[zybar]

http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/volume_11_4/feature-article-blind-test-power-cords-12-2004.html

After reading, what do you think?

Maybe in some of the regional gatherings it is time to run some tests?

George

[SWG255]

I found this article fascinating if not enlightening. Interesting that the non-power cables in the test system were Nordost, not that might or might not have made a difference. Many audio components only show their true merit over long-term listening which of course feeds the assertions of the "objectivists" that there are no differences since they assert audio memory is only 5 seconds long and equipment burn-in is a myth.

Thanks for sharng the link to the article.

[warnerwh]

There is no doubt that if there is any sonic differences in power cables they are subtle at best.  Switch them in and out and see for yourselves. For what alot of power cords cost a room can be treated acoustically at least somewhat, something there's no doubt about audibly.  The wire thing has gone way over the edge of reality.

[Hantra]

Good article.  But. .  I mean no disrespect whatsoever to anyone by saying this, but the median age of all participants in this study is FIFTY.  

Now Soctt Nixon has the best ears of anyone I have ever met, and he's close to 50.  But, let's face it, the majority of ears that are a HALF CENTURY old are not going to be a very good basis for judging any equipment in any blind tests.  I mean, they have heard cannons fire and stuff.  

Before I dig too deep, I'll say that I have done some blind testing with a friend on some homebrew cords we made, and each time, both of us were able to pick which cord was which.  So I wouldn't mind replicating this on the East Coast and lowering the age limit a bit.

 

[DSK]

Interesting report. I found the following paragraph the most interesting ..

Those who frequently attend concerts of un-amplified music scored 44%, those who don’t scored 50%. Those who play a musical instrument scored 47%, those who don’t 50%. The 9 out of 15 participants who have invested in after-market power cords scored 48%.

Although these results are not definitive, I had expected them to be the other way around.

And, although I agree that the sonic differences between *most* power cables are slight or non-existant, the change from a Synergistic Research AC Master Coupler cord to an Eichmann eXpress cord (on a Plinius SA100 mk3) was truly dramatic and unmistakable. In comparison, the Synergistic was bright, lacked body and had no bass. The Eichmann was more open, full bodied and had FAR more bass impact. The music suddenly came alive. Both were aftermarket cords of similar price. I knew the name "Synergistic" very well but had never even heard of "Eichmann" at that point (these cables weren't yet released), so I had no preconceptions that I would hear any differences let alone such a dramatic improvement. The difference was actually greater than the differences I typically hear between different interconnects or speaker cables.  

[Sedona Sky Sound]

Even in my state-of-the-sound demo room sitting in the sweet spot, I have a very hard time hearing power cord differences. I can't even imagine trying to pick up differences outside the sweet spot, with a system I am not used to, with music I do not know, in a non-dedicated listening room (and non-optimized room looking from the picture) .

That being said, I have heard HUGE differences in sound when power cords were switched out in other peoples homes. However, the cause in these cases were not what power cord manufacturers tell you in their ad print. In these cases, the person started out with a proverbial rats nest behind their equipment rack. Most of the better power cords are well shielded and just the step of changing cords typically means you cleared a path for them. Also, most people "right size" their aftermarket power cords so that there is not much slack.  

As such, changing out power cords will have a very audible and measurable effect in many situations. Why? All the antenas behind your rack (also referred to as interconnects), are now picking up less electromagnetic garbage/static. In many cases, similar results could have been made by just separating all the interconnects/speaker cables/power cords so that they had a minimum of 6 inches or so of separation between any of them. For people that cannot do that due to space constraints, better power cords are definitely something that will help their sound.

While there are a few components that I have had that seemed to sound slightly different when I switched power cords, I have heard no "magic transformations". As such, I generally tell my customers to save their money and spend it where it makes the most difference (i.e., room treatment, better components, etc.). For those that swear by power cords, more power to you. For my room/system, I know the extremely audible difference that speaker cables/interconnects make, so I understand you pain when I hear folks on AVForum say I am full of crap. I guess that the components I have used and my layout (with 4+ inches between all cables/interconnects) just are not as sensitive to the characteristics of the power cords.      

Julian
www.sedonaskysound.com

[WerTicus]

Well they might not have heard the difference here, but the difference between axon 8 and standard power cable is huge! And i was a sceptic too.

I and serveral others were demonstrated this at WAR Audio perth, recently. Actually the difference was so obvious it wasnt a matter of it being a visual placebo, the cable also looked plain anyways!

...

I think differences with 'minor' changes to the system become more apparent with higher and higher end gear.

I look at the speakers they used in this test and I see some metal dome tweeters...  What are they? Vifa? $50 worth of tweeter? Also the dome midrange and woofer I do not regognise and cannot find reference to in the article... we also do not know what the crossover is like. What im saying is, your not going to hear the difference when your listening through crap.

Also i noticed "....long-term loan of the ExactPower Power Regulator...." In my experience such devices limit the true potential of a high end system...

Probably the main reason behind no one hearing a difference.

If this test was done with actual good top end gear and the power cords were in the wall and not in some box affecting their performace then i could give this test some actual merit... But as they have done it i cannot.

For your reference at WAR audio the only thing changed was the power cable and the gear was 60k+ and for your information the power cable was stock, and axon 8 which was ~$70 which is expensive IMO

[DVV]

Even in my state-of-the-sound demo room sitting in the sweet spot, I have a very hard time hearing power cord differences. I can't even imagine trying to pick up differences outside the sweet spot, with a system I am not used to, with music I do not know, in a non-dedicated listening room (and non-optimized room looking from the picture) .

That being said, I have heard HUGE differences in sound when power cords were switched out in other peoples homes. However, the cause in these cases were not what pow ...

In general, I agree with you. However, do take a closer look at what is being provided by some manufacturers as a power cable these days - small, flimsy wires you wouldn't put on an electric toothbrush, much less a serious piece of audio equipment.

So, when you swap that for a bigger caliber wire, and if that wire also happens to have better insulation, you will hear a difference. Perhaps not profound, but it will be there, make no mistake. It stands to reason, I see nothing unexpected there, except possibly the net effects, which will differ from one item to another.

A simple example. I swapped the power cable on my resident Yamaha AX-592 integrated amp. Originally, it was a run-off-the-mill item, nothing exceptional, cross section 1.5 mm. It went out and another copper cable, cross section 2.5 mm, went in. The net result was that from a slightly bright amp this stock unit gained more balance inasmuch that its bass became more solid and better defined; the mid and top end also cleared up a bit, but bass was easily the greatest benefit.

Cheers,
DVV

[TheChairGuy]

Great ink George/Zybar, thanks.

Not sure I drew any conclusions with it, it just was a damn interesting read.

I hate that I've spent $$ hundreds on power cords, but I found them helpful to my enjoyment.  I absolutely refused to believe in their relevance until late in the game.  

I'm happy even if I'm only fooling myself  

[Inscrutable]

GO HERE for an extended discussion of the Secrets powercord test.  Several of the actual participants (as well as a few of us AC'ers) hang out over there and participated in this thread. Don't want to violate any forum rules, so please remove this post if it does. Thanks!

[Zero]

The biggest factor I see completely wrong with this test, is the fact that you sandwich a group of middle-aged men in a room that is unfamiliar, on a system that is not their own (and may not be familiar with - period ).  

Perhaps if the test was conducted on an individual basis, inside a persons home, in their room and using equipment they know well, I would take away less grains of salt.

Over-all, an interesting read just the same.

Thanks

[MaxCast]

Good article.  But. .  I mean no disrespect whatsoever to anyone by saying this, but the median age of all participants in this study is FIFTY.  

...

Yeah, but you have to be FIFTY to afford those cables

[Hantra]

Yeah, but you have to be FIFTY to afford those cables

Excellent point MaxCast!     No idea even what a Valhalla power cord goes for, but it sure is a cool sounding name.  I wonder if it comes with the nice, solid wood briefcase.

[zybar]

Yeah, but you have to be FIFTY to afford those cables

Excellent point MaxCast!     No idea even what a Valhalla power cord goes for, but it sure is a cool sounding name.  I wonder if it comes with the nice, solid wood briefcase.

I think it lists for around $2500!!!  

George

[ctviggen]

But there really is no way to test components other than by taking a bunch of people and sticking them in an unfamiliar room with unfamiliar components.  I've been to meetings here in NY/CT, and the components were all different than mine.  Even Zybar has the same speakers I do, but he tunes his speakers differently than mine and the rooms are totally different, as are the components.  So, no matter what you do, you're going to put people who aren't familiar with a room or its components.  Also, I prefer that they use unfamiliar music, as then the people won't be saying, "That sounds different than it does on my Bose, therefore it's inferior."

[Scott F.]

.....sonic differences between an assortment of generic power cords and Nordost Valhalla power cords.....

Not to state the obvious but I wonder .......... maybe the Nordost cord just isn't very good. Afterall, their test was only generic cords and one high end cord.

I do agree with Werticus, I'd bet the Exact Power tended to bias the test.

[WerTicus]

I totally agree with DVV.. the largest factor in having one power cord better than the other is sheer bandwidth.  And the bass is definatly what i noticed with the axon8

there is no need to spend big dollars on anything to get top quality sound.
Certain not things that can easyily be made by ones self.

[PhilNYC]

I look at the speakers they used in this test and I see some metal dome tweeters... What are they? Vifa? $50 worth of tweeter? Also the dome midrange and woofer I do not regognise and cannot find reference to in the article... we also do not know what the crossover is like. What im saying is, your not going to hear the difference when your listening through crap.  ...

FWIW, the speakers in the test are the Talon Audio Khorus X (MSRP $18000).  According to the Talon website, here are the drivers they use:

Talon 10"W/Scanspeak 1-1/2"TW/Audax 1"ST

[KKM]

It shouldn't matter if you are familiar with room or equipment. The only thing they are testing is if you can hear a difference between the cords.

[JoshK]

I think these type of tests are mostly pointless because just as has been done here no matter what the results were people will still believe what they want and will dismiss the test for whatever reason to justify their own view.  Not saying that is right or wrong but these types of test will likely never change anyone's mind.

We did a powercord shootout at my place a while ago and at least I could hear the difference between the cords, others noted they could as well.  However, I am still the believer that many cords make a change, but change for the better?  Not so sure about that.  It is impossible to really know without looking through an oscilliscope and I do think that this is an area where measurements do count.  I think that well designed power cords (and they don't need to be big bucks) will not sound greatly different.  However, many boutique power cords sound different and that is precisely what I don't want with a power cord.