I hope this doesn't turn out to be too controversial a thread, but other than some of them reducing noise (RFI/EMI), I find many after market power cords not materially better than good stock, assuming the right gauge is used in every application. My problem is that I can't scientifically explain the "major" improvements some people claim they hear, unless they are all tied to lower noise and/or marginally better contacts in the plugs.
Here's where I come from:
1) I have significantly reduced hum and noise in my phono preamp by using shielded power cords to the unit and to components close to it.
2) And just recently, I just traded in my Shunyata 12-AWG Cidewinder CX for 10-AWG Black Mamba HC CX feeding my MIT power conditioners and Spectral power amps. This was mandatory considering that 10-AWG wire is what feeds the power outlets. I hate to admit the difference is audible with respect to slam. I made this "upgrade" after reading that 12-AWG wire is rated to 9.3A and 10-AWG to 15A (see this and others).
Overall, assuming the right gauge is used for each application, I accept that some power cords can reduce noise, resulting in audible improvements. However, not all power cords reduce noise, methinks. So what else is there that makes the last 6 feet of power wire otherwise worthy?
I have talked to a number of knowledgeable people who cannot provide any scientifically convincing arguments of why a power cord would make a difference, other than as the result of reduced line noise and/or better contact. I guess to this list I should add impedance stabilization in some networked power cords, but this is still tied to noise filtering.
Thoughts?
Here's where I come from:
1) I have significantly reduced hum and noise in my phono preamp by using shielded power cords to the unit and to components close to it.
2) And just recently, I just traded in my Shunyata 12-AWG Cidewinder CX for 10-AWG Black Mamba HC CX feeding my MIT power conditioners and Spectral power amps. This was mandatory considering that 10-AWG wire is what feeds the power outlets. I hate to admit the difference is audible with respect to slam. I made this "upgrade" after reading that 12-AWG wire is rated to 9.3A and 10-AWG to 15A (see this and others).
Overall, assuming the right gauge is used for each application, I accept that some power cords can reduce noise, resulting in audible improvements. However, not all power cords reduce noise, methinks. So what else is there that makes the last 6 feet of power wire otherwise worthy?
I have talked to a number of knowledgeable people who cannot provide any scientifically convincing arguments of why a power cord would make a difference, other than as the result of reduced line noise and/or better contact. I guess to this list I should add impedance stabilization in some networked power cords, but this is still tied to noise filtering.
Thoughts?
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