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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
jylee OP
306 posts
 
Tvad,

I took a plunge and got a Oyaide Tunami GPX. I knew about the reputation of Oyaide Tunami, and your mentioning has sparked my interest. This time hooked it up to the front end. I left the rest of the components as before, including the new power cord I added to the power amp. Today is only the 2nd day with Tunami power cord, but I can already notice the improvements. The sound is much more balanced and extended to both treble and bass. The deep bass that I thought was lost with previous change is back. I can now feel the vibration of deep notes. Thanks for the suggestion!
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stringreen's avatar
stringreen
6,495 posts
 
My accrolink/046 combination continues to improve. There is just more going on...I hear background parts in arrangements that I never noticed before. I ordered more of the same to prepare a cord for my preamp. If there is this much improvement with the cord on only the power amp, I am expecting even greater improvement with the additional cord
jylee OP
306 posts
 
So far the new power cords are working out very nice in my system. Also it occurred to me today that this was probably the most cost effective upgrade that I've ever done. Before I got new power cords I was planning on getting a new digital front end for redbook CD because I wasn't satisfied with the redbook performance of my Unidisk SC. I was thinking of either a stand alone dedicated CD player or a DAC, and either approach would have cost over a thousand dollars easily. The new power cords brought enough improvements to the sound, and it really have calmed my urge for upgrade for a lot less money! :)
douglas_schroeder
3,281 posts
 
Excellent! So, Jylee, would you now revise your comment from your OP, "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."?
It seems to me you have no more doubts as to what good power cords can do. :)

Precisely as I have said; proper PCs, ICs and speaker cables can bring as much change to a rig as a different component, and in some rare cases as much as a speaker change.

Kudos for not letting doubt stand in the way of success!
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