Newsgroups: rec.audio.tech
Subject: Re: diy power cord?
References: <[email protected]>
"Joseph Delvey, Jr."  writes:

> I was intrigued by John Atkinson's recent piece in Stereophile where he
> describes the significant improvements to the performance of his Krell
> KSA-50 when he tried a $2k AC cable.
> 
> How can an AC cable make such a difference?  

Most propably not. It is very strange that changint the last meter
of the power cord to other wire type would have a radical effect
on the mains power supply which has easily tens of meters of
cable from main distribution panel to the device inside walls
(and even more form distribution panel to nearest distribution
amplifier).

> Does it have to do with shielding?  

In some very rare cases shielding on power cords could have
some positive effect on sound. In case you have very strong
electromagneti fields around your device (nearby radio
transmitter or some electric noise source) or your audio
cables pick up mains interference from power cord
(poorly shielded audio cables too near power cord).

> The arrangement of the conductors?

Most propably nothign you could hear... The standard power cord
arrangement is pretty optimal form mains power distribution,,,

> Has anyone in this NG made a DIY AC cable for their system that was
> worth the time, effort and materials?  

I have made some DIY power cords for various needed.
Usually reasons have been that I have needed longer or shorter
than the original one and I have not had anythign ready
made suitable at my hands (but components easily available
on my electronics lab at home). I have never built any
"optimal form" mains cable for better sound quality in 
my mind. There is no sound quality difference between proper
"normal" power cord or some special power cord I have
heard...

> If so, could you share with us
> how to approach such a project and suggest possible sources for
> materials?


I have used the local shops which sell electronics components
(they hae also selection of cables) and shops which sell
electrical accessories (hardware store, warehouses etc.).

Wherever you go get good quality mains connectors and
select a cable rated for mains power cord application.
This means that cord has enough current carrying capacity
(enough copper thickness to withstand even short circuit
for the time for the mains fuse to blow), good
enough insulation for the mains votlages + overvoltages
and good enough mechanical construction to withstand use.
Then build the cable correctly. Those are essential
thing to make a good and safe mains cable. If you do not
think you can do this for sure safely, Play safe
and buy ready made cables on the price range you
think is reasonable for your needs...(I would not pay
much premium for the look of the exotic cable..)
 

-- 
Tomi Engdahl (http://www.iki.fi/then/)
Take a look at my electronics web links and documents at 
http://www.epanorama.net/