Audio Hygiene 1: power cables

Why do audiophiles think that the last meter of high quality power cable does make a difference in sound while it is preceded by perhaps hundreds of meters cheap cable in the grid? This question is often asked with an undertone of skepticism. Time for some clarification.
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[@toddhudson9653]

"If you're like me you have to take turns at the luxury budget committee." I think that's the best line I have ever heard from an audiophile :) and yes, that describes me as well. Thank you Hans! Very methodical look at how power cables can really make a difference to your sound.

[@violin-schwerin]

Me as well! I have just updated my amp power cable, and I have to say that with my system the improvement is quite worthwhile! Thank you for all the interesting content!

[@linda5381]

@@violin-schwerin what power cable did you get?

[@violin-schwerin]

@@linda5381 diy

[@thierrible7]

"Luxury budget committee", an excellent euphemism! Many thanks for the detailed and clear explanations.

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@empireentertainmentevents1353]

this guy knows his stuff! Thank you HANS for this very useful VIDEO!!

[@TNPFan]

Hand, just found your channel and am thrilled with your fact-based, practical, no nonsense analysis of all things audio. Great job and thank you! Now, back to binge watching. 😀

[@TheVeganVicar]

Hand? :/

[@AvidiaNirvana]

Just bought the Kindle copy of your book File Based Audio, can't wait to get home from work and start reading it!

[@nickreecy4229]

The best explanation I've heard on the topic. Thank you.

[@nicoverhoef7259]

Thank you Hans. The internal topology of the equipment also plays a role. If the circuit is fulle balanced throughout then the radiated noise plays a much lower part in contaminating the final signal.

[@williamlau7179]

"Balance" is a high price and it is worthy, when you can and willing.

[@TopDownMikey]

Most reasonable explanation I've heard for why quality power cables make a sonic difference. And now I'm off to prepare my pitch for the LBC (luxury budget committee).

[@xeniavader]

love your videos!!! so helpful. Finally someone explains logically why power cables matter...

[@1987Cubo]

Hope the best for your health, You are part of my Friday’s routine, I’ll be waiting your comeback!

[@pcm9969]

Before watching this video, I was a firm believer that upgrading power cables or interconnects was pure voodoo. This is the first explanation I have ever heard that makes sense. Although I have not had a chance yet to compare, I now believe that it can make a difference. Great channel Hans! You clearly explain things I don't see elsewhere.

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

🙏

[@markalldritt]

Thank you for making this video. I appreciate your explanation of some of the reasons why improved power cables make a difference. I've been skeptical of power cable upgrades for a long time, but this winter I gave it a try. I started by borrowing a cable and using it with my Krell integrated amp. The change in my system was profound. I left the test cable in place and waited for my wife to notice without saying anything to her. She picked up an improvement immediately. Since then I've replaced the power cable on my CD player as well. The combined improvement is clear and I'm really happy with the results.

[@alexandermyrthue1987]

Thank you for taking the time to let us know. Personally, I could also consider replacing the power cable for my desktop PC to improve overclocking😊

[@mrmoon7484]

the hygiene example was great!

[@marcelotoledomayer]

This is the first time I hear a reasonable explanation for this subject. Ty

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

Thanks

[@kazhilly]

Great video, and Well explained, Thanks!!! Hartelijke groeten vanuit het VK!!!

[@JonSaperia]

I have been watching your videos for a couple of months and enjoy them all. I found this one to be one of the most directly helpful. When I added a new piece of equipment, many people suggested that I get a high quality power cable for it - which I did. Your video did a great job explaining why I might not see the improvement I would have hoped and a great reason for starting with the AMP. Some of this was a "Doh..." after you explained it but very helpful. I like the series on 'audio hygiene' that you proposed.

[@SpikeoutBattleStreet]

Your channel deserves more attentions and respects.

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

Thanks. All in due time 😊

[@dfraserkelly]

The very title of this video is amazing.

[@markusganzherrlich]

Excellent explanations, you have convinced me on several aspects. Keep up the great job!

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

Thanks, I will

[@davidadams3669]

Thank you Hans. Excellent video as usual. Really enjoy watching you. 👍

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

🙏

[@panoptessoundworks4658]

Loving the channel. Thanks for imparting this information onto us.

[@MrDiamondFlyer]

First time I hear an explanation that makes sense. My feeling is that improvements i could get from the power cable will still not weight enough compared to what I can gain with better speakers or amplifier but now I understand the concept ... and will pay better attention to the routing of my cables. Thank-you !

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

Thank you, sir.

[@isuru221]

This makes a lot of sense , very good channel

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

Thank you sir.

[@Josephklchan1961]

Han is definitely right on power cables placement at close proximity to signal cable is undesirable. Thanks you.

[@BrianDRidgway]

Man, I LOVE your videos. Your content is is so valuable. I will support you on Patreon.

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

Thanks!

[@bot.top.8044]

Yes .it's matter.i hear vast improvement after upgrade my arcam solo movie with xlo 1500 mains cable

[@carstenskjoed9026]

Great Channel Hans... is there any chance to do at test of the Matrix X-Sabre Pro MQA. Great spec. But the sound..?

[@edgar9651]

Thanks! That was the first video which I saw about "audio" power cables which makes sense. Just facts, no BS. Thanks.

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

🙏

[@rafaelpernil]

I completely agree with you, Hans. Some people don't realize how this cables help your audio system. Most of the times, we have audio systems full of minor problems that bottle-neck any possible improvement in power. This is why I trust your opinion as an experienced audiophile. You clearly know how a proper audio setup sounds thus you can give real hints for improving an audio system.

[@etiennedelange6428]

Love this channel Hans

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

Thank you sir

[@falcon048]

What about adding Ferrite chokes to the power cables that cannot be detached? I understand that the size and configuration of the choke determines which frequency it will absorb. In the past, I have used large chokes that were obtained from network routers. My understanding was to place them within 2 inches from where the cable enters device and to place one within two inches from where the plug attaches to the electric socket. Is there any good in doing this?

[@Telemed911]

I was always a skeptic about AC cords (power cables) but am now a true believer. However, I have a high-end, tube-based system with passive loudspeakers (cost = ~$50K US). I just upgraded the power cable from an upgraded power receptacle on a dedicated line. The difference was astonishing based on just 1 power cable from the wall outlet to a grounded power strip - much lower noise floor, greatly expanded 3D soundstage and elimination of harshness in the higher frequencies. I have no idea whether this particular configuration would optimize any other audio system.

[@richardriley4415]

I have been one of those skeptics. This was an excellent presentation. It's easy to understand the value of shielding, my question relates to cost. I think that hi-priced power cables are non-sense. I was at an audiophile meeting and they compared(switched) a $1000.00 and a $3000.00 power cable. To me (an accountant) this is nonsense.

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

Sorry, I couldn't resist it: is that your opinion as accountant or as audiophile? Seriously, there are products that are grossly overpriced but there are also products that really perform better than other, less expensive products. Whether that is for you depends on your stereo, your ears and how you value money. I had a Rumanian viewer that had to work for more than a month to buy a € 150 DAC but I also know someone that is considering an upgrade to a € 20.000 component as if he is buying a washing machine.

[@nicholascremato]

I am also surprised at the cost of cables. I have been designing and building loudspeakers for over 40 years. I was shocked when a friend of mine spent $22 thousand US dollars for a pair of speaker cables. There is a price point for cables that I feel becomes just ego and voodoo. By the way he was also shocked when I braded and soldered my own interconnects.

[@cardiobroker]

Agreed....to a point. 1-200$ cables from psaudio I bet get you a jump in performance....but 3000$ cable probably offers no more. Audio is full of pseudoscience and placebo.

[@wojciechbrzychcyk5955]

If systyem is very good than buying very expensive cables is justyfied. At some point I compared in my system all power Nordost cables except Odin. Differences are quite significant. I would even say that power cables have bigger impact on sound than IC.

[@dvlduvall]

Thank you Hans, I have you book :)

[@ComandanteJ]

I have a Musical Fidelity Tri-Vista 300 amp. This machine has the power supply separated from the amplifier, and power is delivered from a (to my knowledge) twisted, shielded cable. I have the amp separated around 1 meter from the power supply. Would i benefit from premium power cables to the power supply? Currently, all i have is a thick cable that came with the amp, connected to a Supra MD-06.

[@ChironZore]

Excellent. You have a new fan.

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

Awesome, thank you!

[@is1dre]

Great video, I used to be a huge skeptic about aftermarket power cables. I was able to borrow a few from my local shop, and, to my great surprise, the sound quality differences were easily noticeable. My wife who is not an audiophile could rank the cables in a blind test easily. There is no harm in trying them out, especially if there is a money back guarantee.

[@paulp.4970]

Keep the cables and keep your wife :-))

[@paulp.4970]

Not true. Not if you switch the cables over and over and focus each time on a different aspect of the sound.

[@nolanchiat3810]

Thanks for the excellent content and insight.

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

Thanks for watching!

[@khaotickid123]

i like this guy

[@rowanashby1155]

Me too

[@glichasasha750]

So take him home

[@cconnon1912]

I like him but don’t necessarily agree. The comparison of cables to different bit rates is flawed.

[@flashhog01]

I agree, power should be the first thing addressed in a system. Only with a solid foundation can you truly hear the quality and potential of your equipment.

[@carlosoliveira-rc2xt]

I disagree. The CD player pollutes the most and everything runs through the preamp and you're dealing with small signals. My experience has shown me, in a highly resolving system to start with the preamp and CD player/transport/DAC first.

[@joshuajones6736]

Great video as always. I recently upgraded my power cable on my Schitt Saga plus preamp to a Audioquest NRG- Y3 and I'm seriously blown away by the openness in my soundstage. At this very moment I'm listening to some music on cd (Denon SACD player) and my preamp potentiometer is literally turned all the way down yet I'm getting so much detailed warm open sound. Vocals are spooky at times due to excellent speaker placement. I noticed this today on day #2 of burn in with my new power cable. Cables matter, just listen!

[@johnnemesh5459]

I JUST upgraded the power cables on my DAC (Shiit Gungnir multibit) and AVR (Marantz SR7007). This was actually the LAST upgrade on my system. I never used aftermarket power cables previously, although I have long been aware of the benefits of better interconnects...I just didn't think power cables would be significant. I was WRONG! I put Audioquest NRG-Z3 cables on both and WOW...a HUGE improvement in sound quality! For the "snake oil" skeptics out there...you just need to try them and LISTEN to your system. It's not subtle!

[@electricwhiterabbit]

I bet you couldn’t tell in a blind test the difference.

[@photoipster]

How do you feel about power conditioners, regenerators, etc.

[@giawou6615]

It take me so long to realize that Power Cable is the first upgrade. I regret that I did not buy a good power cable as the first step to upgrade my Amp. It is indeed the foundation of Hifi

[@roquesoprano913]

Gia Wou would you help me in how to choose a power cable in relation with my sistem ? my set up is similar to Hans's set up 3.

[@gerard3797]

I am so lucky that I had a DC hum from the transformer in the first HiFi integrated amp I bought, so I got a Puritan PS106 DC power conditioner, with Puritan power cables. Aside from the fact this eliminated the hum completely, this also introduced me to the importance of cables and power supply in general. Garbage in = Garbage out. Cables in general also play a big part in the noise reduction, also in the time domain. This is I believe one of the reasons why integrated products and active speakers in general sound better compared to similar priced separates with “standard” cables.

[@benpit2762]

Thanks Hans, very informative video. Quick question: one of the things I am going to change is the amp power cord plugged into a power conditioner... I am thinking perhaps to try the power cable first without the conditioner then try again with the conditioner. End of the day if there’s a significant improvement to the sound you’re after invest in both power cable and power conditioner... otherwise just power cable... Is that a good plan? Thanks.

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

Yep, good plan.

[@benpit2762]

Great thanks!

[@rosapang2386]

Hello Hans. Are there any parameters such as cable materials, construction and way of shielding to look into if I have to select very good quality power cable for DIY ? Many Thanks.

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

I spent one whole chapter on the subject in my book: thehbproject.com/en/news/116/file_based_audio

[@rosapang2386]

Dear Hans. Thanks for your reply. I'll have a look at the link. Cheers.

[@brianpacheco1927]

Which brand of power cables do you recommend that you use in your own personal setup Hans?

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

You can find a description of my 3 setups at thehbproject.com/en/about

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

I don't. I have never done serious comparative testing of cables. I have tried several cables in my setups and kept the ones that performed best in these setups. I am not sure they will perform equally in yours. You will find a description of my setups here: thehbproject.com/en/about.

[@mirceamircea4387]

Hello Hans, I've been watching with interest your videos and found your explanations to be very plausible. I was wondering what is your input regarding power filters, like PS Audio Duet Power Filter, ISOTEK Polaris or FURUTECH Flow-15 (and the list can go on). Have you ever used devices of this kind, and if so, did you notice any improvement on the sound (or even differences of any kind)? I am tempted to invest in this kind of devices, and plug my DAC, headphone tube amp/preamp and Yamaha HS8s into a power filter, but I would like to hear your (or anybodies) take on this before doing so. Thank you and hardly waiting your future videos! Mircea

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

I never took the time to really dig into it but the experiences varied greatly, not only with the make and type of filter but also with the equipment hooked up to it and even the location. That's when I gave up. I'm not saying they might not work miracles, I'm saying that it would take too much time to find out what's going on. For about the same reason I don't review audio cables while I use quite costly cables myself.

[@mirceamircea4387]

Thank you Hans for the feedback. So, to conclude, power filters do make a difference, in your experience, right? Now, if that change in sound is huge or minor, it is a whole other discussion, because there are so many variables involved.

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

Nope. power filters CAN make a difference and that difference can be huge or small (both positive and negative). At least, that is my experience. But gain I have not researched the topic deeply.

[@mirceamircea4387]

Thank you Hans for the reply! Do you use for your audio system any kind of power filters, if so, what kind? I'm asking out of curiosity, I don't plan to take it for granted if you use one or not. :)

[@lorencing]

Great video, thanks! Do power cables also make a noticeable difference when using a 15W guitar tube amp?

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

I wouldn’t know. Sorry.

[@Old_Sailor85]

There's so much noise in guitar amps you would be wasting your money. Spend it on tubes ;-)

[@mariokrizan1400]

Hi Hans, greetings from Argentina 🙋‍♂️ I found your channel a few months ago and I've been following you since then because I found it very educational and with very interesting data that others don't mention or go into. Regarding the issue of shielded power cables, I would like to ask you what is the conductor thickness that you consider ideal and if you think, as some recommend, that joining two separate cables for each pole is good to reduce resistance and inductance. Thank you in advance and congratulations for your channel 👏👏👏👏👏

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

I have not the construction into detail. So I can’t say.

[@borisbommen]

Bedankt voor de heldere uitleg!

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

👍🏼

[@b.h.g.joosten8888]

Beste Hans, What would your recomendation be, when i am making my own powercords for my hifi equipment. I’m using 3 x 2.5 mm twisted copper wire, surrounded by silver coloured shielding. Where do i connect the shielding, the eartwire or do i connect it to nothing at all. Groet Bas.

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

I would recommend you to be careful when dealing with 230 volts.

[@b.h.g.joosten8888]

Ok, i knew this from your video, but trust me, i know my way about basic electronics, but would you recomend connecting the shielding to the eart connector to do its work or to nothing al all? Of cours connecting to either the fase or nil is stupid and dangerous. I wandered if connecting it to nothing works in a way of schieding at all. Thanx.

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

I have no hands on experience with this, zo I can't help you.

[@Freq412]

Hans is being very wise by not helping you fiddle with 230 volt power cables. Even if he knew the answer (and I'm sure he does, as do I), he shouldn't answer the question. I suggest you research "electromagnetic shielding basics". You'll get your answer pretty quick.

[@georgeheatherley7408]

Great advice 👌 thanks

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

Thanks!

[@gaborhorvath7658]

I wonder, which powercable needs to be a better construction? The one between the wall and the power filter (AQ1200) or the one going to my streaming amp (nad m33) from the filter? Hans says the critical point is in the back of the amp where all other cables (speaker) meet. I'd rather put the better shielded aq Thunder, there, so the last meter is better covered, while the filter can be placed further away from the sensitive electronics and will receive enough "preprocessed" voltage anyway from an AQ Monsoon cable. What do you think?

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

Why not buy one and try it at both places.

[@ulfselmark9800]

Hans, your clarification makes perfectly sense! I have made DIY twisted and shielded power cables for all my audio components. BUT I have learned that when connecting the ground shield of the cable, it should only be connected to the wall outlet side and left open at the component side. I don't know why it should be like this but that's the way I have made my power cables. So have i got it wrong or should the cable shield be connected at both sockets?

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

It all depends a bit on the local grid but often connecting the shield on the grid side is a very good solution provided you use a 3 core cable and you do connect phase, nul and ground. Although some equipment doesn't use the ground pin in the IEC power input. Please make sure you do keep within your local regulations. I can't accept any responsibility for your actions (legal disclaimer)

[@rickwookie]

Ulf Selmark For why you shouldn't connect both ends of the shield to ground, read: en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ground_loop_(electricity)

[@BruceCross]

Yes, twisted and shielded power cables make sense under two conditions: 1. Don't ground the shield to the component. 2. Keep a distance of 1/4 to 1/2" between the conductors and shielding, since shielding can constrict the sound (from PS Audio's Paul McGowan).

[@tested211]

@@BruceCross This answers the question of why some hifi power cables carrying relatively low power are so thick (besides to look impressive)

[@RR-kb2ks]

Very helpful, thanks !

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

Thanks you!

[@Richard_L_Y]

So how come unshielded cables are considered much better by many - (apart from digital) i.e. interconnects, mains and speaker?

[@GavinHodgson]

Great video

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@hanknova7771]

Hello, I have a question. Doesn't it seem odd that a company would spend "x" dollars on engineering a product (even very expensive ones) and then ship that product with a junk power cable? I find it very difficult to reason that the interference you speak of is relevant, because if it was, wouldn't high quality shielded power cables and interconnects be the norm on high end gear? I'm not being malignant, I'm simply curious. Thanks!

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

I know several manufacturers that even state in the manual that better cables would be a good investment but still supply their products with cheap cables. This leaves the buyer the choice and keeps the product at a more attractive price.

[@williamlau7179]

The power cables that come with the good quality hi-fi components are of adequate quality provided by reputable branded manufacturers. As others have said, it is a matter of users' choices and tastes to suit if they decided to buy for upgrades.

[@JeanKatana]

@@totalplonker824 This is also my experience! Exactly your explaination! Thanks for breaking down.

[@brokenot]

@@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel The questions are, how much expense is justifiable between straight, untwisted conductors, and twisted ones...and then further upgrading to twisted and shielded ones? I'm not in the audio industry, I repair aerial work platforms. These machine have modules that communicate between a work platform control station and other modules at the base of the machine that ultimately convert operator inputs into machine responses. On the can bus of these machines, the communication wiring in the harness is shielded via foil and/or a surrounding braid to prevent cross-talk/interference/etc. When a "high end audio cable" a meter or two, (or three), in length matches or exceeds the replacement cost of a multi-conductor control harness for an aerial work platform that's 150'+ in length....people ARE being ripped off.

[@shaneb1501]

Hi i have a pioneer sa-9500ii. Have been thinking sbout upgrading the power cable in it. Was also toying with the idea to remove the power supply from the chassis and put in one of its own and run a better insulated cable from it. Would it be worth it?

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

I don’t know your Pioneer so I can’t say

[@shaneb1501]

@@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel ok thank you.

[@RobotronR6]

Hi Hans, what if I have a vintage amp with an attached power cable? Is there anyway I can modify my existing cable? Allegedly it’s silver, if that matters. Also, thank you so much for the content!

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

It can be done but I am reluctant to advise it so someone that asks me this question since some knowledge is required.

[@RobotronR6]

@@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel thank you. What knowledge are you suggesting? I happen to be qualified to work in it via previous work on industrial generators.

[@markclancy5371]

Wouldn't silver power cable be decent already but thick cross section and shielded has made alot of difference in my system that! and silver filament fuses

[@CoeliLux]

Excuse me... since one of my main sources is the desktop computer, should I replace also the power cord of the computer? or upgrading those of the Amp and of the DAC is enough? Thanks

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

That depends on the situation. If the desktop is close to the [audio leads of your] stereo, then it might be useful. If Noot, I wouldn't bother.

[@mostirreverent]

are there sleeves that can be placed over the amp's power cord?

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

I have no idea...

[@rolandlickert2904]

I use Furutech Pure transmission filter e-TP 80 E AC Power line Receptacle where all my equipment is plugged in. Question? Still, need a better Power cord?

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

I really can't say.

[@bradleymasson1777]

Our local audio society had a Nordost rep do a demo of power cables, isolation feet and digital cables. The latter two I couldn't tell if they made a difference, but no one at the meeting doughted the difference power cords made. He tested three models, priced from $200.00 to $6,000.00. It was quite an eye opener. By the way, the rep recommended that the preamp be the first device to be upgraded, followed by the power amps. Hearing is believing.

[@neonspecter2730]

If I have an amp with just a thin non-detachable power cable leading to a brick, is it even worth replacing the brick-outlet cable? Wouldn't any benefit be immediately killed by the poor amp-brick cable?

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

I wouldn't. It's quite a modification and in general amps with fixed power cables aren't worth the update.

[@rdg4569]

Dear Hans, a question from a sceptic: How can the final 2m of power cord influence 20m of cables inside of my home, 200m of cables to the grid connection, 2000m of cables to the transformer station, etc. This can only be achieved by active stabilisation.

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

You might want to watch this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/a52rgZ2Zjc1-asU

[@riceman78]

very interesting thanks

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

You're welcome

[@anirudhs9200]

If my apartment wall outlet has poor power factor (say 0.6), would it make more sense to invest in a power conditioner or sine wave inverter rather than better power cables?

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

Just try to find a supplier that is willen to sell you a power conditioner under the condition that you may return it if it doesn't do what you expected.

[@anirudhs9200]

Volodumur Kalunyak I was not technically precise, but my point is that electrical supply in apartments in USA is often of poor quality

[@mornecoetzee735]

My understading for the use of power cords is to prevent the injection of noise back into the system, therefore to be used between a regenerator and the component, not into the wall socket.

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

If that’s the only function power cables would not work for me since I don’t use a regenerator.

[@gvanrijnsoever9993]

still reading a lot. what about the difference between braided, twisted and shielded. Sometimes I read that braided is beter than shielded.

[@fredriksvard2603]

G van Rijnsoever there is no difference between cables

[@alee3875]

Why most assume grid cables are low quality? Have you seem 11kv or 36kv cable? 11kV cable are usually double shielded with every single core and over shielded with grounded mash. 36kv are single phase run with air gap up to meters apart form each phases and switched (twisted) in every power pole. You only get this sort of configuration when you buy reference level power cable.

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

Thanks for sharing.

[@impulserhaltung]

I think the explanation is reasonable, however, it seems to depend a lot on the actual construction of the amplifier. Say you provide a shielded powercable and your interconnection cables are also shielded. INSIDE the amp the leads of the power cable or terminal that go to the transformer may be shielded or may not be. Same goes for the inside part of the RCA terminals. So it might be that shielding the power cable on the OUTSIDE of the amplifier might, depending on the construction, not have an audible effect.

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

It always does

[@alexfannin1728]

If my speaker wires are not twisted can I twist them myself to reduce stray?

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

I suppose it can be done but it will be rather difficult

[@gvanrijnsoever9993]

I got the point of shielding. Do I need a grounded wall socket?

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

That depends on the equipment. Some equipment uses And, others don't.

[@jpdj2715]

It's a long time ago, but. The shield needs to be grounded on one end only. I would prefer the wall outlet. So you need ground there for the shield. if the shield floats (not earthed) it becomes sort of a repeater. The grounding of the shield on one end is why some cables that can be connected in two ways (because plugs on both end are the same) are "directional". Remember, what comes out of your speakers is AC, rectified and next modulated by the amplifiers in the chain. Now any signal in AC that the rectifier and regulator cannot filter out comes as potentially audible noise out of the speakers.

[@beagle7622]

One thing never mentioned by the snake oil cynics is how the cables is made. I am happy with my power cables & power boards. They power boards provide extra protection from power surges.i am an engineer & studied drawing of steel wire and the granular structure.

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

A good solution is a good moderator. For snake oil cynics I mean😁

[@lexiewilkinson9703]

ok Replacing my black power cable that came with my Pioneer Elite Receiver with a better power Cable will make any Difference??????

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

That's like asking if replacing the tires of you Honda Civic by better ones will make any difference. Yes, it might provided the circumstances, your use and your perception suffice to show it. An 80 year old lady won't notice the difference....

[@tonesbones502]

You're da man Hans

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

🙏🏻

[@tomthompson7400]

this is the first video that makes sense on shielding power cords .

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

Thanks

[@marklydon435]

I have seen demonstrated that the DAC is the component that has the most improvement from cleaning up the power supplied.

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

That means that in this case the DAC had the least perfect power supply/filtering. It could be the amp in other cases.

[@gizmothewytchdoktor1049]

need i remind all of the nightmare that is the average house's wiring system in regards to rf and emi from pwm power supplies...dimmers,etc? :-) best practice is to have an isolated power feed of the aftermarket type. a stand alone power plant of the type that ps audio offers(high end) or isolated back-up(ups)unit(affordable and pretty much bullet proof). all too often folks tend to ignore that particular elephant in the room that is the power supplied to us by the grid and the way it gets to the components we use.

[@carlosoliveira-rc2xt]

The problem with a UPS is that most are not designed for audio. I tried an expensive large (1050 watt ) UPS in my audio system. It robbed the sound of bass and everything became thin and zippy sounding. If I used it for video only ( graphics grade projector) I could see an improvement in the picture. Sometimes the cure is worse than the disease. While it appears only shielding has been mentioned as a cause of improvements made by aftermarket power cords, it is not that alone. The purity of the cable, the quality of the female and male ends etc. all influence the sound quality. All my power cords are shielded and yet they all sound different. Some warmer, some more detailed, and one has a very low noise floor. I mix and match to tailor the sound of my systems.

[@ef2b]

Rather than arguing whether the power cable can or cannot induce noise elsewhere in the system, let me just accept that for the sake of argument and ask a question. An engineer that I once worked with developed circuits for scientific instruments where small voltages and currents were significant. Making test measurements was challenging because noise pickup in his test probe cables could affect his measurements. He showed me the trick of carefully and neatly coiling the probe cable. You then give the coil a half-twist so that you now have a figure of eight. Finally, you bring the upper and lower loops of the eight together. You are now holding a coil of smaller diameter in which half of the loops go one direction and other half go the opposite direction. Induced voltages will have opposite signs in the two sets of loops and therefore will cancel. This allowed him to greatly reduce noise picked up in his probe cable. You can put a metal bar in the center of the coil to increase the inductance to facilitate cancelation. Since emissions from the opposing loops in a driven cable will be out of phase by pi, emissions should also cancel. Thus, if power cords are a source of radiated noise, wouldn't this coiling trick work for a power cord as well?

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

Many high quality audio cables use this or comparable techniques. There is a list of five groups of measures that I know they take in my book.

[@jean-martingauthier5551]

luxury budget committee! love that expression too!

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

😁

[@demonkey123]

Thank you, a clear and understandable explanation. Would you mind sharing your opinion regarding reasonable prices of power cables? Personally I am of the belief that replacing power cords with an increased cross sectional area of the conductors with let’s say a twisted, screened triple of around 2,5mm2 and the associated male and female connectors to facilitate the cable, should cost no more than £50 per item to manufacture. I firmly believe that this is the very upper limit of what even the highest end of the audiophile spectrum need to spend in reality. Power cables that are marketed at thousands of pounds would provide no appreciable sonic improvement and are pointless in my opinion.

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

Power cords do improve the sound. How much money can be wisely invested depends on your situation and how critical you are. General rules as you stated are not valid. I have heard insanely expensive power cables having a positive effect on the sound. Would I spend that money? It depends. If I win a big price in the Lotto, I even might...

[@demonkey123]

The Hans Beekhuyzen Channel Curious. Could you elaborate on how you believe a cable can be improved upon further from a basic twisted/screened cable? What elements should we be looking for? Additional or screening material/construction? Conductor material/purity perhaps. Which factors do you believe will deliver the best results with regard to power cables?

[@AT-wl9yq]

@@demonkey123 If we knew that, you wouldn't have to ask your question. That said, I may be able to give you some useful info. The first thing is, you can't ask if something is better. You need to ask, is there a difference? Abd if there is a difference, is it good or bad? Its subjective. Give the same power cord to 10 people and some will like it, some won't and some won't hear the difference. That's just the way it goes. One other very important factor to consider is price. Never make a purchase decision based on price. To insure sucess, a cable has to be installed in your system, in the specific application you intend to use it. And then you have to do some listening. If you are trying more than one cable, don't expect the most expensive cable to win the comparison. Its perfectly normal to prefer a cheaper cable over an expensive one. I own several expensive power cords, but the truth is, the stock cord sometimes sounds better (to me) than the high end ones. So that's what I use. In the end, it just comes down to the fact that we don't have all the answers. You have to use your best judgement and be responsible. If you don't hear a difference, or see the value, don't spend the money. And you're talking to someone that has a pair of speaker cables that cost almost 4k for an 8 foot pair.

[@cheeky50862]

Does the power cable have to be directional?

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

You can use it only in one direction because of the plugs

[@TrueStereo-]

I am open to anything. I was a non believer is USB cables until I heard the difference. Can the effect of the cable be measured? What I don’t understand is how the cable in the wall is not effected and once the cable is interlinked at the plug how the pollution changes with a special cord? I am open to anything and I am considering upgrading my power cables.

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

The mains cables have the biggest impact on the sound. This has to do with their construction and the place they are used. To long a story to do here, In my book it takes several pages.

[@TrueStereo-]

@@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel thanks for the reply

[@ronlysons6750]

I'm a cable sceptic, what I would like to know is this. If power leads do make a difference, how long does the cable need to be for it to have an effect?. I' m assuming the cable must have a minimum length for it to have any effect. So at what point does the length of the power cord not make a difference? Is it just pure luck that the std one metre length is optimum, or would a three or four metre length be better? Let’s say your expensive power lead was 10 metres long and it clearly made a difference, would you be able to hear a difference if you chopped a metre off, then another metre and so on, until you arrived at the std one metre? Just asking.

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

Did you watch the video?

[@ronlysons6750]

@@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel Thank you for your prompt reply Hans, yes I did watch the video. Have I missed something, I didn't see the answer to my question. If one metre can make such a big difference, does two, three or more not make a bigger difference?

[@ronlysons6750]

@@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel Thanks for you prompt reply Hans. Yes I did with the video. Don't think it answered my question though. If one metre can make such a big difference why does two or three or more not continue to make a difference

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

As far as I understand it, and as explained in the video, it is the shielding if the power cables that reduces the magnetic stray in the audio cables. So the better power cable should be long enough to avoid that. Is the power cable isn’t close to audio cables anymore, it will have no effect.

[@ronlysons6750]

@@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel Thanks again, how close is close,? they are never more the a few inches away at best. I'm in for speaker cables and interconnects to a certain extent. Mostly subtle differences in my experience. And does rfi and emi not effect speaker cable, is it only mains cables?

[@andershammer9307]

I was skeptical of power cords until I heard the difference.Makes the sound stage bigger and you can hear sounds behind you.But it wasn't my system I heard it on. Want I want to know is how to make better power cords so I can replicate that improvement without spending a lot of money.

[@stefdriver]

Search for “crump asylum diy power cord” and substitute connectors as appropriate for your region.

[@20CycleMonger]

Good explanation, Hans! I will follow PRACTICAL and scientific suggestions, not snake oil mumbo jumbo:-)

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

Thank you Carlito. But how to know what is snake oil........

[@20CycleMonger]

I meant that I found your explanation to be practical and scientific. I subscribed ;-)

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

I know, Carlito. It was only to point out that snake oil sometimes is very difficult to identify. Especially since we still don't fully understand how the complete audio chain works - including our auditory system.

[@mttrashcan-bg1ro]

I am always sceptical until I try it myself, but the argument that the last meter won't help is funny because it's not too different to filters in like a water tap or your car. It might not fully cancel out the issue, but it's usually better than nothing, kind of like PC dust filters, they don't block ALL the dust. Water filters probably don't stop all the crap getting through. I'm yet to try a higher quality power cable in my audio system, but I'm open to these ideas.

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

.

[@yannickjorzik-brzelinski8954]

great channel, this knowledge connection from electrical engineering, digital audio and hifi is a gift for everybody want to go down the highend rabbithole. write a book man!

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

Thanks for that!

[@nicholascremato]

For me it doesn't connect to the whole house of dirty electricity. My power cord goes from my power conditioner/isolation transformer to the component. People could also argue that I don't need high end power cords because they are coming out of the power system.

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

Roon provides metadata on its own in most cases. So you shouldn't have to use other programs.

[@nicholascremato]

I have a 1 meter power cable coming out of my filtered isolation transformer. I purchased my first high-end power cable. A $50 (used) power cord with great ratings. There was a difference I could hear. Some people said that of course I noticed the difference between a $1 cable and a better one but I will be looking for this cable again to replace 2 more of them.

[@paulmurro9304]

well done I first put my mains on a dedicated feed from my electrical box to the outlets for my audio system useing the best basic wire I could afford . this feeds hospital grade outlets. a high quality connection cable to a voltage conditioning device with surge protector and voltage stabilizing from there good quality Mains cable this does make a difference the first time I did this it sounded as if someone had pulled the blanket all of the speakers I started with the amplifier first feeling that if the investment was not worth it I would not go any further. it is the old story garbage in garbage out.

[@brianpacheco1927]

I'm curious how well something like this was translate to an off-grid 12V system which is not polluted by the grids mains but would then depend on the quality of the inverter.

[@monomille1]

Your principles for audio hygiene seem reasonable and prudent but I think that the internal wiring of the components could easily be the controlling source for any power related influence on the signals

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

I don't get it. If audio leads pick up stray signals, how can internal wiring be of influence. This story is built on decennia of experience of myself, a number of colleagues and many audiophile friends.

[@rongibson2086]

Hans, I think some people don't understand that if the incoming signal has been distorted within the interconnects, no downstream filter can discriminate as to what was the "original" signal and the added "noise".

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

Ron, it is amazing that the fastest and least limited communication medium, the web, causes so much miscommunication:-)

[@monomille1]

Ron Gibson I understand fully that you can't "undo" external signal influence but my point was that internal signal influence from internal power wiring might well be much more severe thus making external influence minor by comparison.

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

That could be the case in some instances but not what I have found on a regular basis.

[@mariagiordano3902]

I like this guy , he just makes sense. I like Gene Dellasalla from audioholics to but he says power cables are total snake oil and I refuse to believe that , I think at a minimum we need a decent entry level power cable thats shielded and call it a day. I never heard a diff in any cable and im not ashamed to admit that but collectively they all do make a diff I know that for a fact , i sit back sometimes and at the end of the day it really does show. also get an Ipurifier from IFI and plug it into a free outlet they work its an audible difference

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

Just test it yourself. Judge by ear.

[@vernav6756]

I put my power cord in a freezer for 10 minutes before each listening session. What a difference. Soundstage becomes wider and details in the high frequencies are more revealing.

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

I do the same with my soda water. Works great too😁

[@alexxbaudwhyn7572]

Makes for a cold top end

[@MrVaghag]

Pretty cool

[@andrewlim7751]

U bet the resulting condensation helps a lot with the soundstage.

[@alexanderholding1952]

This video was very informative to me. I am going to go buy 300 dollars of power cords for my mediocre system right now!

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

I consider that mediocre thinking, but then again, I am the idiot that made this video.

[@USMC-Sniper-0137]

Bahahahahahahaha

[@60zeller]

How about try a couple. Most companies have 30 or 60 day return policy. If you do not think they help at all or not enough to justify the cost. Send that bad boy back.

[@jimbouwens1854]

@@60zeller Hans just proved they would help.

[@JingoLoBa57]

Absolute necessity. Won’t work without them.

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

🦻🏻

[@aalex497]

OK. So what about stands for power cables?

[@1111111580]

Ridiculous If they are shielded its fine.