This statement is counter intuitive to some because power cords do not carry the musical signal. However, the energy output by your audio system must equal the energy supplied. Since the power cord is the energy supply cable, it fundamentally affects the amplification of the music signal. And because it is the first component affecting the signal’s amplification, the power cord is arguably the most important because unfortunately "distortion begets more distortion". Signal distortions caused by upstream components such as the a/c power cord are amplified through the rest of the music chain.

2. Power cords define your system’s "performance envelope"

The power cord affects the quantity and delivery speed of current available to your equipment’s power supply. These factors define your system’s dynamic potential, i.e. its ability to supply the required energy to faithfully amplify a musical signal. A music signal typically can have a dynamic range requiring a 10-to-1 power ratio to accurately reproduce. These dynamic contrasts can occur instantaneously. Your equipment not only needs to have the capacity to supply enormous amounts of power during dynamic peaks, it must be able to recharge very quickly because, the music doesn’t wait.

A simple experiment will dramatize this point. Substituting stock 14/3 SJT cords for 18/3 SJT or SVT (the cordage type is typically stamped into the jacket), a first observation without adjusting anything is that your system plays louder and more dynamic. The lower gage conductors are obviously allowing more current to your equipment’s power supply. This effect can be noticed on any component with an amplification section, but especially the power amplifiers. Next, one typically observes that the 14/3 cord presents a generally warmer, more romantic sound with fuller, deeper bass, greater dynamics, and rolled off high frequencies. This inconsistent amplitude effect can be compensated for by some method of tone control such as an equalizer (Audiophile Blasphemy!).

3. Power cords like other audio cables have a sonic signature.

Continued careful listening reveals other phenomena. First, one notices a loss in soundstage accuracy. Common symptoms include featured instrument and vocal images being spread across the entire front soundstage. Image depth and height dimensions also become compressed. A harsh stridency is apparent during dynamic peaks in the upper-midrange/lower-treble range. These effects are caused by more severe frequency timing or phase shifts, again induced by the stock 14/3 SJT cord. Phase shifts destroy the directional cues inherent in the original recording, and cause much of the harshness heard particularly during CD playback. This type of distortion is not correctable with typical controls available to us in home audio systems. Therefore, its sources must be eliminated from your system to reveal the music’s natural spatial and harmonic character.

Essential Sound Products' a/c power cords and distribution components are based upon a patented multi-conductor cordage geometry that eliminates phase distortion. Music is reproduced with all the vibrancy and immediacy of the original performance, and life-like harmonic integrity.

Don’t take our word for it, audition them yourself. But be warned:

One listen, and nothing else will do.