Do power cables make a difference?

FestYboy

I can totally appreciate @tonyb 's post, and I get it (to a point). But it also shows that the work hasn't been done yet, an I mean work by there isn't an established correlation between cable sonic signature (or any component for that matter) and how it sounds. Blind testing with a sizeable test group to establish a commonality would be required, then breaking it all down to find that "thing" that establishes the difference.

I'll be ok with that up until it's time for me to make a purchase, then the objectivist in me is gonna have an issue. (My problem, not being imposed on anyone else).

kharp1

FestYboy wrote: »

I can totally appreciate @tonyb 's post, and I get it (to a point). But it also shows that the work hasn't been done yet, an I mean work by there isn't an established correlation between cable sonic signature (or any component for that matter) and how it sounds. Blind testing with a sizeable test group to establish a commonality would be required, then breaking it all down to find that "thing" that establishes the difference.

I'll be ok with that up until it's time for me to make a purchase, then the objectivist in me is gonna have an issue. (My problem, not being imposed on anyone else).

Seriously doubt that it would work that way. Being that it's ONLY A LINK IN A CHAIN you have to consider upstream and downstream components. Not all will work the same with every cord and it's geometry and makeup. Too many variable, which is what we've been saying all along.

It's organic, more or less.

F1nut

^ Bingo ^

mhardy6647

We were actually busy out in the actual world ("meatspace" as some would have it) today but I wanted to say a word (ok many words!) about the Amp Camp Amp -- since the ACA got brought up in this thread (for whatever reason).

As many folks here may know, do the the extreme (nay, the outrageous) kindness and generosity of an anonymous forum member, there's a rather tricked-out ACA -- one which was laid out and reduced to practice by the forum's own @ALL212 -- on a long-term visitation at our house.

I've been listening to it exclusively for a week and a half or so, mostly on the Frankenaltecs (but also on some other highish-sensitivity loudspeakers). Nelson Pass designed the amp as an entry level exercise to teach (or at least to reveal) how simple a fine sounding amplifier can be, and how fine sounding a simple amplifier can be. The ACA breaks many of the de facto rules of modern solid state hifi design, being a single-ended solid state amplifier with very little (if any?) negative feedback. As such, it is inefficient (SE power amplifiers operate in Class A by definition), low powered (due to the simplicity and fairly low P/S voltage), and possesses fairly high output impedance (low "damping factor") and not particularly low distortion (of the harmonic kind, at least).

In fact, on paper it "measures" a lot like a single-ended 2A3 amplifier.

... and it has some of the there-ness and soul of an SE 2A3 amp. It even does a little better in terms of bass (extension and definition) than my SE 2A3 amps -- probably because I didn't spend an order of magnitude more on the output transformers equipping the latter! Where the 2A3 amp beats the ACA (edit: to my ears and taste) is in the richness and palpability of the midrange. The ACA ain't bad at all -- but the 2A3 just plain has soul in the midrange that the ACA doesn't quite get.

This being said, the ACA costs a fraction of a stereo 2A3 amplifier, and also costs a fraction of almost any (at least current production) solid state amplifier that would sound as good.

The trade-offs are profound (the choice of appropriate loudspeakers will be much more critical for success with the ACA than a typical ss amplifier), but the opportunity to learn is great.

Now, this has absolutely nothing to do with power cables (since the ACA is designed to run off of a laptop computer "brick" type power supply*) but either of the amplifiers mentioned above (ACA or SE 2A3) will quickly and emphatically reveal
how important everything else in the chain can be to the final, audible product.



_______________
* It would of course be possible, and maybe quite interesting, to design and implement an old-school linear power supply for the ACA.

gudnoyez

Why they do yes they do. Here is one the OP should try out himself.

http://forum.polkaudio.com/discussion/181548/shunyata-research-diamonback-powerecord-20a-c19-5-5ft-long#latest

Try it out and see what you think. If it is not up your alley you should be able to resell it pretty easily. I should get this and try it out at that price.

mpitogo

@gudnoyez unfortunately my components are all C13. For sale is a C19. I was this -><- close to picking up an AQ power cable while at my local BB (for another Airport Express, AirPlay zone spdif to an MA5200) but then what do I upgrade to make the most difference? Preamp, Amp etc. Also they only had one left so I passed.

Currently streaming some Tidal

voltz

Of Course they do!

Everything Matters!

lord does even amp or speaker make a difference?j

Here is just my thoughts! As I have went thru many different ones starting with the Pangea's and Franks Signal cables one..now I have Voodoo cable & PS Audi and Douglas Connections power cable and a Audio art I got from Marvin that sounded to good to ever sell!

I trust what Marvin or Skip tell me to try and they have never failed me! so why have i never tried wireWorld or cullen? I never said I was the sharpest tool in the shed!

treitz3

......not according to some forums.....

LOL

Tom

afterburnt

Yes power cables make a difference! If I didn't upgrade all of my power cables I would have money for the Sub that I want. I do need to upgrade all of my Sub power cables though.

voltz

but as so many others here have said so many times...

Try them for yourself and make your own opinions on the subject!

Don't trust me or any piece of paper...trust your own ears as that is all that matters in this game.

If you don't hear a difference then maybe you setup can't hear any difference or your ears... consider yourself lucky as your going to save a lot of $$$ and stay away from that hole

Enjoy your ride in the audio world! may it be a good one! Hope you find something special to listen to.

mpitogo

Do recording studios use upgraded power cables? I’m thinking maybe or not...

F1nut

Recording studios and the reproduction of music in a home are not the same. That said, some of best studios use high end cables including power cords from MIT or Shunyata.

BlueFox

One of many professional use of Shunyata power cables and power conditioners.

"Located in the United Kingdom, Astoria Studio is widely recognized as one of the most respected recording studios in the world. Owned by David Gilmour of Pink Floyd, Astoria has served as recording venue to some of the most renowned recording artists in the music industry. Anyone familiar with the state-of-the-art production values on Dark Side Of The Moon, Wish You Were Here, Animals, The Wall, Momentary Lapse of Reason, The Division Bell, and David Gilmour in Concert 2002 DVD, can appreciate the meticulous nature with which the Pink Floyd albums are put together. Astoria Studio’s principles are renowned for reviewing every aspect of their recording chain continually. It was this perfectionist approach that led Astoria to seek out and implement Shunyata Research’s Hydra power distribution systems, PowerSnakes power cables and Aeros Series signal cables to their state-of-the-art recording equipment. Astoria’s principle engineers actively endorse Shunyata Research products to other studios and mastering engineers and have paved the way for may subsequent Shunyata studio applications."

http://shunyata.com/professionals-comment/

Clipdat

Suh-weet.

My Venom 14s should be shipping this week!

Joey_V

Just in general my experience

Silver core metal - cleaner edges of music, less hash
Larger gauge of power cable - more bass, warmth

Just my 2 cents

machone

Impressive

dolbyd

So I found another site talking about cables and found that Jay Victor is member of the site.
I did a search on PS Audio and Pangea and found a member who thought they were the same cable due to PS Audio using Patents from Jay.

This was his response.

No, Pangea cables and PS Audio cables are definitely not the same. XLO is the best I can do. Pangea is the most cost effective, and yes, does not rely on different shape conductors. It is interesting how good they sound, because it proves the importance of the geometry itself, without relying on very exotic materials. PS Audio is a step up from Pangea, and does offer better performance, and does utilize my patented conductor shapes. Thanks to all for the enthusiastic response to Pangea. I am very happy to be able to offer something that offers so much performance for such a modest price. Correction: I do not own Pangea. I design and manufacture the cables. Pangea is owned by WS Distributing. Thanks for your support!!! - Jay Victor

mantis

I've been through power cords of all kinds of levels and I've noticed very little differences in overall performance. Cost vs performance gains in my opinion might not be worth the retail price. If you can get them used or a good discount then the value goes up.
I use all custom power cords in my system for 2 reasons. 1 I like the small benefit in overall performance and lower noise floor and 2 I really like having correct length so I don't have a power cord mess behind my rack I gotta deal with. I upgrade and test gear all the time so having shorter power cords is golden.

Clipdat

I just put the Shunyata Venom 14 in place of the stock Marantz CD6004 cable. Listening now.

First thing I notice is that the stereo image/effect is noticeably better. I can actually move around now and hear the stereo image shifting/moving as I move in and out of it.

I've always thought that my system's stereo imaging was its weak point. The difference in imaging with this power cable on the CDP is NOT subtle. Wow.

Clipdat

It doesn't make any logical sense in my mind in regards to how a power cable could make this much of an improvement in stereo imaging. But wow. Crazy.

Tony M

Clipdat wrote: »

It doesn't make any logical sense in my mind in regards to how a power cable could make this much of an improvement in stereo imaging. But wow. Crazy.

And you haven't spent a fortune on a power cable yet. Imagine a 500.00 one. I'm reading more and more confirmations on what a good power cable can do.

alucididea

So, I was hoping to ask a question on this topic and didn’t see a reason to start another thread...

A couple months ago a finally purchased a Furman Elite 15PF i & an NAD M22 for my Polk LSIM 707s that were previously matched with my RX-A3070. Now I’m ready to purchase some cables and wanted to ask a question or two...

I’ve decided to go with the Pangea AC 9 MKII Signature power cable for the M22. But I was wondering whether it would behoove me to also purchase the same cable for the Furman power conditioner. I’m also considering getting another for the AVR as well. Should I even bother for the latter 2? Honestly I’m probabaly not going to bother with the AVR, but probabaly will for the Furman. Just thougt I’d consider some other points of view before I pull the trigger.

Also upgrading my HDMI cable and interconnects, as well. Though those are self explanatory to me.

F1nut

Same answer I gave in your other thread.

Clipdat

I feel like I've joined some elite group of people who have "seen the light" regarding the changes that an aftermarket power cable can bring! I'm a believer now!

pitdogg2

Oh you're in the group buddy trust me....

marvda1

alucididea wrote: »

So, I was hoping to ask a question on this topic and didn’t see a reason to start another thread...

A couple months ago a finally purchased a Furman Elite 15PF i & an NAD M22 for my Polk LSIM 707s that were previously matched with my RX-A3070. Now I’m ready to purchase some cables and wanted to ask a question or two...

I’ve decided to go with the Pangea AC 9 MKII Signature power cable for the M22. But I was wondering whether it would behoove me to also purchase the same cable for the Furman power conditioner. I’m also considering getting another for the AVR as well. Should I even bother for the latter 2? Honestly I’m probabaly not going to bother with the AVR, but probabaly will for the Furman. Just thougt I’d consider some other points of view before I pull the trigger.

Also upgrading my HDMI cable and interconnects, as well. Though those are self explanatory to me.

I think you might hate yourself for these heavy hard to control cables.
I highly recommend Cullen cables as a better option.
http://www.cullencable.com/
you can discuss with Cullen which models are best for you.

BlueFox

Clipdat wrote: »

I feel like I've joined some elite group of people who have "seen the light" regarding the changes that an aftermarket power cable can bring! I'm a believer now!

Good for you. This is just the start. Add in some decent power conditioning to go with power cords, and you are in a different game. Enjoy.

tonyb

I think the OP should upgrade his other cables first. I would normally go Speaker -interconnects=digital- then power cables.

K_M

I have read many internet claims of positive results with better cords.
On the other hand.....
None of the claims are ever substantiated.

mantis

Clipdat wrote: »

It doesn't make any logical sense in my mind in regards to how a power cable could make this much of an improvement in stereo imaging. But wow. Crazy.

They don't make huge differences unless the factory cord is poorly constructed and picking up interference. This is where aftermarket power chords make bigger differences. EMI and RF interference sucks and can ruin your sound quality. Your amp could care less where the signal is coming from. if it comes in then it's in.