Detachable power cord?

[darien87]

Just curious, why is it that a unit with a detachable power cord is generally considered to be higher quality than one without? I would assume that the manufacturer would make sure that the power cord they furnish should be able to supply the unit with enough power to do it's job.

Is it like the whole, "mega-expensive speaker wire" thing?

 

[MDS]

I think a lot of it is the perception that people that buy 'high end' equipment are going to want the option to replace the power cable but I'd like for all equipment to have a detachable power cable. Not because I'd want to buy a new one (unless I lost it) but because it is a lot more convenient.

 

[jcPanny]

Is it like the whole, "mega-expensive speaker wire" thing?

I think you are on to something. Some people like the detachable power cord so they can replace it with one that looks like a garden hose. Yes, these are the same people that buy the expensive speaker wire and have "magic stones" on top of their A/V gear.

If the romex wiring in your wall is good enough to get the power 100' from your breaker to the outlet than the stock power cord should also be adequate for the last 6'.

 

[trnqk7]

I agree with the above responses, but will add to the convenience point-it is much easier to pack up a piece of equipment if you can detach all the cables from it. This makes it easier to move and less likely to become damaged in transit. That's how I look at it anyway.

 

[Cruise Missile]

It makes removing the unit from a rack easier if you have gone to great lengths with your cable management. I take my stuff out every year or so for a good cleaning and it's great to not have to cut all the ties ect..

 

[j_garcia]

Ease of removal is my answer also. It allows you to disconnect everything and pull out just that one unit without having to separate the wire also.

 

[Rickster71]

If I may add to the great answers above:
IEC power cables come rated in high-temperature and low-temperature, as well as various current capacities.
They also have connectors with slightly different shapes to ensure that it is not possible to substitute a cable with a lower temperature or current rating, when one is damaged.
Though it's possible to use an over-rated cable. It does no harm, except to the wallet.
Rick

 

[Haoleb]

I think you are on to something. Some people like the detachable power cord so they can replace it with one that looks like a garden hose. Yes, these are the same people that buy the expensive speaker wire and have "magic stones" on top of their A/V gear.

If the romex wiring in your wall is good enough to get the power 100' from your breaker to the outlet than the stock power cord should also be adequate for the last 6'.

Ahh yes, The tried and true romex to the outlet defense. Fair enough. But keep in mind that it is also a good idea to buy sheilded IEC power cords when possible. Even though the effect of interference at the types of length's were talking about here may be insignificant thats not to say its a waste to buy sheilded cords. Also IEC vs captive cords are good for the fact you can buy ones at the specific lengths needed vs having to use an extension or 10' of wire coiled up.

I bought a "garden hose" power cord for a clearance price just to see if I could detect any differences. I couldnt. Did I want to hear a difference? Sure, I didnt want my 50 bucks to be a complete waste. But in the end I still use it because yes it does look alot better than the stock ones. Yes its heavy gauge and much more well built. And its sheilded. If you have ever gone sniffing around with a toner wand you'll understand the importance of that factor.

Also, to the original poster saying that manufacturer would be sure to provide one sufficient enough. Take this into consideration. Most products are built to be just "good enough" not great. not as good as possible. Just good enough.

"Yes, its a peice of crap and we almost feel bad selling it, but hey if people are willing to buy it then we're willing to sell it." The power cord on my toaster and the vacuume I used to have both get warm to the touch when you use them. Yes the power cords are good enough to get the job done but they certainly would benefit from being of heavier gauge.

 

[BMXTRIX]

Power cables are a joke on the high end side, much like speaker wire.

But, the original factor most definitely is removal of equipment. Pro gear is not set on a shelf typically, but is racked. This means that all the cabling is zip tied in so that they can't fall out, and nothing flops around. In travelling racks, this is even more the case, often with cable snakes that are preconfigued that can plug right into the rack.

But, because pro gear can also undergo bumping and bruising it will fail.

People don't always want or need to upgrade, but they will swap a unit - sometimes during the middle of a show if it fails. This process, with fixed cords, would mean that the cord would have to be completely clipped out of the zip ties and then it could be removed.

With a removable cord, and things like phoenix connectors for audio input/outputs you can pull 5-10 connections on the back, unscrew the device from the rack, slide it out, and then reverse the process with a replacement unit.

Realistically, a 30 input/output audio matrix mixer can be swapped in about five or ten minutes, and the final installed replacement would be indistinguishable from the one that was removed with super clean cabling, and solid connectivity.

 

[j_garcia]

I bought an aftermarket cable because the cable that came with my receiver was actually loose in the socket, as well as other cables I tried. The aftermarket cable fits better, but I can't tell any difference at all in performance.

 

[DMD123]

I am using PS Audio Prelude power cables because of the better grip on the components and outlets. I got these on clearance before the newer ones came out, so they were pretty cheap. I have not noticed any improvement from them.

One aspect many who use fancy cables fail to realize is what others have said in regard your house wiring. Why would the final 3-6 ft in improved wire make up for your 50 plus feet of cheap Romex?

One thing I would upgrade is your outlet itself. NOT a fancy Audiophile type, just replace the cheap one to a commercial grade. Compare the two at the store and feel the weight difference. They also grip the plug much tighter, so you don't have loose plug ins. This is also a good time to check proper polarity and ground. Surprisingly many newer homes can have a plug here or there not set up right.

 

[darien87]

Thanks for the responses guys.

I'll agree that it definitely makes it much more convenient to move a component without worrying about stepping on or tripping over a power cord. Can you imagine wanting to move your receiver or amp; you start walking, step on the dangling power cord and fall forward, slamming it into the ground?!?!? Yikes.

 

[Midcow2]

Because ...

Just curious, why is it that a unit with a detachable power cord is generally considered to be higher quality than one without? I would assume that the manufacturer would make sure that the power cord they furnish should be able to supply the unit with enough power to do it's job.

Is it like the whole, "mega-expensive speaker wire" thing?

My comment :The guy used to design the power cords for PC equipment ?? Who knows

Here are some explanation from a company that sells power cords: their web link: http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=CRGPC
What kinds of components can be upgraded with the Cardas Golden Power Cord?
Virtually any component with a 15 Amp IEC power connector. These types of components come from the factory with removable power cables. If your power cable is not removable, it cannot be upgraded with an after-market power cable.

I have many components with removable power cables. Which one should I replace first?
While there is no absolute correct answer, it's usually best to begin with your source components first. These include your CD player or transport, DAC, anti-jitter devices, DVD players, DAT machines, etc. Then replace the cord on your preamp. The next component to upgrade is your power amplifier. Finally, the very last thing to upgrade is the power cable on your power conditioner.

What kind of improvements will I hear?
You will notice an immediate improvement in bass extension: it will be deeper, tighter, and better defined. The midrange will be cleaner with less grain and hash. That means minute details that are normally lost to background noise will be more easily heard and enjoyed. The sound stage will have better depth, and images will be more tightly defined.

How can a power cable make any difference in my system's performance? After all, there's five miles of cheap wire to my house from the Power Company. How can the last six feet make any difference?
We're not engineers, nor do we pretend to be. While we don't have a great explanation as to why power cables work, we know that they do. Some explain that a properly engineered power cable performs its magic with total ground isolation. By preventing noise from leaking to ground from the positive conductor, a major increase in performance is realized because noise is significantly reduced. Whatever the reason, we sell hundreds of power cables every year. If you can't hear a difference, we want you to send them back. Know what? Very, very few are ever returned. We think that says it all.

One final word
Remember, power cables, like speaker and interconnect cables require a break-in period. What's that? When a cable is new, it's not used to handling electrical signals. Electricity has a way of conditioning dielectrics (the insulating materials) the more it flows through the cable. This tends to change the way the cable sounds; almost always for the better. These power cables require about 100 hours of play before they sound the way the factory intended.

Do I believe all of this?? Well about as much as I belive the Bose marketing

 

[Halon451]

It makes removing the unit from a rack easier if you have gone to great lengths with your cable management. I take my stuff out every year or so for a good cleaning and it's great to not have to cut all the ties ect..

Bingo. It's for ease of removal and maintenance assuming that many higher end models will be installed in rack systems. Many digital DA's, processors, and video switchers I've worked with in the broadcasting field even had locking devices on the AC power slot to hook around the cord once installed.

 

[jostenmeat]

I assume one point has been made, but maybe it hasn't... Just in case, one nice thing with detachable power cords is that you can replace it with one that is long enough! My projector, subwoofer, and stereo self-powered speakers have detachable cords, and it makes a lot of sense why they would.

And even with components with typically shorter runs (dvd players, receivers, amps, etc), I guess one could change out the cords to shorter ones if they really, really wanted it to look tidy in the back...

 

[tn001d]

I mostly like having power cords that are exactly the length that i need. I hate extra wire and love being able to get cords at lengths that i need. I wouldnt pay high dollars towards it though. You can find some companies that sell quality products online for good prices.

Try
http://www.ramelectronics.net/
http://zebracables.com/
http://www.audioadvisor.com/products.asp?dept=25&sort_on=title&sort_by=&view_all=true
http://www.bestdealcables.com/

 

[66nicks]

RE: the romex to the outlet defense

The crappy cable designed to run hundreds of feet through wall to your outlet are designed to be in wall safe, so as to not accelerate a fire. They are not designed to reject EMI/RF interference. Which is why many people buy power conditioners to remove much of that interference that has been picked up along the way. That said, the power cable coming from the power conditioner, carrying that "brand new clean" power can be just as susceptible to picking up noise from the abundance of gear in your rack, your cordless phone, microwave, cell phone etc.. even though it is usually only a 6-8ft run it still can pick up noise, so a shielded power cable CAN provide a benefit.

Now are those $500 8ft cables pointless? Most likely.
is a $50-$100 cable a waste? If you can afford the upgrade on 2-3 main components, it should make a slight difference, and for AV enthusiasts, after getting all your core gear, thats the name of the game... small incremental, affordable improvements. Just like speaker wire, spending $50 on a roll of decent 16 guage wire, instead of $20 for 20 guage wire can most certainly make a discernable while not HUGE difference.

 

[JerryLove]

That said, the power cable coming from the power conditioner, carrying that "brand new clean" power can be just as susceptible to picking up noise from the abundance of gear in your rack, your cordless phone, microwave, cell phone etc.. even though it is usually only a 6-8ft run it still can pick up noise, so a shielded power cable CAN provide a benefit.

OK. Let's put some real numbers on that. What's a reasonable example of an induced charge on (let's say) a 12' "unshielded" (transparent to whatever RF you are worried about) power cable in a busy rack?

How will that effect the 120V AC current running through the cable?

What will be the measureable difference in the DC power coming out of the power supply in my amplifier, especially considering the amp will run from 90V to 240V without fluxuation?

Induced current might interfere with a milli-watt DC signal over a 75Ohm interconnect? OK. But meaningful interference over a power-cable? No.

 

[chris357]

OK. Let's put some real numbers on that. What's a reasonable example of an induced charge on (let's say) a 12' "unshielded" (transparent to whatever RF you are worried about) power cable in a busy rack?

How will that effect the 120V AC current running through the cable?

What will be the measureable difference in the DC power coming out of the power supply in my amplifier, especially considering the amp will run from 90V to 240V without fluxuation?

Induced current might interfere with a milli-watt DC signal over a 75Ohm interconnect? OK. But meaningful interference over a power-cable? No.

arent they saying that the noise coming from the power cable creates the noise on the interconnects?

i might be wrong on that but thats what I thought they were getting at..

and yes I like a nice budget cool looking power cord. i have a pretty purple shunyata for my krell I bought it used for 40 bucks..

 

[JerryLove]

arent they saying that the noise coming from the power cable creates the noise on the interconnects?

i might be wrong on that but thats what I thought they were getting at..

I don't get that from the read of their post but
1) I doubt it unless the power cord is long an coiled and
2) That's what shielded interconnects are for.