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Do IC and Power Cables Really Make a Difference?

If you had asked me a few months ago I would have said either "very little" or "not really" not from experience but from a generally cynical attitude regarding all the hype that often infects this hobby. However, I have come to a new opinion based upon my recent experiences with cable substitution that imparted such positive benefits that I had to share.

My system includes:

VPI Scout/JMW9/Dyna 20XH
Rotel RCD-971
Audio Research SP16
Audio Research 100.2
Harbeth Compact 7ES

I've had the system wired for several years as follows:

VPI Cable from the Scout to the SP16
Wireworld Eclipse from the SP16 to the 100.2
Wireworld Equinox III from the Rotel to the SP16
Naim NACA5 from the 100.2 to the Harbeth's
Stock Powercords for the SP16 and 100.2

And achieved very good results. However, after reading numerous posts extolling the virtues of Audience cables I decided to outfit the whole rig (except the VPI cable which I had custom made) with Audience wire. I began by replacing the IC's between amp and pre (Au24) and CD and pre (Conductor) and the speaker wires (Au24). I fired everything up and heard VERY slight differences in the sound--some of which I figured were in my head! As I listened further I began to feel that the new cables were slightly more musical, coherent and tonally correct than the previous set up. This was not a huge difference, rather very subtle. I doubt the casual listener would have heard it and I'm not even sure that I would have been able to tell the difference with a blind test. I attribute the small degree of change to the fact that the Wireworld cables were very good to begin with and that the Naim wire was no real slouch despite their inexpensive price tag. After about a month I took the next step of replacing the stock power cords with Audience Powercords. Holy Crap!! The system was markedly improved. The music emerges from a dead silent (blackness). Dynamics and speed are enhanced. Pace and timing are improved. Transparancy increased. This was not a minor change but rather a mindblowing one--akin to upgrading from an inexpensive integrated amp to full blown high end separates. And remember--I came into this very skeptical and fearful that I would be wasting my money. Bottom line: the Audience products and very good indeed and seem designed to work synergistically (in other words I don't think I enjoyed the full benefits of the IC's until I also put the powercords into the system). The powercords in particular were transformative. I don't know why or how they improve the sound but if you are on the fence about making the investment in aftermarket cords, are skeptical of their value or are looking for another excuse to upgrade your system (like you really need another excuse!) I cannot recommend these cables more highly. My system, which sounded good before, has reached another level altogether. I am particularly pleased with the additional openness, naturalness and dynamics that the cables provide. I just wish I had seen the light earlier.
dodgealum
czbbcl's avatar
czbbcl
1,699 posts
 
I upgraded from Audioquest Viper interconnects and Bedrock speaker cables to Audioquest Anaconda interconnects and Volcano speaker cables and heard a substantial improvement through out the audio spectrum; deeper better defined bass and cleaner more detailed high end extension. As far as power cords go I heard a difference with upgrading the cord on my cd player (blacker background) and not much difference on my amp and pre-amp.

Chuck
dodgealum's avatar
dodgealum OP
976 posts
 
Thanks, Tvad. I wasn't aware of controversey over what was being used in some of the aftermarket cables. The issue in my mind was whether different materials and cable design/construction could have an impact (good or ill) on the sound of audio components. My skepticism was grounded in the idea that "wire is wire" and that if the appropriate thickness for the current load was being used then issues of materials, design, etc. would be irrelevant (sonically). I have to say that I am really surprised by what I am hearing. I just finished listening to string quartets by Mozart (Quartetto Italiano on Phillips), a record I have owned for many years and played often. I gained completely new insight into the music. In one passage where the strings are plucked I was stunned by the difference in sound. Instead of an amorphous, dull "plunk" which was barely audible through the haze I heard a clear and snappy "plink" that had realistic tone and decay. The leading and trailing edges of the sound were much more focused and the sound emerged from a three dimensional space with focus and realism. This is the kind of improvement I'm hearing across the spectrum. I can also play the piece louder without straining my ears since there is less grundge and grit. I'm really enjoying this--much more that I thought I would when I made the initial purchase. Anyway, again, my post wasn't necessarily intended to rave about the Audience products per se but rather to point out that in my experience replacement of the stock power cords really did improve things dramatically. I do feel, however, that there may be a cumulative and synergistic benefit to using the Audience products across the board--though I have no way of knowing for sure and am not about to experiment with other brands to find out.
tvad
9,467 posts
 
I do feel, however, that there may be a cumulative and synergistic benefit to using the Audience products across the board--though I have no way of knowing for sure and am not about to experiment with other brands to find out.
The insidious nature of your cable discovery is that you WILL experiment further, despite your firm stance at present. Trust me, you will. Everyone I know who has discovered the benefits of upgraded wire has followed the same path. It's part of the adventure.

I will say that one day, when you get the itch, you should audition some Purist Audio Dominus power cords, and Venustas and/or Aqueous Anniversary interconnects. I have no connection with Purist Audio other than complete satisfaction as a customer. As good as the wire was that I used previously (I have used Audience, BTW, and really liked it), the Purist wire is in another league. IMO, of course...the usual audio hobby disclosure.

Have fun. let us know if you cut open that Audience PC. :)
elizabeth
6,726 posts
 
yes they can make a difference.
They also cost way too much in proportion to the benefit they create.
I say spend the cash wasted on $2,000 cables on better electronics and use cheaper cords. (in the $100 to $300 range at most)
psychicanimal
1,738 posts
 
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