’t suffer from positive confirmation bias.

Many adopters of better cables started as a skeptic, just like yourself.