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Power Cords - Pixie Dust?

As an audiophile I am always prepared to believe that almost anything can make a difference in the sound. But this one makes me wonder. I have a TNT MKV with JMW 12.5 arm. The stand alone motor turns, via a belt, a flywheel that turns, via another belt, the platter.

I have seen an add claiming that replacing the power cord between the SDS speed controller and the stand alone motor can improved the sound of the table, "increasing upper range resolution and sweetness" or some such thing.

I suppose I can see how a new power cord might be argued to improve speed stability, but for the life of me how can a special power cord improve "resolution and sweetness", when the only function of the motor is to spin a belt, that turns a flywheel that spins another belt that turns the platter?? Does this claim make any sense?
jackcob
twl
3,251 posts
 
Yes, it does make sense. The better that motor does its job, the better the sound will be.

I power my motor directly from a battery, and that was a big improvement. Then I just got a Signature motor upgrade, which added high quality caps and resistors to the motor assembly, and the sound got even better.

Don't ask me why it does this, because I can't really give you "specifications" that would technically explain it. I could guess that miniscule variations in speed are reduced, and creates more fluid presentation. But I can tell you that it does sound better, and that's good enough for me.
nrchy's avatar
nrchy
2,111 posts
 
You didn't mention whether you have tried other power cords in your system so I'm not sure if you have experienced the difference. I began as a total sceptic. About six years ago I canceled my subscription to Stereophile because they started talking about better power cords. I went for trhe ICs and speaker cables, but that was too much. About a year two years ago I got back into this crazy hobby and tried some of the better cords. They did sound better! I don't know why they work, but it stands to reason if they work in other applications the should work on your TT too. If they don't, try sprinkling some Pixie Dust. I hear audio advisor sells it now.
viridian's avatar
viridian
4,184 posts
 
BTW Audio Advisor has a very good sale on Pixie Dust going on.
subaruguru
1,353 posts
 
Ahem! I was a PC skeptic until two years ago, then tried a few $$ flavors, before building my own from Belden 83802, followed soon by a dedicated line from this magical stuff.
Indeed it provides a lower noisefloor, and thus enhanced detail subtlety and perceived microdynamics.
But for a friggin MOTOR? How can I claim that 12AWG in pure Teflon helps a motor? All right...maybe. Gotta keep my mind open, I suppose. BTW you can get one of my PC Kits for just $35, so at least it's not a large gamble...and you can put your mind to rest, eh? RSVP 781 483-3922 Ern
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