Power Cords: A Skeptic Looking to Dabble...

TLS49 - My interest in checking out power cords is too potentially improve the sound of my system, but the driving force that motivates me is curiosity to find out if I can actually hear a difference in my system rather than any unhappiness with the current sound.

Mceljo, then just get a power cord and see what happens. It may or may not make a difference. My point is that dedicated lines will definitely make a difference, and with dedicated lines, the power cord has a much greater probability to make a difference, and that difference itself to be greater.

As I said, good luck.

An interesting tidbit - I brought over my 'audiophile' power cords and interconnects to a friends house who had a system composed of equipment you could get at a typical electronics chain (e.g. BestBuy) and we could barely discern any sound quality difference. In my system I can hear distinct differences with any power cord / interconnect I try. I was pretty surprised, but I can now understand when I read posts from people that say they hear no difference.

Dave33 - Could you post any specifics on the system that he had? I would be curious to know what speakers, receiver, etc. were in play.

One key thing about "listening" to changes brought on by inserting different power cords in a resolving system: when you first connect a power cord, the sound of the system will change over time, and it will change several times. The changes in sound can be subtle or more pronounced. This is the "break in" process. After trying many aftermarket power cords on different components over the years, this is my experience. If you're simply trying power cords for a few hours and then removing them, you will not hear the final sound of the system. Again, this is my experience. It may not be your experience. For me, the terms "settling in" and "breaking in" of cables exists. In my opinion, you cannot properly judge a power cord's affect until quite a few hours and days have occurred with that power cord connected. Or, you can run a new power cord connected to some other device (ie. refrigerator, computer, humidifier) before inserting it in your system to break it in. (also called "burn in.") Anymore, I typically don't have the patience for this and simply connect a new power cord to the component and play the system.