But IMHO, and it’s all educated guesswork what I write here. No transformer is perfect - no matter how large, and some level of high frequency (?) interference will propagate through the transformer and rectifier and then end up amplified/interfering with other components. Naim kit is very revealing and and benefits from larger power reserves and I suspect is susceptible to this kind of interference.
Most of this should be compensated in the big transformers, but I am guessing that with these revealing systems the less you ask the transformer to do and the nicer (more stable) the signal being given to it the better. The question is whether why the last 1-2m of cable seems to be disproportionately important to audiophiles.
I think the other benefit of the better cables is around not propagating the AC waveform onto adjacent equipment (which could be improved by better cable dressing and proper segregation of DC and AC cables). Obviously the transformer is not a part of this.
Where does it come from? my theory/s are as follows :
Mechanical ringing (much like headphone cables causing audible resonance) - I think this is what the expensive and bespoke mechanical decoupling plugs used by Naim are designed to address.
Poor shielding on a cable can affect other equipment / signal cables (I have seen this happen in industry and its measurable) - and is why its a good idea to segregate signal cables from AC power. So better quality cable will have a layer of earthed shielding. But this is not exactly expensive to obtain/manufacture. Unless the cable is extremely bespoke and made in small quantities.
Cable/conductor cross sectional area, more copper = lower resistance to the ring, I can see how this would be better for an amplifier. But only to a certain level, beyond which I cannot understand how it would be an advantage.
Good connection between the pins and the wall socket and pins in the black box to the IEC plug / fig 8 plug. With low corrosion properties.
I find the really expensive mains cables to be an affront to my engineering background, but I can hear an audible difference between standard cables and the expensive Naim one. Which I hate to admit. I have gone for the more sensibly price Mark Grant cables due to sensible selection of cable, connectors and materials without being at all crazy cost.
I don’t disagree with any of the connection improvements re materials and pins, or the cable seperation and dressing to avoid inductance and interference. I can see science behind that. The cost for those improvements between various manufacturers I find harder to understand, and then the given justifications for that.
completely agree. Some of the justifications don’t have much basis in fact. I think some manufacturers use exotic / expensive materials with no real basis or performance improvement.
The transformers only job is to turn 230v into something lower. The diodes rectify, and the capacitors smooth and store the DC. A regulator is effectively a relief valve. Draining any over voltage to earth. Dr is a little bit more clever than that. Traditionally, chokes were used also to remove or block high frequency AC. Just a low pass filter. Naim spend more time and attention on the PSU than most. The quality of the lead should not matter. And yes. Many will say they can hear a difference. You’re going to have the explain why.
I don’t think any of us can explain why. Not sure anyone can outside the manufacturers (of the electronics). Its the reason power cables cause such debate.
One of the reasons I went with naim kit >15 years ago, is that a lot of the debate with cables really didn’t exist with them, and I respected that position. I got quite a shock recently when I discovered that exotic leads (SL / powerlines) were now available.
Also using Shunyata cords and conditioner. Very pleased. I like their products. Not cheap, but start affordably, and go way up. More importantly, designs are solid and I can hear the improvements as upgrades in the line. Solid company. They also have a major business with products for hospital medical equipment.
Strangely I’m finding the opposite - Wireworld very thin and dry, bog standard extension strip much richer and warmer - I prefer the warmer sound. Maybe it’s the Powerline on the Wireworld strip, I should swap for a cheap cable.
Okey this is a base power strip the more expansive are better …for me it was an upgrde after I had s microgal power strip so it already was fine and good…but I’m waiting for Chord powerstrip to come soon
Hi @Meni
Just seeing your post.
I use that power strip . Went with it here in the US after going from 272/555 , 300 requiring only 2 outlets from the wall to 552 and ND555 with 300 requiring 3. It’s very well built with very high quality line and plugs. They use Hubbel outlets on the power strip which are highly recommended by top audio stores here in the states.
Never auditioned other strips however.i can only then attest to quality of build and components used.
I use very heavy duty power cables that I get from a guy in Quebec. He hand builds them from 10 awg OFC copper wire, and the plug ends he gets from Germany, which are made from a solid piece of aluminum and provide shielding. They are unbelievably inexpensive for the quality of the parts, and the level of care he takes when building them. Every connection is carefully made as tight, and also as sealed against air contact as possible.
They are 100% Copper, tip to tip, which is good enough for me.
The other aspect of power transfer that I’m not sure how many people are aware of, is the receptacle itself. I use Deep Cryo treated Hubbell receptacles which are very affordable, but there are many high-end ones available as well.
P,s
It’s not clear to me all the hype about power cables.
I’m sure a serious manufacturer like NAIM would recommend using a specific cable if the Powerline was not suitable for the company’s products.
For me - this is the only cable in the chain:
Dedicated main - good socket - cable - amplifier
If I were a gambler, I would base a bet on the fact that over 50% of forum members does not have a dedicated main for their system(Which is the most critical point for system stability) .
As a result, no exotic cable in the world at any price level will do the job better, than Powerline or any other reasonably priced cable…
AST week I unearthed the cables I used when living in Central and Eastern Europe; these were musicable made / sold by Audioplan. I had a distribution box too but can’t find it now.
Can you not use a mains islolator such as Airlink, and then use your inexpensive but well made power cord? Easier perhaps than rewiring a dedicated spur.
Electrical insulators and other filters and stabilizers, changed my sound (and not only me …) to an analytical and non-musical flat.
Naim’s audio engineers,know what they are talking about.
This is not a question of simplicity or price, but a question of investing, reasonable and long-term in your hobby.
Dedicated power line that includes dedicated grounding and a good socket - a must.
Power cables built from exotic and expensive materials, to the point of ridiculousness - as a contribution to the manufacturer’s account …