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

“Cable denier “ is a term attached to people who declare (and for some reason pollute all audio forums) cables do NOT matter without even trying them. I hope this helps. Best regards

But “Cable denier” is a term applied by cable believers. And in a degrading fashion.

It is really the responsibility of the person spruicking this stuff to prove it makes any difference, and not devolve into some “emperors new clothes” arguement. I mean we do have measurement equipment to show that a power supply supplies power, and at a constant voltage.


In a rational world we would have evidence that some cable helps, or does not help.
And then if it helps, does it help systems A and B, but not systems C and D?

I can imagine that some cables could help some systems, but systems that are designed with good power supplies would not likely need a multi thousand dollar cable.

@holmz nothing wrong with a stout power cable to accompany a stout power supply. Nor is there anything wrong with a interconnect and speaker cables built to a higher standard than lamp cord. @thyname there are a lot of cable deniers here.

 

there are a lot of cable deniers here.

I disagree. Just a few (in the true sense of definition). But very, very vocal. As usual 

“our hobby occasionally is criticized for being elitist and snobby and that is also something worth thinking about.”

@bruce19

I had a feeling that you would misconstrued my response. I wasn’t trying to show off but make a subtle point to pick gear not based on that nice ‘freebie’ included with a component that the manufacturer deemed fit to ‘up’ his odds to sell the gear.
I hate to make assumptions but you seem to lobby for guys who are,

1) Too lazy to take the time to compare power cords,

2) Too cheap to pony up money for a decent power cord

If you are serious about seeking help with cable selection, just list your system & budget, Agon community will be more than happy to provide guidance.

@holmz nothing wrong with a stout power cable to accompany a stout power supply.

Correct @jerryg123 - but the question is ”does anything become more right with a stout cable?”
In terms of front end gear we have nothing shown so far to suggest that it is “more right” to run a different cable.

Going from a 16ga to a 10ga on an amp seems more right. But iut would be nice to see it.

 

Nor is there anything wrong with a interconnect and speaker cables built to a higher standard than lamp cord.

Also true.
We have measurement specs for ICs, and also for some speaker cables.

I am not sure from the OPs post whether they are talking about power cables, speaker cables, or ICs.

The speaker cables and ICs have more of an impact than a power cord, and especially on equipment that is running a centralised power supply.