Power cords and soundstage


So I made a couple of changes in my system yesterday. I've acquired new power cords, and replaced/rearranged the power cords for two of the amps.

By the way I consider myself as semi-skeptic and semi-believer of good cables. I've heard subtle difference and improvement on some of the cables. But in most cases either I can't reliably tell which is which, or if I can tell the difference it is very small. I don't own exotic cables. Some of the brands I own include Audioquest, Kimber, Analysis Plus, and a few home-brewed, but well received power cords.

When I changed the power cords yesterday I heard immediate, and distinct difference. I can't say whether I like or dislike the changes yet, but the change is unmistakable.

Even my wife, who is music enthusiast but indifferent when it comes to the system change, commented today and said she thought the center speaker is "too strong". I've then explained that there is no sound coming out from the center speaker with the CD that she was listening.

Some of the differences that I've heard with the new power cords are the following:

Bass: Immediately I heard and felt that the amount of bass from the main speakers were smaller. It is definitely less boomy, and became tighter. I'm afraid the bass doesn't extend as low as before. So I've gained some and lost some.

Focus: focus, soundstage, whatever you call it, has tightened up as well. The bright side of it is now the speakers have completely disappeared. However it doesn't sound as extended from left to right as before. And as my wife noticed the sound is seemingly coming out from the center speaker, although the center speaker is off. No, I didn't hit dolby pro logic button by mistake. The only speakers that are producing any SPL are left and right speakers. The instrument location is still clearly defined, but overall left right soundstage is now much smaller. Here again, I've gained some and lost some.

Depth: This is one area that clearly was improved. It may sound like a cliche, but the noise floor seemed to have decreased, there is more micro dynamics, and it sounds deeper.

Now I'm more confused than ever, and I'm questioning my sanity..
jylee
PC's that I have used make a difference....usually in the depth and width of the soundstage. Also improving the spatial quality of the sound. Most new cables need 100 hours to settle in....my experience.
09-17-08: Tvad

I really don't understand how the difference in PC's ability to deliver current would affect phase issues created by electronics or component set up.

Newbee (System | Reviews | Threads | Answers)
I can't begin to understand it either, but I've heard the effects. Whether it's a phase shift, I don't know, but it has certainly sounded like a phase shift.."

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Phase might be the main answer as we talk of AC. My experience is that just by turning phase on the PC the "wrong" wsy both soundstage and bass weight suffers. This can easily be checked with a ohm-meter in both ends of the PC to see if it turns the phases.

Powercords can do alot more than most folks imagine. The powersupply/trafo breathes through the PC..
As in any place of the power-circuit there`s a lot of loss in stranded wires, both distortion and lack of powercapasity. Obviously a point with huge amps, but it has the same effect on other components. To reduce loss PC`s should be kept as short as possible, no extensions.

And while we talk about current; pull out every mobilephone-charger, halogen-lights or any other small trafos while listening, those cheap little trafos makes a lot of noice!
Newbee, HUH? You said, "this weekend I made a change in my system which amounted to only removing/changing a source..." and you seem surprised that the sound was different. ONLY a source change? You talk as though swapping the source won't effect anything, and you're surprised that the cables sound different?

Changing the source is a potentially HUGE factor in changing the sound. Take cdp's, from one to the next there can be a big difference in presentation. It wasn't your cables which made the difference, if in fact you swapped sources, but the new source itself! Now, if you moved cables around and put them in new locations and kept the same source, there also could be a difference audible. But the way you stated it makes it sound like you dismiss the effect a different source has on the rig.

If you think different sources don't do much then it's no wonder you struggle with the idea that a cable can make a difference!
Post removed 
Douglas, I think you misunderstand my post and what I was trying to accomplish, and read far to much into my statement about a personal experience in component/system adjustments. Different sources make a profound difference in systems as do different pre-amps, amps, and speakers, and in my case tube selection as well. The sonic possibilities of the many different combinations seem infinite. Sometimes it is sort of like a mule standing equal distance between multiple haystacks.

FWIW I have multiple sources (listed in my systems), including 3 digital sources, none of which have changed. I also have multiple amps that I combine with different sources for different sonic resons dependent on the musical experience I want to enjoy. What did change was my FM tuner, I replaced it with a different Tuner and an FM signal amplifier, and removed a CD Transport/Dac not listed in systems, along with a selector 'box' connecting the two to my system's preamp. In order to do this I had to move about other components which required some IC disconnections and subsequent reconnections (same IC's to thesame components. Same PC's to the same components. No changes. When I was done I 'thought' I detected a sonic change in my system that bridged all sources, so I must assume it was sourced to my amp or pre amp, and consisted of some increase in upper bass energy. And I assumed that it could have been due to IC/Cable/PC dressing. If there was in fact an increase or if it was just my imagination at work was not an issue for me as I found the change agreeable. It was a subtle, not a night and day, or live or die, experience.

BTW, I don't think I struggle much with the idea that wiring and its implementation CAN make a difference. However, when I decide to dedicate time changing my basic system's performance, I find I enjoy fine tuning and finding synergy thru tube rolling. You want to tune thru cables, PC's, and IC's that is fine with me. I've long ago investigated wiring and decided on IC's, PC's and Speaker cables appropriate to my my needs.

The original poster's observations of the differences in his system, before and after the insertion of a new PC, were IMHO, classically, the description of a system with phase 'issues' going to one without phase issues. My comments were meant to invite knowledgable audiophiles to comment about PC's and how the delivery of current to a component can alter phase relationships. That's all it amounts to. So far a couple have signed in on this issue.

Do you have any imput on THIS issue? Or do you just like to take pot shots at those you feel are putting down the effect of something you find important?