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In Reply to: RE: Unbelievable: posted by pictureguy on February 19, 2015 at 01:11:02
A number of things may not make sense to those who don't and won't consider thinking outside of the box. Some conventional thinking audio engineers may tend reject various audiophile notions based on a conservative belief system that rejects novel ideas, even concepts that have wide acceptance by end users for many years. The notion of audiophile power cords is still at the top of the list for many manufacturers, or so it seems.The use of a large-gauge power cord for a high-current application is understandable, yet there is still a level of a mystery about the phenomenon of using a large-gauge power cord for a low-current demand device. While a typical digital transport might be the lowest current demand device within an audio system, many folks find that a very large gauge (such as 10 AWG or 9 AWG) power cord often performs the best with a digital transport. The same phenomenon obviously applies to other low-current demand devices as well, but the consistently better performance of a very large gauge power cord for a very low-current demand digital transport is one of the most mysterious power cord issues, IME.
The most interesting thing may be the effect of an audiophile power cord when placed on a turntable motor, which clearly seems to affect the performance of a phono-level signal. Regardless of whether or not the power cord is shielded, even the choice of AC connectors can make a big impact on the sound of a turntable.
Edits: 02/22/15Follow Ups:
I've read where designers / engineering types have put HUGE power supplies (relative to deman) into stuff like preamps and other lower power gear. While my preamp MAY have something like a 30 to 50 VA transformer and appropriated sized caps and rectifier, it may benefit from maybe a 200VA transformer and being 'up-capped'.
Just a guess, but PERCEIVED benefit of MORE PS may continue to somewhere between 5x and 10x the calculated need. But that's just a sheer GUESS.
I'm not about to try THAT level of 'fix', but DO want a beefier power cord.
Too much is never enough
power cord construction seems to have a great ramification upon sonics, and gauges be damned sometimes.
I sincerely wish I understood all that goes on, but I don't.
The case is aptly illustrated with TT power cords. On an Linn LP 12 TT using a MIT Zcord certainly increase the bass, This sonic signature is also characteristic of the Z cord on electronics too, but why it should enhance the motor electronics is beyond me ( and I have tried many other power cords too, some bigger gauges, some the same).
Most EE types will claim that only inductance, resistance, and capacitance can make a difference. I can accept that, but certainly there are other gremlins in the cords.
DAletech seems to have resumed production of their low leakage power cords where they specify the amount of current bleeding through the insulation, a factor I have never ever seem listed for any audio type cords. Unfortunately they only make a 16 gauge in Euro color coding ( you know my aversion to black carbon based insulation). Still in the samples I have experimented, using them for digital and lower power draw components, they have been quite quiet with a lower noise floor.
Their secret is not concealed: the three conductors have four PE tubes interwound between them. I have seen similar construction in other power cords, not even labeled as low leakage.
Food for thought at any rate
I guess I'll have to declare myself on a 'food for thought' diet, for the time being.
That being said, I WOULD like an upgraded power cord, consistent with the 3 given measurables.
BUT, I'm also on board with some dielectric effects which power cords SHARE with capacitors. I think some 'cross pollination' may be warranted.
I haven't gotten to the point of worry about Carbon in the insulation. Low leakage MAY gain some traction here.
Too much is never enough
I have a PAIR of Parasound A23 which will be the FIRST to get new cordage.
I don't know what they are issued with, and I'm scared to LOOK.
I think a pair of 14ga would work fine. MAYBE 12ga, but certainly nothing more.A post from Parasound indicates 16ga power cord.
Too much is never enough
Edits: 02/22/15
What is your budget level, required length, and particular make/model device you plan to use with the power cord?
Amp(s) are Parasound A23 which come with 16ga standard cords.
The belden 19364 would appear to be a terrific way to go.
Too much is never enough
Belden 19364 is a medium gauge 14 AWG shielded power cord that's more suitable for low-current digital source components rather than a high-current power amplifier which would be better served by an unshielded power cord of at least 12 AWG. Here's a link to a very inexpensive bulk power cord product I've considered evaluating but haven't got around to do, as of yet. It's a 12 AWG unshielded power cord design with a cotton filler and no rubber involved in the insulation and jacket. See link:
I'm going to try to avoid buying Chinese.
Not only that, but the amp I'm intended to re-cord is SHIPPED with 16ga. So an upgrade to 14 would be fine. Which is all code calls for on a 15amp circuit, anyway.
Belden 83803 is a 12ga cable, with TINNED individual strands. This is FAR more attractive and premium priced, and WORTH it to me to not end up with Chinese stuff. Marinco connectors should be fine, but I see some choices with Leviton and (brain glitch) which are hospital grade.
Too much is never enough
The tin plated shielded Belden 83803 sounds very odd to my ear, with a very unnaturally bloated soundstage presentation. The only application it sounded good with was a turntable motor. If you want an American-made bulk power cable, the VH Audio Flavor power cable design is essentially a better sounding bare copper version of the Belden 83803. You should choose an unshielded Flavor 2 or Flavor 4 for use with power amplification since shielded power cords tend to restrict dynamics when used with power amplification.
What is the Belden #?
One company advertises the 'ideal combination' of the 83803 / 19364 but don't give Belden's #.
It has the high wire count of the 19364 AND is tinned AND has the teflon insulation while being 12ga, Not the 14ga. They claim Belden Manufacture for this wire.
12ga for a TT motor sounds a little Mucho, especially given the STIFFNESS of the 12ga Belden and the possiblity of transmitting vibrations up/down such a cable.
Also, I note that there are SEVERAL sources for the Belden wire in the UK, but few on this side of the pond. A 'normal' electrical wiring house CAN get it, but wait 'till you get the BILL.
I'm probably going with the 14 ga. Expense is an issue and I have trouble with the mega-buck stuff.
Too much is never enough
When it comes to audiophile applications, the decision of which power cord gauge to choose for a given application has little to do with current demand other than high-current applications are obviously better served by a large gauge design that also meets safety requirements. As for power cord stiffness, the IEC inlet for the turntable is mounted on the plinth with hookup wire routed to the motor, so there is no direct vibration transfer to the turntable motor. BTW, the maker of the very inexpensive bulk power cord I pointed to is from a company in Taiwan, not China if that matters. The new Wattgate EVO AU Gold AC connectors are manufactured in Taiwan, and the sonic signature is distinctively high performance in character. Perhaps the best sounding brass base metal AC connector design, IME. The particular Taiwanese bulk power cord product line also includes a very inexpensive 10 AWG version, so I'll likely try that too if I decide to evaluate the 12 AWG product, simply out of curiosity.
Edits: 02/26/15
At 98 cents a foot, if it is only just decent, it is worth it.Dave
Edits: 03/04/15
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