Why not?


I have always wondered why if better cables produce better sound, as appears to be the consensus, I am not aware of any manufacturer that provides an aftermarket quality power cable with their product. If I am wrong please tell me. There may be instances I am not familiar with.

Wouldn't they be in the best position to test or design the optimum cable for their component? Wouldn't it be a great marketing angle to say to the customer does not need to worry or fret about selecting this expensive accessory.

"We know these cables show off our component to best effect and there is not question of listener bias or self interested market hype. We offer you the best cable to use with our components." 

They could make it optional if they wanted to remain price competitive. This same thinking applies to interconnects, especially with manufacturers who make multiple interconnected components. I pose these questions in all sincerity, not particularly wishing to stir the cable controversy pot. But because it is precisely the absence of this practice that most makes me doubt the objective superiority of the whole cable enterprise.

Mostly I would like to know if I am wrong and there are some examples of manufacturers who either include, offer or recommend specific power, interconnect and speaker cable for their products. Thanks community members for offering a place to ask this question that keeps gnawing at me.

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Showing 7 responses by jl35

It’s also tricky to recommend cables and cords and not alienate your dealers that don’t carry that brand 

PS Audio recommends specific cords and cables for their products...I have read, and been told by manufacturers, they include a good power cord that "non believers" will be happy with, and assume others will prefer to select their own cord, rather than have an expensive one included...Classe used to recommend an upgrade cord over the included cord...it's interesting to see how few use the included cord at audio shows or in their in house listening rooms...

Though Pass Labs regularly uses Silent Source cables and cords (fairly expensive) for their audio show demo rooms....(they do include a nice quality generic cord with their equipment)...

PS Audio recommends specific Audioquest cables and cords for their various products. But PS does not design manufacture and sell their own aftermarket cables and cords. They have not for many years now

Tangentially, saw an interview with Nelson Pass, where he said Ray Kimber loaned him some speaker cables to try...he said they sounded great, but when he found out they were $54.000 a pair...

I like the concept, that if a "perfectly designed and matched" power cord is included, it very well might sound better if it is a captive cord...

yes, Pass Labs, who everyone seems to like to mention, used to recommend that your cables should not cost more than your components...