Mains cables...
- Thread starter Bigmoonface
- Start date
So it isn't the better constructed mains cables one wants, but the ones that behave more like a line filter?
Isn't that part of a "better constructed mains cables" job?
Well, I think making the conductors bigger, and having nice plugs and sockets fitted doesn't necessarily mean the the cable will filter off noise better. Even an electrostatic screen around the cables will only deal with the most local noise getting on to the cable line, but won't deal with the noise already on the line.
So, to me 'better constructed' doesn't necessarily mean 'better able to filter line noise'.
David_NC
Super Member
Out of curiosity, wouldn't some sort of power line filter for all the components be better for reducing interference? Another question is how much of an issue is EMI / RFI? I seem to have none even with the stock cables on my Dual 506-1 turntable, for example. With nothing playing on the 'table and the volume cranked, I hear just the faintest hiss that would be undetectable normally. I never play anything that loud, and any music whatsoever will cover it. Am I missing something here? Is this just what some do in hopes for an improvement, or do some really have issues with interference?
DaveVoorhis
Addicted Member
There have been various tests of the audibility of power cords. Here, for example, is one: https://hometheaterhifi.com/volume_11_4/feature-article-blind-test-power-cords-12-2004.html
The outcome of such tests is generally that changing cords does not have an audible effect, but all such tests draw reasonable criticisms (and my point in mentioning them is not to rehash them again here!) The most accurate answer, at this point, is almost certainly that more research is needed.
As a collector of vintage oscilloscopes, I do note that some models are susceptible to EMI introduced via an unshielded line cord which is visible as fattening of the trace, i.e., an increase in the noise floor, that can be reduced by using a shielded line cord. It's not difficult to surmise that in some cases, with some audio equipment, the equivalent effect would result in an audible increase in the noise floor that would be audibly reduced by using a shielded line cord.
But this is just a hypothesis. Again, more research is needed.
David_NC
Super Member
Oh yeah, the old line cord sound tests!
I guess I was thinking that home audio equipment has a power supply that should suppress such interference compared to say, car audio that's easy to introduce all sorts of interference, noises from other devices, ground loops, etc. Still, it seems like most noise would be introduced in the hundreds of feet of Romex found in most houses and noisy appliances vs a 3-6' line cord. What do I know; I don't have such noise issues to even try to eliminate!
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loopstick
Lunatic Member
Yes - if the ideal amp is a short piece of wire with gain, then the ideal mains cable is a short piece of wire with a gain of one. But that's hard to $ell.So it isn't the better constructed mains cables one wants, but the ones that behave more like a line filter?
just dave
vintage rules!
If someone tells you this power cord makes an improvement and then you hear an improvement.(Psycho-acoustics)
If someone tells you this power cord makes an improvement and then you don't hear an improvement.(Honesty and good hearing)
Btw my kettle boils with natural gas 0 watts.
If someone tells you this power cord makes an improvement and then you don't hear an improvement.(Honesty and good hearing)
Btw my kettle boils with natural gas 0 watts.
cpt_paranoia
Addicted Member
Still watts. Just not electrical watts...
cpt_paranoia
Addicted Member
McIntosh are probably nicely engineered amps. Not all amps may be so well engineered, and some may benefit from an aftermarket mains filter; it shouldn't be needed, but it might be.
Such filters make more sense than esoteric power cords.
cpt_paranoia
Addicted Member
What? The 'stuff pulled from the wall' is there anyway. The point of the filter is to stop it going any further.
just dave
vintage rules!
Yep but no stinkin plugs
cpt_paranoia
Addicted Member
Granted, if you use an inappropriate filter, yes, it could be a problem.
Or you could choose an appropriately current-rated filter.
The appropriate word here is 'appropriate'.
Actually, what you find in their manuals is avoiding conditioners, not necessarily low gauge power cords with filter networks. Plug them directly into the outlet. I agree and use conditioners for sources only. Preamp goes straight to wall with 12 gauge double shielded Belden sourced cord.
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I also thought along the same lines. As it turns out my pair of Pangea AC9 7 gauge wires actually increase emi noise and my much thinner gauge MIT Z cord reduces emi. Like most things in this hobby including aftermarket power cords you get what you pay for.I just love me a thick, semi ridgid, black and strong power cable...
Indeed. Gauge is about current, not noise.
The MIT cords use multiple shielding strategies like the Harmonic Technology, JPS Labs and Belden based DIY cords I use. I like combining both criteria.
You went a totally a different direction than I was going with the same quote
So I didn’t post it after reading yours
