PC vs. Interconnect vs. speaker cable

[Mike L]

Which do you think can have the most significant effect on how the system sounds?

I ask because I have been demoing some power cords here that have made a HUGE difference on my tube monoblocks (a pair with Oyaide ends and a pair with Acrolink ends). I also have a pair of Eichmann silver banana terminated speaker cables that did make a difference but the differences weren't as large.

Thanks,
Mike

[Carlman]

Unfortunately it all depends.  Any one of the 3 'could' make more of a difference than the others.  If your power delivery is the main drawback in your system, a new PC could make as much or more difference than an interconnect.  Plus, the type of changes are different for each of those types of cables.. AND on top of that, the combination of these various cords may yield better or worse changes.

Each cord is a separate variable and it'd be impossible to say which one would make the most difference in your system.  In MY system, Power cords and interconnects make more dramatic changes than speaker cables however, the speaker cables do something special that I can't put my finger on.... and it has to be right to enjoy it.

There's no definitive answer on this one..

-C

[steve]

I agree with Carlman, although I am leaning slightly more towards ICs and power cords as the top two since I haven't tried very many speaker wires, and no silver or silver plated copper speaker wires. 

[bpape]

I'd agree.  If the power cord isn't getting good clean juice to the equipment, then it can't perform to its optimal.  The IC's are probably the most sensitive to change IMO as they're dealing with an extremely low level signal where any change or noise is proportionately larger.

Bryan

[rollo]

IMO, all will impact your sound. Whatever IC you choose, use that companies speaker cable as well. You may be quite surprised when all the cables are from the same Manf.
       Which one has the most affect? IMO its the speaker cables. The PC can change the sound as well ,but not as much as the speaker cable .
         However IMO the first upgrade should be the PC so you can get cleaner power to your components first. Then deciding on IC and Speaker cable should be easier.


  rollo