Shielded vs unshielded power cords ?

[MichaelD]

I need a power cord and have read that it is better to use a shielded power cord (foil and braid) for audio applications. I was browsing through the offerings at Element cable and Signal and they offer twisted conductor type (unshielded) and fully shielded versions of smaller gauge. Which ones should I be looking for and does it really matter for relatively small runs (6 feet) ?

Thanks.

-Mike

 

[HookedOnSound]

cable choice

Twisted cabling - if the cable picks up noise by inductance the 'twisting' of the cable provides noise cancelation but it also depends on the number of twists per foot.

Shielded - I prefer cables that offer both braid and foil, stick with copper version, don't be fooled by silver/exotic solutions.

I do network support and shielded products always do better than their unshielded counterparts.

Not really enough info to make a recommendation but if price is similar I would lean towards shielded, because preventing the noise(shielding) from being introduced into the cable is more effective than trying to control it (twisted)

Good Luck

 

[mtrycrafts]

I need a power cord and have read that it is better to use a shielded power cord (foil and braid) for audio applications. I was browsing through the offerings at Element cable and Signal and they offer twisted conductor type (unshielded) and fully shielded versions of smaller gauge. Which ones should I be looking for and does it really matter for relatively small runs (6 feet) ?

Thanks.

-Mike

You know, I hear that homeopathic medicines are the greatest, holistic healers do miracle cures. Do you believe everything you read, in audio?

Where did you read this, by the way, on the net at one of the audio boards?
No, you don't need a shielded power cable. Keep your signal cables away.

 

[Dan Banquer]

Power cords

Given the low cost of shielded power cords, typically about 3.00 for an IEC 18 AWG, I say why not. I think a 14 AWG shielded might rise to about 10.00. One's needs are really dependent on the environment they are in and how much radiated interference the system/power cords are exposed to. For those of us who have to live with a 100 watt ham radio antenna less than 100 yards away things like this tend to become important. Again: good shielded power cords are not expensive, check places like Mouser, Jameco, etc.etc.
Go Here for more info: http://www.audioholics.com/techtips/audioprinciples/interconnects/bulletproofingsysteminterf.php
d.b.

 

[MichaelD]

If I did believe everything I read in audio i'd spend my time in the audioasylum

-Mike

 

[mtrycrafts]

For those of us who have to live with a 100 watt ham radio antenna less than 100 yards away things like this tend to become important. d.b.

You mean that last 6ft of shielded cable will alleviate the radiated interference from that ham? How about the rest of the house wire? or the component itself?

 

[Dan Banquer]

Shielded Power cords

If you go to the link I provided it is just one of the things you do to reduce interference. If you are going to attempt to reduce outside interference you will need to take a number of different steps, again; as I outlined in the article. Reducing noise and interference in sysrtems is usually a multi step process NOT JUST ONE!!!!!!!!!!!
This appears to be a difficult process for most folks, I guess it's my experience in systems (outside of audio) that make this appear normal to me.
d.b.

http://www.audioholics.com/techtips...ysteminterf.php

 

[mtrycrafts]

If I did believe everything I read in audio i'd spend my time in the audioasylum

-Mike

Well, we are glad you are hangin out here