2. analog
  3. 1041975375

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
shasta
155 posts
 
Expanding a bit- VPI reported that the PC is built by them in-house, has a lifetime warranty, and even was a bit appologetic about the $300 price, claiming a high labor burden for assembly. Seems to be a *very low-profile VPI product...

My initial knee-jerk, untested skepticism was engendered by the fact that I do wires, motors, instrumentation, and power distribution design on daily basis for 30 yrs now, and the thought of a 5 ft power feed to fractional HP motor driving a huge rotating weight (read:flywheel), could have much effect beyond the 'ol classic wow & flutter, pegged-out my Skept-O-Meter. Maybe, but I get a Subtle If Any change, here.

BB- Please keep everything as-is, and just drop in the SDS. I'd be curious on your experience, since it's on my list.
brucegel
148 posts
 
The difference was obvious from the moment I hooked it up.Their is no difference in the highs that I can tell.The bass extension and dynamics are such that I had to move the speakers a couple of inches out from the rear wall to bring things back in balance and I believe pc cords would make a difference in any part of the chain but as to whether its a pleasing change I couldnt say.Only my hairdresser knows for sure...never mind.
rockinroni's avatar
rockinroni
286 posts
 
I would not put $300 into a cord made by a Turntable manufacturer. The Virtual dynamics PC's seem to be the current leaders of the pack in PC value. Right now all are half price if you will right a review for them. That's the one I will try. But it will not be soon, Thanks for a great thread, and to all the info gathered.
Roni
cpdunn99's avatar
cpdunn99
639 posts
 
Brucegel,

Thanks for the further information. I have one of those kits, too, but have yet to put it together. I'm quite anxious to hear it myself.
jackcob OP
36 posts
 
Well, I spent last night exchanging three diffreent power cords for between the VPI motor and SDS controller. I couldn't hear a bit of difference, even between a cheap standard cord and a $400 PS audio cable that I had purcharsed for my VPI ulimate outlet. Maybe my doubts that a power cord that has no electrical connection to the turntable could make a big difference colored my judgment, but I don't think so. In my view, in this application, PIXIE DUST!
More to discover