How good can it get, really? - my stereo sounds amazing!

For anyone interested in an explanation regarding why power cables make an audible difference, please read https://www.gcaudio.com/tips-tricks/why-power-cables-make-a-difference. Granted, the source of the information is from the founder of Shunyata Research (which is a manufacturer of power cables) so it should be taken with a grain (shaker?) of salt. However, the logic is sound and I have heard the difference myself. I too was once skeptical, but I am not anymore.

The derisive argument often given (see the earlier post by nc03854) is that since the electricity has already traveled 500 miles through all sorts of nasty wire, replacing the last 3 feet with something better cannot possible fix the damage already done. The flaw in that argument is that from the AMPLIFIER's perspective the power cord is the FIRST 3 feet, not the LAST. The alternating current does not flow (like water) from the power company into your amplifier. It oscillates with the current entering and leaving your amplifier via the power cord. The power cord is basically an EXTENSION of the amplifier's transformer which can eliminate EMI/RFI before it enters the amplifier's transformer.

Check out an audio show like Axpona or one of the other regional shows to see how other systems sound. I am always amazed when I go. 

I do agree that once you get into higher end audio it’s amazing how the smallest change can affect things for better or worse. So sensitive!

If the EMI/RFI is already on the AC line, a power cord is not going to get rid of it unless it has passive elements (inductors, capacitors) to eliminate EMI .... and I would rather pay $1.00 for those than spend $1K plus to have someone put them in the cord.


The last 3 feet or first 3 feet is specious since it is part of a circuit, potentially from the transformer outside your house. We can likely ignore the other 500 miles. If you are using an isolation transformer, power conditioner, etc. then it could be considered the first and last 3 feet. Where grounding is concerned, you could also consider it the first and last 3 feet. And you could call it the first 3 feet is your audio product is generating EMI and you don't want it getting into anything near.


I am not sure calling it an extension of a transformer is a good idea. Should you be paying $1000+ to put an "extension" on 50+ feet of somewhat generic copper wire, that is part of magnetic circuit with limited bandwidth, hysteresis, etc?

I am always amazed as well. Amazed quite honestly at how awful most of the rooms sound. Most of the rooms are poster children for the need for proper room acoustic treatment. I know that is harsh, but I always get a kick out of the "Best Sound" awards ... of which the number seems to grow every year. How many "best" can you have?  

Check out an audio show like Axpona or one of the other regional shows to see how other systems sound. I am always amazed when I go.