pre vs amp power cable question

After going through trials of most of the aftermarket power cords in my collection, I put the stock cords back on my preamp and amp. (Joule Electra LA 150II and Yamaha AS 2000 used as a amplifier and so far I like this better than using my Airsines, Wattmaster, Triode Wire Labs and Wireworld Stratus pc combinations. The aftermarket cords are all lower gauge compared to the stock cords.

This is a very interesting argument for me as a recent test on my system caused me a major uncertainty about power cords gauge. I'm aware that the chosen gauge should just permit the necessary current arrival to the devices and that above a minimum value every difference due to the gauge is likely very hard to listen. I'm also aware of the problems due to a too-low power cord gauge as I have read of them everywhere.

During the last years I used industrial neoprene-jacketed power cords of approximately 13 AWG for my power amplifier (JRDG Model One) and loudspeakers (MartinLogan Aerius) as, based on my experience, I don't like the performance of hi-end power cables (except for a Cardas power cord connected to my Classe' Audio DR-5 preamplifier, possibly due to the fact that it is Cardas wired). A few weeks ago I had to slightly increase the length of the power cables of both power amplifier and loudspeakers and I decided to build 16 AWG power cords. I expected that the new performance of the system was not worse respect to the use of my previous 13 AWG power cords due to M1 and ESL panels low power. Surprisingly, the performance was largely better, with a better bass control and a less "inflated" sound as if more electrical power was "too much" for my devices. So I tested common computer power cables (of similar lenght) in black PVC of just 0.75 mm2 for both power amplifier and loudspeaker and performance has greatly increased respect to the 16 AWG cables.

It may be that my system is not highly-demanding from the electrical point of view but I really don't understand why larger-sized power cords seem to create problems.

Lloyd, as a follow up; you may need to try the power cords in your preamp and amp as well in order to evaluate the change in the phono section. If you don't hear a difference with your existing p/c's--assume they are not of adaquate quality because the one's I've mentioned have significant benefits to offer. Cheers.

Hi Lloyd. The simple and correct answer yes. However, the quality of design and mechanical construction, purity and engineering of conductors (silver coated high purity- perhaps single crystal- copper being excellent), dielectric, shielding and grounding are the vital components, particularly for a phono preamp. I suggest, as others have, that you experiment. I recommend you try at the least 1 networked cable (Magnum or better), and an Oracle AClll, both from MIT, to get a sense of things. I will say that, for sure, if you don't try at least these, you will forever lack some experience you may find joyful. : )

If you have power cords of sufficient gauge to supply the current required of the Amplifier under worst case conditions and the power supply is properly designed you will have a difficult time telling the difference between any of them.

Class D amplifiers are sometimes labeled as switching amplifiers but they still require a DC power supply to operate. In the case of a Class D amplifier the input signal is switched. Class D amplifiers can have either switching DC power supplies or conventional linear DC supplies. With this being said, the same rules hold for traditional Class A or AB amplifiers as Class D amplifiers. If the power cord can supply the amount of current that the amplifier requires and the power is designed properly whether it is a switching or linear supply, you will have difficulty telling the difference between power cords. I hope that helps.

Liguy, so you feel that power cord design or gauge has very little affect on the sound of a Class D switching amp?

If the wire in your power cord is thicker than the wire that connects the wallplug to the electric power company, you have to ask yourself why...

The easy answer is the more current required, the lower the gauge wire is needed. It is that simple. With that being said, it does not hurt you to use a low gauge power cord on your preamp. IMHO, it will be difficult for you to tell the difference sonically between properly sized power cords as the power supply inside of each of your components has more more influence over the sound of your component than a power cord. This is especially true if your device has a switching power supply where the power is regererated at a higher frequency.

In short, the answer to your question is "yes."

Of course the "necessary" gauge of the power cord is related to the required current draw, that’s why 30 amp circuits require a larger minimum sized wire (10awg) than 15 amp circuits (14awg).

My amps each have 8A fuses and I run them off individual 20A circuits. I use power cords made with 11awg wire and they sound great.

The other stuff is subjective and you can read here for hours about gauge, silver vs. copper, stranded vs. solid, shielded vs. unshielded, geometry, EMI, RFI, ferrites, connectors, conditioners, etc., etc.

My experience is that power cords do affect the sound of components but how each manufacturer accomplishes that, and whether the effect is positive or negative is still subjective to the listener and their specific system. There are a few power cord manufacturers whose products have a somewhat "universal" appeal and you can read about them on these forums. LessLoss and Isoclean are two that come to mind. Oyaide connectors are well regarded (but not necessarily their cords), and also Furutech connectors. At the lower to mid price range, Elizabeth would say Pangea Audio offers good sounding cords (I have never heard them) and others would say try the DIY offerings from VH Audio. My best advice is to either use appropriate sized generic cords and don't worry about it, or to listen to a variety of cords (borrow and trade from your friends or dealer) and decide for yourself what you like.