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?
128x128zavato
Audiolabyrinth,

I've been trying to get to finish reading the thread you mentioned. Please be patient with me and I should get to it sometime next week.

Kindest regards, TJF.
@ Tjassoc, Hi Thankyou, no hurry, I will look for you there when you are ready.
The quality and unfortunately, that's related to cost, of the connectors can have an impact on the power cord.

Just switching the ends made a difference in the sound of the wires.

So does eliminating as many connections as you can.

I've simplified things so that I run a direct 10 guage line from the panel to my amp using only one IEC connector on the line then into the amp.

Because of safety issues,a direct soldered connection to the amp would be the ultimate.

So I am not using any DIY or Store bought power cords to the amps and I've noticed an increase in dynamics and resolution.

I am not saying that power cords don't matter,just the opposite.

It's all about the power delivery to the gear that matters.

If it didn't I would have stuck with plugging the amps into the wall on a non dedicated 15 amp line with stock power cords.

I've only experimented with DIY and Shunyata power cords,but it's always been easy for me to hear that no two are alike.

And like most things in this hobby the quality(and expense)of the connectors played a major part in shaping the sound.

If someone has to decide on where to save some money,don't let it be the connectors if DIY.

My first DIY power cord was back in 1987 when I replaced the thin power cords on my Quad 63.
I used the Quad IEC, bought generic male plug and used 12 guage solid core romex.

All stock power cords from that time on stayed in the box.
Lacee, I enjoyed your post, I to have dedicated lines with after market power cords, works great!, I agree with your findings 100%