Which Power Cords: I Need Some Informed Guidance

04-20-09: Garyjames
Hi. I recent bought some kaplan cables which i like very much.

What other after market power cords have you used?

Power cords are system dependent (like virtually everything in audio), and unless you happen to own the same equipment as someone who has done a shootout, their comparison may or may no apply to you.

The only way to determine what power cords work to your liking is to try as many of the possibilities as you can in your system.

Buy-and-Try.

The system seems like it has more headroom which makes me feel like there is more current and or cleaner current.

Emorrisiv (Threads | Answers)

I have heard this over and over in my system as elements have been added/replaced that lower noise floor. A lower noise floor often results in an apparently louder sound.

IMO, system noise is often misunderstood. Some people expect system noise to be an easily recognizable hiss, buzz, etc., and sometimes it is, but there is system noise that's extremely subtle and difficult to "hear". However, when this noise is reduced, the effect is a clearer musical signal, and often a perception of playing louder, because one doesn't have to turn the volume as high to discern micro details in the music.

After market power cords can lower system noise by reducing noise in the AC delivery.

I have observed the following changes during break-in.

Increased top end extension.
Less top end harshness.
Increased image size.
Increase low end extension.
Better defined bass and bass clarity.

The changes may be subtle. They may be dramatic. Based on comments in
Audiogon threads regarding break-in effects, the degree of change varies
from system to system, and from listener to listener.

05-17-09: Pops
Why doesn't anyone use or recommend SR Master Coupler any more? These cords were among the first aftermarket cords that became popular.

Like everything else in high end audio, the crowd gathers around the latest "hot buzz" component (wire, tweak, whatever) that's receiving raves, and quickly moves on when something new gets the spotlight. Audiophiles are nothing if not fickle and desperate for the latest-and-greatest.

It doesn't diminish the quality of what went before.