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If Power Cords Don't Matter...

First of all, I don’t own any high-end power cords, mostly because I can’t fit them behind my rack. Second, I am not trying to stir up controversy, as you will see from my question. I understand that the people who believe power cords make no difference argue that once the power gets into the component, the AC is converted to DC and the power supply of the component takes over completely. I think I have that right for the most part. So it that’s true, and it probably is from a traditional EE standpoint, why is it that I have not heard anyone say that power conditioners make no difference? I am not aware of anyone with a decent system ever saying that a Niagara or Triton or Audience teflon conditioner didn’t affect their sound, for good or for bad. So if the EE theory is true, wouldn’t power conditioners make no difference either? I have an Audience AR6T for almost 10 years and I think it made a big difference. BTW - I am not talking about Power Plants, which deal with voltage stabilization, which is a different topic.  Obviously, if your AC voltage is way off, it's going to cause problems.  
chayro
millercarbon's avatar
millercarbon
12,531 posts
 
Maybe you should explain how voltage is analogous to physical water pressure.

Gravity and pumps create water pressure and it is held back by a valve. On the other hand electricity does not need to be held back as there is no "pressure".


I can think of a lot of ways pedroeb, but this is the one I want to try. Since you think voltage is not pressure, I will put both hands across a 12v car battery if you will hold your hands half an inch above a 12kV panel. Since voltage isn't pressure and you have to complete a circuit you should be okay with doing this. When I am fine and you are fried we will see who still thinks voltage isn't pressure. Deal? 
rudyb
141 posts
 
As always ... the only way to find out if adding / changing a component (unfortunately almost always an expensive one) makes the sound 'better' is a blind A/B listening test. But that's often difficult or impossible to set up because of the required instant switching.

An easy test is: ... https://www.npr.org/sections/therecord/2015/06/02/411473508/how-well-can-you-hear-audio-quality
If you can't pick the uncompressed sample 100% of the time I think it's safe to say you can stop investing.

But isn't part of the fun just 'owning' the esoteric stuff?

tsushima1
1,165 posts
 

7:17am“Man people yawn a lot on this site. Think it's because they missed their nap time?”

Yaaaaaaaawwwwwnnnnn...
Post removed 
rbertalotto
138 posts
 
I'm totally convinced that the best way to deal with all of this AC noise/distortion issue is to totally eliminate the WALL AC.....Period! The market is now aflush with extreme, high quality, lithium battery powered portable power generators.....$1000 get you near top of the line. One or two of these, a few solar panels outside and you are done. Or, charge it with an AC charger when you are not listening and disconnect it when listening.
 If you are into the whole alternate energy thing, A few DIY Lithium cells a BMS and a well regulated, quality 12-48VDC to 120VAC inverter and you are in High Cotton!
 Or how about a TESLA Power Wall.....Disconnect the whole freak'n house from the grid.....but be aware all the internal noise generating devices are still connected...Dimmers, Wall Warts, Compact Fluorescents..

 This is the direction I'm headed....DIY cells, BMS, Inverter!
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