2. cables
  3. 152345-18277

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

This is a journey through real life experiences from you to everyone that cares to educate themselves. I must admit that I was not a believer in power cords and how they affect sound in your system. I from the camp that believed that the speaker provided 75% of the sound signature then your source then components but never the power cord. Until that magic day I along with another highly acclaimed AudioGoner who I will keep anatomist ran through a few cables in quite a few different systems and was "WOWED" at what I heard. That being said cable I know that I am not the only believer and that is why there are so many power cord/cable companies out there that range from $50 to 20-30 thousand dollars and above. So I like most of you have to scratch my head and ask where do I begin what brand and product and what should i really pay for it?

The purpose of this discussion to get some honest feed back on Price to Performance from you the end user to us here in the community.

Please fire away!


 


128x128blumartini
plga
184 posts
 
For me DH Labs AC Red Wave bulk wire is a great cable with impresive price to quality ratio.
For about 130 US dollars you can have a VERY good 4 feet power cord.
Of course, you have to buy separately the plugs and make by your self, but its not a big investment to risk. 
boxer12
8,656 posts
 
" I firmly believe that science should be the primary factor in deciding how lovers of pure sound reproduction should spend their money and set their priorities in making their purchases"

I firmly believe that "lovers of pure sound reproduction" should spend their money anyway they please. What are you 12?  
thyname's avatar
thyname
3,107 posts
 
I firmly believe that pleasure should be the primary factor in deciding how lovers of pure sound reproduction should spend their money...
turnbowm
353 posts
 
   "....What it does not address is differential voltages between equipment locally, usually most influenced by grounds, though ground line interaction is possible. Do you need $20K of power cords to solve this? No, $100 of copper strapping between equipment grounds will do far more. There is the potential for power cord to interconnect EMI, but again you don't need a super expensive cord to fix..."

atdavid,

Good point. Circuit designers work hard to achieve a common (Star) ground point in their equipment designs and then we undo their best efforts by plugging the pieces of equipment into various outlets and power conditioners in the room without regard for establishing a common system ground. The Star grounding concept should be used at the system level and copper strapping is one way to achieve that.
dynaquest4's avatar
dynaquest4
445 posts
 
atdavid: Not to worry about GK.  Two things you can count on.  One...he hawks this forum like a termite on a sawdust floor and will respond to just about any post within 5 minutes.  Second...he will defend voo-doo audio magic as if you were challenging his heritage.

He is not a bad guy...just not one that believes science has any place in the manufacture of audio accessories; and offers personal insults in rebuttal.  
More to discover