Cable Non-Believers: Onkyo TX-SR805 power cord

GEBBY44
GEBBY44 Posts: 939
edited July 2008 in Electronics
I just recently tried this out and dedicate this to anyone believing that a power cord could NEVER make a difference.

Stock Onkyo TX-SR805 with stock power cord vs. Signal Magic Power

With the receiver powering large floorstanders, the difference is arguably the most audible difference I've heard among single changes in components. After listening with the stock power cord, the Signal cord almost sounds overly bright as it highlights the veiled, electronic sound of the stock cord. I realize that with a receiver, the signal is passed through plenty of relays and circuits, but it doesn't change the fact that it doesn't do it the same with each respective cord.
Post edited by GEBBY44 on
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  • thuchien
    thuchien Posts: 103
    edited July 2008
    same thing happen to me when I use cobalt cable power cord on my amplifier. More bright and open sound.
    Sony 60" XBR2
    PIONEER SC 05
    Samsung BD-UP 5000

    7.1 SETUP
    Infinity P-FR with 12" build in sub
    Infinity P-CC
    4 Infinity P QPS
    Kef sub 4000

    pure av PF60
    3 cobalt speaker cables
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  • Gaara
    Gaara Posts: 2,415
    edited July 2008
    Been there done that, I guess I must be deaf, oh well.
    The Basement HT
    PC Rig
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  • GEBBY44
    GEBBY44 Posts: 939
    edited July 2008
    Must also mention that it was most evident with bluegrass/jam music and hip hop. So obviously YMMV.
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  • mdschlayer
    mdschlayer Posts: 209
    edited July 2008
    I second this opinion - went from stock PC for Harman Kardon AVR 430 to Signal Cable Magic Power PC. Not only did I notice the highs open up, the lows were louder and tighter. And not just a slight improvement. My girlfriend even noticed a difference.
    I'm getting another one for my Bryston amplifier.
    LSi15's, LSiC, LSiF/x's, LSi7's, vr3 crossover upgrades, SVS PC-12 Plus, SVS SB-16 Ultra, Marantz AV8805, Parasound amps, LG OLED65C9PUA, Clarus Crimson, Signal Cable, Atlas Cable, Shunyata and Synergistic A/C conditioning, dedicated Cardas 30A and Furutech 20A AC lines, Box Furniture, Solid Tech ROS, Symposium roller blocks
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  • Sherardp
    Sherardp Posts: 8,038
    edited July 2008
    went there also, magic power cord on my 7100ES. nice combo.
    Shoot the jumper.....................BALLIN.............!!!!!

    Home Theater Pics in the Showcase :cool:

    http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showcase/view.php?userid=73580
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  • PolkThug
    PolkThug Posts: 7,532
    edited July 2008
    You should have directed your post to the 'believers of immeasurable differences", not "Non-Believers". :)
    Never Forget
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  • Gaara
    Gaara Posts: 2,415
    edited July 2008
    PolkThug wrote: »
    You should have directed your post to the 'believers of immeasurable differences", not "Non-Believers". :)

    Cmon now we all know that science has nothing to do with audio, measurements like capacitance, resistance and inductance have no bearing, just what we hear. And of course there are no small differences, everything is night/day. Then there is the placebo affect which doesn't seem to have any affect on people anymore especially since the girlfriend/wife/dog heard the difference to...not like you asked a leading question or anything.
    The Basement HT
    PC Rig
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  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited July 2008
    Due to a ground loop problem, I had to use a cheater plug with the stock cord on my Mac MC-126. I then swapped it for a PS audio cable with a removable ground pin and the difference was pretty substantial to the soundstage and high frequencies.
    "He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich Nietzsche
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  • Erik Tracy
    Erik Tracy Posts: 4,673
    edited July 2008
    Well - you do know that it REALLY takes magic pebbles taped to your cables for the ultimate improvement! ;)
    http://www.machinadynamica.com/machina31.htm

    And don't forget the magic liquid for your CDs:
    http://www.audiocircle.com/circles/index.php?topic=52185.0

    And who can forget the special one-way cable from Denon:
    http://www.usa.denon.com/ProductDetails/3429.asp

    Gotta (g)eek out all we can from those electrons running around in our gear! :D

    Just hitting the bee-hive....(dropping stick and running....)

    H9: If you don't trust what you are hearing, then maybe you need to be less invested in a hobby which all the pleasure comes from listening to music.
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  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited July 2008
    Erik Tracy wrote: »
    Just hitting the bee-hive....(dropping stick and running....)
    (Picks up stick and starts chasing you with it) :D

    Hey, you never know until you try. As a disclaimer though, I'd NEVER try any of the items you listed.
    "He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich Nietzsche
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  • Erik Tracy
    Erik Tracy Posts: 4,673
    edited July 2008
    Face wrote: »
    (Picks up stick and starts chasing you with it) :D

    Hey, you never know until you try. As a disclaimer though, I'd NEVER try any of the items you listed.

    Suppose I built this giant pyramid over my gear - you think it might make a difference? :p

    H9: If you don't trust what you are hearing, then maybe you need to be less invested in a hobby which all the pleasure comes from listening to music.
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  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited July 2008
    I don't know. Why don't you try it and get back to us. Take plenty of pictures. :D
    "He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich Nietzsche
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  • mrbigbluelight
    mrbigbluelight Posts: 9,878
    edited July 2008
    You could build a pyramid over your PS1 SACD player. ;)
    Sal Palooza
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  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited July 2008
    Or he could just buy one of these.
    PSA_3-4_page.jpg
    http://www.nagraaudio.com/highend/index.php
    "He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich Nietzsche
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  • GEBBY44
    GEBBY44 Posts: 939
    edited July 2008
    Now that's purdy.
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  • janmike
    janmike Posts: 6,146
    edited July 2008
    That is one very different looking amp.
    Michael ;)
    In the beginning, all knowledge was new!
    NORTH of 60°
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  • AndyGwis
    AndyGwis Posts: 3,655
    edited July 2008
    I just put a XLO Reference 2 10A on my 507S2. Need to listen for differences. Also put a MIT Z-stabilizer in the 2-channel rig and outfitted it with Absolute Power Cords all around.

    I had an MIT Z-Cord II but sold it to cover some other purchases.
    Stereo Rig: Hales Revelation 3, Musical Fidelity CD-Pre 24, Forte Model 3 amp, Lexicon RT-10 SACD, MMF-5 w/speedbox, Forte Model 2 Phono Pre, Cardas Crosslink, APC H15, URC MX-950, Lovan Stand
    Bedroom: Samsung HPR-4252, Toshiba HD-A2, HK 3480, Signal Cable, AQ speaker cable, Totem Dreamcatchers, SVS PB10-NSD, URC MX-850
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  • Monster Jam
    Monster Jam Posts: 919
    edited July 2008
    GEBBY44 wrote: »
    Stock Onkyo TX-SR805 with stock power cord vs. Signal Magic Power


    I'm thinking of upgrading my HK receiver amp cord with a Signal Magic Power cord. I'm wondering what the "Plus" is on it, because my HK cord is Masterwork, so the Magic Power cord needs to be at least +2 or better to get any appreciable benefit. Also, most magic items glow when used; does this one glow as well?
    Do you hear that buzzing noise? :confused:
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  • Monster Jam
    Monster Jam Posts: 919
    edited July 2008
    Erik Tracy wrote: »
    And who can forget the special one-way cable from Denon:
    http://www.usa.denon.com/ProductDetails/3429.asp


    AK-DL1

    $499.00

    Denon's 1.5 meter (59 in.) proprietary ultra premium Denon Link cable was designed for the audio enthusiast. Made from high purity copper wire and high performance connection parts, the AK-DL1 will bring out all the nuances in digital audio reproduction from any of our Denon DVD players with the Denon Link feature connected to a Denon Link enabled Denon A/V receiver. The AK-DL1 employs high level tin-bearing alloy shielding not typically available in commercial cabling, to eliminate data loss caused by noise. Additionally, signal directional markings are provided for optimum signal transfer. Attention to detail when building this cable was used by employing high quality insulation and woven jacketing to reduce vibration and to add durability. Rounded plug levers help prevent breakage.

    :rolleyes:

    I don't even own Denon gear and I am embarrased for them in regards to this.
    Do you hear that buzzing noise? :confused:
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  • AndyGwis
    AndyGwis Posts: 3,655
    edited July 2008
    Monster Jam wrote: »
    Denon's 1.5 meter (59 in.) proprietary ultra premium Denon Link cable was designed for the audio enthusiast. Made from high purity copper wire and high performance connection parts, the AK-DL1 will bring out all the nuances in digital audio reproduction from any of our Denon DVD players with the Denon Link feature connected to a Denon Link enabled Denon A/V receiver. The AK-DL1 employs high level tin-bearing alloy shielding not typically available in commercial cabling, to eliminate data loss caused by noise. Additionally, signal directional markings are provided for optimum signal transfer. Attention to detail when building this cable was used by employing high quality insulation and woven jacketing to reduce vibration and to add durability. Rounded plug levers help prevent breakage.

    I love that! THey should throw an "THX Ultra 3" on it and charge $1000. "Ultra Premium." Great description.

    Customer: Is this a good cable. . . I mean, even better than MONSTER?
    Sales Guy: Yes, sir, says right there "ultra premium."

    Great line at the end, too "rounded plug levers help prevent breakage."

    You mean, I can buy a $500 ethernet cable and not even have to worry that much about the plastic locking lever busting off? What a tremendous deal. Throw this, some magic pebbles, a couple cable risers, and some snake oil on my BOSE super deluxe high def system and let's rock!!!
    Stereo Rig: Hales Revelation 3, Musical Fidelity CD-Pre 24, Forte Model 3 amp, Lexicon RT-10 SACD, MMF-5 w/speedbox, Forte Model 2 Phono Pre, Cardas Crosslink, APC H15, URC MX-950, Lovan Stand
    Bedroom: Samsung HPR-4252, Toshiba HD-A2, HK 3480, Signal Cable, AQ speaker cable, Totem Dreamcatchers, SVS PB10-NSD, URC MX-850
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  • Erik Tracy
    Erik Tracy Posts: 4,673
    edited July 2008
    Monster Jam wrote: »
    I'm thinking of upgrading my HK receiver amp cord with a Signal Magic Power cord. I'm wondering what the "Plus" is on it, because my HK cord is Masterwork, so the Magic Power cord needs to be at least +2 or better to get any appreciable benefit. Also, most magic items glow when used; does this one glow as well?

    If you have the cables of purity in your possession while taping the magic pebbles of stability to your forehead, and you quaff the CD potion of enhancement 1 turn before your listening session, you get +2 to imaging and +3 to dynamics along with a 10% bonus to save against treble distortion.

    Erik "who used to be a DM in a previous incarnation" Tracy

    H9: If you don't trust what you are hearing, then maybe you need to be less invested in a hobby which all the pleasure comes from listening to music.
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  • John K.
    John K. Posts: 822
    edited July 2008
    Geb, audio is technology, not theology, and references to "believers" or "non-believers" shouldn't be of any relevance. It's more than a bit naive to imagine that Onkyo wouldn't supply something as simple as a power cord adequate for the relatively modest needs(compared to more demanding uses such as hair dryers and hotplates)of its amplifiers. All that's necessary in a power cord is to deliver that amount of power without overheating the cord and possibly causing a fire. Once that's done the transformer, rectifier and filter capacitors in the power supply section of the amplifier process the AC that came out of the wall outlet and deliver clean DC to the amplifying section. The power cord can have no effect on the quality of the processed power; claims to the contrary collapse when put to a properly controlled blind listening test.

    There's no need to allow ourselves to be manipulated by those who've learned how handsomely profitable it can be to never underestimate the gullibility of some audiophiles.
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  • ben62670
    ben62670 Posts: 15,969
    edited July 2008
    WOW John haven't seen you here in a while. I hope things are going well for you even if I don't share your opinions:)
    Ben
    Please. Please contact me a ben62670 @ yahoo.com. Make sure to include who you are, and you are from Polk so I don't delete your email. Also I am now physically unable to work on any projects. If you need help let these guys know. There are many people who will help if you let them know where you are.
    Thanks
    Ben
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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 51,763
    edited July 2008
    The power cord can have no effect on the quality of the processed power; claims to the contrary collapse when put to a properly controlled blind listening test.

    What a crock.
    Political Correctness'.........defined

    "A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."

    President of Club Polk

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  • amulford
    amulford Posts: 5,020
    edited July 2008
    He got tired of getting railed.

    There's no need to allow ourselves to be manipulated by those who've learned how handsomely profitable it can be to never underestimate the gullibility of some audiophiles.

    Hi John! Still using that 22ga lamp cord???
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  • ben62670
    ben62670 Posts: 15,969
    edited July 2008
    Oh yeah I forgot.
    Anti HiFi insurgent spotted:p
    Please. Please contact me a ben62670 @ yahoo.com. Make sure to include who you are, and you are from Polk so I don't delete your email. Also I am now physically unable to work on any projects. If you need help let these guys know. There are many people who will help if you let them know where you are.
    Thanks
    Ben
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  • madmax
    madmax Posts: 12,434
    edited July 2008
    A cable can make a difference?
    madmax
    Vinyl, the final frontier...

    Avantgarde horns, 300b tubes, thats the kinda crap I want... :D
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  • beardog03
    beardog03 Posts: 5,550
    edited July 2008
    madmax wrote: »
    A cable can make a difference?
    madmax

    Try using your gear without one !
    Cary SLP-98L F1 DC Pre Amp (Jag Blue)
    Parasound HCA-3500
    Cary Audio V12 amp (Jag Red)
    Polk Audio Xm Reciever (Autographed by THE MAN Himself) :cool:
    Magnum Dynalab MD-102 Analog Tuna
    Jolida JD-100 CDP
    Polk Audio LSi9 Speaks (ebony)
    SVS PC-Ultra Sub
    AQ Bedrock Speaker Cables (Bi-Wired)
    MIT Shotgun S1 I/C`s
    AQ Black Thunder Sub Cables
    PS Audio Plus Power Cords
    Magnum Dynalab ST-2 FM Antenna
    Sanus Cherry wood Speak Stands
    Adona AV45CS3 / 3 Tier Rack (Black /Gold)

    :cool:
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  • GEBBY44
    GEBBY44 Posts: 939
    edited July 2008
    Wow, why does everyone take everything so damn seriously? I was simply giving a reference point that I found of differences that I could audibly hear. I did do a blind test and spotted the right cord with this setup 9 out of 10 times. The only time I didn't was because it was movie material that wasn't very dynamic. Whether or not some people would hear the difference I heard, I don't really care. I just wanted to share that I noticed an appreciable difference. You anti-cable insurgents should devote your time to useful things instead of derailing a positive thread meant for those looking for a certain change with a certain setup.

    Chillllllaxxxxxx
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  • Gaara
    Gaara Posts: 2,415
    edited July 2008
    GEBBY44 wrote: »
    Wow, why does everyone take everything so damn seriously? I was simply giving a reference point that I found of differences that I could audibly hear. I did do a blind test and spotted the right cord with this setup 9 out of 10 times. The only time I didn't was because it was movie material that wasn't very dynamic. Whether or not some people would hear the difference I heard, I don't really care. I just wanted to share that I noticed an appreciable difference. You anti-cable insurgents should devote your time to useful things instead of derailing a positive thread meant for those looking for a certain change with a certain setup.

    Chillllllaxxxxxx

    You changed your original post. It originally said if you didn't hear differences between stock power cord vs. signal cable you must be deaf. You baited, people bite, surprise surprise.

    Your a typical cable believer, congrats. I won't "derail" your thread any longer, have fun with the placebo affect.
    The Basement HT
    PC Rig
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