Cable Asylum Interconnects, speaker wire, power cords. Ask the Cable Guys.

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At least try some 14-gauge.

Posted by Al Sekela (A) on November 6, 2005 at 15:20:20

In Reply to: Questions About Gauge of Power Cords posted by Mister Pig on November 5, 2005 at 19:18:30:

I recently replaced the 16-gauge DIY cords on my Atma-Sphere OTL monoblocks, which draw a steady 500 watts each, with 14-gauge versions. The basic cords are stock, and the tweaks are similar on both sets. The Atma-Sphere amps use Circlotron output stages and draw steady current up to quite high signal levels, so I was surprised to hear a completely different tonal balance.

I don't have a good technical explanation for why this should be, but 14-gauge wire seems to make power cords with warmer midrange-to-treble balance, while 16-gauge gives a tipped-up treble. This lore was shared with me by an audiophile friend with more experience than I have, and my own experience with power amps confirms it. I made a similar change on my Wadia 861, and did not hear a change in tonal balance. Thus, it seems to be primarily something that affects power amps.

Jack Elliano is a good guy, but I think he is a victim of his own sense of expertise in this area. In your position, I would compare the bargain 16-gauge cords with some stock Volex shielded 14-gauge (Mouser Electronics). Listen for tonal balance. Perhaps your amps and speakers could benefit from a tipped-up treble, but my Magnepan tweeters definitely prefer a warmer balance.

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