What difference do power cables make?

@dayglow

PS Audio Perfectwave AC12 is from PS Audio manufecturer , not PI Audio

( two different manufacturers)

Thanks for your anwser : a higherend power cord , from the conditionner to my

integrated amp. would not be limited by the lowerend power cord from the wall outlet to the power conditionner. If I understand you well.

My integrated amp, will be Vinnie Rossi Brama integrated . I am still waiting fot it.

I was wondering if , according to my cables setup , It would be worthwhile to improve this dedicated power cord

@maxwave Congrats on the Vinnie Rossi Brama! Italian made amps always seem to have a magical spell on vocals. As you know the better your components get the more sensitive they are to everything- cables isolation and even power conditioners. My Esoteric A 03 hates my Running Springs Audio Elgar with a passion where my Valve Audio Predator SQ would improve if the power was suspect.

OP,

Typically you would not plug an amp or subwoofer into a power conditioner or distributor. They typically will restrict the dynamics. A high end power cord for a subwoofer is unlikely to make a noticeable difference.

For an amp there are two things likely to produce a significant increase in sound quality… 1) a high end power cord and 2) a direct line.

Given the way you phrased your question, it sounds like you have not done this before. So, it would be good if you got a very unambiguous positive result on the first thing you do. For that reason I would recommend using all your funds to purchase a single power cord… preferably trying several different options first. Buying used can double your purchasing power (typically sold at 1/2 price). Buying in the $1 - 2K range will get you a very good cord. One likely to have a very profound effect.

It would be hard to get a good power distributor and a power cord of any quality for $1K. This would likely be spending a lot of money and get something that has almost no / little positive effect on the sound.

A direct line will have a positive effect on all components… but if you have not experienced the result in the past, it will feel like higher risk because it cannot be returned and does not go with you when you move.

A dealer should be able to lend you two or three cords to try. Most companies produce special power cords for amps… they have heavier conductors because of the greater current demand. Also the cable company and others will rent cords.

Take your time read reviews in Stereophile, The Absolute Sound, and HiFi+. Most companies have many levels. You can go to the level you can afford.

The largest selling suppliers are:

Audio Quest

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WireWorld

A too-small power cable makes a big difference.  

I recommend buying a generic 10 awg cable off ebay for $50. it will likely make a big difference if your cable is too small. The difference between the generic and the $1000 cable will be much less.  In fact, I've seen expensive cables made from too-small conductors that were actually worse.

Jerry

I "upgraded" cables for amp and SACD player. Zero difference. Except I had less money.