{"id":7148,"date":"2022-08-09T15:26:08","date_gmt":"2022-08-09T19:26:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nordost.com\/blog\/?p=7148"},"modified":"2022-08-09T15:26:10","modified_gmt":"2022-08-09T19:26:10","slug":"questions-and-answers-power-cords","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/nordost.com\/blog\/questions-and-answers-power-cords\/","title":{"rendered":"Questions and Answers: Power Cords"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Since power cords are commonly known as the most important cables in an audio system, it\u2019s no surprise that that we often get questions about them! We thought it would be helpful to put our \u201cmost asked\u201d questions about power cords here so that you can find all of your answers in one place. Have any more power cord-related queries? Let us know!\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Q: How do power cords affect your sound system?\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A: Depending on how the specific power cords are constructed and what technologies they use, there can be several different sonic effects attributed to upgrades. However, in general, the biggest sonic differences tend to be registered as a change in dynamics (which sometimes disguises itself as a volume change), and in a distinction in imaging and soundstage.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Q:\u00a0Can\u00a0power cords<\/a>\u00a0really make a difference after the miles that electricity travels in wires to get to my house?<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A:\u00a0While they are not audio-grade, the cables used to transfer electricity through the grid and to your home are actually a significant gauge. The \u201cchoke point\u201d usually occurs in your home. Not only that, but it\u2019s very important to try to minimize the effects of artifacts, EMI, and RFI that are introduced to electricity on its journey to your home and continue to be introduced from your home appliances.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Q: Why should I upgrade the power cords supplied with components at purchase?<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A: Manufacturers typically add in the power cords supplied with their components at the last minute. Oftentimes, this power cord is merely supplied as a means to an end, for as little cost as possible, so that the manufacturer can make the intended price-point of their product. As a result, little thought or effort goes into how it may affect the component. For proof of this, next time you are at a hifi show, pay attention to the cables being used in each manufacturer\u2019s room. You will notice that when they want to make their product sound as good as possible, manufacturers opt out of using the power cords they themselves provide at point of purchase.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Q: In what order should you upgrade your power cords?\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A: The most important power cord in your system is the power cord feeding your distribution bar. This should be the first power cord you upgrade. Beyond that, while no two systems are the same (and there may be many variations), we suggest upgrading the rest of your system in the following order: pre-amp, power amp, DAC, phono stage, transports (based on usage).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Q: \u00a0I\u2019d like to upgrade my cables. Ideally, I would like to stick to the same series of power cords throughout my entire system, but for budget reasons the upgrade will be a slow process.\u00a0Can I wire my system with power cords from different ranges within the Nordost range?\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A: We completely understand why it might be hard to stick with your \u201cideal\u201d cable throughout the system, so prioritizing does make sense. One of the reasons why we design our cables the way we do is so that they can easily be upgraded and mixed throughout your system without any drawbacks. All Nordost cables have the same design philosophy, so while products improve due to added conductors, gauges, and technologies as they progress up the lines, they all have the same sonic signature. This allows you to choose your cables according to your own personal needs and budget, and upgrade piece by piece as needed and when able. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Q: What is the minimum recommended length for power cords?\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A:\u00a0The minimum recommended length is 2 meters.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Q: Is it worth upgrading the power cord that feeds a streamer\u00a0in your home entertainment system?\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A: When we aren\u2019t enjoying our music, many of us are spending a lot of our time streaming television and movies. For those of you that use an Apple TV media streamer, or any other streaming device powered by a figure 8 power cord, there is an easy, inexpensive upgrade that is sure to take your streaming to the next level! Nordost\u2019s entry level\u00a0Purple Flare Figure 8 Power Cord<\/a>\u00a0is the perfect solution for your Apple TV. The Purple Flare Power Cord is a high-speed, low-loss power cord that will allow your streamer to produce a picture worthy of your home entertainment system.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For more information on upgrading your streamer with the Purple Flare Power Cord, read this review<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Q: Is it worth upgrading the power cord that feeds your subwoofer?<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A: If the amplifier in your subwoofer isn\u2019t as good as the amplifiers in your primary loudspeakers, it\u2019s imperative to optimize its situation, in order to allow your subwoofer to succeed. This can easily be done by upgrading the power cord feeding the subwoofer. A really good power cord is essential to ensure that the built-in amplifier performs at its absolute best. With quality AC feeding your subwoofer, you will finally be able to enjoy those powerful, low frequency notes in your music, and not be stuck experiencing them as just a rumble.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Since power cords are commonly known as the most important cables in an audio system, it\u2019s no surprise that that we often get questions about them! 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