The great power cord debate

audioengr · « **Reply #80 on:** 17 May 2003, 07:33 pm »

Dan B. wrote:

Quote

I have a power amp that includes a commmon mode filter that has a whopping 500 millihenrys of inductance on the hot and neutral lines.

I suppose if your amp has such a filter, then a low-inductance power cords may not improve its sound. My amps do not have such filters and I avoid using them externally as well (conditioners). In fact most of my amps do not even have fusing on the outputs - this would add to the output impedance. As I mentioned earlier, there are amps that do not benefit from low-inductance cords, but I have found them to be in the minority.

audioengr · « **Reply #81 on:** 17 May 2003, 07:39 pm »

Frank - I cannot challenge the experience that you have had. However, regarding feedback and shielding, I believe these things are very system dependent. I can name just as many systems where these were not a problem.

This is what makes the audio business so difficult. System optimization and troubleshooting is required for virtually all systems. Cables are only one part of the equation, which includes speaker-amp synergy, preamp-amp synergy and reasonable noise reduction.

audioengr · « **Reply #82 on:** 17 May 2003, 07:43 pm »

eico1 - if you are expecting -3dB points to be relevant to audible sound, then you have not done much testing. -3dB is strictly an arbitrary metric and has little do do with what is audible. I can personally hear phase shift and attenuation at much lower levels.