Question for Atma-sphere, will expensive power cables improve your amplifiers?


The reason I am asking is I feel manufacturers of high quality components include all that is ever needed, power cable wise. Sure, some people buy power cables because they need special lengths or have some out of the ordinary "noise" issues that need extra insulation. Some even like the visual aspect of the aftermarket cables. I’m just curious why many spend thousands of dollars on such when the manufacturer has taken the power cable into account when producing the product. I cannot see a High-quality audiophile component maker (especially some that sell volume) pass on a few dollars for a better sounding power cable if indeed the cable improved their product. I cannot see a person buying that $7000 amp is not going to balk if the product was introduced at  $7100 (with the better cable). 

I wonder if Luxman, Accuphase, McIntosh, Gryphon...you name it "dressed" their power cables up to look like expensive aftermarket cables, owners would be so quick to "upgrade"?

I’d be curious to hear Ralph’s opinion on the subject

aberyclark

Do power cable have to have UL certification? Just curious

No law that I know of.

As for NEC...  NEC code stops at the outlet cover plate of the wall outlet.

I am pretty sure there is audio equipment made and sold in the US that is not Listed.

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This info on Neotech's NEP 3200G includes a good image of the construction showing the type of solid core construction that @jea48 is referring to.  Scroll through the pictures in this next link to see a similar image of the construction of their flagship Grand Power Cable, which uses rectangular conductors.

I have tried several upgrade power cords on my Accuphase P4600 amplifier. None sounded better than the stock Accuphase supplies. Upgrded cords seem to darken the sound, reduce openness and airiness.  Accuphase documentation is quite emphatic about only using their cord. 

Use caution when shopping for “audiophile” cables and cords. Some of them are poorly designed and actually inferior to cheapo manufacturer-supplied cords/cables.