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If Power Cords Don't Matter...

First of all, I don’t own any high-end power cords, mostly because I can’t fit them behind my rack. Second, I am not trying to stir up controversy, as you will see from my question. I understand that the people who believe power cords make no difference argue that once the power gets into the component, the AC is converted to DC and the power supply of the component takes over completely. I think I have that right for the most part. So it that’s true, and it probably is from a traditional EE standpoint, why is it that I have not heard anyone say that power conditioners make no difference? I am not aware of anyone with a decent system ever saying that a Niagara or Triton or Audience teflon conditioner didn’t affect their sound, for good or for bad. So if the EE theory is true, wouldn’t power conditioners make no difference either? I have an Audience AR6T for almost 10 years and I think it made a big difference. BTW - I am not talking about Power Plants, which deal with voltage stabilization, which is a different topic.  Obviously, if your AC voltage is way off, it's going to cause problems.  
chayro
three_easy_payments's avatar
three_easy_payments
2,097 posts
 
I have found power cables make a difference more with some components than others.  In the grand scheme of things, and with a fixed budget, I have found that money is best prioritized towards other aspects of your hifi system than power cords assuming you're at least starting with a basicly competent cable. 
turnbowm
353 posts
 
"How do they work is my question?
If a shielding worked then what about the distance from Hoover dam to the outlet?
But then the last 5’ I need to run a $1000 cable?...."

That's easily explained by Voodoo Science.
alexatpos
1,169 posts
 
It seems that nobody has mentioned the obvious.

 The cable manufacturers have found the way to 'manipulate' with the 'sound' of their power cables and (Cardas and Nordost for examp.) their power cables have 'house sound' as the rest of their products. (ic or speaker c.)

Perhaps somebody with enough tecnical knowledge could try to explain that.

For the rest, finding the best pc cord for some component is a process of trying many 'flavours' and even more when you need to wire the system, then it is like fine cousine, carefuly matching the 'ingridients' so that nothing 'stands out'


rocray's avatar
rocray
1,446 posts
 
I started with trying out a couple of low priced power cables from a Chinese manufacturer a few years back. I heard a difference. I slowly have replaced every PC I could. All of these were purchased used. I hear a difference with my ears. I would love to run higher end cables and conditioners, but the reality is, I’m only willing to chase the “dragon” so far.  I have other hobbies,and retirement is right around the corner.   I am a firm believer in all these things matter,and make a difference.  
holmz's avatar
holmz
2,328 posts
 
That’s easily explained by Voodoo Science.

@turnbowm

Well let’s pretend that people actually DO hear a REAL difference.
Then what is the causal mechanism that is happening?

One would think that they could put a scope (or A2D) on the power coming out the end of that cord… and then actually see some things that are other than 60 Hz (or 50Hz) being removed.

If I was able to see some high frequency noise on the bad cords, that was removed on the good cords, then it would be easier to imagine that that is a reason to believe in using a fancy power cable being worth having.

But when I have to really on my ears alone, then it might be more cost effective for me to just go to a hypnotist… and then I could end up at the same level of happiness for a lot less $.
(I still would not have nice looking cables, but then I would also not care.)

If the manufactures are doing something good, then what is it?There most be some science driving their effort.
Without some proof of it, then I am left to conclude that it must be voodoo or magic.

Obviously I fall into the data group. That is not bad, it is just how it is.
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