Do Audiophile Power Cables Make A Difference?

Ғылым және технология

We are sometimes asked our opinion of exotic power cords and cables and whether or not they are beneficial or worth the added cost over the stock power cords that come with A/V electronics. With the help of Blue Jeans Cable, we explore the importance of properly designed power cords while simultaneously debunking the myths and bogus claims perpetuated by many exotic cable manufacturers and A/V review magazines. Always remember the Audioholics.com mantra "only poorly designed cables can be sonically distinguishable" and you will never make a bad purchasing decision. Once all of the nonsensical claims are peeled away, only three very basic and essential metrics are left to ensure quality power transfer from your wall outlet to your A/V gear which we discuss in detail in this KZread video and related article.
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#power #audiophile #cables

Пікірлер: 893

  • @bearzlla
    @bearzlla3 жыл бұрын

    I truly believe in power cables. Without them, my equipment won't turn on.

  • @giangvu7902

    @giangvu7902

    3 жыл бұрын

    Hahaha that's true!

  • @zackschindler8334

    @zackschindler8334

    3 жыл бұрын

    I have a friend that works at the CERN. He was able to put some of my old cheap power cables in the most powerful particle accelerator in the world on an off shift. You would not be able to believe the difference it made to the sound! It now funnels muons, pions and quarks and changed the subatomic structure of the wire itself. Anyone want to buy them for $10k?

  • @imad1996

    @imad1996

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@zackschindler8334 Sorry as I am waiting for the new Audioquest Quantum version. They will be pricy but you will be using the cable's superposition and entanglement to hear the audio in the next dimension. They achieved this using a carrot they stick on the cable as it proved to work better than their 72V battery. Cern in the year 2000 (this is the future) will be using carrots instead of their classical collider.

  • @jbebko4359

    @jbebko4359

    2 жыл бұрын

    And it won’t turn u on either😜just saying…..

  • @faithhopelove6945

    @faithhopelove6945

    2 жыл бұрын

    I 🧡U (:

  • @robertsteich7362
    @robertsteich73623 жыл бұрын

    As an electrician, I approve of this message. Especially about the lack of the UL listings.

  • @alphaniner3770

    @alphaniner3770

    3 жыл бұрын

    'My 5k power cable made a HUGE difference, it really lighted things up...'

  • @berthacdellasala

    @berthacdellasala

    3 жыл бұрын

    Approved by Robert Steich, Master Electrician. Thank you Robert!

  • @kirkcunningham6146

    @kirkcunningham6146

    3 жыл бұрын

    @Mr Do that guy is rediculous. I would love Gene to comment on his silly wire pedalling video.

  • @welderfixer

    @welderfixer

    3 жыл бұрын

    Robert, I'm so glad that Gene talked about the crap home wiring in most home. I wonder who many system installers pro and/or DIY add up or measure the load placed on the power circuit. Surely damn few. I'm considering running a dedicated 10ga 30amp circuit to my system just to be safe. 15 amps add up quick.

  • @kirkcunningham6146

    @kirkcunningham6146

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@shannonwilliams6623 if Danny is such a badass then why doesn't he work at or for any one of the audiophile businesses such as let's say PS Audio?? Or Stereophile? Danny was founded by a KZread beggar who literally begged his viewers for money because he had to move. Has his daughter crawling all over him during his videos. Danny is an arrogant man who is nothing but a snake oil salesmen who uses his channel to pedal is products period...

  • @Mr_Spock512
    @Mr_Spock5122 жыл бұрын

    I changed the power cord on my microwave and now the popcorn tastes better ... I can even tell where the corn kernel came from. 😁

  • @_Chev_Chelios
    @_Chev_Chelios3 жыл бұрын

    Quick answer: Yes, power cords make a difference. Without them I can’t hear any music whatsoever. This was with a properly done double blind test by the way.

  • @HaraldMacGerhard

    @HaraldMacGerhard

    3 жыл бұрын

    LOL 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

  • @ryanling7319

    @ryanling7319

    2 жыл бұрын

    Science can't explain everything but It can explain how it work. Sound related topic here is kind of chicken and egg issue ... but different power cord do affecting the sound. But those danm expensive cable are really! too much. Haha

  • @ickebins6948

    @ickebins6948

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@ryanling7319 They dont, end of story.

  • @lawrencetomczyk9677

    @lawrencetomczyk9677

    Жыл бұрын

    Got ya! True… ya gotta have one plugged in LOL

  • @stevenbarall9227
    @stevenbarall92273 жыл бұрын

    I bought a hospital grade power cable because it's 14 AWG and also the wall end of the cord has a really nicely shaped plug that's easy to grab. I think it was $12.00 US.

  • @retiredslo
    @retiredslo3 жыл бұрын

    Please talk about ground loops. I have one that I isolated to my cable box cable. I put a noise filter on the cable to suppress it but is there a better way to eliminate it , instead of just covering it up? I would love to learn more....Thanks for teaching us so much, Gene!

  • @dennisheadley4408
    @dennisheadley44083 жыл бұрын

    Would the same principles apply to power strips with surge protection?

  • @alexanderbelov6892

    @alexanderbelov6892

    3 жыл бұрын

    Surge protection is a good way to save expensive audio equipment during thunderstorms with lightnings nearby. Better to switch off any equipment from powerline. But if you did not do it those surge protectors can protect from overvoltage surges.

  • @mydogskips2
    @mydogskips23 жыл бұрын

    Hello. Do you have a video on power conditioners/line filters, lately I've been a bit obsessed with the idea, even though part of me doesn't really think it will make an audible difference. I just bought a good surge protector to protect my equipment, and it's supposed to have basic voltage regulation and EMI/RFI filtering, along with surge suppression, but is a good power conditioner beneficial in terms of sound quality?

  • @supermanwhereareyounow3081
    @supermanwhereareyounow30813 жыл бұрын

    Can we also cover expensive audio grade fuses...both for home and car audio(Anl and mini Anl)...

  • @bruceleroy1143
    @bruceleroy11433 жыл бұрын

    Im running a Krell KAV400xi integrated and the manual says to NOT use a 3rd party cord. It came with a 6 foot 14 awg power cord. I needed a shorter one so I purchased a 14 awg UL certified cord for 13 bucks. Spent the other $287 on actual vinyl so I had something to listen to on my system.

  • @MJ-ge6jz
    @MJ-ge6jz3 жыл бұрын

    Your thoughts on those power conditioners? When not needing a UPS type support.

  • @gino3286
    @gino32863 жыл бұрын

    Hi great tower speakers on the back 11:19 ... what are they ? they must sound phenomenal indeed

  • @mserlin
    @mserlin3 жыл бұрын

    I run stock power cords on my full system but because I wanted to test for myself I put an audioquest NRG 4 on my main speaker amp (emotiva xpa2 gen 2). On a completely unrelated note I have for sale one 3ft Audioquest NRG 4 ;)

  • @iromulus1409
    @iromulus1409 Жыл бұрын

    My Cool Music DM100 didn't come with a power chord. Where can I buy one.

  • @jtee9548
    @jtee95483 жыл бұрын

    Thank You. Instantaneous comparison is a huge deal. Even with speakers to just get an idea of "character" before extended listening (ie: warm, forgiving vs analytical & brutally revealing etc). I used to fool the factory reps and techs for some major brands with blind tests. Even moving a speaker a little can fool your senses in a blind test. My buddy had a cool Monster Cable display where you could move pre amp cables in and out of a "hum field" and listen to the difference in noise picked up, which was fun, but didn't translate into a practical application with the exception of some car/marine/aviation installs.

  • @Level10Productions
    @Level10Productions3 жыл бұрын

    Is there any way you could perform an A/B test and measure them under power? Is there any difference then? Not just measurements taken with no signal? Or has this been done? And can I see those results? Im still on the fence like many of us.

  • @DavidKowalski
    @DavidKowalski3 жыл бұрын

    Thanks. I appreciate these brief videos that authoritatively address a single issue.

  • @Movieman2099
    @Movieman20993 жыл бұрын

    I own a few AudioQuest NRG-2 power cables. Magnolia reps got me good when I first got in to home theater. Haha!

  • @bigmacfullerton7870

    @bigmacfullerton7870

    4 ай бұрын

    I was ready to buy one until I did some research on KZread. Plenty of people have tested these junk chords by now and they do nothing.

  • @bearblackhawk9362

    @bearblackhawk9362

    2 ай бұрын

    Same here. Doh!

  • @steveee2511
    @steveee2511 Жыл бұрын

    are iso tek great power cables im planing to replace my audioquest with them

  • @TheChrisleekay
    @TheChrisleekay3 жыл бұрын

    I upgraded my power cable from a bog standard one to a £40 one from China with a Gold Plated C-079 IEC Connector. Did it improve the audio hmmmm not sure but the crackle and momentary sound drop out that sometimes occurred when adjusting the volume on my tube amp... stopped permanently !!?

  • @marianneoelund2940

    @marianneoelund2940

    3 жыл бұрын

    Noise and dropout when adjusting the volume is due to age issues or contamination in the volume control itself. It can come and go, and tends to clear somewhat if you wind the control up and down many times. Since it's not consistent, there could seem to be a cause-effect relationship with the new power cable if you only change it once. But you can prove to yourself that it doesn't correlate to the power cable, by going back to the old cable, then to the new cable, multiple times in succession. The bad news is that noisy volume control pots tend to get worse long-term.

  • @alcamacho1844
    @alcamacho18442 жыл бұрын

    So UL is not mandatory? Any rules?

  • @hkgoodman888
    @hkgoodman8883 жыл бұрын

    Your channel is fantastic!

  • @chronometa
    @chronometa Жыл бұрын

    Did you do this with dacs?

  • @mekore
    @mekore9 ай бұрын

    is it possible to shield a power cord to make it okay to be operating next to signal cables?

  • @Mark-ro5zg
    @Mark-ro5zg3 жыл бұрын

    The OEM cable for my receiver has a SA stamp and 16awg, sub is UL rated and 18awg. I'm thinking of upgrading to Pangea AC-14 cables [14awg]. Reasonably priced, $40 for 1.5 meters and are a heavier gauge than the OEM cables.

  • @godhand6510
    @godhand65103 жыл бұрын

    So how do i fix a ground loop????

  • @kingelijah79
    @kingelijah793 жыл бұрын

    Do you think dedicated lines like 20amp make a difference? Or gold metal plate manufacturers use as a jumper vs wire jumpers make a difference?

  • @DescartesRenegade

    @DescartesRenegade

    Жыл бұрын

    20amp circuits will absolutely help....if you have high current devices. It will help power everything.

  • @spacecadet6575
    @spacecadet65753 жыл бұрын

    This is what I’ve always thought intuitively. I recently heard another science-based testing site. The only thing he said that gave me pause is that the low voltage signal interconnects can possibly pick up electromagnetic interference if put in close proximity to a power cord passing high current power. So my interconnects from preamp to power amp would not go through a transformer. This is assuming that the cables are not properly shielded. Is there any validity to that?

  • @techhie1302

    @techhie1302

    2 жыл бұрын

    If you run your high impedance interconnect cable alongside the AC power cord carrying a high current, there will be some interaction. But the interconnect cable is shielded, and that will block the interaction. I don't think you can buy unshielded RCA to RCA cables. You would have to make them up yourself from pieces of wire.

  • @mansakonko7777
    @mansakonko7777 Жыл бұрын

    Man, this industry so needs your voice of reason. I've watched a few vids now and you are by far the most believable commentator on the toob. Thanks brah.

  • @DDSRacer01
    @DDSRacer013 жыл бұрын

    Thank you for this review

  • @samo8204
    @samo82043 жыл бұрын

    What about the gage of speaker wires? Is 14 gage plenty for normal runs?

  • @Audioholics

    @Audioholics

    3 жыл бұрын

    www.audioholics.com/audio-video-cables/speaker-wire-gauge

  • @garykarczewski6678
    @garykarczewski66783 жыл бұрын

    I upgraded my system to all Shunyata power management and the audio improvement was very noticeable. Expensive but I found I appreciated the value.

  • @vintageflanker7096

    @vintageflanker7096

    3 жыл бұрын

    Must be most probably related to your expectations bias. But as Gene says, DBT listening is almost impossible with power chords/conditioners, that lead to psychoacoustics/Placebo effect.

  • @garykarczewski6678

    @garykarczewski6678

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@vintageflanker7096 False. Not only can it be heard which I have A/B tested if you review the data testing by Shunyata on how it does effect audio and signal improvements you will see why their products are used in the Medical testing fields then migrated to Audio.

  • @munmunyee

    @munmunyee

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@garykarczewski6678 cope

  • @garykarczewski6678

    @garykarczewski6678

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@munmunyee ?????????????

  • @operamatthew
    @operamatthew3 жыл бұрын

    my local audio shop is trying to sell me upgraded power cables, i told them hold off and let me look into it. glad i did.

  • @scottlowell493

    @scottlowell493

    3 жыл бұрын

    The rage is "hospital grade" power cables. $100+ per meter.

  • @danmarjenka6361
    @danmarjenka636110 ай бұрын

    Having good shielding around the RCA interconnect cables between your source and your preamplifier matters the most, because that signal is soon going to be AMPLIFIED. Any noise in that signal will be amplified too.

  • @jamestyrer6067
    @jamestyrer60672 жыл бұрын

    Your videos are straight forward with no b.s. thanks for the info 👍

  • @a.grayman6349
    @a.grayman63492 жыл бұрын

    If "audiophiles" were actually concerned with real measurements as well as the actual limitations of human audio physiology, there would be 90% less companies out there hawking products designed for and marketed to fools.

  • @juaneato
    @juaneato3 жыл бұрын

    Hi, Gene. I’m a newbie and my budget is around $500. What do you recommend to get going? Speakers? Amplifier? DAC? Thanks.

  • @C--A

    @C--A

    3 жыл бұрын

    Start with decent speakers then get a decent amplifier and DAC. Position the speakers correctly in your room. And do acoustic room treatments after advice from a good acoustician. The physical room accounts for a good chunk of the sound performance you will produce from your speakers.

  • @groundz3ro4
    @groundz3ro410 ай бұрын

    what about if you have a power conditioner and then from there to component ?

  • @jeffholmstrom8713
    @jeffholmstrom87133 жыл бұрын

    Love this channel! 👍🏻

  • @martinmbokazi8372
    @martinmbokazi83723 жыл бұрын

    I have a powerful solid state power amplifier ( 250w x 2 @ 8 ohms ), is the freebie manufacturer's cable that came with the power amplifier more than enough?

  • @mephInc

    @mephInc

    2 жыл бұрын

    Yes

  • @_Chev_Chelios
    @_Chev_Chelios3 жыл бұрын

    Love your image inserts! 🤣😂🤣😂☺️😂

  • @PBlaik
    @PBlaik9 ай бұрын

    Good video, logical explanation... What are your thoughts on power conditioners for source equipment?

  • @Audioholics

    @Audioholics

    9 ай бұрын

    Good for connecting everything in one convenient area but makes a negligible difference in actually cleaning up power or "improving" sound.

  • @SWRMR
    @SWRMR3 жыл бұрын

    That's the issue my friend, because if you plug your Audio Precision with a $800 AC shielded cord, you could then measure below -150db and then you would be able to tell the difference!! (I am just kidding... I love your videos, keep on rocking! Thank you so much for bringing those infos to our attention! :) )

  • @dvearn7745
    @dvearn77452 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for the video. I agree with most of your views, but what about the impact of the EMI from the power cable to the other low voltage cables and/or sensitive components that might be in close proximity eg a DAC near Amp power chord

  • @electricwhiterabbit

    @electricwhiterabbit

    2 жыл бұрын

    This is why a properly designed power supply is important. Not a power cable. As long as the cable is UL and is capable of delivering the current needed, that is all that is needed.

  • @robinkleinsteuber5217

    @robinkleinsteuber5217

    2 жыл бұрын

    Any good interconnect cable will have a properly applied shield surrounding the audio conductors, without costing you silly amounts of money. Long-time manufacturers of cables, such as Belden and Mogami have such good cabling, available for OEM, and they don't cost as much as a luxury car either! The markups on some audiophile cables are truly insane. Equipment, like DACs, phone preamps, etc should also have a metallic case connected to properly implemented grounding. Any small net amount of 60 Hz (+ related harmonics and previously picked up rf junk signals) radiating from a power cable conducting high (60 Hz component) demanded current would then be inconsequential.

  • @unol
    @unol3 жыл бұрын

    Great video Gene. Is there a benefit to using shielded power cables? Not to shield the power line but to reduce emissions from the power cord to nearby equipment (provided the shield is grounded at the plug end).

  • @Audioholics

    @Audioholics

    3 жыл бұрын

    It's not a bad idea if that's a problem but just realize many shielded power cords don't meet UL due to fire safety issues. Personally keep power cord away from line level stuff and you will be ok.

  • @unol

    @unol

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@Audioholics thanks for the reply, makes sense to me.

  • @andydelle4509
    @andydelle45093 жыл бұрын

    Great video. I like your reference to UL. I want to further point out another scam here. Some power cord vendors will buy OEM UL listed plugs and even IEC connectors. Then they claim "see our power cord is UL listed". WRONG! As you probably know Gene, replacement or OEM connectors are only UL listed by them selves. That listing does not extend to the entire cord assembly. In order to have a legally listed power cord, the entire assembled product must be submitted for testing. Just using UL listed plugs doesn't cut it. And what is scary is the unknown raw wire they use? Is it rated and listed for AC line voltage application? And another issue are these UL listed OEM plugs and wall outlets that are then re-plated with some exotic metal or cryo treated by the cable charlatans. Any listed electrical product that is modified beyond the OEM's instructions is no longer listed. That UL stamp on a modified plug or wall outlet now means nothing once it's re-plated or cryo treated. Harmless? You tell me? How was it plated? Is the plating metal compatible with the OEM surface plating or will it flake off over time and cause a metalized conductive track? Did the cryo treatment weaken the plastic to where the outlet or plug can split apart when connected exposing live terminals?

  • @frankiebeans8055
    @frankiebeans80553 жыл бұрын

    This is off topic how are you feeling? Do you feel back to normal from the disease. Do you feel like symptoms linger or not thanks.

  • @Mike-hb4pc
    @Mike-hb4pc Жыл бұрын

    This is hands down the most honest and accurate info on power cables I've seen. Thank you! Not much else I could add that you didn't cover already. Cheers!

  • @preservedmoose
    @preservedmoose Жыл бұрын

    What about cables that have inbuilt parts - e.g. Kimber Palladian (I think that is a ferrite block or something)?

  • @Jacknjellify531.
    @Jacknjellify531.3 жыл бұрын

    Gene the timing of videos just right, i got a couple of power cables to compare with the stock ones.if power cords don’t make a difference then do the power filters or conditioners do anything?

  • @alphaniner3770

    @alphaniner3770

    3 жыл бұрын

    I recently got a filter, that can filter from a bit to a lot. When it filters a lot (on the amp) it makes the sound worse. When it filters a bit, it changes the sound - making some records sound better and others worse...

  • @biteme263

    @biteme263

    3 жыл бұрын

    Can they? Possibly, depends on the power in your house. If you have power issues in, or coming to your house then yes they can make a difference. If not then it probably won't do anything but give you piece of mind. I use UPS's in my system because my power cuts out randomly sometimes. Will they make a difference in sound quality? I highly doubt it. Like he said this is what the power supply in the component is for. The component is already regulating, converting and filtering the ac signal. Filters and conditioners should be a safety concern, not a quality of sound issue. If I had a really exepensive system I would probably have some nice line conditioners just to help protect all that gear. And most likely an insurance plan that covered it too. I wouldn't expect it to make it sound better though. For lower end stuff like I own UPS's made for computers work just fine. That is what I use. They help with voltage spikes, cut outs and if the power goes out it gives me some time to shut everything off properly. If you hook a fancy line conditioner up to your system and it makes a difference in your audio quality I would highly suggest you call an electrician because you have issues in your house.

  • @staplquad8297
    @staplquad82973 жыл бұрын

    Did you sell your other towers

  • @leekumiega9268
    @leekumiega92683 жыл бұрын

    An explanation that made sense to me (from Hans Beekhuyzen) is when a high current device like your power amp draws power a electromagnetic field surrounds the cord which is modulated by the power demands and can induce noise on your your low level interconnects even though they are shielded unless great care is taken to separate them and, this can be difficult with many devices in your rack, this is why a well shielded heavy gauge power cable can make a difference. Please comment.

  • @DisconnectedAudio

    @DisconnectedAudio

    2 жыл бұрын

    Hans Beekhuyzen uses a lot of technical sounding mumbo jumbo but he's a quack. He refuses to use any measurements to back up his claims.

  • @PSM-IPADZ_OX

    @PSM-IPADZ_OX

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@DisconnectedAudio agreed 100%, saw his KZread channel (Hans Beekhuyzen) and sensed that he’s more like a newscaster reading from a teleprompter rather than a reviewer or audiophile. Basically, Hans and a couple of others are just clueless but useful idiots to brands that sponsored their channel. Very fortunate that such misinformation are spread even given their limited audience and channel followers

  • @Audioholics

    @Audioholics

    Жыл бұрын

    Very rare that can occur if you use shielded interconnects. Virtually nothing will get through to double braided double foil shielded coax like Belden 1694A. Also, use XLR anytime you can and try to route power leads away from speaker cables and interconnects. I've never found a need to use shielded power cables.

  • @PSM-IPADZ_OX

    @PSM-IPADZ_OX

    Жыл бұрын

    @@Audioholics correct, use XLR for long runs, fuss-free and no worries of interferences. Much cheaper and more effective than those exotics cables that cost a kidney yet does nothing. Acoustics principles are known and proven scientifically for so long that it’s sad that unscrupulous sellers use disinformation to mislead the general public.

  • @Rory-jk9us

    @Rory-jk9us

    9 ай бұрын

    Your power cord has equal current flowing in both directions which creates magnetic fields that cancel each other out.

  • @levijessegonzalez3629
    @levijessegonzalez36292 жыл бұрын

    thoughts on SOLID CORE power cables? I have about $50 to spend. would using ROMEX 12 guage house wire with good connectors be the best bet?

  • @danielbal5272
    @danielbal52723 жыл бұрын

    I had to make a power cord for an amp I am building. I bought ends that cost $50 just because they looked very high end and cool. I bought fancy nylon braiding for the outside. However, the base for the cord is just high quality 14/3 power cord. So, I have a power cord that looks very high dollar but only cost about $70, and works just as well as any expensive cord.

  • @georgelewis3047
    @georgelewis30472 ай бұрын

    at 10:11 Did you misstate the effect of smaller gauge for longer cable length? I would expect resistance losses to increase with lighter gauge, not increase. Please clarify!

  • @tpobrienjr
    @tpobrienjr3 жыл бұрын

    You can buy *shielded* power cords for only slightly more than unshielded.

  • @evertgaitan23
    @evertgaitan233 жыл бұрын

    I have the Denon H8500 isolated to a 10awg romex 20amp breaker . My equipment is on a rack ,so like you said I need it a longer cord and didn’t want to put an extension cord , so I bought a 12awg 10ft cord in amazon for about $28 bucks, the cable looks nice and well built but my only concern now is the I don’t remember if its Ul listed , I removed all the stickers already and don’t know if that was a UL certification or not , but the cord looks heavy and well built though. And it didn’t break the bank, the OEM cord is 16awg. Thanks Gene for sharing!

  • @djlotfiwah
    @djlotfiwah Жыл бұрын

    Very good , thank you very much for the clear and understandable explantations .

  • @legrandmaitre7112
    @legrandmaitre7112 Жыл бұрын

    Audiophile mains cables have transformed my system. I have a little armoury of them now and when I upgrade some of the hardware, I can now try several configurations. Neotech, Furutech, Audioquest....

  • @TheEchelon

    @TheEchelon

    8 ай бұрын

    Audioquest is a fraud, I feel sorry for suckers that fall for their schemes. Well, maybe I don't lol

  • @hilmarbjarnason4465
    @hilmarbjarnason44652 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for sharing your knowlege!

  • @Flightsimmovies
    @Flightsimmovies3 жыл бұрын

    I really really want to buy the top of the line audioquest cable just to take the outer case of it and put it in to a regular cable and give it to someone who already own a lower end audioquest cable to see if they will notice a big difference .....

  • @Burevestnik9M730
    @Burevestnik9M7303 жыл бұрын

    Did you measure difference between music servers / streamers powered by linear power supplies vs switching power supplies vs hybrid power supplies?

  • @Audioholics

    @Audioholics

    3 жыл бұрын

    no but I've measured amplifiers with various type of power supplies. SMPS has come a long way and are just as viable as linear supplies now, if done correctly.

  • @ramongomez6720
    @ramongomez6720 Жыл бұрын

    Hi, what is a good quality power strip? Thanks

  • @andyrenorocks

    @andyrenorocks

    2 ай бұрын

    AudioQuest Niagara 1200. It has none sacrificial surge protection and will condition your sound, filtering out any unwanted noise from shared circuits etc.

  • @Skhoy
    @Skhoy2 жыл бұрын

    Hi Gene , please do test on wooden trestle supports for speaker cables , they are just as effective as power cables.

  • @etherialord
    @etherialord3 жыл бұрын

    From a non electrician; so my new Denoon and my old Yamaha AVRS are not even grounded. This I find odd. If not a noise issue then why not a safety issue? What am I missing here please? Thanks!

  • @etherialord

    @etherialord

    3 жыл бұрын

    Yes Denon... also not a great proofreader.

  • @gboates
    @gboates3 жыл бұрын

    Even if your new (expensive) power cord worked as described , this approach often results in no benefits to the system unless all other ground paths in the connected equipment can be totally isolated. An isolation transformer is not a substitute for the proper shielding or grounding of individual equipment. As G said...

  • @RoguesNtheHouse
    @RoguesNtheHouse2 жыл бұрын

    Another great video, thanks Gene.

  • @MohrMi
    @MohrMi3 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for sharing your thoughts and knowledge. You should make a video about isolation feet for Hi-Fi components. That would be interesting

  • @toddhupp
    @toddhupp3 жыл бұрын

    Gene: I recently had a new hi quality 200 amp service to my house. The installer set it up in a way grounded to make it "cleaner." I noticed an improvement in the sound of my tube power amp and preamp. The prior service was c 1950 very dated.

  • @johnharrison8442
    @johnharrison84422 жыл бұрын

    Hi Gene, thanks for another great video and you have saved me spending money on a stupid notion. I've been hearing a lot about fuses and that upgrading to a Audiophile fuse will make a big difference, as these can cost upto hundreds of £( yes I'm from the UK), dose the same apply, as you say about power cords? Thanks again, John

  • @humusiclab8974
    @humusiclab89743 жыл бұрын

    When you say lower gauge you mean 14 gauge vs 18 gauge, right? Many components came with 18 gauge, 6 foot iec cable. Just wondering if 14 gauge, same as 15 amp line, would be better as an "upgrade"?

  • @mephInc

    @mephInc

    2 жыл бұрын

    Whatever cable the equipment came with is more than plenty for that equipment.

  • @Cash2112
    @Cash21123 жыл бұрын

    Looking forward to your “ground loop” video. I have an amplifier hum\buzz issue in my newly constructed house.

  • @Cash2112

    @Cash2112

    3 жыл бұрын

    poserwannabe Do you mean plug in the amp and the other components into the pre-amp power sockets?

  • @amazoidal

    @amazoidal

    3 жыл бұрын

    Go to Emotiva's site and look up their device for killing ground loops and noise.

  • @Cash2112

    @Cash2112

    3 жыл бұрын

    poserwannabe What’s the best way to “ground the AVR/pre-amp”? You mean running a separate chassis ground wire to something conductive?

  • @donk1822
    @donk18223 жыл бұрын

    I made some Lapp cables with good quality plugs for all my gear that required an earth. No change in sound quality, except now I can listen to AM radio without all the interference. Strange but true.

  • @harelgoren9711
    @harelgoren97113 жыл бұрын

    Please, please make a video about grounding loops.

  • @jaymz168

    @jaymz168

    3 жыл бұрын

    Look up Bill Whitlock (Quad-Eight, Jensen Transformers, former AES President). If you have an AES membership you can watch a two hour presentation he does on the subject but if not the powerpoints are out there freely available in PDF format. There are two of them, just search "bill whitlock ground loop" on google and you'll find them.

  • @badgod86
    @badgod863 жыл бұрын

    Well, Gene is correct with one exception, he literally mentions the exceptions and says to disregard it, I work with multiple rack components both at work and home and behind the these the interference between cables is massive, and most high-speed network and server cables have some shielding so, I do use similar cables at home, nothing too fancy, many reputable cables manufacturers make SJT UL-certified cables for 2 to 10 bucks per feet that can be used to reduce noise, and obviously this only applies if the system has multiple devices on the same rack with cable management, as having 2 or 3 cables away from each other will not cause any problems. So in summary buying spending hundreds of dollars of magical cable topologies is a form of snake oil, having reputable cable brand cables on a component rack will reduce "noise"/ interference from component to component.

  • @Wizardofgosz

    @Wizardofgosz

    2 жыл бұрын

    Any noise induced or otherwise in the AC mains voltage going into your gear will be filtered by the rectification and filtration of the unit's DC power supply. PERIOD. Amir over at Audio Science Review shows this in some recent videos.

  • @Wizardofgosz

    @Wizardofgosz

    Жыл бұрын

    @@aussie8114 is that the point? Because that's not what most audiophiles say at all.

  • @Wizardofgosz

    @Wizardofgosz

    Жыл бұрын

    @@aussie8114 Sure, use shielded AC cables. You won't hear it but if ti makes you feel better, fine But these people ("audiophiles") believe magic faeries are sprinkling dust on expensive audio cables and it makes them sound better, even though they measure exactly the same as a $1 cable.

  • @Wizardofgosz

    @Wizardofgosz

    Жыл бұрын

    @@aussie8114 thats audiophile nonsense. That the whole idea that the really expensive systems are more "highly resolving" than my medium priced system that I build is just nonsense. What exactly is it that my preamp or amplifier is failing to amplify that a $50,000 amplifier is amplifying, and that humans with tin ears can actually hear or perceive? Is my amplifier forgetting to amplify a cymbal crash? Is it failing to amplify a few bass guitar notes every once in awhile? Is it doing it on purpose? Like out of spite?

  • @redstang5150
    @redstang51503 жыл бұрын

    Just been discussing this over on avs for a few days - timely post.

  • @edphi
    @edphi3 жыл бұрын

    Which cables will make a diff ? Interconnects or speaker cables etc?

  • @andyrenorocks

    @andyrenorocks

    2 ай бұрын

    Interconnects and speaker cable do make a difference.

  • @DjRjSolarStar
    @DjRjSolarStar2 жыл бұрын

    Agree completely. I only have a 'special' $40 OFC cable on my custom toroidal transformer going to a class A headphone amp I use for IEM's. Can't say I heard an improvement, but for an extra $30, why not get a really nice looking cable with OFC for shits and giggles

  • @fubartotale3389
    @fubartotale33892 жыл бұрын

    Diminishing returns definitely applies here, upgrading from 20 ga. lamp cord to something heavier and maybe shielded probably makes a difference, going from that to $5000 cables, well, I'd like to see some double blind test results on that.

  • @patthewoodboy

    @patthewoodboy

    Жыл бұрын

    its been done , no difference was heard

  • @theflyisaspy7691

    @theflyisaspy7691

    8 ай бұрын

    @@patthewoodboy Shielded cable definitely helped in my specific case of noise coming from my computer. I had ground loop hum and fixed that, but there was still noise when I moved my mouse or played more intense games. Switching to a shielded cable helped. It is still unbalanced cable though. Balanced cable probably would have eliminated the noise too.

  • @jackryder6732
    @jackryder67323 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for exposing them

  • @jim586
    @jim5863 жыл бұрын

    Well this hobby is all about experience and experiences. I really wanted and new pair of speakers. The dealer brought them to my home. We listened and - nah. They didn’t bring the improvements I thought they might. He looked behind my kit and suggested removing all the SMPS from the same distribution block. We listened, ooh, that sounded better! Free upgrade. He said do you want to try something else? Why not?, I said He produced two mains cables. He plugged the first one into my amp. We listened. It was incredible. The sound was a night and day improvement. Sound stage, texture and shape of bass notes. He put the second into my dac. Again an improvement. Not as large but noticeable. We removed both cables and my old system was back. We added the cables back and it was a vastly improved system. Not different sounding like a component change but a better sounding system. An improvement in all areas and repeatable. The cables were pre owned (customer had upgraded) and £350 each - an absolute bargain for the difference they made. Before he left he smiled and went to his car. He came back with another different cable. Into the amp it went. My jaw hit the floor. I’ve listened to HiFi for 40 years and had heard nothing like this. That cable was £2500. Way out of my league. However, I heard it. I heard it. They are not sexy like a new shiny box but if I had £2500 to spend that would be my next purchase. My experience.

  • @C--A

    @C--A

    3 жыл бұрын

    Jim Ettridge no wonder the dealer was smiling 😁 after talking (conning) you into buying 2 pre owned (could even be faulty) power cables for £700 🤦🏾‍♂️

  • @amigosdohometheater5140
    @amigosdohometheater51402 жыл бұрын

    ok, GEne and the energy conditioners? I noticed an improvement in the audio when I removed my steup from the conditioner and plugged it straight into the socket

  • @milkman100001
    @milkman1000013 жыл бұрын

    i spent £ 1500 on power cables.i listened to both arguments for months you and paul at ps audio and others, then made my own mind up to go ahead and build some. i liked how my set up looked when finished. but ive got to say that one time my interest got the better of me one time. i went out and purchased a length of Furutech DPS-4.1 Limited Edition High End Audio Grade Power Cable that cost £ 400 per meter. i dressed the ends up with top line furutech plug and socket then tried it out. i was sure the music did sound more clearer. but it could just be the placebo effect.i didn't un plug it and try a normal cable as the cable was that thick it was difficult to get it in and out of the socket / appliance. lol. so it sits there till now. if anything ,i like to think sound different. i look at it this way, if your intp your hifi and building rigs ,then why not build / buy good cables ,if only for the looks.

  • @thehighend4545

    @thehighend4545

    3 жыл бұрын

    Must be a strangely wired system that the power cables are on display to see. I like to put my money in what I can hear, being it is an audio system. Maybe that's just me, being I have ears.

  • @ickebins6948

    @ickebins6948

    2 жыл бұрын

    "Limited edition power cables" right...

  • @na_98_45
    @na_98_453 жыл бұрын

    Your biceps 💪 looks better Please make a video about ground looping and how to fix it My receiver has a hum or a buzz when I turn the volume up without playing content

  • @asmundchristensen6911
    @asmundchristensen6911 Жыл бұрын

    Planning to install a separate line for the hifi and upgrade it to 14 awg though :)

  • @rickszevery6559
    @rickszevery65593 жыл бұрын

    Thank you for discussing this topic! I am a metallurgist and quality assurance engineer, also a lifelong audiophile seeking equipment with high value/quality per the investment. The only time I have replaced a power cord is when the installation required a longer or shorter cable, or one time I noticed a power cord was getting warmer than expected, (damaged). I have had great success with replacement power cords in every configuration and length from Monoprice and Amazon, they are quite inexpensive. I usually opt for 12 gauge if available, considering the wiring in my home is mostly 14 gauge between the breaker box and wall outlets. Best wishes to all-

  • @ronwell2976
    @ronwell29763 жыл бұрын

    Thank you

  • @scarecrow66ab
    @scarecrow66ab3 жыл бұрын

    Maybe you could check to see if there is difference between 6 inch, 2 feet and 8 feet speaker cable runs for sound quality. In two channel why have so long of speaker wire.

  • @CasusBelli1000
    @CasusBelli10003 жыл бұрын

    Just saw a Audioquest cable manufacturing demo her on YT... Hillarious... they invented cold welding they say... ( crimping) 😂😂😂 sadly comment are disabled on their channel... wonder why...

  • @ElectoneGuy
    @ElectoneGuy2 жыл бұрын

    I do like the idea of a shielded power cable that's not radiating EMI/RFI into nearby audio-carrying cables.

  • @Bob.martens

    @Bob.martens

    7 ай бұрын

    Basic cable hygiene costs nothing.

  • @user-nb1ex7th2i

    @user-nb1ex7th2i

    Ай бұрын

    Yes, but with shielding you will lose the Chocolatey midrange and buttery highs lol

  • @jefflabute2946

    @jefflabute2946

    Ай бұрын

    Everything behind the wall all the way to power plant is unshielded. Most audio cables are shielded though.

  • @julianstorey2699

    @julianstorey2699

    Ай бұрын

    Exactly!

  • @mat.b.

    @mat.b.

    21 күн бұрын

    ​@@jefflabute2946he's talking about interference with audio cables

  • @henriksrensen3220
    @henriksrensen32203 жыл бұрын

    What about the electromagnetic field?

  • @nickp4872
    @nickp48722 жыл бұрын

    Agreed! Especially about using the right thickness of wire for the job. But I think what people sometimes hear is difference in materials used, gold vs silver vs copper. So more bright or more mellow etc. What about EF produced by power cords though? Is that not something that can affect other stuff in the sound system? Not saying that is is so, just curious! There's a video about that on youtube: (511) Audio Hygiene 1: power cables - KZread

  • @johnfurious8419
    @johnfurious84193 жыл бұрын

    Thanks again

  • @tonyraynor3202
    @tonyraynor32023 жыл бұрын

    Great video!

  • @thomashull7169
    @thomashull71697 ай бұрын

    what about from power conditioner to unit ?

  • @fabiozagoo
    @fabiozagoo3 жыл бұрын

    Great video.

  • @arvidlystnur4827
    @arvidlystnur48276 күн бұрын

    Little story: The house I'm in years ago had ground loop audio problems, electric guitars with bad ground hum got worse in this house, some guitars that behaved elsewhere had hum, the relays in a professional video editing deck keep failing. Finally I discovered only 110 volts was coming from the power outlets. Finally a storm dropped a tree on the power service line. The original service line was about 250 yards long, the wire was 1946 stock aluminum and corroded. The service line was replaced and reconnected to a nearer pole (50yds), All electric problems solved, 120 volts achieved.

  • @Patterson101
    @Patterson101 Жыл бұрын

    I am not an audiophile to open this up. I use a 200 watt Sunfire amplifier that to this day I enjoy. I'm 55 so my hearing is not what it used to be. On my amplifier is a joule VU style meter which measures incoming power. It sits dead steady at 390 joules. I switch cords and it's 390. So zero power flow increase. And I cannot hear a difference. I hear more by removing my speaker grills. Thanks for the video.

  • @ecstasy5317

    @ecstasy5317

    9 ай бұрын

    That Sunfire was a beautiful component series, when I first saw the preamp and power amp combo I liked it just as much as the beautiful sounding and looking Classe audio systems. 💎👍

  • @Silentprofessional1
    @Silentprofessional1 Жыл бұрын

    Is there such thing as a power cord with a surge protector?

  • @Audioholics

    @Audioholics

    Жыл бұрын

    Not to my knowledge. But if there was, I'd avoid it.

  • @suryapratamak1690
    @suryapratamak16903 жыл бұрын

    I DIYed my power cords. Hifituning and nanotec. Each 100bcks. 5.5mm² coppers. I used IeGO glod plated copper plugs on each end. Not overly fancy, but good quality. You talked about certification for power safety, some brands like supra have them, but they are pricey. Most people like the look to thick powercords. I which i could say people bought audio gear only for sound but that isnt true for cables or anything audio or anything else for that matter. Looks, brand, price, build quality, touch quality all factors into purchase decision. Many people with 50k or 100k setups dont like even the look of $10 powercords let alone atking the time to listen test them. Your video will help budget conscious or budding audiophiles, but not deep pocketed seasoned audiophiles that wont care.

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