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How can power cords make a difference?

I have read many threads about how "wonderful" this or that power cord made my system sound. For the life of me, how in the world can a 3 ft power cord make an improvement? Each manufacturer supplys a power cord.I can't imagine them puting something on thier unit that would not meet thier needs. After all, the power comes from the utility company into your house, you run a dedicated line to your equipment, you put a line conditioner/surge protector between your equipment and now you have clean consistant power then magically you have great music. What can 3 feet of $200 0r more power cord make a differance? Sounds like expensive VODO! Am I missing something?
edkoz
aroc
760 posts
 
My response was aimed at the objectivists who claim up and down that there is no difference. I have clearly heard differences in a couple single-blind trials. For me that is sufficient evidence for this former non-believer.
shadorne's avatar
shadorne
7,477 posts
 
This question is for those of you that have experienced huge improvements with changing a power cord (and not the objectivists or unbelievers who refuse to hear any difference);

Aren't you the least bit concerned that your audio setup might be overly sensitive to small changes in power?

Is there any correlation as to where power cords make the biggest difference, for example is this predominantly a tube thing?
boa2's avatar
boa2
1,551 posts
 
Aren't you the least bit concerned that your audio setup might be overly sensitive to small changes in power?
No more than I am about that occasional itch down below, or the price of free trade coffee.

Is there any correlation as to where power cords make the biggest difference, for example is this predominantly a tube thing?
In my experience, yes. Tubes are very sensitive to PC changes, especially push/pull amps & CDPs.
gunbei
2,327 posts
 
Wow, it's a good thing I stumbled into this thread, I was gonna ask the exact same question.

If VODO [voodoo] gets any closer to the black hole in our galaxy it'll eventually get squashed down to VD, and come out in another universe as Virtual Dynamics.
warrenh's avatar
warrenh
2,299 posts
 
I agree with Boa2 about tubes and your front end. I would go for a dedicated line for your cdp, an Audio Magic Digital Mini (or any other power conditoner you choose I'm an AM guy) and use the stock cord to go from outlet to power conditioner, and a power cord purchased on
Audiogon to go to your source from your power conditioner. This setup has a very real, palpable, in your face presentation with my rig. My tube integrated is happy with dedicated line and Harmonix Studio Master power cord. Do cords make a difference in sound is a much easier question to answer than HOW do they make the difference. Happy listening. warren :)
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