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... abit confused: how does a power cord affect the presentation of sound...

Hello to all...

I was shifting around components in my system, trying to squeeze out better controlled bass, more definition within the soundstage, and better define the "voice/midrange" presentation...

I presently have a tube preamp (hardwired with a wall wart) into an HT Receiver; source is a Marantz SA-8001 CD Player

Swapped out a Yamaha HTR -5550 (hardwired) for a Parasound HCA-750A (which needs a power cord).

CD Player is powered with a PS Audio Statement SC power cord, so I went in my closet and pulled out another PS AUDIO Statement SC power cord, hooked it up and expect to give it at least 5 days continuous re-break-in before serious listening.

Took a minute to lookup reviews about this power cord - and I read some rather confusing reviews: some luved 'um, some liked 'um, but some thought them " ...slow... " (?), and giving a veiled presentation...

I'm gonna listen and decide myself - but I'm abit confused: how does a power cord affect the presentation of sound - I know that interconnects and speaker cables would/could/Do affect sound presentation - but how could a power cord?

Explanation/thoughts please...
insearchofprat
timinphoenix
17 posts
 
Guys

As a technician, audiophile and projector rebuilder of forty years experience, you have my assurance that power cords need only have large enough gauge wire for the amount of current to be carried, and decent quality plugs and sockets both ends. A power cord delivers current from a wall outlet to the equipment; there is no magic involved, just electrons.

Signal cables need only have decent conductors, bandwidth, plugs and shielding against ambient RF noise; again, no magic.
jderimig
28 posts
 
" The designer of a truly great amp does not use a crappy power cord to save a very few dollars, a practice that would make his amp sound worse so that you buy something else. These cords thrive on the placebo effect, i.e. The more it costs, the better it must be. "
I think this is true.
dave_b's avatar
dave_b
3,159 posts
 
Do they need to cost a fortune?  No.  Do they all sound the same?  No.  Are électrons électrons?  Yes...but when put through any medium they will react differently.  Try before you buy and leave the emotions and excess grey matter at the door!
mahgister's avatar
mahgister
13,194 posts
 
well said....
decathlon1991
220 posts
 
Before you turn a blind eye and believe power cables are snake oil, do your research and test for yourself and don’t fall in the trap of what other folks opinions about upgrading power cords. The reality is that some do help and others may not. It is system dependent. My advice to folks who are eager to learn is to speak with an electric engineer with your company that provides you with power to your home. If turning a blind eye is your thing and you believe that the gauge size or how the wire is designed doesn’t make a difference, then you won’t have a problem using 18, 20, or even 24 gauge wiring. How your equipment is built and what you use with it. will determine how it functions. Please  see the video for example. If you have a tuner with a reception meter, you can try this yourself. I did.
https://youtu.be/DC0s6KqQz3g
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