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pre vs amp power cable question

would a linestage or phono preamp ordinarily "require" a smaller gauge power cord than an amplifier, where the current draw is potentially much higher?

for that matter, since an 18 gauge cord will pass more than the rated current draw of most amps (c. 2.5 amps? - please feel free to correct whatever misconception is implicit in this) - does an amp "need" a "bigger" cord than, say, a 14 gauge cord, which would seem to be sufficient overkill? Or is it more about unexplainable filtration effect or something else? Or size doesn't matter, all you can do is randomly experiment?

not that performance differences between power cords compared to the Romex in the wall makes much sense, but still...
128x128lloydc
liguy
228 posts
 
The easy answer is the more current required, the lower the gauge wire is needed. It is that simple. With that being said, it does not hurt you to use a low gauge power cord on your preamp. IMHO, it will be difficult for you to tell the difference sonically between properly sized power cords as the power supply inside of each of your components has more more influence over the sound of your component than a power cord. This is especially true if your device has a switching power supply where the power is regererated at a higher frequency.
trebejo
102 posts
 
If the wire in your power cord is thicker than the wire that connects the wallplug to the electric power company, you have to ask yourself why...
foster_9
1,638 posts
 
Liguy, so you feel that power cord design or gauge has very little affect on the sound of a Class D switching amp?
liguy
228 posts
 
If you have power cords of sufficient gauge to supply the current required of the Amplifier under worst case conditions and the power supply is properly designed you will have a difficult time telling the difference between any of them.

Class D amplifiers are sometimes labeled as switching amplifiers but they still require a DC power supply to operate. In the case of a Class D amplifier the input signal is switched. Class D amplifiers can have either switching DC power supplies or conventional linear DC supplies. With this being said, the same rules hold for traditional Class A or AB amplifiers as Class D amplifiers. If the power cord can supply the amount of current that the amplifier requires and the power is designed properly whether it is a switching or linear supply, you will have difficulty telling the difference between power cords. I hope that helps.
ptss
1,964 posts
 
Hi Lloyd. The simple and correct answer yes. However, the quality of design and mechanical construction, purity and engineering of conductors (silver coated high purity- perhaps single crystal- copper being excellent), dielectric, shielding and grounding are the vital components, particularly for a phono preamp. I suggest, as others have, that you experiment. I recommend you try at the least 1 networked cable (Magnum or better), and an Oracle AClll, both from MIT, to get a sense of things. I will say that, for sure, if you don't try at least these, you will forever lack some experience you may find joyful. : )
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