2. cables
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An interesting experience with power cable.

I’ve read a lot about power cables throughout the years and finally took a leap of faith and bought 1 silver-plated power cable. Of course I immediately plugged it in my amp and turn on everything for a listen. I could hear a tiny improvement but honestly was underwhelmed. I plugged the basic cable back into the amp. I plug the upgraded cable into my DAC for fun.

 

WOW, immediate and significant improvements. I gained a substantial amount of smoothness and sweetness and perceived clarity was also improved. I have alternate the upgraded power cable into the amp a few times, each time I get the same results, underwhelming, not as dramatic as if the cable went into the DAC.

 

So that was unexpected, I’m not saying power cable for amps are not significant. What I’m saying is, if you have only 1 upgraded power cable, the rest being stock basic, then plug it in your DAC, you might be surprised as well. Thanks for reading fellas.

 

Very curious to get a 2nd cable for the amp now.

128x128samureyex
mrmb's avatar
mrmb
299 posts
 

As can be said for most audio equipment, there are so many cable manufacturers (both single person businesses and larger corporate ones) and models within, that finding a place to start a cable quest is difficult.  I found the following site and their reviews/comparisons to provide a good starting and reference point to begin prioritizing and selecting what to audition:  Audio Bacon  

jond's avatar
jond
5,845 posts
 

One thing to keep in mind digital gear is quite a bit noisier than analog gear. So there's more room for improvement when you connect your pc to your Dac vs your amp. I suspect that's more the reason for the difference than insufficient gauge.

macg19
939 posts
 

What cable did you buy?

samureyex's avatar
samureyex OP
166 posts
 

@jond I agree, that's what I suspected too.

 

@macg19  I bought these. Super affordable. 

 

1971gto455ho's avatar
1971gto455ho
499 posts
 

I’ve two Lincoln welders, 240 V 50 amp. each. Both use eight gauge cable. So people are to believe a small amplifier needs 8 gauge ? I use two amps weighing 136 lbs each putting out 500+ watts per Ch. at .003 Thd., their hard wired with 12 gauge and that is over kill. 

 

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