A different view of power cords


Hi All,
I read a recent thread here on power cords and it reinforced a view I have that most audiophiles use aftermarket power cords and the vast majority recognize that they make a very big difference in the sound of their system. I'm definitely in this camp, but a recent experience has changed my view of the merits of that difference.

I went back and compared my Transparent power cords to the stock cords I got with my CJ amp and pre and was surprised to hear that with the stock cords my components delivered more natural and tonally "correct" sound. There was more "air around" the instruments and the vocals, overall better clarity and depth and less glare.

The Transparent Premium Power cords gave the sound a very "hyped up" quality that, while exciting and rather appealing at first, wore on me over time. I didn't realize this was happening until I tried the stock cords again which I'd never done before. I even went so far as to try the power cord from my VPI RCM with my amp and that even netted an improvement. Crazy!

Has anyone else had a similar experience? 

If you're interested, I wrote an article about this recently here:

https://www.thebrokenrecord.net/power-cords-the-sound-you-want/
thebrokenrecord

Showing 5 responses by thebrokenrecord

I"m not sure if your use of the phrase "rolled off" was in reference to the sound of my system without the aftermarket cords MC, but I can assure you the effect was just the opposite. I'm hearing much better top end resolution than before.

In any case, I remain completely open to the possibility that a different power cord would improve the sound of my electronics and would love to know what those cords are. Perhaps once I recover my footing after this discovery I'll venture back in.
I appreciate that steakster. How have you managed to get cleaner power for your system?
@antigrunge2,

Those are some great suggestions, and I appreciate all the details. Thank you for your input!

I wish those AR Rtp strips weren't so expensive! Are they that good?