Does your McIntosh benefit from fancy power cables?

[SuperD]

Originally Posted by 62caddy

Why stop at the power cord? If you can't trust a manufacturer's ability to properly select something as basic and simple as a power cable, how could you trust it to design/build/source all the other guts that go into a piece of equipment? (Ie: transformers, capacitors, circuit boards, diodes, power supplies, internal wiring, etc etc)

I mean if they can't get a power cord right, do they really have a prayer at the hard stuff?

That's how I see it anyway. Carry on...

I'm guessing that most of us believe PCs can change the sound for better or worse. I appreciate manufacturers using inexpensive stock cords and not choosing for us what "they" think sounds better because we all don't hear the same. In addition, it keeps the price of the component down. In the end, its up to us to determine if and how much we will spend on cables and tailor to our preferences.

Dave

[ejr1953]

I would say "yes", it's worth getting "fancy" power cables. I'm not sure the type of wire inside the cable jacket makes a huge difference, but most people I ask say that having "oxygen free copper" does make a difference. Where I believe the difference is greatest is in the shielding, which I would presume is better in the "fancy" power cable, compared to the ones shipped with the component.

[62caddy]

Originally Posted by SuperDave

I appreciate manufacturers using inexpensive stock cords... In addition, it keeps the price of the component down.

Keeping the price down on OEM spec power cables...

- on products in McIntosh's price league,

- on products of comparatively low production volume,

- on a subassembly that costs very little to produce,

- given McIntosh's distinguished history for exacting standards, analysis, precision measurement and cost-no-object engineering & build quality

...is something that tests the limits of the imagination- or at least, of mine.

[SuperD]

Originally Posted by 62caddy

Keeping the price down on OEM spec power cables...

- on products in McIntosh's price league,

- on products of comparatively low production volume,

- on a subassembly that costs very little to produce,

- given McIntosh's distinguished history for exacting standards, analysis, precision measurement and cost-no-object engineering & build quality

...is something that tests the limits of the imagination- or at least, of mine.

Cables have different flavors...I'm just saying I'm happy they don't produce a $2000 PC that you are forced to buy if you want the component. Give me the stock OEM cord which I'm sure is fine, but allow me to choose the PC that suits my preferences. Not everyone believes PCs make a difference, why would McIntosh or any manufacturer ignore this part of the market? There are a number of members here and elsewhere that use PCs that cost several thousand dollars from WW, Transparent, Stage III, and many more. The point I was trying to make but didn't articulate very well is let the consumer make the choice to invest in better PCs or keep the one provided. I honestly don't know if McIntosh makes their own or outsources the PCs.

Dave

[Cohibaman]

I once was told by someone at McIntosh that they supply an “adequate” power cord in the box so you can immediately begin using the component. They fully realize their customers will change them out if they so choose.

[JBT]

The stock Mcintosh power cords you get with every purchase are as good as you're going to find.

[Masterlu]

Originally Posted by JBT

The stock Mcintosh power cords you get with every purchase are as good as you're going to find.

[audio bill]

Originally Posted by JBT

The stock Mcintosh power cords you get with every purchase are as good as you're going to find.

Have to wonder if you've ever had the opportunity to try something better!

[FDPDK]

Originally Posted by JBT

The stock Mcintosh power cords you get with every purchase are as good as you're going to find.

Hmmm,

[Msegal]

This thread has degenerated into an argument of beliefs and quasi science.

My opinion is that :
- power cables can make a change in sonic character
- some manufacturers do a better job then others
- not all PC will make a positive or audible improvement in all systems
- not all listeners are capable of discerning the audible change of a PC
- I have yet to hear an OEM PC outperform any aftermarket PC but I have not heard them all
- rewiring ones listening room with 10 gauge and having dedicated 20 amp circuits to a listening room will improve sound quality dramatically!
- acoustic treatments to a listening room are the most cost effective way to improve sound
- finally, EVERYTHING MATTERS!

Your mileage may vary of course.

Best.