2. cables
  3. 179495-134895

Why not?

I have always wondered why if better cables produce better sound, as appears to be the consensus, I am not aware of any manufacturer that provides an aftermarket quality power cable with their product. If I am wrong please tell me. There may be instances I am not familiar with.

Wouldn't they be in the best position to test or design the optimum cable for their component? Wouldn't it be a great marketing angle to say to the customer does not need to worry or fret about selecting this expensive accessory.

"We know these cables show off our component to best effect and there is not question of listener bias or self interested market hype. We offer you the best cable to use with our components." 

They could make it optional if they wanted to remain price competitive. This same thinking applies to interconnects, especially with manufacturers who make multiple interconnected components. I pose these questions in all sincerity, not particularly wishing to stir the cable controversy pot. But because it is precisely the absence of this practice that most makes me doubt the objective superiority of the whole cable enterprise.

Mostly I would like to know if I am wrong and there are some examples of manufacturers who either include, offer or recommend specific power, interconnect and speaker cable for their products. Thanks community members for offering a place to ask this question that keeps gnawing at me.

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bruce19 OP
249 posts
 

@oldrooney point well taken.

Here is our list so far:

Brumester
Audio Note
PS Audio?
Krell
Schiit
Musical Fidelity

 

aewarren
656 posts
 

Have you ever seen a bone-stock Harley? The after market industry (including their own) is ripe with every conceivable thing you can hang, bolt, glue or screw on one that make the bike different from someone else’s. Whether or not these additions improve the bike is open for debate.

roxy54's avatar
roxy54
8,007 posts
 

@bruce19 

How is it not much of an answer? I think it has been proven to be true in practice. I think that the companies that make amps etc. are fully capable of making good power cords, but part of the fun of being an audiophile for many is to mix and  match different boutique brands with their components. It isn't about their ability to make good cords, it's more about customer perception.

gjohns
89 posts
 

I've used Cullen PC and ic for some time and they're good value and good performers ( for my gears and ears ).

tump350
91 posts
 

Great and valid answers above. Merrill Audio provided Cardas PC’s and IC’s with the Thor monoblocks I purchased. Even though these cords were branded Merrill Audio, they were Cardas cables. I used them with great sucess with the Thors. I still use the PCs with the Merrill Veritas monoblocs I have now. I upgraded to Cardas Golden Reference XLRs for the Veritas monblocs. Mostly for length, but stayed with the type of cable selected by Merrill. I believe Merrill recomended very high quality pure copper IC’s to maximize the very detailed, but realistic microdynamics these monoblocs produce.

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