Power cable choice, does it matter for subs?

I contacted REL about this once and they said that they’ve done extensive testing on their units and did not find any real, hearable differences as long as the proper (minimum) gauge wire is used.

Yes, I think what you heard was thin wire. My DBA was run restricted like this for some time. Long story, but unbeknownst to me the sub amps were plugged into a current-limited outlet. The bass was still quite good, at least I thought it was until doing some more mods I discovered my error and fixed it. The sense of speed and slam or impact improved noticeably.  

Other than that though I have tried various speaker cables, interconnects, and power cords, hearing little to no difference. I now have some Synergistic Atmosphere power cords for review so maybe this will change. For now though it seems subs need adequate gauge and good power, but are nowhere near as sensitive to power cords as other components are.

Thanks for the response, I think the 14ga has helped over the 18ga and that should be enough,
Cheers
RW

Long time ago owned REL Stentor subs and yes a better ac cord made a significant improvement in sq. 

I believe I hear an improvement using 12 gauge aftermarket power cords on my REL subwoofers (two pairs used in two different systems). You don't have to break the bank just using $150 or less upgraded power cords.

If you want to HEAR the difference between cables - try listening to Church organ music

• it contains the "textures" that most bass lines in music lacks

If you want to SEE the difference between cables - take a video while playing church organ music and then play it back in "slo-mo"

• the difference is quite visible
• it also shows just how good the cables and the amp in the sub really is
• things will change with a better power cable

HiFi Speaker Movement in Slow Motion - YouTube

It will also show you the distortions the cone goes through
- the better the amp and power cable, the less distorted the movement becomes

Subs draw a significant amount of "instantaneous" energy and a quality power cable can better handle that demand.

Trouble is which one do you buy? - because not all power cables are "equal"

1. Money no object - InaKustik - amazing products
2. Nordost has a decent lineup - from affordable to astronomical
3. KLE Innovaitons - are affordable and very good

If you are "handy" - a great DIY solution is the Helix IMAGE "Air’
http://image99.net/blog/files/54c02c12532d31f960ee85a6ed674b01-83.html

If you are concerned about the price of this DIY solution

• use a more affordable wire
• the Geometry of this cable provides most of the benefits

But then again - if YOU can’t HEAR it - why bother?

I trust my ears, but I do love my cables :-)

Hope that helps - Steve

Thank you Steve for the great video very interesting.
Right now I have four subwoofers plugged into a Hubble outlet. I am using a cheap three-way Splitter, and should probably ditch that soon.

 I may look into running a dedicated line as the four subs draw considerable current when playing at higher levels. it’s close to the mains box so should be easy enough. I know the existing 1930 era line to be original, and is not grounded in any event. The install of the Hubble outlet was a stopgap measure last year, at that time I was pretty astonished at how ugly old wiring can be. 
Cheers
RW

If my house had 1930’s wiring - I would invest in getting the whole house upgraded before doing anything else..

Your could then get the electrician to install some dedicated lines for the system

Todays electronics draw lots more power than the plug-in radios of the 1930’s

You would probably notice an improvement in the sound just from that upgrade

Regards

Get a good 8 gauge or less copper cable  for better slam and bass detail.