Remember everyone, it's perfectly possible to have a civil discussion about this. That being said, I find it extrememely difficult to wrap my brain around the idea that a fatter power cable can make your system sound better. It screams of self-fulfufilling marketing BS.

Keep in mind that I'm not saying those who did hear differences are deaf and dumb. I'm just saying it makes no sense to me whatsoever. And the differences you've heard should easily show up in tests where equipment is connected to measuring devices.

Try it. Start with phenomena not with theory. Your ears are the product of 4.5 billion years of evolution. Our efforts to understand our environment is about 50,000 years old. Trust your ears, let your ability to model the universe follow.

Are the power cords shielded? There is absolutely no way the cords themselves can add any audible benefit because they can draw more power. The only possible explanation (besides mass delusion) is that they are shielding the power from some near-field interference.

Maybe it's the same deal as with speaker wire. If the wire is too thin for the distance it can make a difference, but once you have "good enough" you can't get any better.

Have to admit, though, I can see a big honkin' power cord making a difference with a big power amp but not with a player.

This phenomenon goes beyond theory into the gray areas concerned with human perception. As we know, perception is not tied directly to reality, but is wholly influenced by the constructs of the human mind. To me, the phenomenon behind speaker/power wires making an actual noticeable difference in the performance of an audio system works in the same way homeopathy does. First of all, you absolutely CANNOT convince believers, regardless of the evidence to the contrary, that it makes no difference. Second, since perception is entirely subjective, if you think it works, then that perception provides self-reinforcing comfort.

It has nothing to do with how evolved our ears are. Compared to a dog's, our ears are mediocre at best. What matters is perception and how much the human mind can influence true objective reality -- which really doesn't exist in the first place.

>>It has nothing to do with how evolved our ears are. Compared to a dog's, our ears are mediocre at best.

Oh yeah ? Well, my dogs don't care WHAT kind of power cord I use. So there !!

I did read your post, in spite of what my response might indicate

I'm just glad to not be a tweaker.

The phenomenon explaining this is “cognitive dissonance.” In an effort to reduce dissonance in the brain after a purchase, especially a purchase others may consider unneeded, the brain attempts to justify the purchase by creating an environment that supports the decision.

If you spend a bit too much money on a new car that others feel is overpriced, you will spend the entire drive from the dealership “justifying” the purchase by enhancing all of the good qualities of the car, even subjective qualities such as comfort, appearance and prestige. Additionally, cognitive dissonance causes the brain to amplify problems with your previous car (or speakers or cables or sources), further reducing dissonance.

To agree with a previous post, this is not a bad thing. In fact, there was probably a bit of dissonance reduction going on when I recently wired up my new Axioms. I wanted them to sound better. In fact, my Klipsch speakers never sounded as bad as they did right after I hooked up my Axioms. Of course, speakers have more “verifiable” qualities than larger gauge power cables, but dissonance reduction factors in to every decision we make.

That said, am I going to pack up my new speakers, chalk up their superior performance to cognitive dissonance, and send them back to Axiom? Absolutely not. Reduction of cognitive dissonance can alter perception, and as we all know, perception is reality.

Time to get out the hip waders.

EllisU, well said. Cognitive dissonance is everywhere. It figured prominently (on both sides) in the now thankfully long-dead politics thread. We do so much to justify our own choices to ourselves.