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Can all power cords be classified as 1 of 2 types?

I've tried lots of cords over the years, and it always seems like a cord has either solid/controlled/transparent/grounded bass OR smooth/liquid highs but not both.

When a cord is has that high-quality rock-solid detailed open bass, the highs are often a compromise, maybe a bit brittle or stinging.

When a cord resolves the highs so that they never make me wince but still seem not to be rolled off, the bass sounds a bit muddy or opaque.

I've tried a number of cords in many price categories that leave me saying that the bass OR the highs are just right (or even perfect), but they always let me down at the other end of the spectrum.

(Sorry for all the adjectives here.)
In the end, the cords I end up using compromise a bit on both ends of the spectrum, but none of the ones I try do it all.
rgs92

Showing 3 responses by rgs92

rgs92 OP
974 posts
 
Hey Stan, thanks for that reply; it pretty much says it all. Basically, it is a struggle with too many independent variables to make choosing things easy.
Somehow, things seemed easier back in the 70's using lamp cord and the captive ICs and power cords on things like my AR turntable :). But if I listened to my old system now, I'd probably not be too happy.

By the way, your instinct is correct, and a lot of megabuck cords have the flaws I mentioned at the top of this thread.
rgs92 OP
974 posts
 
Interesting stuff RTN1, and thanks for the other replies, too. I didn't want to bring the whole area of power conditioners into this discussion as that is a whole other pandora's box.
rgs92 OP
974 posts
 
Hey Pops, I know the feeling. Some of these power cord makers seem to think you will arrange everything around their cords.
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