2. amps-preamps
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New expensive power cord for amp and no change in sound?

I bought new an expensive(for me) well known and reviewed power cord for my very good amp and plugged it directly onto the wall socket. After a couple of weeks of daily use I hear no change in the sound quality from a $500 cord. I don’t want to name it for fear of getting my thread deleted. You would know it or at least be aware of the company. Did I throw away several thousand dollars? Before I get the snake oil answer I want to let you know that I bought an upgraded cord for my pre as suggested by the pre’s manufacturer and am pleased with the results.

I guess for full disclosure the amp’s manufacturer said don’t bother. But I had had good luck with the pre so I thought it would be a good idea.

Anybody else have this happen to them?

roxy1927
davetheoilguy
149 posts
 

Think about it.  Power cords make a difference if:

(1) they are too high gauge or have cheap insulating materials or are otherwise garbage;

(2) you have a device that is spitting out interference that is picked up by the cord; or

(3) the device itself is spitting out interference and using the cord as a transmitting antenna that is picked up by other equipment.

Assuming you're not using a WalMart cord to begin with, you probably have enough space between your wiring or have an amp that is not transmitting junk. So an over-protected cord is not needed.

With one exception (the phono cord), I have found that careful wire routing (leaving space, have wires cross at 90 degrees) and using balanced interconnects eliminates interference.

(The phono cord being the exception due to the weakness of its signal and position at the very top of the chain, making it extremely vulnerable.)

And, yes, I have a very resolving system and good ears.

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highend64
277 posts
 

Really? Let be logical here. Honestly I have not tried an expensive power cord in my system but all I can say is that if cables does make a difference, it would probably be in IC. Power cable would be the last chain and the least priority. We to realize that all is carrying is power and nothing else. Yes I said it.

emergingsoul
1,202 posts
 

You have to spend more than $1000 on a power cord to hear much. Hopefully your system is good enough to discern a difference.

Power design within a component may impair the ability to improve upon them with a better power cord.

Your electrical system may be pretty darn good to begin with and may not allow much improvement.

Lots of positive reinforcement affects your judgement. For the types of things you listen to may in time allow you to hear differences. A good quality recording is a way to really assess things. I have a less revealing system in a room and it doesn’t matter what speaker cables or power cords i use and it’s a very nice system

grislybutter
3,291 posts
 

@roxy1927 It would be said if we couldn't state our opinions and experiences about specific brands here. Reviewers get enough abuse as have seen with Erin's audio corner.

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