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Still mystified by mega expensive power cords

AC travels miles from the substation, enters my house, goes into a panel, then runs to my hifi equipment. Once inside the equipment it goes through whatever wiring the manufacturer used. I don't understand how the few feet from the outlet to the back of the gear can make some of the dramatic changes claim (low end goes down another octave, deeper wider soundstage, etc). My thought is that as long as the power cord is shielded so that it's not working like an antenna, properly grounded, and of sufficient guage so that you're not loosing juice to heat, and has contacts that make a solid connection, any power cable should sound like the next, especially since the AC coming in is rectified and smoothed.

I'm not looking for flames, but for those that believe in power cables, enlighten me. Or said another way, can that $11,000 plus power cable I saw today possiblet do more than fatten the manufacturer's wallet?
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audiolabyrinth's avatar
audiolabyrinth
4,555 posts
 
@ Electroslacker, Hi, I agree!, however, LOL!, I paid $1,000.00 for a 1-meter Taralabs cabolt with oyaide plugs a/c cable used, it has been authenticated by the factory as well, man, what a deal!, as you see on the above post, this cable retails for $5,450.00 for 6 foot, cheers.
syntax's avatar
syntax
2,193 posts
 
Cables are for a lot of wealthy audiophiles the real toy. Normally they don't understand anything from their own System, except the price tag and the review about it.
But with cables they understand something, they pull one out (no big deal) and plug the new one in (the task of red and white input they are able to handle) and then they can hear something. A difference. And that's it. And when the price is high enough (high means, YOU & others can't afford it), then it is better. That's the bargain.
gz3827
232 posts
 
+ Dsper
jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
10-15-13: Audiolabyrinth
I cannot say much other than my Taralabs cobalt power cable with oyaide plugs is worth the $5,450.00 compaired to whats out there for even more money!

How can you even say that Keith? I know that you have owned this cord for a few months now, but you haven't even had a chance to listen to it yet, much less compare it with any other cord that cost even more money.
bhobba's avatar
bhobba
303 posts
 
Its a filtering effect. If you put a spike suppression filter in your power supply it to has to travel through all that mains etc etc - and it works.

No need to be mystified - unless you are an engineer you probably don't understand how other Hi Fi components work - nothing new here.

Simply listen to them and decide if what you hear is worth the money as you would any piece of gear.

If you are worried about being fooled do a simple blind test.

A good friend of mine has a Masters degree in Electrical Engineering and has worked as one for many years. He too doesn't understand why they sound different, but like me has heard profound differences.

And don't get caught up in this all double blind tests show all components sound the same rubbish. Those supposedly show a cheap DVD player sounds the same as a high end DAC - which anyone who actually listens to gear knows is utter poppycock - and double blind tests done by reputable companies like ESS show there are audible differences.

Thanks
Bill
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