1. Home
  2. cables
  3. 132610-435

Audio cables ,and power cords the most forgotton- part of an Audio system.

I have been in Audio for over 35 years and owned and operated a  Audio store as well as buy just from the A list ,which does not guarantee system synergy.
I have tried   inexpensive cables like blue jeans  that is fine for a entry level system. 
If you have electronics $5k and up and 5 figure Loudspeakers then to get ultimate resolution 
You have to spend some money's on cables.my last cables 2pr interconnects  and a pr of 6ft Speaker cables 
I had, Silnotes, Analysis plus  even more expensive Synergistic research.  Decent but not the realism I was after.
To get to that last5-  10% + in fine detail and resolution you have to spend. I was stubborn but really 25% for example.Of your total cost is not that much. When you see just how much refinement and fidelity 
You may be missing .My brother brought over his Verastarr power cord over to try on my digital 
Which is most sensitive,  I had a $600 Kimber power cord, his grand illusion cord made the music so much more real,there are other very good cables but these are one of the best I have ever heard without breaking the bank. . Is that worth over $1k ?  I did the same with interconnects and speaker cables 
I spent $6k  and still have s few power cords to go. One thing my system as a whole is a minimum of 10% better. And  a you are there on any decent recording.   Fine tuning with Duelund capacitors
Bypass and coupling caps are next and final step in tweaking the system and a bit over priced. and these may be equal to or better  in added tonal balance and depth. 
This just proves having the best speakers or electronics is only half the battle.
You are only as strong as your weakest link .
audioman58
elizabeth
6,726 posts
 
The lowest possible cost is a strategy which may be effective.
Considering being able to BUY better, more expensive components may outweigh the advantage of upscale wires.

I used to mention this as a strategy.
But my current electronics are really the sort of sound I totally want. And THEN I started buying crazy expensive IC to be 'icing on the cake'.
If I did not have the right sound, and was still searching for something, I would avoid spending big bucks on IC, and concentrate on the electronics, and speakers.
chrisr's avatar
chrisr
444 posts
 
Why does Marantz advise to NOT use another power cord than the one provided?
audioman58's avatar
audioman58 OP
1,219 posts
 
That makes no sense whatso ever. I guarantee one of my Verastarr power cords 
Would add considerably to the fidelity. I have owned a Audio store and 
Seen all the B.S. that they provide.the stock power cord is not even that good.
Any quality aftermarket cord would add more fidelity.
What gauge is the wire for starters ?  How many wpc is your amplifier ?
Is it a integrated,receiver ?  
chrisr's avatar
chrisr
444 posts
 
I guess audio stores know better than Marantz when it comes to power cords and sound.  That makes a lot of $$$ sense.
Or maybe Marantz insists on using the stock power cord so that their electronics sound their worse.
Ah! no no.  I know, they are using reverse psychology.
chrisr's avatar
chrisr
444 posts
 
" If the electrons traveled 2,000 miles the first thing your amp sees is what comes out of IT'S power cord .
About like saying no sense in using a recipe because the veggies came from California .
Basic physics ."
Finally a persuasive analogy.

The Veggies = electricity
The recipe = the assembly of parts that makes the device use the veggies to amplify low-volume audio signals to a level appropriate to drive speakers.
The power cord = one of the utensils.
More to discover