Do power cables make a difference?

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  • mhardy6647
    mhardy6647 Posts: 32,926
    edited April 2018
    rdw0mcbl73j2.png

    Who knew?

    http://www.visittrollaskagi.is/en/about-trollaskagi/location

    (I'd add that this geographical feature doesn't much look like a peninsula to me, but I wouldn't want to be accused of sounding like a -- well -- you know...)
  • afterburnt
    afterburnt Posts: 7,892
    Some sexy electronical talk for everyone but the op https://youtu.be/5lHPjcXhK4c
  • mikeyb128
    mikeyb128 Posts: 2,885
    Even if he does here a difference, my guess is he won’t admit it.

    Upgraded power cables on my amp has Made the least difference as compared to source components which is very obvious.
    2 channel:
    Bryston 4B3, Bryston BDA3, Cary SLP05, Shanling CDT1000SE with parts conneXion level 2 mods, Nottingham analogue ace space 294, soundsmith Carmen MKii, Zu DL103 MKii, Ortofon MC 20 MKii, Dynavector XX2 MKii, Rogue Audio Ares, Core power technologies balanced power conditioner, Akiko Corelli power conditioner with Akiko Audio HQ power cable, Nordost heimdall 2, Frey 2, interconnects, speaker and power cables, Focal Electra 1028 BE 2, Auralic Aries Femto, Black diamond racing cones, ingress audio level 1 roller blocks, JL Audio E110 with Auralic subdude, Primacoustics room treatments.
    Theater:
    Focal Aria 926,905,CC900, SVS PB ultra x2. Pioneer Elite SC85, Oppo BDP93, Panamax M5400PM, Minix neox6, Nordost Blue heaven LS power cables.

  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 49,708
    mpitogo wrote: »
    I read another thread that you can hear a difference in power cables. Not to hijack the thread I thought I’d start a new thread. I think it’s a bunch of baloney.

    Assuming you have a standard AC outlet how far do you go back to upgrade your wiring? Get new AC outlets? Get new electrical runs? Get new breaker panel? And new breakers? Get new 200A service wire to your house? Request 3 phase commercial power?

    A power regulator and noise conditioner I get, the transformers need good clean AC. But what is the point of an upgraded power cord to assuming a standard IEC receptacle. Once the new power cord is plugged in, what kind of wiring is inside? Also I’ve seen fuse upgrades, really? $100 for a new fuse will make a sonic difference? Really, after AC has gone through a transformer (likely) and then rectified and regulated (unless it’s an AC circuit) will the fuse allow more current than a standard one... nope, it’s supposted to commit suiside.

    If people continue to buy, there will always be a market for suckers IMHO.

    Ignorance is no excuse.
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  • ZLTFUL
    ZLTFUL Posts: 5,640
    1nm9bzznxd2i.gif
    "Some people find it easier to be conceited rather than correct."

    "Unwad those panties and have a good time man. We're all here to help each other, no matter how it might appear." DSkip
  • afterburnt
    afterburnt Posts: 7,892
    "Do power cables make a difference?" Yes, because without them life itself would be impossible.
  • afterburnt
    afterburnt Posts: 7,892
    mhardy6647 wrote: »
    rdw0mcbl73j2.png

    Who knew?

    http://www.visittrollaskagi.is/en/about-trollaskagi/location

    (I'd add that this geographical feature doesn't much look like a peninsula to me, but I wouldn't want to be accused of sounding like a -- well -- you know...)

    I guess that depends on what the meaning of peninsula is.
  • mpitogo
    mpitogo Posts: 475
    edited April 2018
    I was just in Iceland! Nice place to visit and tour. Brought home some vinyl from Tonar and Lucky Records in Reykjavik.

    @motorstereo those are some impressive cables. Good luck with them.

    I think I went in the wrong direction, a few weeks ago I bought a Panamax M5400-PM and it raised the noise floor, it’s physically loud and I read it’s due to the regulation.
    • Living Room Music-2.0 Polk Legend L800 | McIntosh C70 | McIntosh MA5200 (Treble) | McIntosh MC452 (Bass) | Sublimeacoustic K231 Active xover | Denon DP-2500A | Denafrips Ares II | Belkin Soundform Connect | iPad Air USB to DAC
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  • afterburnt
    afterburnt Posts: 7,892
    Yeah walk that **** back
  • tonyb
    tonyb Posts: 32,902
    mpitogo wrote: »
    If people continue to buy, there will always be a market for suckers IMHO.

    BTW...would you keep buying a product if it sucked or didn't make a difference over a cheaper alternative....any product ? No, you wouldn't.

    Power cord brands continue to have repeat customers who usually move up in series of a particular brand. Much the same way with other cables. If they didn't produce any results, nobody would fork over the kind of money some require and their rep would be dirt.

    We say this often, but not often enough it appears to have it sink in.

    Audio is played on many levels. Just because you don't participate in a certain level doesn't mean the others are not viable. Heck, I can't participate at levels many here do, doesn't mean I can't appreciate their level, or at least get an ear on things even if I can never afford them. The appreciation for this audio hobby of ours doesn't end when your wallet does. Unfortunately some hold opinions based on the wallet, not the experiences they may acquire. Which in my opinion, really holds one back if musical enjoyment is the goal.

    Just sayin'....nothing personal, but this audio thing requires one to step outside comfort zones, get ears on things even if they are beyond your means. This at least gives you a baseline of sound to shoot for in your own system. Moving forward requires some trial and error too, and that means your going to experience some tu-rds, as well as some keepers. That's just simply the nature of the beast.

    To call people who buy upgraded power cords "suckers", is a bit over the line imho.
    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
  • mikeyb128
    mikeyb128 Posts: 2,885
    ^^ good point. Cable companies wouldn’t be in business if their products didn’t work.
    2 channel:
    Bryston 4B3, Bryston BDA3, Cary SLP05, Shanling CDT1000SE with parts conneXion level 2 mods, Nottingham analogue ace space 294, soundsmith Carmen MKii, Zu DL103 MKii, Ortofon MC 20 MKii, Dynavector XX2 MKii, Rogue Audio Ares, Core power technologies balanced power conditioner, Akiko Corelli power conditioner with Akiko Audio HQ power cable, Nordost heimdall 2, Frey 2, interconnects, speaker and power cables, Focal Electra 1028 BE 2, Auralic Aries Femto, Black diamond racing cones, ingress audio level 1 roller blocks, JL Audio E110 with Auralic subdude, Primacoustics room treatments.
    Theater:
    Focal Aria 926,905,CC900, SVS PB ultra x2. Pioneer Elite SC85, Oppo BDP93, Panamax M5400PM, Minix neox6, Nordost Blue heaven LS power cables.

  • afterburnt
    afterburnt Posts: 7,892
    @tonyb I respectfully disagree with you. Calling people "suckers" for buying power cables is a travesty of a mockery of a sham of a mockery of a travesty of two mockeries of a sham. I call people names all of the time not because of who they are but because of who I am. Look, I am sending you out like sheep among wolves; therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. I hope this helps. :#
  • mhardy6647
    mhardy6647 Posts: 32,926
    afterburnt wrote: »
    mhardy6647 wrote: »
    rdw0mcbl73j2.png

    Who knew?

    http://www.visittrollaskagi.is/en/about-trollaskagi/location

    (I'd add that this geographical feature doesn't much look like a peninsula to me, but I wouldn't want to be accused of sounding like a -- well -- you know...)

    I guess that depends on what the meaning of peninsula is.

    Well, I think it meets the letter of the definition of a peninsula... but it's kind of a broad peninsula, you know?

    Now Florida. Florida's a peninsula. Almost embarrassingly peninsular, I would opine.

  • afterburnt
    afterburnt Posts: 7,892
    It's not in the right place either.
  • tonyb
    tonyb Posts: 32,902
    afterburnt wrote: »
    @tonyb I respectfully disagree with you. Calling people "suckers" for buying power cables is a travesty of a mockery of a sham of a mockery of a travesty of two mockeries of a sham. I call people names all of the time not because of who they are but because of who I am. Look, I am sending you out like sheep among wolves; therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. I hope this helps. :#

    Dang it Bruce....are you actually speaking English ? LOL

    Between you and the Professor, I'm gonna need a rubber room sooner rather than later. :)

    Back to power cords, in more simpler terms. Hey, try one...if it works for you, cool. If not, also cool, and just move on. See how easy it is....
    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
  • Clipdat
    Clipdat Posts: 12,557
    edited April 2018
    Did somebody mention Florida?

    giphy.gif
    mhardy6647 wrote: »
    Well, I think it meets the letter of the definition of a peninsula... but it's kind of a broad peninsula, you know?

    Now Florida. Florida's a peninsula. Almost embarrassingly peninsular, I would opine.

  • afterburnt
    afterburnt Posts: 7,892
    @tonyb not so much it's word salad, my people call it ensalada de palabras or maize or something.
  • mhardy6647
    mhardy6647 Posts: 32,926
    Sham and a mockery, two bits!

    oh, I may have seriously dated myself with that allusion -- not to mention the complete inanity of my attempted play on words :p
  • afterburnt
    afterburnt Posts: 7,892
  • halo
    halo Posts: 5,616
    mhardy6647 wrote: »
    Sham and a mockery, two bits!

    oh, I may have seriously dated myself with that allusion -- not to mention the complete inanity of my attempted play on words :p

    Shave & a haircut, two bits!

    https://youtu.be/6ds6w7SkHyw
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  • kharp1
    kharp1 Posts: 3,453
    mpitogo wrote: »
    I read another thread that you can hear a difference in power cables. Not to hijack the thread I thought I’d start a new thread. I think it’s a bunch of baloney.

    Assuming you have a standard AC outlet how far do you go back to upgrade your wiring? Get new AC outlets? Get new electrical runs? Get new breaker panel? And new breakers? Get new 200A service wire to your house? Request 3 phase commercial power?

    A power regulator and noise conditioner I get, the transformers need good clean AC. But what is the point of an upgraded power cord to assuming a standard IEC receptacle. Once the new power cord is plugged in, what kind of wiring is inside? Also I’ve seen fuse upgrades, really? $100 for a new fuse will make a sonic difference? Really, after AC has gone through a transformer (likely) and then rectified and regulated (unless it’s an AC circuit) will the fuse allow more current than a standard one... nope, it’s supposted to commit suiside.

    If people continue to buy, there will always be a market for suckers IMHO.

    Everything added in the chain is a piece of a circuit. Capacitors have very distinct traits and it's noticeable when you change cap "x" out for cap "y." The same is true, to varying degrees, for every link in the chain, be it power cord, speaker cable, one dac chip for another, etc.

    If you don't understand it, try it. Sometimes our mind is our biggest enemy.

    Some equipment responds better to accessory changes better than others.
  • afterburnt
    afterburnt Posts: 7,892
    How do you folks feel about upgrading sub woofer cables?
  • EndersShadow
    EndersShadow Posts: 17,517
    afterburnt wrote: »
    How do you folks feel about upgrading sub woofer cables?

    I've done it...... I'm running some Wireworld Equinox XLR's to my Crown amps. I've got DIY Douglas Connection Speakon cables for the amp to sub connections though.

    I had GREAT success with Audioquest Black Thunder RCA cables when I had a regular sub. I'm going to eventually buy another set of them for my Denon to MiniDSP, right now I'm running a pair of BJC LC-1's.
    "....not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted." William Bruce Cameron, Informal Sociology: A Casual Introduction to Sociological Thinking (1963)
  • GlennDog
    GlennDog Posts: 3,084
    afterburnt wrote: »
    How do you folks feel about upgrading sub woofer cables?

    I've done it...... I'm running some Wireworld Equinox XLR's to my Crown amps. I've got DIY Douglas Connection Speakon cables for the amp to sub connections though.

    I had GREAT success with Audioquest Black Thunder RCA cables when I had a regular sub. I'm going to eventually buy another set of them for my Denon to MiniDSP, right now I'm running a pair of BJC LC-1's.

    My rig needs improvement in this area . . , can you comment further on Equinox?
    AC Regenerator PS Audio PerfectWave Power Plant 10
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  • afterburnt
    afterburnt Posts: 7,892
    afterburnt wrote: »
    How do you folks feel about upgrading sub woofer cables?

    Duh, I should have said "power cables"
  • pitdogg2
    pitdogg2 Posts: 24,474
    afterburnt wrote: »
    How do you folks feel about upgrading sub woofer cables?

    I plug my sub directly in the wall love that 60hz thump :p
  • mpitogo
    mpitogo Posts: 475
    edited April 2018
    I swapped out RCA cables between my preamp and amp for balanced audio cables in the LR 2.0. The difference is incremental but the RCA was’t bad, if anything there is better noise rejection. One thing I can say which improved my main LR 2.0 is the amp upgrade to an RB-1590 over the MA5200 integrated. The LSiM707 wasn’t bass shy but bass region now sounds fuller and deeper. It hits harder and I’m running no equalization from either the MA5200 (which doesn’t have any) or the C47 (tone off for all inputs). The speaker cables are dual BJC Canare 4S11 with their ultrasonicly welded 45deg spades, total 5ga per speaker or 8ga per section.

    yitcn6nqk9pe.jpeg

    From an electrical engineering standpoint I can understand this but power cables are something I’m trying to understand. I watched the videos but looks to have been sponsored by AQ. I own some of their cables but still skeptical.

    @tonyb totally get it, AQ Dragon power cable at $4400 would do nothing for my system, but if it where mated to a Goldmund $550K Apologue speaker, that AQ $4k power cable would pale in comparison to what they must include. Systems are the sum of its parts and depending on the level we play in there are only so much you can do before power of diminishing returns kick in.

    @Afterburner if you ask me all subwoofers should use balanced audio cables. Placement probably dictate longer distances between components and standard cables pick up noise.
    • Living Room Music-2.0 Polk Legend L800 | McIntosh C70 | McIntosh MA5200 (Treble) | McIntosh MC452 (Bass) | Sublimeacoustic K231 Active xover | Denon DP-2500A | Denafrips Ares II | Belkin Soundform Connect | iPad Air USB to DAC
    • Media Room Ht-7.2.6/13.1 (Atmos/Auro-3D) Polk LSiM707, LSiM706c, LSiM702 F/X [x4], height LSiM703 [x6], HSU VTF-15H MK2 Dual | Marantz AV8805A | Rotel RB-1590 (L/R) | Appollon NC500 11ch | Sony UBP-X800 | AppleTV 4K | JVC RS2100
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    • Office-2.0 Ascend Acoustics Sierra LX, DSW microPRO3000 | Rotel RA-1570 | Marantz HD-CD1
    • Daughter's Bedroom 1-2.0 TBD Martin Logan Forte
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