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Introduction
Having a technical background, I always laughed about the ridiculous claims cable manufacturers made. So I never really invested in expensive RCA cables or power cords…until recently. I just wanted to find out what the fuss is all about. Maybe I was completely wrong and I overlooked something. Who knows, maybe I would finally reach acoustic nirvana with higher-end cables. After kicking myself, I went ahead and bought a super-duper brand name audiophile cable that was on sale. I think I paid almost a hundred bucks from a third-party retailer.
Enter the Ludic Powercord Gold
I chose this power cable which comes with heavy-duty gold connectors and it uses pure copper cables and lots of fancy ingredients. Don’t want to repeat all the details, see for yourself in the manufacturer description.
In terms of build-quality it is absolutely stunning. I have never seen a manufacturer putting so much attention to detail and the cable is certainly made to last. What I really hate though is the stiff cord which is barely movable. It too me much effort to place the power cord behind the rack so it won’t interfere with all the other cords.
Listening impressions
Guess you’ve been waiting for this, huh? ;) I hooked up the power cord to my KGSSHV electrostatic amplifier. I also made sure to the check the correct phase. To my surprise, the sound through my STAX (advertisement link) SR-007 MK1 was absolutely fantastic! Crisp, detailed and lovely warm sound with an incredible soundstage. But wait a second…the sound was just as good before using this fancy Ludic cord. I plugged back my cheap power cord and it sounded absolutely the same. Zero, nada differences. I thought maybe my Gustard DAC would be more sensitive to power cables but again I cannot tell the cables apart. There’s absolutely nothing between the power cords. For clarification, I played around with some filter settings of my DAC and yes, found some very small tiny differences. However, the power cord showed zero improvements or changes.
I have no idea, maybe some more expensive cables would show me the way? I seriously doubt that. Make no mistake, the Ludic power cord is really worth its money in terms of build-quality and craftsmanship. I absolutely recommend it. But I think I understand now, those cords are sort of jewellery for audiophiles, they look and feel great – not that they really improve your sound (at least my experiment, although highly subjective, disproves that). I still want to try other cables and higher-end plugs but I’m definitely keeping my wallet closed if I don’t notice at least a small improvement.
Let me know your thoughts on power cord / RCA cable experiments!
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RE: AC Power Cables
Good day: AC power cords have a profound effect on the performance of an audio components internal power supply –and thus resulting sound quality.
Although I have performed many more after-market P/C (Power Cord) experiments with power amplifiers and Integrated amplifiers, I’ll assume it’s similar with digital equipment.
However, although the audible differences are remarkably obvious, it’s not necessarily for the better –depending on your evaluation criterion. It is, very much component dependent.
Why some folks find differences marginal, is remarkable to me. I must investigate further to determine possible reasons or relationships. Every single P/C change I’ve done, resulted in remarkable (day/night) differences in perceived sound quality. As does everything else (but not to such a startling degree as P/C’s) when it comes to altering the tonality of a sound system.
Just remember, any differences should not only be glaringly different/better but judged against price considerations.
Those who still doubt P/C’s contribution, I urge you to find any (detachable) power cord lying around –try regular thicker/thinner ones (conventional, regular throw-in OEM’s) ideally of different diameter’s/color and give it a listen.
pj
Even a second hand power cable has to break in for 24-48 hours in a new system. Otherwise its 300-500 hours before you can evaluate it.
That’s a foolish “blanket” statement; re-settling, yes; 300 + hours, is, well simply insane -as would be 30 or even 3-hours. A ten-to-fifteen minute re-settle (if it was banged around) is plenty.
NOTE: Bear in mind where the old power cords was positioned (yes, whether on the floor or in the air) and compare with near-identical cord layout/positioning.
peter jasz
::judgmental snorting:: Nuck Nuck Nuck! Whhhhaaaatttt?
Breaking in power cables? How delusional are audiophiles?
Either they ate the brown acid, or they are working for or own companies that sell $10,000 power cables. I am in the wrong business clearly.
You are in the wrong business -clearly. (Nuck, nuck nuck)
pj
RE:
“I always laughed about the ridiculous claims cable manufacturers made.”
As a precautionary measure -knock yourself out. However, if you believe that (99% of) audiophiles have so much extra dough and can’t find enough ways to give it away -I assure everyone that is NOT the case.
AC Power-cords do have a shocking impact upon the component’s internal power supply -and hence how said product ultimately, finally, makes music.
As I said before, a simple experiment/evaluation using nothing but ANY AC power cord lying around (that cost nothing but some time/interest) is ALL that is required to evaluate its contribution.
To me/for me, said “component” must be clearly, overwhelmingly and unanimously superior -as in day/night. And repeatable. Give yourself a few hours break. Listen/compare again. Bring in the wife to chime in. Look at the dog/s ears (and facial impressions lol). Repeat the next day. Etcetera etc.
Only when if consistent impressions emerge can one get a better handle on what’s going on . If said product presents an immediate, obvious clearly superior rendering (and repeatable) it’s a good bet there is something credible at play.
Wit that said, I’d strongly urge one to consider a Balanced/Symmetrical AC power supply (i.e. Equi=tech) to power analog components, and an AC power Re-generator (PS Audio P-3) for digital source components specifically, before any money is forked over (and consideration given) to power cords.
pj