Power Cable Break In - Such a Change!
I installed a new AudioQuest Dragon Source power cord from my Lumin X1 to my Niagara 7000. The power cord from the wall to the Niagara 7000 is also a Dragon but the High Current version. I bought that cord used.
So, when I first started using the new power cord everything sounded great. However, after a couple of days I started hearing a strident sound. Especially in the upper mid/ treble region. The bass was also constricted. I started blaming the sound change on another piece of equipment that was installed concurrently.
Now, I was under the impression that the Dragon power cord with its DBS system required no break in. But I did inquire about it to AudioQuest who responded that it would still need about 150 hours to break in. It's been close to that now and sure enough yesterday I started hearing the glorious sound that I heard from day one with the power cord only perhaps better.
I must say the difference during break in and now is quite remarkable, I don't remember any other power cord going through this amount of dramatic change.
ozzy
Both would be ideal.
I could picture a power cord possibly helping with the power amp, but I doubt it would do anything on the preamp or phono stages I have. But I think it is better to sell the power amp, take the money I would piss away on a cable, and just go and get a better power amp.
We should be able to make a list of what amp sound better with a power cable and which do not. |
holmz This is what I posted previously. "To me the biggest improvements in my system have been with the AC power. That is the usage of dedicated lines, quality outlets, wire, grounding, power conditioning and the power cables. Get the foundation right and the audio equipment can perform at its best." ozzy |
There variables measured like inductance and resistance are gross characteristics. There are at least a dozen or more of variables involved and the impact is dependent on the source component and the receiving component, which then impact the output. All of high end audio is like this… as well as the design every single sub component influences the output.
Watch the video earlier in this string… he explains some of the reasons for differences. It should answer a lot of your questions. Anyway fifty years ago when I got into this pursuit I learned that: 1) cables, interconnects, and power cords can make a huge difference, 2) there are not a list of known variables that you can look at to determine how they will souns, and listening in your own system is the only way to know. By the way I was trained and worked as a scientist for a decade and I very quickly go… ok, science does not help here (it does for making them… but I am sure it is still largely trial and error with materials), |
@ozzy yeah but… I was responding to @jpeters568 question of why can/t it be measured and shown. You are seeming to suggest that the question of @jpeters568 cannot be answered with measurements and can only be done with ears. Did I capture that correctly?
Most of my front end gear (old and new) use outboard power supplies that convert the AC.to DC. So I would doubt that there is a effect on the DC, but it could be measured I suppose. |
@rodman99999 Nice list !! I think Hamlet shares our view ... "There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, / Than are dreamt of in our/your philosophy" |
