How can power cords make a difference?

Stevemj. I am not opposed to ideas, only to comments that scientific evidence is necessary to prove that something works. I am very confident of my hearing and the results of my testing. I think that if those of you that disagree that power cords make a difference could hear a test on my system, you would understand. The differences are so dramatic, that even within a large group of listeners, there is no doubt as to the change.

I never claim that only one (certain) power cord or interconnect is the perfect answer. In fact, differences in power cords are sometime inconsistent between one piece of equipment and another. I have no explanation for this, I only know it that is audible, repeatable and difficult to explain. My wish is that those of you that are driven toward the scientific method could find instruments that measure what many of us are hearing. Both sides would have a better understanding and perhaps these methods could assist with design that current technology cannot address.

I don't expect to ever solve all the problems of reproduction of music as it is far too complex. However, the person who asserts that a particular product cannot possibly make a difference, has no chance of solving these problems, because they close their mind to the opportunity of learning something new.

My rejection of ABX or double blind testing, is not because I dismiss this testing procedure for all things, but rather because it is not applicable to a complicated music system. Power cables in my system (as a specific example) radically change sound simply by picking up a cable and letting it drop to the floor. The same disturbance occurs when I gently pick up my amp to change an isolation device under it.

No other mechanical or electrical change is required, the amp may simply be picked up and set back down with the same disruption of sound. The return to the original sound requires from five to fifteen minutes. Such strange behavior from wire is why I consider it impossible to do ABX testing. Humans cannot ignore this initial change (moving the equip) and confuse that first impression with (being) the final result. Worse, by switching multiple times in a single evening, to equalize the ABX test, the cable is disrupted so often, it is never totally correct.

I wish you and 702 lived close enough to do a relaxed listening session with me. It would be a slow process, because I am likewise convinced that we are all affected by the presence (and attitude) of a new visitor/listener as well. In the end, I am certain there would be little to disagree about, provided we stayed the course with the music and the possibility of learning.

Kitch29 -

Your lack of knowledge of science, electronics, audio, the definition of a theory, EVERYTHING that you mention in your diatribe is so staggering as to be beyond comprehension. The number and magnitude of fundamental errors in your post is truly frightening.

You'd be wise to take a beginning science or engineering course, and get at least a modicum of understanding (rather than just pretending to) before spewing forth as you just did. It's really quite embarrassing.

Sadly,
Jhunter

MY THEORY: All mechanical stuff is made. Apsaras like that sort of environment. Noisy, hot/cold, crud, rough and tough. they hang around new equipment 'cuz they think more smashing and bashing is on the way... and they hate to move out of a new place. Then you or I get the thing and plug it in. That's cool to the apsaras too.... but then you start playing music. They don't care.. but suddenly the Devas( who LOVE music and all those artistic and nice things) notice the new source of the nice stuff and start hanging around. The apsaras absolutely HATE the Devas (they SMELL FUNNY) and even though they hate to move out... as the Devas keep crowding in... the apsaras start moving out. And the "vibes" the owner gets from the spirits hanging around change to ones of pleasure. MY story and proud of it!

I actually took the time to read every post in this thread and I conclude that there has been very little dialog. There's alot of chest pounding and pontificating, but little communication. To the people who "believe" in power cords, I don't question your ability to hear differences, but I question whether you have put your aural perception in its proper perspective. Are the changes you hear muscially important or are they just audiophile BS? To those who don't "understand" power cords, try the following test. Get two identical CD players and two of each test discs. Site each CD player on identical surfaces and connect them with identical interconnects. The only variable will be the power cords. Start up each CD at the same time and switch back and forth using the preamp input switch. See if you hear a difference. It's alright if you do -- it's alright if you don't.

New update on musicians using power cords on their guitar amps. This evaluation was performed by two people in the same band, using different guitars and amps(their own equipment). The contenders were the stock power cords, and two I submitted to them. Each of the two I provided were from the same company, with the same construction geometry. They differed in both wire material and gauge. One was silver, using 13 gauge conductors. The other was copper, with 8 gauge conductors. I feel the timing of their comments is a Godsend, considering this thread. The following are their opinions, not mine. First of all, both feel that TREMENDOUS improvements were made to their sound over the stock cords. So, both are now converts to "audiophile" power cords. Previously, both thought this was all BS. Belonging to the "wire is wire" club. Both felt the silver cord to be significantly better than the copper, despite its featuring much smaller conductors. The copper sounded duller, more lifeless, and less real. The silver had a presence that they were not used to. A realness that they do not want to give up. The knock on the silver cable is it would not be roadworthy. They also asked about the possibility of making our own, which would stand up to the rigors of playing out. I have accepted the challenge, and feel that we will build our "ultimate power cord" within the next couple of months. I will build three. One for each of us. It will be silver, featuring a silver male end(if anyone is aware of a source of a silver IEC connector, I would be most appreciative). Guage should come in between 6 and 10 AWG. It will feature a rugged jacket and plugs. Possibly a braid. Yet, it will look very sedate. The reason being people steal stuff that looks interesting, and we don't want our cable to look interesting to anyone. I will evaluate this cable in my system, using both my CD player and integrated amplifier. If results are promising, I will start a thread regarding the cord. I now feel that anyone who doubts the sonic differences of a power cord to be anything but "objective", and will stop referring to such people as what they have traditionally been called.