How can power cords make a difference?


I am trying to understand why power cords can make a difference.

It makes sense to me that interconnects and speaker cables make a difference. They are dealing with a complex signal that contains numerous frequencies at various phases and amplitudes. Any change in these parameters should affect the sound.

A power cord is ideally dealing with only a single frequency. If the explanation is RF rejection, then an AC regeneration device like PS Audio’s should make these cords unnecessary. I suppose it could be the capacitance of these cables offering some power factor correction since the transformer is an inductive load.

The purpose of my post is not to start a war between the “I hear what I hear so it must be so” camp and the “you’re crazy and wasting your money,” advocates. I am looking for reasons. I am hoping that someone can offer some valid scientific explanations or point me toward sources of this information. Thanks.
bruce1483
Thank-you Albert, you are a great person! I look forward to your report Jhunter.
Albert -

Thanks for setting this up; I'll contact you separately with the details. It'll be interesting and educational; of course, I run the fairly high risk of ridicule from one side or the other depending on the findings. Either I'll be accused of terrible hearing (if I don't hear anything) or improper testing (if I do). I'll do my best to insure that neither is the case, but it will have meaning for me irrespective of the outcome.

Cheers,
JHunter
Jhunter, I can assure you from my view you will not be attacked for trying, that's all any of us have asked for. I support your test and will accept your findings for what they are, education.
jhunter, *no* one should ridicule or condemn ewe - ewe, sir, have an open mind.

regards, doug s.

I have to say, this thread is *far and away* the most passionate, thoughtful (well, most of the time), and interesting thread I've read on this site (and there have been many). Thanks to all of you for playing a part in it and allowing a great number of us to listen in.

Jhunter: I'm in your area and would love to provide my ears to the experiment if you're willing. Prior to this discussion, I was rather in your camp about power cords (using stock cords myself), but have to admit my interest has definitely been peaked. Give me a holler if you'd like some skeptical, but reasonably open minded company. I'll be happy to bring down my cords and see how they fair against rest.

Thanks again to all for the both the information and entertainment.

Cheers,
Ken