Power cords? suggestions?

[naturephoto1]

Originally Posted by repete66211

Rich, I don't want to turn this into a shoving match either, but in ideal conditions (i.e. a vacuum) you can probably create a situation in which a dressed up $300 strip of copper performs marginally better than a $5 strip of the same copper. Perhaps this difference would be quantifiable in some way, but I seriously doubt if you would be able to improve make a real world improvement in such a way that is humanly perceptible.

Assuming the power cord is of decent build quality, what percent of its performance would you say is based on nothing more than length and guage?


Perhaps such a cord would offer a perceptible improvement, but my question is, how can the average consumer tell the difference between a better cord and snake oil?

As I have indicated, the differences will be most noted with a very sensitive and revealing system. The choice of design and materials used in the power cord including the wire design; copper, silver or gold; shielding;, whether there is any filter in the line; etc. will all contribute to the performance. Just as in the case with ICs, Coax cables, and Speaker Cables, not all components and wire "play well together".

As to the percentage improvement I would say perhaps 10 to 15% improvement is possible. That difference can be heard possibly in how solid the bass is, how solid imaging and soundstage and depth, detail, percussive nature of the performance, clarity, how real voices and instruments may sound, etc. But, the difference and the value to the buyer/listener has to decide for themselves if they can hear it is the cost worth the performance improvement. For someone making the investment in a Power Cord, my suggestion is to buy if at all possible with a return policy if you are unable to "hear" or "see" any difference for the better.

Rich