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.

Ag insider logo xs@2xbruce19
jl35
4,007 posts
 

Tangentially, saw an interview with Nelson Pass, where he said Ray Kimber loaned him some speaker cables to try...he said they sounded great, but when he found out they were $54.000 a pair...

markmuse
287 posts
 

AGD supplies high quality power cords with their amps. Don't know about their other products.

jonwolfpell
392 posts
 

Rogers High Fidelity in North Adams, MA offers a house made high quality power cord for their amps. I use it with their EFH 200 Mark II integrated w/.excellent results. 

bigkidz
3,386 posts
 

The answer to your question is that most people in our opinion prefer their own power cords, ICs, tubes, etc., so why bother.  Plus most people are buying components that are not reference level so to us it would be a waste of time.  Buying better components has a greater sound improvement that cables, etc.

 

Happy Listening. 

Ag insider logo xs@2x
bruce19 OP
249 posts
 

It feels like we are gathering momentum here! Thanks for all the contributions. Here is a summary of what has been shared so far, just so future readers don't have to pick through the entire thread. I will do this periodically as a service. I hope you feel as I do that manufacturers who are affirmatively addressing this issue deserve your attention.

Audio manufacturers who include or recommend high end cables with their equipment

Burmester
Audio Note
PS Audio. They recommend AudioQuest but they also offer their own regenerators, power cords
Krell
Schiit
Musical Fidelity
Merrill Audio
Naim
Classe provides a pretty good cable from DR Acoustics with the delta amplifiers
Luxman, like the others mentioned, has their own interconnects as well.
Pass Labs regularly uses Silent Source cables and cords (fairly expensive) for their audio show demo rooms....(they do include a nice quality generic cord with their equipment).
AGD supplies high quality power cords with their amps. Don't know about their other products.
Rogers High Fidelity in North Adams, MA offers a house made high quality power cord for their amps.

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