I'll be damned...power cords really do make a difference!

cstpeter
cstpeter Posts: 387
edited July 2007 in 2 Channel Audio
Today I got a PS Audio Prelude power cord to replace my existing stock power cable on my integrated amp (specifically, the cord from my integrated to my power conditioner).

I've been critically listening for hours, and I'm certain there's a clear improvement. Music is more resolving, low registers are fuller, and there's more overall tonal enjoyment. I'm sold!

Well, I guess this means I'll be upgrading all my power cords...great. This f*&cking hobby is ridiculous!
Von Schweikert VR4-jr
Valve Audio Predator
Denon DVD-2900
PS Audio Digital Link III w/Cullen Level IV Mods
Pro-Ject Xpression w/Blue Point No. 2
Graham Slee Special Edition 2
PS Audio UPC-200
Post edited by cstpeter on
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Comments

  • wingnut4772
    wingnut4772 Posts: 7,519
    edited June 2007
    Don't rush to upgrade them all. Take your time to listen for a while and then make a decision.
    Sharp Elite 70
    Anthem D2V 3D
    Parasound 5250
    Parasound HCA 1000 A
    Parasound HCA 1000
    Oppo BDP 95
    Von Schweikert VR4 Jr R/L Fronts
    Von Schweikert LCR 4 Center
    Totem Mask Surrounds X4
    Hsu ULS-15 Quad Drive Subwoofers
    Sony PS3
    Squeezebox Touch

    Polk Atrium 7s on the patio just to keep my foot in the door.
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  • cstpeter
    cstpeter Posts: 387
    edited June 2007
    I hear ya Darla, but moderation and self-restraint have never really been my strong suits.
    Von Schweikert VR4-jr
    Valve Audio Predator
    Denon DVD-2900
    PS Audio Digital Link III w/Cullen Level IV Mods
    Pro-Ject Xpression w/Blue Point No. 2
    Graham Slee Special Edition 2
    PS Audio UPC-200
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  • wingnut4772
    wingnut4772 Posts: 7,519
    edited June 2007
    cstpeter wrote: »
    I hear ya Darla, but moderation and self-restraint have never really been my strong suits.

    Mine either:D If you really like the difference the power cord makes take your time and research others as well. I had very good luck with Harmonic Technology and Shunyata cords. I have PS Audio as well (Prelude) but I used the HTs for the Amp and Pre and preferred them over the PS Audios.

    I used the Shunyata for the power conditioners and my music source and the Preludes on my DVD player and subs. If I had the funds I would have used HT or Shunyata on all but that is just an example of the trial and error with different cords and how they can differ.
    Sharp Elite 70
    Anthem D2V 3D
    Parasound 5250
    Parasound HCA 1000 A
    Parasound HCA 1000
    Oppo BDP 95
    Von Schweikert VR4 Jr R/L Fronts
    Von Schweikert LCR 4 Center
    Totem Mask Surrounds X4
    Hsu ULS-15 Quad Drive Subwoofers
    Sony PS3
    Squeezebox Touch

    Polk Atrium 7s on the patio just to keep my foot in the door.
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  • RuSsMaN
    RuSsMaN Posts: 17,987
    edited June 2007
    Atta boy.
    Check your lips at the door woman. Shake your hips like battleships. Yeah, all the white girls trip when I sing at Sunday service.
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  • dudeinaroom
    dudeinaroom Posts: 3,609
    edited June 2007
    aaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhh gggggggggrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr I want some new goodies. One day when I grow up I'll get um
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  • tonyb
    tonyb Posts: 32,963
    edited June 2007
    Shhhhhhhh.....There might be an anti-audio hi-fi insurgent lurking around.
    HT SYSTEM-
    Sony 850c 4k
    Pioneer elite vhx 21
    Sony 4k BRP
    SVS SB-2000
    Polk Sig. 20's
    Polk FX500 surrounds

    Cables-
    Acoustic zen Satori speaker cables
    Acoustic zen Matrix 2 IC's
    Wireworld eclipse 7 ic's
    Audio metallurgy ga-o digital cable

    Kitchen

    Sonos zp90
    Grant Fidelity tube dac
    B&k 1420
    lsi 9's
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  • Midnite Mick
    Midnite Mick Posts: 1,591
    edited June 2007
    Congrats on the new PC. I love what a PC can bring to a system.

    Mike
    Modwright SWL 9.0 SE (6Sons Audio Thunderbird PC with Oyaide 004 terminations)
    Consonance cd120T
    Consonance Cyber 800 tube monoblocks (6Sons Audio Thunderbird PC's with Oyaide 004 terminations)
    Usher CP 6311

    Phillips Pronto TS1000 Universal Remote
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  • pearsall001
    pearsall001 Posts: 5,068
    edited June 2007
    If you're ever in Brooklyn, there's a nice bridge I want you to take a look at. LOL!!! :D
    "2 Channel & 11.2 HT "Two Channel:Magnepan LRSSchiit Audio Freya S - SS preConsonance Ref 50 - Tube preParasound HALO A21+ 2 channel ampBluesound NODE 2i streameriFi NEO iDSD DAC Oppo BDP-93KEF KC62 sub Home Theater:Full blown 11.2 set up.
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  • amulford
    amulford Posts: 5,020
    edited June 2007
    It is true, Phil. You just don't wanna believe it...
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  • pearsall001
    pearsall001 Posts: 5,068
    edited June 2007
    :eek:
    amulford wrote: »
    It is true, Phil. You just don't wanna believe it...

    Yo Ant, I'm just trying to get the juices flowing. These types of topics get both camps all fired up. As for me, I'm a believer. I have Signal & LAT power cords & they're all keepers. Which camp is going to fire the first shot? Let the war begin!!!!
    "2 Channel & 11.2 HT "Two Channel:Magnepan LRSSchiit Audio Freya S - SS preConsonance Ref 50 - Tube preParasound HALO A21+ 2 channel ampBluesound NODE 2i streameriFi NEO iDSD DAC Oppo BDP-93KEF KC62 sub Home Theater:Full blown 11.2 set up.
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  • Systems
    Systems Posts: 14,873
    edited June 2007
    pearsall001 wrote: »
    :eek:

    As for me, I'm a believer.
    Im a believer as well ,I find my system sounds much more dynamic and musical when I use a PC on each component.:D
    Testing
    Testing
    Testing
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  • pearsall001
    pearsall001 Posts: 5,068
    edited June 2007
    GV#27 wrote: »
    Im a believer as well ,I find my system sounds much more dynamic and musical when I use a PC on each component.:D

    See, I told ya. It's starting already!!! I love it!
    "2 Channel & 11.2 HT "Two Channel:Magnepan LRSSchiit Audio Freya S - SS preConsonance Ref 50 - Tube preParasound HALO A21+ 2 channel ampBluesound NODE 2i streameriFi NEO iDSD DAC Oppo BDP-93KEF KC62 sub Home Theater:Full blown 11.2 set up.
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  • Midnite Mick
    Midnite Mick Posts: 1,591
    edited June 2007
    Why would you have to buy a PC? When you buy a piece of equipment it comes with one that is perfectly adequate. Only an idiot would spend extra money on something that they don't need nor makes any difference at all.

    Mike
    Modwright SWL 9.0 SE (6Sons Audio Thunderbird PC with Oyaide 004 terminations)
    Consonance cd120T
    Consonance Cyber 800 tube monoblocks (6Sons Audio Thunderbird PC's with Oyaide 004 terminations)
    Usher CP 6311

    Phillips Pronto TS1000 Universal Remote
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  • Ricardo
    Ricardo Posts: 10,636
    edited June 2007
    Midnite Mick wrote: »
    Why would you have to buy a PC? When you buy a piece of equipment it comes with one that is perfectly adequate. Only an idiot would spend extra money on something that they don't need nor makes any difference at all.

    Mike


    Right; and more so when you consider the crappy wire from the outlet back to the panel, the thin wire that's inside the fuse, etc.
    _________________________________________________
    ***\\\\\........................... My Audio Journey ............................./////***

    2008 & 2010 Football Pool WINNER
    SOPA
    Thank God for different opinions. Imagine the world if we all wanted the same woman
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  • dudeinaroom
    dudeinaroom Posts: 3,609
    edited June 2007
    I found the best upgrade so far for a PC is to plug it in.
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  • venomclan
    venomclan Posts: 2,467
    edited June 2007
    Make it stop!
    I am still trying to figure out my IC/Cable synergy thing. The hell with power cords. :(
    V
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  • dkg999
    dkg999 Posts: 5,647
    edited June 2007
    Who really cares if they actually make a difference :p It's the coolness factor that matters :cool: Those big honk'in power cords snaking out from behind the HT/2 ch rig into the power conditioner makes a profound impact on the non-audio enthusiast. Especially the PS Audio ones with the diamond back type pattern on them. It just reeks of "this is serious **** that you just can't comprehend". Now if someone could make power cables that glow a dim blue color, and market the glowing blue as using up the random electrons and rf energy that mucks up your sound, I'd be all over that ****. How bodaciously cool would a 6 ft blue glowing power cable be :D

    And by the way, they do make a difference ;)
    DKG999
    HT System: LSi9, LSiCx2, LSiFX, LSi7, SVS 20-39 PC+, B&K 507.s2 AVR, B&K Ref 125.2, Tripplite LCR-2400, Cambridge 650BD, Signal Cable PC/SC, BJC IC, Samsung 55" LED

    Music System: Magnepan 1.6QR, SVS SB12+, ARC pre, Parasound HCA1500 vertically bi-amped, Jolida CDP, Pro-Ject RM5.1SE TT, Pro-Ject TubeBox SE phono pre, SBT, PS Audio DLIII DAC
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  • Systems
    Systems Posts: 14,873
    edited June 2007
    pearsall001 wrote: »
    See, I told ya. It's starting already!!! I love it!
    Get your popcorn and be ready to watch the show.:D
    Testing
    Testing
    Testing
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  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,137
    edited June 2007
    tonyb wrote: »
    Shhhhhhhh.....There might be an anti-audio hi-fi insurgent lurking around.

    WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
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  • pearsall001
    pearsall001 Posts: 5,068
    edited June 2007
    Shame on all you non-believers. We need to revoke your audiophile cards. :eek:
    "2 Channel & 11.2 HT "Two Channel:Magnepan LRSSchiit Audio Freya S - SS preConsonance Ref 50 - Tube preParasound HALO A21+ 2 channel ampBluesound NODE 2i streameriFi NEO iDSD DAC Oppo BDP-93KEF KC62 sub Home Theater:Full blown 11.2 set up.
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  • treitz3
    treitz3 Posts: 19,029
    edited June 2007
    Yes, audiophile cards to be revoked!

    Cstpeter's observations are spot on with mine when I upgraded the PC to my Rega Apollo. I would like to add one more thing, though. The volume was increased, especially in the midrange/ vocal areas without touching the volume knob or making any other adjustments on the rig.

    It also made a more than slight improvement on the Polk Audio PSW1000 when the PC was upgraded. Wasn't really pleased with the sub when I got it, but when the PC was upgraded, all of a sudden I was pleased. Bass tightened up quite a bit and the transition from the sub and RTi10's improved. I noticed after the PC upgrade that I was listening to music a notch or three louder than before [even after raising the volume on the sub itself] because the bass wasn't as "boomy", it was simply more accurate allowing me to turn the volume up louder without getting that "boom".

    The cord I choose was an Analysis Plus copper. The silver was auditioned, but I couldn't justify a $400 smacker difference in price [compared to the copper]. There was an improvement with the silver, but not enough of an improvement over the copper for me to justify that kind of money right now.

    In conclusion, yes. They do make a difference. Maybe not in everyone's rig, but IMO if you have a high enough resolution system......it would be worth your while to try / audition / swap PC's and find out which cords make the best improvement in different areas of your rig, as it is my belief that one type or brand of PC will not be "the best" for everything in one's rig.
    ~ In search of accurate reproduction of music. Real sound is my reference and while perfection may not be attainable? If I chase it, I might just catch excellence. ~
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  • dragon1952
    dragon1952 Posts: 4,899
    edited June 2007
    Midnite Mick wrote: »
    Why would you have to buy a PC? When you buy a piece of equipment it comes with one that is perfectly adequate. Only an idiot would spend extra money on something that they don't need nor makes any difference at all.
    Mike

    Good grief. That's just an argument that people use to rationalize the fact that they're too cheap to spring for one :rolleyes:
    Women are born with **** too but that doesn't mean that they (the ****) are perfectly adequate. Just ask a few. Sheesh, they might provide a baby some nourishment but they may not make your eyes glaze over. :D
    It's exactly the same with a PC.
    2 channel - Willsenton R8 tube integrated, Holo Audio Spring 3 KTE DAC, audio optimized NUC7i5, Windows 10 Pro/JRiver MC29/Fidelizer Plus 8.7 w/LPS and external SSD drive, PS Audio PerfectWave P3 regenerator, KEF R3 speakers, Rythmik F12SE subwoofer, Audioquest Diamond USB cable, Gabriel Gold IC's, Morrow Audio SP5 speaker cables. Computer - Windows 10/JRiver, Schiit Magni 3+/Modi 3+, Fostex PMO.4n monitors, Sennheiser HD600 headphones
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  • WilliamM2
    WilliamM2 Posts: 4,775
    edited June 2007
    Sheesh, they might provide a baby some nourishment but they may not make your eyes glaze over.
    It's exactly the same with a PC.

    Spot on! It is exactly same. They are just for looks, and don't perform any better.:p
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  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,137
    edited June 2007
    treitz3 wrote: »
    The volume was increased, especially in the midrange/ vocal areas without touching the volume knob or making any other adjustments on the rig.


    Early B. had the same improvement/change when upgrading the power cord on his Oppo player. The increase in volume. That really sparked a savage debate because the digital one and zeros naysayers really came out of the woodwork.
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  • treitz3
    treitz3 Posts: 19,029
    edited June 2007
    I stand by what I said and I will not waiver, H.I..
    ~ In search of accurate reproduction of music. Real sound is my reference and while perfection may not be attainable? If I chase it, I might just catch excellence. ~
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  • treitz3
    treitz3 Posts: 19,029
    edited June 2007
    By the way, why does it have to be one way or another? Some folks may hear better than others. Some folks have a **** system that improvements like a PC won't make a damn bit of difference. Some folks are just plain stubborn.

    Why the debate? Can we not just give, or offer observations and be prepared to offer more information about certain equipment or parameters when called upon? That would make it a hell of alot easier for those folks who are wanting to learn to make up there own mind.

    People that try to push subjective "facts" really need to get a grip on life.

    OK, I'm done.;)
    ~ In search of accurate reproduction of music. Real sound is my reference and while perfection may not be attainable? If I chase it, I might just catch excellence. ~
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  • treitz3
    treitz3 Posts: 19,029
    edited June 2007
    Sorry about the triple post, but I just had a thought. EarlyB had the same observations I had, right? I don't know him from adam, never talked to him, never PM'd him, never read about him saying this before. Yet, we still had the same observations.

    This just proves to me that he's got a good set of ears and he has excellent observations.
    ~ In search of accurate reproduction of music. Real sound is my reference and while perfection may not be attainable? If I chase it, I might just catch excellence. ~
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  • W WALDECKER
    W WALDECKER Posts: 900
    edited June 2007
    Midnite Mick wrote: »
    Why would you have to buy a PC? When you buy a piece of equipment it comes with one that is perfectly adequate. Only an idiot would spend extra money on something that they don't need nor makes any difference at all.

    Mike
    I am a Idiot who payed Signal cable a modest sum of money for four custom made 6' power cables :eek: . its a cheap and worthwhile tweak in my book :cool:
    Rogue Audio stereo 100 tube amplifier - Lector Zoe preamplifier with 6H30 pi's
    .Audience AU24SE speaker and ic cables- Chord Qutest DAC - Black Cat Silverstar II 75ohm digital cable-Tyler Acoustics Linbrook Signature system with large bass cabinets to accommodate 10" Seas magnesium woofers.2xhmpsuownoj.jpg
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  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,137
    edited June 2007
    Um treitz3, I'm getting the feeling you took what I wrote as a dig or a shot.:confused::confused::confused: I use a Signal Cable Magic power cord on my preamp outboard power supply, Musical Concepts power cord upgrades on my Adcom 565s. Great power cords, if nothing else, lowers the noise floor.
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  • schwarcw
    schwarcw Posts: 7,337
    edited June 2007
    dragon1952 wrote: »
    Women are born with **** too but that doesn't mean that they (the ****) are perfectly adequate. Just ask a few. Sheesh, they might provide a baby some nourishment but they may not make your eyes glaze over. :D
    It's exactly the same with a PC.

    I never thought of that anology! Thanks for the words of wisdom. It gives me one more reason to look at ****!:D

    Off to the tasteful bsbe thread
    Carl

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