2. amps-preamps
  3. 189762-53619

New expensive power cord for amp and no change in sound?

I bought new an expensive(for me) well known and reviewed power cord for my very good amp and plugged it directly onto the wall socket. After a couple of weeks of daily use I hear no change in the sound quality from a $500 cord. I don’t want to name it for fear of getting my thread deleted. You would know it or at least be aware of the company. Did I throw away several thousand dollars? Before I get the snake oil answer I want to let you know that I bought an upgraded cord for my pre as suggested by the pre’s manufacturer and am pleased with the results.

I guess for full disclosure the amp’s manufacturer said don’t bother. But I had had good luck with the pre so I thought it would be a good idea.

Anybody else have this happen to them?

roxy1927
jond's avatar
jond
5,687 posts
 

I agree with some of above power amps in my experience display the least changes with power cords. Again this is my experience yours may be different. Also a $500 power cord should be no slouch. Lastly to me power cord differences fall on the subtle end of the spectrum.

waltersalas's avatar
waltersalas
947 posts
 

I have found that some components, especially amps, respond to power cord changes much more than others. The same power cord might perform beautifully on one amp and make no discernible difference on another. I'm not sure I would have believed that had I not experienced it myself. 

 

tattooedtrackman's avatar
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tattooedtrackman
882 posts
 

I switched out my upgraded PC from stock that were Shunyata King Cobra  (2) last summer for the Audio quest Dragon HC (2) and I’ll tell u I could hear a big difference. More clarity. Bigger soundstage. More details with voices and instruments especially the plucking of guitar strings. Well worth the upgrade. Btw. Amps are ARC Ref 750s. 

acman3
4,152 posts
 

Sounds like you’re $500 cord worked great with the Pass. Sorry you had to learn/ relearn that synergy, not price are more important and always listen to cables with a return policy.

 

vonhelmholtz
911 posts
 

@roxy1927

Since you mentioned Shunyata.. I believe that they have power systems which consists of power cables and a conditioner. I really never had much of an expectation of replacing one power cable at a time and noticing a difference, so I took the system approach of purchasing seven power cables and a conditioner with the ability to return everything. In short, I decided to keep the Shunyata products and beg for my next meal. Attention to power has made the biggest improvement to my system, which now runs off a 300ah battery.

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