Ideal power cord lengths?
A quick Google search suggests there is consensus that the ideal power cord length is 2m. 1m cords sound “harsher” and 3m cords sound “smoother”, with 2m being the sweet spot. The PS Audio dude suggests that the reason is that the reason is that all cords have an impact on the power, and the greater the length, the greater the impact, good or bad.
I know many will say there is no difference between a 1m cord and a 3m cord. But my question is, who here has tried like model power cords of different lengths, and what were the differences?
Second question: How does length factor into the equation when you have a cord feeding a conditioner, then other cords feeding components? If 2m cords are in fact the ideal, would 1m cords be ideal when using conditioners?
I tend to believe those that say that power cord lengths matter. While I’ve not been able to do this test myself, I’ve had these two experiences:
Very interested in learning of others experiences with power cord lengths.
So no for Audioquest…They use the least amount of copper I mean we are talking. 13 gauge stuff. It’s very expensive for the little amount of material they give you. My favorite affordable power cable is $550 Shunyata Venom V10. audioquest is like the Chevy of this game unless you spend big money for their solid silver 10 grand Dragon cables. They are nice. |
As a follow up. I switched back to my Audio Research REF 160s. First listening to my 1 meter Audio Quest Hurricane power cord for a couple hours. Then switched to the 2 meter Audio Quest Hurricane. I was really hoping not to hear a difference… since I own the 1 meter power cord. But I do. The shorter cord provides a bit more immediate and forceful sound but a little reduced soundstage and soundstage depth. The longer is overall better sounding. I would call the longer more detailed and refined. Darn. So, of course, is it worth the extra cost and extra cord in back? I have to say, absolutely yes for me.
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@ghdprentice , finally, someone who tried the comparison! Thank you…. What I am also interested in however is how power cord length factors in when you have a second cord that powers a conditioner. For your test, were you testing your Hurricanes connected to a conditioner (and if so how long is the cord feeding it?), or were you connecting your Hurricanes direct to wall? I’m curious as to whether 1m to conditioner and 1m to component is ideal, or if 2m in both spots would be better (or worse). Thanks again. Good to hear some results after all the bluster (which I admit to have found to be amusing) on this thread. |
OP, Your welcome… I learned something as well. (Every thing matters and more money, more better… oh, I already knew that.) I have two direct lines. One for my power conditioner and one for my amp. I found plugging an amp into a power conditioner has never been a good thing for me… and that is the rule of thumb. Amp direct to the wall. My amp is most effected by power cord changes of all my components. I have a good power conditioner, but it does not allow power cord changes.
Judging by the fact that virtually all power conditioners allow and frequently place really high end cords on them… I would say it is likely to make a substantial difference as you are going to be effecting most of your components. |
