Where Power Cords Fit Into the AC Delivery Hierarchy

[MylesBAstor]

I liked this brief introduction to the importance of power cords! Thanks Joe.

http://www.kosmic.us/KOSMIC%20White%...May%202015.pdf

Years ago, I had PC manufacturer tell me you can't just switch AC power cords from one piece of equipment to another, even if the cable was broken-in. His explanation was no matter what, the power supply caps always had to break-in all over again with a new cable. That also fits in with Joe's explaining how the PC is an extension of the power supply. One thing this manufacturer mentioned-and I hear quite frequently-- is that most broken-in AC PCs sound bright until played for around 15 hours on the new piece of gear.

[david k]

IME power cords are extremely important and wrong ones can kill a good system with coloration. Given their strong influence on sound I'm VEHEMENTLY against audiophile PCs, every single one that I've heard and owned affected the sound with extreme unwanted coloration some of which can be even alluring to some. In fact working with friends & clients I'll go as far as not dealing with their systems with some audiophile PCs and wires, there's no fixing the extreme negative affect of such wires. I haven't experienced break-in having a substantial effect on PCs, if it's right and good it remains so and if it's colored then no amount of break-in makes it different or palatable for me.

david

[pcosta]

IME power cords are extremely important and wrong ones can kill a good system with coloration. Given their strong influence on sound I'm VEHEMENTLY against audiophile PCs, every single one that I've heard and owned affected the sound with extreme unwanted coloration some of which can be even alluring to some. In fact working with friends & clients I'll go as far as not dealing with their systems with some audiophile PCs and wires, there's no fixing the extreme negative affect of such wires. I haven't experienced break-in having a substantial effect on PCs, if it's right and good it remains so and if it's colored then no amount of break-in makes it different or palatable for me.

david

David

Would you say that the cords you do recommend work the same no matter which system they are in?

Paul

[david k]

David

Would you say that the cords you do recommend work the same no matter which system they are in?

Paul

Generally I would say that they replaced expensive and very expensive cords in every system that I had them in. Sometimes the owner needed an adjustment period because these power cords don't boost, add or subtract anything and they had to get used to it and/or fine tune the system. The whole thing about inexpensive industrial cords is that they're not special and do nothing besides powering up the equipment!

david

[mkuller]

I would say good power cords also reject RFI and make the most difference on a DAC or CD player.

[TheNoose]

What's missing here...

A proper classification and hierarchy of impact

Now don't kill me...here's thinking out aloud...

Supply
AC/DC
Amps
Sources - Types
Materials
Treatment

Transmission
Cables
Terminals
Materials
Treatment

Risks/Contaminants
Noise
Interruption
Corruption
EMI/RFI
Continuity
Failure Modes
Purpose/Fit

Yes...just an incomplete skeleton...a start.

And to yank some chords (pun was accidental) here, some example best practice standards I guess...

http://www.actpower.com/educational/the-benefits-of-military-power-supplies/

http://www.interfacebus.com/Power_Supply_Manufactures.html

http://www.astrodyne.com/markets/military

[MylesBAstor]

I also think so much depends upon where you live too!