Does your McIntosh benefit from fancy power cables?

[PHC1]

Originally Posted by Masterlu

That's why I'm an advocate of TBTWP (Triple Blind Testing with Peeking) it never fails to reveal the truth.

[jdandy]

Originally Posted by 62caddy

Unless I'm missing something, something doesn't add up with this video. The man is claiming there is something on the order of 1,100 amps available at the outlet and that amount is roughly halved when the power cable is inserted or about 590 amps.

My question is how can a single outlet carry 1,000+ amps when the electrical service to most entire houses is generally only 100 to 200 amps? In fact, none of the outlets in my house are on a circuit any greater than 20 amps.

Eric.......The ASCC (Available Short-Circuit Current) test does not test for load current. The SureTest 61-165 calculates the Available Short-Circuit Current that the branch circuit can deliver through the breaker during a dead-short fault condition. This measurement is calculated by dividing the line voltage by the circuit’s line impedance. It has nothing to do with available load current for connected devices.

[62caddy]

Originally Posted by jdandy

Eric.......The ASCC (Available Short-Circuit Current) test does not test for load current. The SureTest 61-165 calculates the Available Short-Circuit Current that the branch circuit can deliver through the breaker during a dead-short fault condition. This measurement is calculated by dividing the line voltage by the circuit’s line impedance. It has nothing to do with available load current for connected devices.

Thanks for the clarification Dan.

[damacman]

Dan - if I may, how does that test apply to domestic audio systems?

[Puma Cat]

Originally Posted by crwilli

Sorry- Bad pain morning following my surgery last Wednesday... my patience is very low this morning.

I am all for free speech and ‘there are no dumb questions’ and the sanctity of asking questions to this forum but I have tired of the - should I buy a new power cord indecision - it is really not a tough decision.

Buy one or don’t buy one. Nothing anybody has written or will write will ever convince the indecisive.

[Mouse]

Originally Posted by MisterBritt

The suggestion that high end power cords are "fancy," per the title of this thread, connoting "imagination," "fantasy," "whimsical," "decorative," "illusion," is misguided. The McIntosh Group knows the value of high end power cords and they even offer them on certain ARC models, but the choice is left to the end user for the McIntosh brand. That's a view on the world of power cords, as I see it.

You're arguing semantics on the definition of "fancy." The below is from a thesaurus. I've bolded words I feel accurately relate to Nordost and some of the other fine brands I've seen.

complicated
decorative
deluxe
elegant
frilly
gaudy
lavish
ornate
special
sumptuous
adorned
baroque
beautifying
chichi
custom
decorated
elaborate
embellished
garnished
gingerbread
rich
rococo
cushy
fanciful
florid
froufrou
intricate
ostentatious
resplendent
showy
spiffy
unusual

[Mouse]

Originally Posted by Masterlu

That's why I'm an advocate of TBTWP (Triple Blind Testing with Peeking) it never fails to reveal the truth.

[Mouse]

Originally Posted by SL1800

To answer the OP’s question yes my McIntosh amplifiers and preamp sounds better with Shunyata power cords.

I was really liking the idea of WW and Nordost, but I'm looking hard into Shuntyata over this thread and I'm liking what I see.

[Mouse]

Originally Posted by crwilli

Buy one or don’t buy one. Nothing anybody has written or will write will ever convince the indecisive.

Someone in this thread said this thread inspired them to demo some power cords that wouldn't have otherwise.
I want to upgrade, but the cost of going Nordost (which I like) is substantial compared to the overall cost of my system should I rewire everything. My system's deficits are far greater than a small yet important tweak like cables. My system at this time will be more beneficial to upgrade to large subs, power supply/conditioner, room treatment, and new rear speakers; but new wires are definitely on my radar. However Shunyata might be the equalizer that puts the cost/reward benefit higher up in my priority list.

[JMD]

If your back to more "realistic" priced cords like the "reasonable" Shunyata products then also look at Triode Wire Labs from Brooklyn.