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Power Cord Challenge

I've got a couple of weeks off before starting a new job. As I clearly fall into the camp of those who suspect no purely audible differences exist (except in pathologic cases of too-small cords or RFI interference), here's a challenge:

If you live in the San Jose, CA area, let's get together and put this to the test. Your system, your choice of music, I supply a stock power cord to test against your exotic. We play both cords blind (identified as A and B) for a reasonable amout of time; I then play one of the two (randomly chosen through a coin flip) for a reasonable amount of time and you identify it as either A or B. We'll do 10 trials for some statistical significance.

Given that some claim drastic and easily heard differences ("blacker background", "music is more alive", etc., etc., etc.), it should be trivial to get right and shouldn't take more than 5-10 minutes per trial. The kicker: you get 9 or 10 right and I'll give you $500! The downside: 8 or less correct and you donate $250 to the Red Cross. Hey, I'm even giving you 2 for 1 odds!

Regardless of the outcome, we post the results to this site. Any takers?

Cheers,
JHunter
jhunter
jaykapur
70 posts
 
Great idea. Let us know if anyone takes you up on this.

I tried a much simpler quick and dirty test on my system once. I had the stock cord plugged into my preamp and I cranked the volume all the way up, with no music on. Hiss from background noise and a buzzing sound were rather loud. I then switched to an Electra Glide FatBoy and the hiss and buzz were much quieter. Maybe I'll get a soundmeter and measure the difference in background noise and post results. Perhaps it was a fluke?
onhwy61's avatar
onhwy61
4,163 posts
 
I admire that you are willing to back up your opinions with dollars. Hopefully, someone from the other side is equally willing. Be sure to post the results.
j_thunders
173 posts
 
Sounds kind of freaky. Need more info-but let's play. By the sound of it, you want to get together, in my house and I am to be blindfolded. Are you a woman? That could make a difference. If you are a dude, I'll pass. HOWEVER, should there be any takers (someone really into freaky) I will throw in on the Red Cross side. At least some cash in any case, and more if I can talk to the superfreak, and trust he (or she) has attached, anything approaching a decent ear.
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