Diving into Power... Cable recs for my system and ears....?

1. @soix

They matter! Definitely try Transparent or Audio Quest. I spent a year with my amp trying to get the right power cord. I tried every Cardas Clear version, Wire World, Transparent (not the high capacity... I couldn’t afford it), and several others. While the high end ones each improved the sound, each also tipped the tonal balance a little one way or another. Then I tried an Audio Quest Hurricane. It is just completely neutral, more transparent and dynamic.

The Audio Quest Storm series came out a few years ago and took the high end audio community by storm (pun intended). My dealer happened to have one because his employees had begged him to get one after reading about them. He shortly thereafter became a dealer for Audio Quest. The storm series is spectacular (Dragon better)... two features set is apart... an anti-biasing (?) circuit and the incredibly tight fit. There are probably other things. I have to hold the front of my 100lb amp so it doesn’t slide. But the neutral tonal balance, low noise level, and dynamics are amazing. I am sure the Transparent High Current is better... but it was out of my price range. 

I use Transparent power cords on all my other components. 

@brianlucey 

Speaking of audiophile outlets I am curious Brian what you are using in the mastering studio from the breakers to the power cords- How many dedicated lines, outets, wire spec etc. 

edit: sorry, looked back and see you use Shunyata’s. Did you just get these to match the metallurgy to the their power cords, or did you listen to others to compare? 

@mclinnguy I didn’t do any experimenting ... just put in the receptacle and changed out a new breaker.  

If there truly is a difference in power cords, why don't audio electronics manufacturers supply a cord of their own choosing? especially for the high end : AR, ML, CJ, Cary, etc... They could have R&D buy a variety of cables and find the "best" sounding one and then arrange a large purchase with a discounted price. This will reduce the cost to the buyer

If they did do this, they could claim that they have tested many cables and "this one" is the best sounding for their gear?

I don't find the argument that different cords will sound differently to different ears in different rooms has any validity. One would need to audition both the gear and the power cord with one's own ears in the dedicated listening environment. Difficult to do. It's either that or hope you can find the best sound on your own.

Why would a high end manufacturer of gear ship a product knowing that it doesn't perform as well as it can? Why leave this decision and extra cost up to the listener?

Nelson Pass's written words on this topic are enlightening. They provide clear insight into his opinion on this matter.

If you can hear differences in cords, then by all means find the one that best suits your ears. It's just money.

@kevemaher 

Because no matter which power cord a manufacturer picked, it would surely offend someone’s sensitibilities in the matter.

Best not to take sides and supply a generic cord that meets regulations. Leave the difficult choices to the audiophile end user.

BTW, Krell once offered a Krell-branded power cord for $1,100. That was about ten years ago, way past their glory years (during which, interestingly, they recommended using stock power cords). It was another way to maximize income alongside their overpriced home theater gear. Today, of course, Krell is no longer in business, though their maintenance department is still open. Sadly, a repair shop all that’s left of an erstwhile world-class manufacturer known for unparalleled hifi gear.