The X Files (merged topic)

[aardvarkash10]

difference software...

Record A, record B, subtract A from B using difference software, what's left is the difference.

Play the difference.

Can you hear it?

[unit65]

I was wondering what others have found to be good power cords for their 301/401's.
I'm using a hospital-grade cord on my 401 at the moment and it's a bit forward and brightish. Trying to narrow down where it's coming from.

[aardvarkash10]

your mind.

[Mark E Smith's Dentist]

Well I'm a convert to hi-fi mains cables (don't know why they work but they do), power conditioners and the like but I couldn't tell any difference between mains cables driving my 401. I had an IEC socket fitted so I could switch cables but to my ears there was no change.
I even tried one of the Loricraft regenerative power supplies specifically designed for vintage turntables that use induction motors and wasn't convinced that it made an improvement. I do have a good power conditioner already though.


JT

[rexton]

I just fitted an old Isotek Elite power cord to my 301 purely because the old power cord had got oxidised after spending 25 years in a garage. Has it made any difference, who cares! I have a lovely garrard 301.

[Blue Angel]

your mind.

Prosperous & Healthy 2011

ba

[unit65]

Well, naysayers, I swapped my 16 gauge hospital grade power cord for a 14 gauge shielded and molded power cord and all is well now. The brightness is gone. That power cord has sounded lightweight in my system before, but I wasn't sure how much it would effect the sound going from power supply block of 401 into the separate power supply-but it sure did.

[pogo]

Well, naysayers, I swapped my 16 gauge hospital grade power cord for a 14 gauge shielded and molded power cord and all is well now. The brightness is gone. That power cord has sounded lightweight in my system before, but I wasn't sure how much it would effect the sound going from power supply block of 401 into the separate power supply-but it sure did.

I'm glad you're happy (it is about enjoying the music, after all), but I'm afraid you'll find a lot of naysayers out there. You came here for answers and you got them. Then promptly ignored them. I don't suppose you can point me to the "technical paper" or "expert advise" that convinced you the power cable could make the difference you claim? I'm a student of mythology.

[unit65]

Well, I'm not sure that telling me that it's in my mind is very helpful advice. I did think that people would be a bit more open-minded here. I am thankful for any advice that is given here and in other forums however.
I don't see how you can say that I've ignored advice-on what basis?
I have heard profound differences in power cords-more so than with interconnects and maybe even speaker cables. The proof for me is in the listening and if I didn't here a difference I would have the same opinion as others in this thread.

[pogo]

Most here are actually far more open minded than I am (though it depends on the topic), but a "profound" difference in sound from a different power cord? Please.

[Mark E Smith's Dentist]

I've heard significant differences with power cables - fuses even - but only with components like amps/pre-amps/CD players etc, never with the power cable that leads to the turntable's motor.

It's not like I didn't try either, I got an IEC socket fitted and tried half a dozen hi-fi mains cables on my 401. There was no difference I could discern between, say a freebie cable and a Nordost Vishnu that cost several hundred pounds.



JT

[aardvarkash10]

Well, I'm not sure that telling me that it's in my mind is very helpful advice. I did think that people would be a bit more open-minded here. I am thankful for any advice that is given here and in other forums however.
I don't see how you can say that I've ignored advice-on what basis?
I have heard profound differences in power cords-more so than with interconnects and maybe even speaker cables. The proof for me is in the listening and if I didn't here a difference I would have the same opinion as others in this thread.

The problem with an open mind is that rubbish can fall in.

Glad you have found a solution that suits you.

[aardvarkash10]

actually, no, dammit.

The op has opined that the power supply cable to his deck was a cause of perceptible sonic deficiencies , most noticably "forward" and "brightish" presentation.

Now, leaving aside the fairly random interpretations that can be put on both of these descriptive terms, have a think about what this means.

It means that the op thinks that the power supply cable, which only feeds the motor and hence is not in the signal path somehow influences the output signal (outside of characteristics associated with speed stability).

This is, frankly, twaddle.

Forget whether the op is now satisfied with his deck and its presentation - that is proof of nothing but wishful thinking.

Its a shame that Christopher Hitchens wasn't an audio aficionado (as far as I know). He would skewer such shamefully poor logic and mysticism with a far better turn of phrase than I can muster.

IMO, it would be a complete travesty if this muddled quasi-religious self delusion was allowed to remain here without comment from the "naysayers" ie, those wiling and able to apply logic and science.

So, there - I've commented.

I'm still happy that you are happy with your outcome btw!

[Blue Angel]

When I'm looking for power cords for turntables, I go to reputable electrical goods suppliers, usually taking a small pocket knife with me.

When I see something of interest, the sales staff are always obliging when I ask for a 25mm sample piece to 'disect' to establish the amount of copper conductor inside. That's what counts for me.

ba