Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Meridian - Systems power cord - changed from cynic to beleiver

Axle,

Source was either 598 or SB+...I can't recall exactly. Not sure it's relevant though.

Re: your comment on PPP and poweramps.....did you see Chenko's recent comment on PPP supplying his 8k's ?

cheers

Ian's advice on getting the electrics checked and sorted first is the best advice. Also getting all hi-fi or av on an independent circuit so as to eliminate pollution from cookers, boilers, hairdryers etc.

Although I have had good results from cables and power conditioners there is a very real danger that conditioners can strangle the power supply, especially on transients.

We have had these discussions before. For the most cynical view, and one coming from the hi-fi industry, see the site of the British hi-fi company AVI.

http://www.avihifi.co.uk/

[I have just checked and it no longer seems to be on their site. It contained a long and funny piece comparing a kettle lead with a specialist lead when making a cup of tea. Sorry to give false information]

I bought power cables gradually and based on careful listening. As well as the problem of mains borne noise / pollution there is also the issue of needing to reject RFI.

Actually, thought that I should mention the bit about testing for interference. Every electrician chooses their own equipment so some will have better capability than others so its worth asking if they will be testing for interference and to what extent.

I had two sets of independent tests, one set commissioned by my potential purchaser (who eventually used the results to pull out of the purchase) and another set commissioned by myself (who used the results to fix a couple of defects) and bring the installation up to 18 edition wiring spec standard where safety would be improved. The capabilities of each was excellent however their test equipment worked in different ways.

One piece of test equipment was sensitive enough to pick up my X10 switch gear and a low voltage transformer putting noise on the line whilst this was never commented on by the other so I don't know if they spotted these or not.

Nick,

The reason I ask about the source is because if the source (+ power, and ambient) is clean, then amps, especially good ones like in the 8ks will have little to no benefit from a power cord. On the other hand, if you have dirty inputs, then there may be more room for improvement with power cords. But I don't have any experience with 8ks, so this is just theory.

OK...thanks. Not sure I understand your theory though as the powercord to the 8k's should not affect or be affected by the quality of a digital input from a source. In other words regardless of source when I changed the powercord to the 8k's there was an effect. The source was a common denominator.

cheers

Nick,

Good point. My system is analog, and my comments about the 8k (incorrectly) were based on analog inputs. Of course, you are correct about digital inputs not caring about power supply noise.

For the 8ks, the power cord would theoretically make a difference at the DAC and all points downstream. But when you are that level of electronics and all interconnects are internal (no possibility of external contamination), the power cord would then likely be more of a differnce than an improvemment, as you noted.

IMHO I can't understand how a meter of cable can change anything seriously? I am pretty sure it is a trick on the mind as putting words and judgement on anything sonical is purely subjective. Anyone tried a blind test with those cables?

I think Nick's point from above is relevant. There may be some perceived change. This may not be an improvement.

I thought the same thing at first, not because power does not matter, but because I beleived that a good component should have power suppply adequate to compensate for poor AC power. But nothing is perfect and some noise always gets through. The question is how much? The answer depends on many factors including your AC, your wiring, your components, your configuration.

But to make a blanket statement that power does not matter should be seriously reconsidered.

1337, you're in danger of joining the 'punch and judy' style of argument, unless of course if you mean that if you swapped a few cables, tested with your ears (blind or any which way) and actually heard a difference then you'd be happy to put it down to a trick of your own mind.

If however you just don't believe what others say and suggest they are not serious or are tricked and you would not be so fooled then beware. The original poster is a born-again cable believer.

In my opinion, power supply, power cables, interlinks and LS cables are another component in the whole system, just as the source or pre-amp is.
It needs careful matching with the rest of the equipment and if found the right combination, it can elevate the sound to a level that is preferred.
But for all applies that a cable is a cable transporting a signal or current.
However, every cable manufacturer ‘adds` a particular signature to the product by using different materials; Cardas is a bit warm and relaxed, Nordost fast and neutral.
I have found the perfect combination of a dedicated audio powerline&wall sockets >> PS audio powerplant >> Siltech power cables >> Nordost IC`s >> Dynaudio LS.
In my experience, the delicate components should be equiped with the best power cords first, like source, DAC and pre-amp.
They should also be stuck in the first sockets of the powerblock if used, the power cables for the amp(s) in the last ones.
All powercables should be aligned regarding the + and - (in/out of phase).

But, expensive power cables and interlinks can not make a bad system sound great.
They can make a already good system sound absolutely fantastic.

Yes, here:

http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/volume_11_4/feature-article-blind-test-power-cords-12-2004.html

And no one could tell any difference.

Cliff