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Are upgraded power cables for subwoofers worth it?

I recently have been filling in all of the holes in my secondary system.  Recently picked up a shunyata power conditioner, upgraded speaker cables, and power cable for my amplifier.

My question is, is it worth running higher end audiophile power cables with subwoofers, considering distortion is not as apparent to the human ear in the sub bass range?  I use a high end receiver for my DAC in this system with a normal power cable as well.  Would I get better performance increase from upgrading sub cables or my DAC(receiver w pre outs) power cable?

Any specific suggestions for sub power cables, or DAC power cables that are inexpensive (sub 200 or even $100)

Thanks for your time!

jrareform
mitch2
4,330 posts
 

Regarding wire gauge, the current limitations to your gear are:

  • Breaker size at the panel (usually 15-20 amps)
  • Wire size in the wall (should be right-sized for the breaker, so usually 14-12 awg)
  • Power cord gauge to the equipment (no need to be bigger than what's in the wall)
  • Fuse size in the equipment

Your equipment should not see more current/amperage than the limiting factor of the above conduits.  Considering even larger amps rarely input over 10 amps of current, a case could be made that a 14awg power cord is plenty big for even large power amplifiers.  Not trying to change anyone's mind, but that is what the science says.

vetsc5
72 posts
 

Hello Mitch2,

Yes as to your request for a specific recommendation , Emotiva Xiec 2 meter high performance power cable.  Robust build quality includes three 12 gauge 105 strand OFC, carbon fiber shielding and attractive abrasion resistant outer sheath.  Also full length aluminum foil shielding.  Contacts are heavy duty solid copper with 3 microns gold plating.  It’s quite thick but flexible. I’ve was building my own until I discovered these gems. Great value under $70. They tend to sell out (no surprise there). If so suggest that you get in their waiting list for notice when back in inventory. Highly recommend. More detail at

https://emotiva.com

 

stereo5's avatar
stereo5
6,569 posts
 

@jrareform,  at one time I had many cables.   I have whittled down the herd over the years but still keep some.  I keep thinking I will list them but then forget about it for a while.  

curiousjim's avatar
curiousjim
5,369 posts
 

I have an SVS SB-2000 Pro. It came with a cord just like what I have on my Dell desktop. After a few months of use, I swapped it out for an Audience, Forte F3, 10 guage cord I had laying around.  Did I hear a difference, I don’t know.  I completely forgot it was in there. Seeing as the plate amp is class D and I rarely crank it, I doubt I would ever hear the difference.

jrareform's avatar
jrareform OP
65 posts
 

@stereo5 yea I know the feeling.  Plenty of gear I need to list as well

I think I'm going to go with some of these well reviewed Amazon chi-fi ones and see what happens.  Hard to justify nice 3 or 4 meter sub cables when I'm extremely pleased with my system with stock cables.  I don't doubt that it could make a difference but feel like there's probably other things I should be saving for.  That T&A D200 calls my name... one day

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