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Power Cords - Just Say Yes

I'm the biggest cable skeptic on the planet. I've never been able to tell the difference between one speaker cable over the other. I've never a/b tested because I just can't handle that sort of thing when all I want to do is listen to music. The power cord however is a whole different beast. I know. I just replaced a 18/3 that was powering my Rogue Cronus Magnum for two years with an Audioquest NRG4. I know some people aren't fans of AQ but that's what my local guy sells and I support him 100%. He sold me a broken in demo which is exactly what I wanted. I didn't do an a/b test and I didn't have to. I pulled the old one out and tossed it in the copper recycling pile and replaced it with the AQ. I fired up my amp this morning and let her warm up. I pulled out Sylvain Luc & Bireli Agrene's 'Duet' and hit the play button on the remote. Right off the bat I had to blink my eyes to make sure I was actually in my house. Everything tightened up with a dead silent background. I feel like a fool for waiting so long to come around on this one. I'm still skeptical of whether or not I will notice a difference when I replace the power cord to my CDP, but if you tell me I'll notice I might believe you. Either way, that's my next investment.
donjr
rok2id's avatar
rok2id
7,859 posts
 
There are a few people on audioigon who have extensive experience and backgrounds in electronics and audio equipment. I have noticed that they are not the 'true believers' when it comes to wire. I would suggest you check out their systems, then stop and think for a moment. One member, who's opinions and advice I would wager is the most respected on this site, has stock power cables on all his equipment except for a $90 power cable on his CDP. My 2 cents.
Cheers
ketchup
698 posts
 
Has anyone ever tried a slightly longer run of wire terminated with an IEC plug (panel>breaker>wire>IEC plug>component) instead of the usual situation where the wire is terminated at an outlet (panel>breaker>wire>outlet>plug>aftermarket cord>IEC plug> component)? It seems a little "crazy," but you'll have a few less connections and no need for a different type of wire than what is already in your house.
pbnaudio's avatar
pbnaudio
1,613 posts
 
Ketchup, Dont think that would pass code :-)

I'm working on a test fixture to do a controlled test of AC outlets, some folks swear that they make a profound in performance of the system connected to them. We will see rather hear if that is the case. I'm making it so that it can later be used to test power cords.

Should have the systems page up for the AC Outlet test early this coming week.

AC Outlet

AC Outlet Shootout

Good Listening

Peter
douglas_schroeder
3,281 posts
 
Success comes to those who do/try, while the rest make excuses.

That's not theory; that's application. :)

amarquis
4 posts
 
I would like to know from a technical point of view why silver wire sounds different from copper. If not, why is silver used so often in audio applications.
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