power cord burn-in question

ZLTFUL

WLDock wrote: »

Its hard for me to understand how a few feet of $1000 power cable can make a difference when there is basic building THHN-TFFN Wire that cost $50 for a 500 ft roll run in the wall? How is the expensive cable going to overcome the standard residential wiring?

This is my point here...
You are making the assumption that everyone has Home Depot grade 14/3 running throughout their house and that these folks aren't already using dedicated circuits for their audio systems.
A lot aren't...but a lot are.

WLDock

BlueFox,

If your views about cables has always been the same then excuse me....I apologize. however, if at any point you were apprehensive about cables and such why don't you understand where I'm coming from? Can I get any slack with you guys?

WLDock

DarqueKnight , BlueFox, ZLTFUL if I affended you guys I apologize. Was not meaning to attack or discredit your experience.

I think I will sit back and read and try to listen to what ever I can ge my ears on and then some day come back to the discussion. Maybe, I will seek out some groups in the IN/Chicago area? There is a lot I would love to listen to.

I will gracefully exit stage left.....but let the music play!

peace fellas.

kevhed72

Shocking this turned into 4 pages....

Jhayman

Up until a few months ago I too was very skeptical of Power Cables making a difference, I think my skepticism went on for about 7 pages on here, lol
I went on what I read around the Internet about yes and No, they can make a difference.i had Zero experience in Power Cables.
Then one day I decided to actually try one, I bought it from another member here and when it arrived I took it downstairs and I really listened closely to my music and did my best at trying to remember the sounds I hear on certain songs and things, then I unplugged the factory cable and put the new one on my Amp, I immediately noticed a overall sensation on how everything seemed a little better, not a huge impact, but good enough for me to make me a believer in everything matters in the chain..
I'm not going to say everyone will have the same experience as I did, but for $65 it was pretty cool to know that experience..
Now would I buy a $1000 power cable, absolutely not as my budget would never allow such a purchase , but I would certainly love to hear them on systems such as Bluefox's and Darqueknight's ..

WLDock wrote: »

DarqueKnight , BlueFox, ZLTFUL if I affended you guys I apologize. Was not meaning to attack or discredit your experience.

I think I will sit back and read and try to listen to what ever I can ge my ears on and then some day come back to the discussion. Maybe, I will seek out some groups in the IN/Chicago area? There is a lot I would love to listen to.

I will gracefully exit stage left.....but let the music play!

peace fellas.

BlueFox

WLDock wrote: »

If your views about cables has always been the same then excuse me....I apologize. however, if at any point you were apprehensive about cables and such why don't you understand where I'm coming from? Can I get any slack with you guys?

My views on power cords especially have changed over the years. I think you even quoted me where I said that. I bought some inexpensive Pangea AC14, AC14SE, and AC9 cables after reading so much about power cords on this forum. Those cheapo cables actually made a difference, and I was surprised. However, Pangea did not offer a cable with a 20 amp connector, so I never upgraded my amp power cables. Later, I saw Shunyata had a Venom cable with 20 amp connectors, and by that time I had been doing my homework on this subject and knew Shunyata had a good reputation. So, I bought two, and was amazed at the improvement they provided. It was at that point where I went power crazy. :biggrin:

However, I didn't waste my time trying to tell others they were imaging things when they raved about power cords. I did my research, and realized there might be something to this item.

As an engineer, I can appreciate what Shunyata has accomplished by discovering DTCD, developing a technology to measure it, and building cables to improve it. I also appreciate their Ztron technology to eliminate distortion caused by cable dieletrics. Both of these technologies make a lot of sense to me, and I am willing to pay for it. Also, Shunyata keeps their prices low compared to other vendors. I appreciate their business philosophy.

Other than stock, Pangea, and Shunyata, I cannot speak about any benefits from other power cords.

I can say that upgrading my electrical panel to a 200 amp panel made a visual difference in my home power. The lights no longer flickered when the refrigerator kicked on, or the washing machine or spa ran. I assume this improvement also translates into improved power to the stereo and HT. I can also say a dedicated 20 amp line for both the stereo and HT made an improvement for both systems. This was just regular Home Deport 10 gauge electrical wire with Shunyata outlets.

tonyb

WLDock wrote: »

I'm not new to audio but new to even caring or thinking about wanting to listen to what a $1000 power cable can do.
.

That's cool, but if you had the coin to burn, would you ? Audio is played on many levels, if you can't afford a certain level, no shame in it, just don't discount or defuse the conversation is all. No offense ment....

WLDock

BlueFox wrote: »

I can say that upgrading my electrical panel to a 200 amp panel made a visual difference in my home power. The lights no longer flickered when the refrigerator kicked on, or the washing machine or spa ran. I assume this improvement also translates into improved power to the stereo and HT. I can also say a dedicated 20 amp line for both the stereo and HT made an improvement for both systems. This was just regular Home Deport 10 gauge electrical wire with Shunyata outlets.

Ok, now we are getting somewhere...maybe you posted this ages ago...you upgraded all the way back to the panel....now this is what I'm talking about. Good to know!

tonyb wrote: »

That's cool, but if you had the coin to burn, would you ? Audio is played on many levels, if you can't afford a certain level, no shame in it, just don't discount or defuse the conversation is all. No offense ment....

Yeah, it will take a while for me to put something nice together before I could even think about power wire. I'm sure I would see how a heavier guage DIY cable sounded vs. the OEM cord. Anything beyond that is hard to even fathom at this point as I have a long way to go. Right now I can tell you there is no way in hell I would spend $1k on a single power cord....even if one GAVE me a couple of Pass Lab monoblocks for free! No shame...I'm a poor SOB. However, I would try a $1K power cable if someone would lend me one to check out with the said monoblocks.

If I liked it....I can't lie it would be unlikely that I would spend that much on one cable....maybe that much for all the cables and wire in the system would be a more realistic goal....maybe? LOL.

BlueFox

WLDock wrote: »

Ok, now we are getting somewhere...maybe you posted this ages ago...you upgraded all the way back to the panel....now this is what I'm talking about. Good to know!

Just to be clear, I upgraded my panel 3-4 years before I ever tried a power cord.

DarqueKnight

WLDock wrote: »

Don't get so caught up in gear and loose focus....

With all due respect, it actually appears that you are the one who has lost focus as it is you who continues to harp on the cost of other people's gear. If you were really interested in learning about stereo, I would expect you to ask questions along the line of "what kind of performance improvement did you receive when you went from x to y?" Instead, all you offer is passive-aggressive jabs which are indicative of envy and jealousy:

WLDock wrote: »

Its great that you guys have been into the hobby for awhile and have invested a lot of time, money, research and consider yourselves advanced on the subject...I think thats great.

WLDock wrote: »

However, don't discount someone else because they ask questions and have doubt about equipment and maybe don't have the means to buy $15,000 in wire.

WLDock wrote: »

So, $11,000 in cables alone and another $4000 worth on the way? I guess my opinion about cables will never mean anything because I will never get to this level....

WLDock wrote: »

I know of some awsome musicians that have perfect pitch and amazing ears that don't have $20K-$50K rigs with thosand dollar cables...

WLDock wrote: »

I know a little something about sound, music, space, and the environment.... even if I haven't compared thousand+ dollar cables on a playback system thats worth more than the average person's car.

WLDock wrote: »

As I stated...I would actually like to test out $1k+ cables someday.

Rather than aspiring to test cables with a certain price tag, a person truly interested in audio performance would be interested in cables that provide a specific stereophonic performance benefit. When I began my last equipment upgrade cycle, I did not begin by looking for gear in a particular price range. I began by listening widely and forming a list of the performance aspects I wanted to improve in my current system. As I listened more, it became apparent how much I was going to have to pay to get the performance increases I wanted.

WLDock wrote: »

I had to repost this one....and twist it...

You know there are people with $25K-$100K systems that don't know a damn thing about critical listening nor what a euphonium is. Are these guys on the outside or are they advanced because they have expensive gear?

Does spending a lot of money equate to knowledge and experience? If I bought a hospital, would that make me a doctor? If I bought a pro level golf course and a $50,000 set of clubs, would that make me a champion level golfer? If I bought a Formula 1 race car, would that make me a legitimate race car driver? Of course not. Money cannot buy experience and competence.

To answer your question, yes, someone who spends a large amount of money for anything without understanding how to fully utilize it is on the outside. Again, your focus on how much other people spend seems to prevent you from using simple reasoning.

WLDock wrote: »

Don't presume to know all about an individual from a few comments posted on a forum on the internet.

You should follow your own advice. Haven't you assumed that people who have high end systems purchased them on the basis of cost rather than performance?

WLDock wrote: »

What constitutes experience? What makes a deep pocket self proclaimed audiophile's ears any better than a poor lifetime street musicians ears? How many here have a PhD in Acoustics, engineering, Physics combined with years of working experience in music plus an awesome portfolio? Is that what it takes to join the audiophile elite club?

Audiophile elite club? You seem bitter. Most audiophiles do not have deep pockets, just as most oenophiles do not have large, elaborate and expensive wine collections. High end, high quality, high performance audio gear can always be found on the used market for a fraction of its retail price. High performance audio systems don't come cheap, but they don't have to cost a fortune either...if you know how to shop wisely. It is obvious that you do not understand what an audiophile is. Perhaps you don't want to understand.

DarqueKnight

BlueFox wrote: »

Just to be clear, I upgraded my panel 3-4 years before I ever tried a power cord.

I entered this hobby in 1985. I did not try an aftermarket power cord until 20 years later, in 2005. I did not become interested in high end equipment until 2003 (18 years after entering the hobby)

A lot of people do not understand that you can be an audiophile without having an expensive system. I was an audiophile during the time that I owned my first "nice" (but not "high end") stereo back in 1985:

Sony 302 Mk II CD player
Yamaha P-320 Turntable
Shure 8HE Phono Cartridge
Nikko NR-850 65 watt receiver
Polk Audio Monitor 10B speakers
One pair of Monster Cable Interlink 400 interconnects
Original Monster Cable speaker wire

The retail price of the system was $2,069, but I paid much less than that due to discounts. I knew how to shop wisely even back then. The retail price of that system in 2013 dollars would be $4,480. It wasn't a high end, high performance system, but it facilitated my love of and enjoyment of recorded music.

I was introduced to audiophilia by the members of an audio club where I worked. Those guys had some serious high end gear. I listened and learned and was able to make intelligent purchase decisions based on what I learned from them. I did not ignorantly and arrogantly question their buying decisions, nor did I assume they were fools because they spent a lot of money on stereo equipment. I was grateful to them for patiently teaching me the benefits of high quality music reproduction. They offered many helpful suggestions toward assembling a modest stereo system. Although I knew and appreciated what high end gear sounded like, I was not interested in that level of performance at that time. That interest developed over a long period of time.

polrbehr

WLDock-
I see in your sig that you have equipment very similar to what I own in my HT. I am curious, what is your current source for powering your setup (I don't see an AVR or separates listed). Also, do you have a dedicated two channel rig?

BlueFox

DarqueKnight wrote: »

I entered this hobby in 1985. I did not try an aftermarket power cord until 20 years later, in 2005. I did not become interested in high end equipment until 2003 (18 years after entering the hobby)

I got into this hobby in the 70s, and had a nice sounding system, even with Radio Shack ICs, and lamp cord for speaker wire. Later, I gave it to an ex-girlfriend (wish I had kept my immaculate albums), went to college, and graduated in 87. A year or so later I bought a Sony CDP, Denon integrated amp, and a pair of SDA2s. For whatever reason, I drifted away from music during the 90s, but did buy my first DVD player in 1999. Then I went on a HT spree, and went through multiple AVRs, and speakers. I ended up with a Sony 7100ES as a pre, a Sunfire TGA 5400 amp, a Sony 3100ES DVD player, and 4 LSi15s, and an LSiC. One night I put a CD into the DVD player, and thought "This sounds pretty good".

By that time my stereo and rack in the living room was unused, and covered with old HT gear. I cleaned up the stereo, moved the unused gear into the dining room and garage, and started listening to music again. I guess that was around 2007 or so. Anyway, since then it has been one upgrade after another. Probably the most important from a music perspective was my first music server, an iPod/Wadia iTransport with a Benchmark DAC1. I just went crazy buying CDs to feed it, and then started upgrading to get even more music from the system.

Now I am putting together my retirement system. Once that happens there will be no more buying, only listening. So I better get it correct now. Of course, this upgraditis also applies to the HT. The rear LSi15s, and the Sunfire amp, are all that is left from when I started using it also for music.

And I upgraded the breaker panel because it was old, and the spa breaker was arcing, which causes another breaker to trip. That breaker controlled a line that covered one side of the house, which included my HT, my stereo, my computers, and my 32" TV.

F1nut

Originally Posted by WLDock
Its hard for me to understand how a few feet of $1000 power cable can make a difference when there is basic building THHN-TFFN Wire that cost $50 for a 500 ft roll run in the wall? How is the expensive cable going to overcome the standard residential wiring?

You have to start at the box with dedicated lines. A 12/2 20 amp line is good, a 10/2 30 amp line shielded with aluminum conduit is much better. Run to high quality audio grade outlets with thick aluminum outlet covers. Connect to a high quality power conditioner/surge protector with a high quality cord, then more high quality cords to the gear. The sum total makes all the difference in the world.

DarqueKnight

F1nut wrote: »

You have to start at the box with dedicated lines. A 12/2 20 amp line is good, a 10/2 30 amp line shielded with aluminum conduit is much better. Run to high quality audio grade outlets with thick aluminum outlet covers. Connect to a high quality power conditioner/surge protector with a high quality cord, then more high quality cords to the gear. The sum total makes all the difference in the world.

There you go again being an elite audiophile snob. All of the above costs money. What can you suggest that does not cost money or at least a very small amount of money?:cheesygrin:

BlueFox

DarqueKnight wrote: »

There you go again being an elite audiophile snob. All of the above costs money. What can you suggest that does not cost money or at least a very small amount of money?:cheesygrin:

And don't forget to provide data and A/B testing clearly showing the above changes can provide an audible improvement. I am an engineer, and know how to use both a multi-meter, and the algebraic version of Ohm's Law, so you need to convince me. Otherwise, what you are saying is not true, because I read that on the Internet. Perhaps you need to learn about the placebo effect.

:rolleyes:

WLDock

polrbehr wrote: »

WLDock-
I see in your sig that you have equipment very similar to what I own in my HT. I am curious, what is your current source for powering your setup (I don't see an AVR or separates listed). Also, do you have a dedicated two channel rig?

Right not I have an old Sony AVR laying around that is nothing to talk about. I was considering using a Parasound 2003 3Ch along with an Onkyo 805 but the Pioneer Elite units really caught my attention. I was in the proccess of deciding on an AVR and was going to pull the trigger on a Pioneer Elite SC-25 but moving to a new home last week got in the way. Nevertheless, the plan is still to pick up a used Elite SC unit here soon. From there I have plans to improve my wiring and play with the crossovers in the Polks.

I don't have a 2 ch rig but would like to some day build a DIT kit using Scan, Seas, Usher, SB Acoustics, etc drivers. I always wanted to try running mono blocks so maybe I will see what I can find in the used market at some point. Also, I would like to try out one of the Oppo units for audio as well as video. then, the Peachtree audio DAC units seem really nice...I have yet to really convert over to digital. I have never owned an iPod nor have I burned all my CD's yet....but being one of the last to do so I will at some point.

DarqueKnight

BlueFox wrote: »

And don't forget to provide data and A/B testing clearly showing the above changes can provide an audible improvement. I am an engineer, and know how to use both a multi-meter, and the algebraic version of Ohm's Law, so you need to convince me. Otherwise, what you are saying is not true, because I read that on the Internet. Perhaps you need to learn about the placebo effect.

:rolleyes:

That's right. The audio scientists on the Internet taught me that every type of electrical phenomena can be measured with a multimeter and quantified by ohm's law. Now I feel stupid for letting my EE professors con me into studying electrical properties of matter and electronics, where I had to learn about all those equations that characterized electrical noise. I think I will put my oscilloscope up for sale on ePrey. I will let someone else waste their time analyzing time and frequency domain performance of audio cables.

Everything I know about audio science I learned on the Internet:

1. If something is not measurable it does not exist.
2. There are no measurable differences in cables, amplifiers or source components.
3. If there is a measurable difference, the difference is not audible.
4. If the measurable difference is shown to be within the bounds of human audibility, a double blind test must confirm the difference, otherwise, no bueno.
5. An audiophile is a lover of expensive equipment rather than a lover of well recorded music.
6. Scientists invented home stereo systems, but all audiophiles hate science, including the large contingent of audiophiles within the IEEE.
7. Spending a lot of money on something guarantees that you will perceive a benefit, even if the benefit does not exist.
8. If an audiophile, who has credible scientific training and experience, supports audio observations with measurement and data, such data can be dismissed by claiming that the audiophile suffers from any number of mental disorders.

polrbehr

DarqueKnight wrote: »

That's right. The audio scientists on the Internet taught me that every type of electrical phenomena can be measured with a multimeter and quantified by ohm's law. Now I feel stupid for letting my EE professors con me into studying electrical properties of matter and electronics, where I had to learn about all those equations that characterized electrical noise. I think I will put my oscilloscope up for sale on ePrey. I will let someone else waste their time analyzing time and frequency domain performance of audio cables.

Everything I know about audio science I learned on the Internet:

1. If something is not measurable it does not exist.
2. There are no measurable differences in cables, amplifiers or source components.
3. If there is a measurable difference, the difference is not audible.
4. If the measurable difference is shown to be within the bounds of human audibility, a double blind test must confirm the difference, otherwise, no bueno.
5. An audiophile is a lover of expensive equipment rather than a lover of well recorded music.
6. Scientists invented home stereo systems, but all audiophiles hate science, including the large contingent of audiophiles within the IEEE.
7. Spending a lot of money on something guarantees that you will perceive a benefit, even if the benefit does not exist.
8. If an audiophile, who has credible scientific training and experience, supports audio observations with measurement and data, such data can be dismissed by claiming that the audiophile suffers from any number of mental disorders.

I was wondering when you were going to come around...

WLD, going to PM you soon.

DarqueKnight

polrbehr wrote: »

I was wondering when you were going to come around...

Look for my oscilloscope and a Cable Cooker in the Flea Market.

headrott

DarqueKnight wrote: »

That's right. The audio scientists on the Internet taught me that every type of electrical phenomena can be measured with a multimeter and quantified by ohm's law. Now I feel stupid for letting my EE professors con me into studying electrical properties of matter and electronics, where I had to learn about all those equations that characterized electrical noise. I think I will put my oscilloscope up for sale on ePrey. I will let someone else waste their time analyzing time and frequency domain performance of audio cables.

Everything I know about audio science I learned on the Internet:

1. If something is not measurable it does not exist.
2. There are no measurable differences in cables, amplifiers or source components.
3. If there is a measurable difference, the difference is not audible.
4. If the measurable difference is shown to be within the bounds of human audibility, a double blind test must confirm the difference, otherwise, no bueno.
5. An audiophile is a lover of expensive equipment rather than a lover of well recorded music.
6. Scientists invented home stereo systems, but all audiophiles hate science, including the large contingent of audiophiles within the IEEE.
7. Spending a lot of money on something guarantees that you will perceive a benefit, even if the benefit does not exist.
8. If an audiophile, who has credible scientific training and experience, supports audio observations with measurement and data, such data can be dismissed by claiming that the audiophile suffers from any number of mental disorders.

That is an excellent summary Ray.

Also, I wanted to add that not only must a double blind study be conducted if there is a measurable difference that is in the bounds of human audibility, but the those measurements must also be peer reviewed and confirmed by a panel of experts such as Roger Russel, etc.

WLDock

DK & BF would love to sit down in person with you guys and throw back a couple of beers, wine, water, etc and talk audio...you both seem like great resources....However, claiming I'm showing passive-aggressive jabs, envy and jealousy is a far fetch. I never personally attacked you guys nor even jabbed above nor below the belt.

For some resason I think the point was missed early on that I was questioning the effectivness of expensive cables if other areas were not addressed. Yet, later in the thread it was confirmed that those areas in Fox's system were already updated. However, before he addressed my original question he stated what cords he had and how much they cost and how he consider power cables as part of the foundation in his system.

This thread really could have gone a different direction. However, as I understand it from others....this is not the 1st time this sort of thing has happened here. Let's move on in a positive direction.


Anyway,
I'm a little older like you guys and remeber the days in the late 80's early 90's when there were at least 5-6 high end audio stores whithin a 30 minute drive. Some of the sales guys would let you bring in your discs and listen away. At that time I had a folder with glossy literature of all the gear I was really interested in. My dream system them was:

Source: Nakamichi
Pre-Amp: Adcom
Amps; Adcom
Speakers: B&W 801 or 802
Wires: Audioquest

Around '90 and realizing that system was not going to happen so I put together a decent lower priced system consisting of a Yamaha rack system with an Integrated Amp, Tuner, tape deack, and CD combined with Sony SS-TL5 4-way transmision line speakers. http://www.thevintageknob.org/sony-SS-TL5.html

From there I put my energy into car audio. I put together a system with and Alpine deck, PPI amp, Boston Acoustics Pro Series componets and Sub. Since then I would guess I have spent about $15K+ in car audio to date and maybe about $2K in home audio to date.

Now my focus has changed and I would like to build a dedicated home theater room some day as well as a ref 2 Ch system.....once I decide to buy a house. Currently renting as I'm newly relocated from MI to IN. What sucks is the room my A/V system is in is now smaller compared to the house I just moved from. When I decide to buy I will for sure consider how well A/V integrates into the room.

Its the start of a new journey...I will even throw out my oem power cords and replacement with something rather it be off the shelf or DIY..

yes Sir!

DarqueKnight

WLDock wrote: »

DK & BF would love to sit down in person with you guys and throw back a couple of beers, wine, water, etc and talk audio...you both seem like great resources....However, claiming I'm showing passive-aggressive jabs, envy and jealousy is a far fetch. I never personally attacked you guys nor even jabbed above nor below the belt.

Oh, ok. Sorry for misunderstanding you.

WLDock wrote: »

For some resason I think the point was missed early on that I was questioning the effectivness of expensive cables if other areas were not addressed. Yet, later in the thread it was confirmed that those areas in Fox's system were already updated. However, before he addressed my original question he stated what cords he had and how much they cost and how he consider power cables as part of the foundation in his system.

The thing you don't seem to understand about real audiophiles is that they, similar to serious practitioners in other hobbies, progress from entry level gear to more advanced gear. This assures that the "other areas" have been addressed. It is impossible to make informed purchase decisions without proper study and experience. Affluent people go into high end audio salons, plop down their credit cards and say "give me the best you've got" and then go on to brag about their "high end audiophile" status, while not knowing the fundamentals of putting a quality audio together. "The best" in any sensory activity like audio is always subjective.

WLDock wrote: »

This thread really could have gone a different direction. However, as I understand it from others....this is not the 1st time this sort of thing has happened here. Let's move on in a positive direction.

It seems to me that this thread is going well. If you believe that I, and others, are offended, you are mistaken. Amused would be the correct term. Cable threads are always entertaining, mostly because the people with the strongest opinions are those with the least, or no, experience with high quality audio and power cables.

BlueFox

This was posted on another forum. Just as a heads up, a Ztron Anaconda goes for $3K, a Triton goes for $5K, and a Typhon goes for $5K.

It is no less than invasion. 8 Ztron Anaconda power cords, 1 Triton and 1 Typhon finally arrived. The T/Ts have invaded my smaller Pagode rack (each sitting on seperate shelves connected via ztron Anaconda either). 2 Anacondas now behind Arc Ref610t monos, 1 at the main plug to Triton, 1 for Emm xds1 player, 1 for Arc Ref3, 1 for Arc Ref2 se phono, even 1 for turntable synchronous motor. Am I crazy? Presumably, yes

First let them burn in a bit and we will see.

http://www.audioaficionado.org/510642-post1.html

WLDock

Oh well...this tread is already derailed a bit.....sorry!

DSkip wrote: »

Having a smaller audio room can be a blessing. One friend in particular has complimented me several times at how well my 2 channel performs for HT. The reason it works so well is that the 6311's are a perfect match for a 14x12 room. Along with the 2CH is a 120" screen that is the absolute perfect size for the room. It gives you a cozy feel and makes it truly feel like a private movie theater. I toy around with adding 2 channels to the rears/sides, but it isn't worth the investment in my eyes, at least not at this point.
To accentuate that point, he runs a Pioneer SC receiver with LSiM's and I believe an SVS sub in a room about twice the size. He still prefers mine due to the impact and engagement it creates. The smaller room can be a blessing if you get the right gear in there.

I went from having a kitchen w/ a small eat in area, a dinning room, a living room, and a 24'x12' lower level room that I turned into semi theater/family room. Because the room is so long and narrow I set it up with two rows and I have a desk in the back left corner:



Now I have a a kitchen with a medium sized eat-in area and a 17.7'x13.5' family room. I'm missing the equivlent of two rooms! I had to put the HT loveseat and couch recliners and the living room couch and chair all in the same room! What throws things off is the fireplace in the corner. I had to squeeze the TV and the speakers in there....it was so tight that I had to move the left speaker in front of the fireplace so that I could toe them in a bit. The tv vewing distance is fine but the speakers are a little close to the walls....Oh well.



It was crazy for the fist two days but now I'm used to it. This is home for another year or two.

Spankie101

10awg 5' DIY "Anaconda" power cord replica, total cost $95, looks and sounds wonderful

Hermitism

I hate to wake a sleeping dog, but...

I've spent countless hours reading on here. I'm like a sponge. I've never compared a new cord to one that has been burned-in, I'm new to ALL this, so I have absolutely NO OPINION on the matter. However I recently put Dynamat inside my Blu-ray player and added a Pangea power cord at the same time and noticed a difference. Since I did both on the same day I can't contribute the changes I hear to one or the other. So I do know first hand that little things can make a difference and wondered if I'll hear a difference as time passes and my cord gets used. After I heard a difference after my changes, I thought about this infamous thread. So I have a question for all the people that say burning-in a cord makes a difference. Once a cord is burned-in, are the "changes" to the cord permanent?

For example, I have a power conditioner and each outlet is programmable to be switched or unswitched. If your cords are plugged into an outlet that is switched and you have it turned off so no current to getting to the cords for a long period of time, do those cords revert back to being "new" or are the changes made during the burn-in process permanent? If you don't use your system for one month, does it take time for it to break in again sonically?

Again, I have no opinion on this, I'm just curious to hear your answers because I'm trying to understand it.

tonyb

No....cords don't "revert" back to being new. Burn in happens slowly over time and the only way to really compare is to have 2 identical cords one being new and one being used for about 200-300 hours.

Hermitism

One more question. If you have a new cord plugged into a normal "unswitched" outlet, but the unit (amp or whatever) is turned OFF for the first 200-300 hours (the amp is plugged in but not being used), does the cord still "burn-in"? The cord is getting current, but does the unit have to be drawing current through the cord in order for the burn-in process to happen?

Habanero Monk

It depends. If there is still an actual load (however small) and the device is in a vampire state then technically you are passing current and the cord is 'burning in' in some fashion.

If the cord is in a device that has something like an actual rocker switch that makes a full mechanical disconnect of the power then no the cord wouldn't be burning at that point since it's un-terminated at that point. It's the equivalent to plugging a cord into the wall with nothing attached at the other end.