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Power cord length

I upgraded all my power cords to Nordost Red Dawn. My cabinet sits directly in front of outlets. I have McIntosh MC830 monoblocks. Originally I purchased 2m lengths but don't like all the extra cord clutter so purchased a 1m length for left channel amp. After the fact I read Nordost spec sheet which stated minimum length 2m is recommended. Dealer stated "2m works the best for it to really filter". Also, both cords must be same length for "time alignment"; when using monoblocks "different length wires will sound slightly different". I am thinking to buy another 1m for right channel to solve timing thing and additional clutter cleanup. Ok, that's my situation- I am requesting explanations/opinions/knowledge/recommendations-  I read a similar post awhile back and  seek additional clarification. Thank you.

wrighton
jl35
4,016 posts
 

Pierre at Mapleshade maintained that 8 feet was ideal for speaker cable...not more, not less

audphile1's avatar
audphile1
5,175 posts
 

@nyev I can confirm I experienced the exact same thing with the AQ Hurricane. The latest unbraided HC Storm series sounds better than the old braided NRG series HC cord. The new cable sounds more balanced, less bloated and clearer. 

mceljo
1,357 posts
 

I won’t weigh in on the potential differences between a short and long power cables.

I can’t, however, resist commenting on having two different lengths of power cables causing a timing issue. That’s the type of statement that would cause me to question everything from that source. The power cord is not in the signal path so I don’t see how it could have an effect on the timing of the signal. I could wrap my brain around it being possible with interconnects and speaker cables, but not power cords. That’s positively ludicrous in my mind.

nyev
1,031 posts
 

@audphile1 , thanks for sharing about your experience with older vs newer Audioquest Hurricane cords.  At least it confirms for me that the difference is due to the product change and not due to the length difference of my two cords.

The difference is extremely obvious.  

ditusa's avatar
ditusa
1,887 posts
 

@mceljo Wrote:

The power cord is not in the signal path so I don’t see how it could have an effect on the timing of the signal. I could wrap my brain around it being possible with interconnects and speaker cables, but not power cords. That’s positively ludicrous in my mind.

I agree. Consider that US AC power is 50/60 Hz, how would you time a power cord that has one frequency one wavelength?

Mike

 

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