Power Cord Challenge

I'm close to San Jose and very interested in the results of this experiment, but I don't like the idea of putting money on the line. Why is that necessary? Dan

An interesting thought. I have an idea on how to improve the test, and maybe a helpful analogy to explain my reasoning.
First off, I admit to believing in ICs, PCs, etc. That said, I think it would be hard to say "that is cord A or B" after listening to the PCs separately. There was an article a few yrs back in one of the Mid-fi mags re this with a similar experimental setup using ICs and pretty much everyone failed at achieving 9/10. Anyway, sorry for the detour... back to my analogy...

Look at two color cards of similar shades of a color (or shades of white/off white that the dentist shows you before offering a tooth whitening service). Pick ones that are a shade or two off from each other- easily discernable when put alongside each other. Now close your eyes and remove one of the cards. Look at the remaining card (you can open your eyes now). I would be very surprised if you could tell which color is which, unless you could see them next to each other.

I think the way to run this test is to listen to both cables each time you choose and pick which one is which after hearing them quickly back to back, rather than one cable isolated each time.

The audible difference using non-stock PCs in my system is a subtle but noticeable change. It is easiest to appreciate when I have listened to my system for a while, and then notice a haze is lifted (or added) with a new PC change, or IC change, whatever. Most of my system's components remain in my system for a good time (or at least as long as the next audiophile's) and I think that PCs are a fine tuning tweak, and at the risk of pising someone off, they don't make a huge difference, but it is a real one.

I think your idea is a great one, but I have no need to prove to anyone what I believe, much less put money on it. However, I would be interested in your session in Ventura if it happens. It would cerainly be a fun learning experience, as well as a good music session. I live around 45 minutes from there and would bring a few good CD's and PCs, and some better imbibitions. Thanks for the thread,

Todd

Tsquared, I live in Camarillo (Ventura County) and you are certainly welcome to visit. As you say it would be fun and a learning experience as well. Maybe we can get a few Audiogon members together for a day such as Dekay, Jcbtubes, Jhunter and myself. It would have to be at the end of June or a sometime after. Could be a lot of fun. 702, I don't know where you live but you especially are invited. I do not believe anyone will need a blindfold but if ya gotta ya gotta.

Drubin -

This is definitely a "win-win" proposition. If people find out that they can reliably HEAR the differences in power cords, they pocket at least $500 and can shop for an even better cord. If they cannot hear the difference, then the give the Red Cross $250 (a good idea for us all, regardless of the amount) but should save much more than that in PC expenses and possibly recoup the donation by selling their current PCs.

That being said, education is a higher incentive. I just thought that it was a good way to entice folks to do some serious testing, regardless of which way the test comes out.

I'd be happy to do some informal testing if we can find a mutually agreeable time.

Cheers,
JHunter

Yes, Late June sounds like a good time for me and by then I will have additional PC's which we may use in the tests. I should also have my system (which will include new goodies such as the Neuance shelving and hopefully the 47 Labs cabling) up and running by that time and would like to have a few people over that are interested in these products as well as PC's. PC's will include the BMI Whale, a new silver PC by Vantage Audio, the Stealth HAC and Absolute cords for lower price comparisons and in addition I will ask Bruce to supply one of his FIM PC's. This will be kind of a duplication of the first shootout (as these PC's will be available for it as well) but will also include other interesting and reasonably priced (I think) products.