Part 4: AC Power Cords

At first glance, it may seem that the several short pieces of wire carrying AC to the components in your audio system-the AC power cords-couldn't affect the sound of the system. But specialty audio power cords have become very popular recently as more and more listeners discover their benefits.

The AC cord is an integral part of the AC delivery system. The noise problems described earlier can be reduced with careful AC cord design. Magnetic interaction and coupling between the conductors is reduced with dedicated audio power cords, resulting in better transfer of AC to the components. This magnetic interaction, addressed in interconnects and loudspeaker cables, affects AC transmission to a greater degree because of the high current flow in an AC cord.

Specialty AC cords also have superior construction, sometimes with Teflon dielectric, silver-plated wire, and high-quality plugs. Some also have an RF (radio frequency) noise suppressor built into the cord. Good AC cords cost between $100 and $200. Again, try them in your system before buying.

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