Power cords - a BASIC question

Hi Fritz, I have no idea why. I dont care why. Techniclly I do not know what I am talking about so these things never get in my way. Take a listen and see (hear) what you think. After hearing what the better PCs can do it might make sense to you then. I know this does not answer your question but in this hobby listening is what it is all about IMO. I would encourage you to give it a try. Good luck.

Because it is not the last meter, but the first AND last meter. This is AC power so juice is flowing both ways by definition. Also, it is the meter that is closest to the rest of our EMI sensitive audio equipment and antenna-like IC cables.

There's an orthodoxy in the Forum that power cords are important. This is misleading for it implies that upgraded power cords are important for all systems. Power cords can make a sonic and musical difference in high resolution systems, however, unless your system is well optimized regarding the basics of sound reproduction, then power cords should be down towards the bottom of your upgrade plans. Simply put, there are more effective ways to improve a mid-level system than power cords. My problem is not whether power cords "work", but with their pricing. Cabling, whether power cord, speaker or interconnects at the high end are ridiculously priced. Just an opinion.

It can work both ways. I have auditioned power cords that actually degraded the sound of my system. I have an SET based system that is at the bottem of the of the price range when compared to most of the other posters systems at this forum. On my SET amplifier alone power cords (so far) have made very little difference as to the sound of the system. But, on the front end components and also on a spare amplifier that I also use they make a world of difference (not always good). Like any other component I would suggest that you try ones in your price range and see if you like them. I purchase power cords used at this site and then resell them if they do not work out. I have also tried some new with a 30 day return policy as well and it just ended up costing me shipping both ways. Right now I have two new power cords on order that are a bit expensive for my budget and that I have not auditioned. I have however discussed the cords in depth with other users that also have similar systems to my own. These are users that have also had similar experiences with mutualy owned/auditioned (we have both tried it) cable in their systems. These discussions for the most part were coducted outside of the forums, but some of the information that I required came from the forums as well. In other words, you came to the right place. There are quality cords that may make a difference to you available for as little as $60 new. Most of the stock cords that I received with my equipment (namely a CAL player and a Bel Canto DAC) are not even as good as the one that was supplied with our computer), yes, I A/B'd them. I have a Stealth HAC power cord that is too bright for me when used on my digital equipment, but that sounds great on my solid state amp and a Harmonic Tech cord that is just the opposite. You really have to try them and see for yourself.

Lieber Fritz,
Das sind alles gute Ratschlaege oben. I also would say to invest your money first say in good speakers. PCs, as Brulee has rightly pointed out, can make a tremendous difference and if you want to experiment, I suggest you try your preamp and/or your CD player first. Try the used market. I am sure you are familiar with wwww.highendmarkt.de, which carry lots of cables at fair prices. One caveat though, as has been rightly pointed out above, it needs a really high resolution system to hear the differences (good or bad) which PC's can make. Viel Glueck!