[robbo266317]

Power cables are easy to double blind test. Get a helper to randomly switch them while you listen to the same recording for each test. Do it is such a way that you don't know which is which and the order is random using a number of trials. If you can reliably tell the difference use the one that you think sounds better. Most likely you will not be able to do any better than flipping a coin.

The hardest part of evaluating any change is the bias of knowing which item is connected, getting someone else to do the changes is essential.
I would suggest finding cables which are thinner than either the manufacturers or the custom ones and see if any difference is consistantly heard between the three.
You would need to make a scoresheet with items graded from, say 1 to 5, and label them with attributes like - prescence. sound stage width, clarity etc.
A lot of listening and I am sure we would all like to see the results.

As said before: If you are happy that it improves the sound then that is all you need to do. In the long run it's your listening pleasure you are after!

 

[robbo266317]

Hopefully, you've replaced the fifty feet of standard electrical cable back to your service panel with cable offering the same characteristics.

brucek

I don't think that is good enough. You really should demand the power company run a dedicated line for you straight back the power station. :R

 

[robbo266317]

How did you know there is a transformer outside my house? Have you been looking me up on Google earth. :joke:

 

[robbo266317]

To be serious, for a change, I feel that doing double blind tests as atledreier has done is the only way to say if it is worth the cost, or if it is purely snake oil.
In any amplifier/receiver the mains comes in and is immediately converted to DC.
If the power cables made a difference you would be able to measure it on the DC rails as noise or supply rail droop under load.
If this noise/droop was an issue then it would be a relatively simple task to replace the transformer, rectifier and capacitors with ones of superior performance and achieve far better results than spending money on expensive power cables.

 

[robbo266317]

You really need a third person randomly changing the (hidden) cables and label them A,B,C while you score the changes/improvements.
You then need to compare your ratings against the other person's to see if they match and then look at which cable it was that you perceived as "best".

 

[robbo266317]

Well done, I look forward to the results. :T
I have met people who made various claims and wouldn't do the test themselves.
they also made comments that people who didn't hear a difference had hearing that wasn't as acute as theirs. Go figure. :unbelievable:
On the other hand, if you do get a positive result then I applaude you for taking the time and effort.
Either way, please post the results as everyone here will benefit.