How can power cords make a difference?

Jhunter and Kjg, I am also in the San Jose area. Would the two of you be interested in dropping by for an afternoon of listening? If so please drop me a message with your contact info. No tests will be given or taken; don't need the stress. We could do it in a couple of weeks or so as I'm just getting settled into a new place. This invitation also applies to other interested Bay Area residents, too.

Frank Peel

OK, my first post here so be gentle ;)

Pardon my ignorance. I may have missed the answer but 'logic' dictates that super esoteric (read VERY expensive) power cables would not make a difference for one (IMHO) simple reason:

Indeed I could see how ensuring the mechanical contact (on either end) is as good as possible but otherwise what difference would the last 5-6 feet of '6 ga multi-stranded platinum alloy, laser end cut terminated in pure 24ct gold' power cables make when the previous power feed (up to the aforementioned 'super' cable) is nothing more than run of the mill 3 strand bulk romex?

Mmccoy, that's a fair question, but one that's been answered in detail a number of times. To save you a bit of research, the short answer is, and please understand this comes from a non-techie, the differences lay in the shield configuration, conductor size and construction, quality and types of materials and workmanship, and, in some cases the additional components (i.e., filter materials, also called "magic dust"). None of that is to say I personally buy into the mega-price cable story, BUT I also do not have first hand experience with extremely expensive power cords. Certain of the claims do, on the surface, make sense. My ears say upgraded cables do make a difference, though. My only question is where does the "improvement curve" drop off into silliness, if it actually does? Hope that's helpful on some level.

BTW, if any of that is grossly erroneous, guys, please correct it. I try to pay attention, but don't always get it right.

I will try to help you Fpeel, but have no more real understanding than you of what is going on. Mmccoy, the scepticism in your question seems to spring from an assumption that the only purpose of a power cord is to transfer volts and current from the wall to the component. If that were so then I reckon I would be with you on this one, and a few years ago felt the same way. In much playing with power cords I have come to believe that you can tailor the sound to some degree with use of different geometry (at least) and seems to be through manipulating resonance of some sort. I have first-hand experience of making power cords perform this trick. Secondly, cable geometry and shielding can reduce noise. I theorise that we are talking about harmonics in the audio band, caused by high frequency noise getting onto the line. Neither the harmonic issue or the RF or EMI noise issue are controversial, but it appears that the nay-sayers believe that the components' power supplies will do this job much better than a few feet of cable will and so disbelieve that it happens. In the end, you need to listen to a few power cords and decide for yourself whether or not there is a difference. The majority of nay-sayers on this site with respect to this subject do not appear to have done that.

You hit the nail on the head redkiwi (re: my assumption that the only purpose of a power cord is to transfer volts and current from the wall to the component). I certainly don't mean to appear snide whatsoever, but what other purpose does a power cord serve?

Thus my unsophisticated observation that beyond gauge and mechanical connection, everything else might be, umm... great marketing?

Beyond that, I could definately see how noise shielding might be beneficial even tho, as others apparently have before me, my own 'logic' surmises the components power supply should rectify (no pun intended) any potential problems in this area. And I would think certainly so if the component is considered high end, audiophile quality.

Unfortunately it's a moot point for me. At 53 yoa I doubt my poor ol ears could discern what would have to be very subtle differences in sound quality. I just wanted to better understand how/why someone would pay up to $2K for a power cable.

In any case, whether real or perceived, I envy you and others that CAN hear a difference in reproduced music simply by changing a power cord.