High current power cables


Hello,

How come some manufacturers offer high current power cables for use with amplifiers and some don't? Is this to say that the companies who don't offer one have designed their power cables to work in any application? 

128x128blue_collar_audio_guy

In my experience, higher gauge power cables make a difference. Even cheap ones. As it was partially explained in a video posted a few weeks ago- A thicker cable has more copper crystals per linear measure, and therefore more barrier options. So as the electrons wobble in their crystals, there are more boundaries they can bump into- (more options available) to transfer current. It is a faster transfer. Plus, a larger outer surface as well. This is why a thicker cable has more capacity for instantaneous dynamic loads. Which is why you notice improved bass response, bass drivers of course require the most instantaneous power- and improved power availability equals audibly improved performance. Run 10 gauge wiring on your dedicated 20a circuits in your wall. And 10ga cables to your equipment. 

 

If small power cords are fine then how come Boulder's top of the line 3050 mono amps use a 32 amp 230 volt custom power cord and custom connectors, maybe the size of the cable really does matter.

This caught my eye. It could have to do with their short term power output of 6,000 watts (claimed).

The connectors they use are nothing but simple brass. No fancy materials, no fancy plating, just brass. They seem okay with that.

@carlsbad  I would never suggest you run a 26 ga power cord.  I was suggesting that 12 ga wire on a 20 amp breaker is probably all the power/current that is required.  My entire system draws about 3 amps when playing, regardless of the music.  Pretty sure the 20 amp power supply has plenty of instant current should the bass suddenly demand 3.1 amps for a split second?  

+/- 3 amps total draw when playing loud bass filled jazz.

@bigtwin I know you wouldn’t suggest that, I’m just saying that the logic of calculating power cable size based on Average amp load would say it will work. And 12awg likely will be just fine. Some power supplies have large capacitor banks etc and may be different in their needs. But realize your meter will always show the average current. I do see a sub in the background. Sometime subs are a result of poor speaker performance at low frequencies, sometimes poor power cords cause poor bass performance. Finally, sometimes it is a personal preference. I’m guessing yours is personal preference. I’ll try to attach a photo of my system, which uses no subs for 2 channel sound and with 6 wpc, some tubes give me too much bass.

 

@carlsbad For the record, I run a dedicated 10 ga wire off a 20 amp breaker to a Furutech wall outlet, into a Furman power conditioner.  Off this I run Puritan Ultimate power cables to my equipment.  Solid silver interconnects etc....

I never claimed that I don't drink the Kool-Aid.......🤣

As for the sub, I had never owned one and bought it based on the many comments I've seen on sites like this.  It brings something to the party my speakers just aren't able to produce.  Sometimes too much in fact.  Cheers.