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Power cords and soundstage

So I made a couple of changes in my system yesterday. I've acquired new power cords, and replaced/rearranged the power cords for two of the amps.

By the way I consider myself as semi-skeptic and semi-believer of good cables. I've heard subtle difference and improvement on some of the cables. But in most cases either I can't reliably tell which is which, or if I can tell the difference it is very small. I don't own exotic cables. Some of the brands I own include Audioquest, Kimber, Analysis Plus, and a few home-brewed, but well received power cords.

When I changed the power cords yesterday I heard immediate, and distinct difference. I can't say whether I like or dislike the changes yet, but the change is unmistakable.

Even my wife, who is music enthusiast but indifferent when it comes to the system change, commented today and said she thought the center speaker is "too strong". I've then explained that there is no sound coming out from the center speaker with the CD that she was listening.

Some of the differences that I've heard with the new power cords are the following:

Bass: Immediately I heard and felt that the amount of bass from the main speakers were smaller. It is definitely less boomy, and became tighter. I'm afraid the bass doesn't extend as low as before. So I've gained some and lost some.

Focus: focus, soundstage, whatever you call it, has tightened up as well. The bright side of it is now the speakers have completely disappeared. However it doesn't sound as extended from left to right as before. And as my wife noticed the sound is seemingly coming out from the center speaker, although the center speaker is off. No, I didn't hit dolby pro logic button by mistake. The only speakers that are producing any SPL are left and right speakers. The instrument location is still clearly defined, but overall left right soundstage is now much smaller. Here again, I've gained some and lost some.

Depth: This is one area that clearly was improved. It may sound like a cliche, but the noise floor seemed to have decreased, there is more micro dynamics, and it sounds deeper.

Now I'm more confused than ever, and I'm questioning my sanity..
jylee
douglas_schroeder
3,281 posts
 
Excellent! So, Jylee, would you now revise your comment from your OP, "By the way I consider myself as semi-skeptic and semi-believer of good cables. I've heard subtle difference and improvement on some of the cables. But in most cases either I can't reliably tell which is which, or if I can tell the difference it is very small."?
It seems to me you have no more doubts as to what good power cords can do. :)

Precisely as I have said; proper PCs, ICs and speaker cables can bring as much change to a rig as a different component, and in some rare cases as much as a speaker change.

Kudos for not letting doubt stand in the way of success!
rodman99999
5,988 posts
 
Douglas- Obviously Mr J is not of the ubiquitous "concrete minded" AudioGon faction(thoroughly mixed up, and permanently set). Mr J- Continue your quest, as there are rich rewards ahead. Happy listening!!
palerider
46 posts
 
Try makin g some DIY PC`s from 10awg or so, mybe in a twisted kimber-design and see (?) what happens..
palerider
46 posts
 
Rodman99999; this "science" is not worth yhe paper it`s written on. Some years ago I tryed to take out some patents on some of my work. When I (just to make a conversation) mentioned the effect of using solid-core PC`s the professor looked at me like..:S
`Due to accepted theories there IS NO effect in this, but if you try it out there shure is.

All kind of electric "activity" or interference between several conductors, even if there might be some theoretic ups to it, will definetly degenerate the sound quality, and primarely dynamics.

If we speak of speakercables, it`s one factor that means absolutely all; resistance. Speakercables are extensions of the amps powercircuit, a low current circuit and must be scaled to make as low resistance as possible.

Mainly you folks have two options; argue against or ignore me on one side or simply try out what I claim and (mybe) get your ears opened.
rodman99999
5,988 posts
 
Uh- Let's see: "speaker cables are extensions of the power amp's power circuit." What's at the beginning of the power amp's power circuit again? OH YEAH- The power cord! My ears HAVE been opened by a number of the cords I've tried and the Stealth XXX conditioner I've been using for a few years now. Thank you for your input, but the truth of the science(what the hell would a Physics professor from Columbia University know compared to you?) I cited, and the application of it by the better cable manufacturers, has been proven in my system and I'd venture to guess: In many more systems represented here.
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