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
Re: The ad... Curious; VPI's WebSite doesn't, AFAIK, list the product. Acoustic Sounds subtley implies it's a VPI product. E-mailed both parties for further info. Seems to me, IMHO, that it would be in VPI's best interest to supply the best pc required for the task with it's SAMA. The original SAMA came with a 3-conductor #18AWG hardwired SJT cord; (junior hard service, thermoplastic insulation.)

Considering the mass of VPI platters, I remain highly skeptical that a PC change over a stock SAMA cord would be earth shattering. I *have changed the plug on the stock original SAMA...yawn. Audio memory tells me that actually the SAMA change out was, well, subtle at best. For every system there's an opinion. For every change, there's usually a difference. Not all differences are improvements. Funny how the change/difference seems to vanish after awhile... Upgrades are the lifeblood of the software industry, and the audio industry is no different. Put it out there and someone will buy it. It's been that way since new and improved laundry detergent was invented.

I'm not saying this is impossible, but, IMHO, it has some heavy odds stacked against it. No way will I drop $300 for an experiment. That money would go a long way in the used record shop; but then, some are more interested in hardware and changes than actually collecting music to listen to.

Unaware that Forum rules only allowed posting the results of subjective field tests, which of course, result in individual opinions and observations, and that ideas and thoughts were disallowed; even with liberal sprinkling of IMO/IMHO's, which I neglected... And *that won't happen again.
Take this for what it worth (probably very little). Krell recommends not replacing their stock power cords. They sort of imply problems may result. Every time I have observed changing the power cord on a piece of Krell gear there was a dramatic improvement, not just a change. The review is for another thread, but just because VPI doesn't recommend or stock the better PC doesn't mean it will not help.
P.S. Love that Pixie Dust.
This is the best thread I have read here at Audiogon. Hey lighten up Bob, I agree with Twl (NO Bob I did not try it yet ok) but if you know anything about turntables it's only common sense that if you can help the motor run smoother you get better sound.
I will post again when I do try the pc uprrade.

Bob maybe you should try some of that cryo'd Pixie dust. I know I need some. Let me know when you guys have a batch ready out of the cable cooker.

Roni
I have a SAMA with my VPI HW19MKIV and am using the SDS. My SAMA does not have the interchangeable power cord. I assumed that it wouldn't make a difference what type of power cord feeding the SDS as long as the SDS was putting out the proper frequency. WRONG! It made a huge difference in sound by changing power cords with the SDS. I finally ended up with Custom Power CO Top Gun on the SDS. I wish my version of the SAMA had the interchangeable cords as I am sure it would effect the sound.