'E.S.P. News Update' newsletter - subscribe Contact E.S.P.
ESP Homepage ESP Products
Applications
HOME AUDIO

Home audio is where the excitement began with the introduction of The Essence power cord to High-End Audio enthusiast back in 1995. Since then, it has been the most thoroughly reviewed product of its type, featured in numerous High-End Audio magazines. Read what these journalist have said about ESP power cords.

A 'clean sheet' approach was employed to achieve the ESP power cord's optimal design, specifically for audio components. Moreover, ESP cords are designed not just for one type of component - source or pre-amplifier or even power amplifiers, but to perform equally well on any and all components in the music chain.  We understand that different component categories place emphasis on different performance requirements. Here's a summary of each component type and how ESP power cords enhance key performance attributes:

  • Source Components - examples include CD/DVD players and FM/Satellite radios.  Common wisdom is that your audio system is only as good as your source components.  If you don't begin with a high-quality musical signal, you can't make it any better later on.  Even though the power cord does not carry the musical signal, it directly affects the component power supply in several key ways.  First, you want a very quiet background.  Heavy shielding, oversized ground conductors and quality construction allow ESP power cords to significantly lower the noise floor.  Second, source components handle the most delicate signals.  While these components do not require a lot of current, when they need it they need it fast!  Our multi-conductor power cords are designed for high resolution and fast current flow.
  • Pre-Amplifiers - include pre-amplifiers, equalizers, and surround sound processors.  Pre-amplifiers manipulate the musical signal by adjusting frequency amplitudes and 'decoding' the source signal to analog so it can be amplified to the desired volume level.  This category is varied in function and more difficult to generalize.  However, when signal amplitudes are manipulated or the signal is decoded or transformed, the component requires both speedy current delivery and more quantity than source components.  In addition, they must be able to push the signal through cables to the power amplifier.  ESP multiple smaller conductors provide both speedy current delivery and abundant quantity.
  • Power Amplifiers include separates and powered speakers and subwoofers. Power amplifiers demand the most quantity of current to perform their best.  These current demands more readily expose the phase issues with standard power cords.  Symptoms including bloated bass response and harsh stridency in the upper-midrange and lower treble frequency ranges are typical problems that in many ways are created by the power cord.  Standard power cord designs are deficient because they are either too slow, or cannot supply sufficient quantity of current (or some combination of the two).  ESP power cords are designed to supply current faster than a typical 18-gage power cord and more quantity than a typical 14-gage cord.

Best performance is achieved when ESP power cords are used on all components in the music chain.  Don't take our word for it, audition them yourself.  But be warned:

One listen, and nothing else will do.

The Essence Reference Power Cord
US Flag
  2008 Essential Sound Products, Inc. t: 248-375-2655 f: 248-375-2701 Proudly designed & manufactured in the USA. Questions or comments about the website? Please contact webmaster