Authorized reprint of:
Clube do Audio & Video
by Fernando Andrette

 Many consumers still hope that power cables (power cords) really don't have any important effect on the sound, or stated otherwise, the whole issue about power cables just be another marketing trick to make more money.  They ask "How is it possible that the last meter connecting the power amp or the CD player could make any difference?"

It seems to defy any logical reasoning.  However, I must say to some of our readers (who still think so) that power cords really make enormous differences!

Naturally, in an ideal situation, the reasonable would be to expect a decent electrical installation and supply.  However, even when we don't have such conditions, power cables can contribute efficiently to get the best of your configurations.

I got already accustomed with the skeptical attitude of many persons.  I'm no longer surprised with the chain reactions that happen in my lectures and workshops on musical perception when I show and demonstrate unequivocally the importance of that kind of  component.

The last time this happened in one of these workshops it was somehow a kind of upheaval!  Many disbelievers simply refused to accept what they heard and saw.  In end, what really matters is that everyone (literally) leaves the workshop with an understanding about the importance of power cables.  Once this stage is reached, the whole issue changes.  Now the question is: can a power cable be a substitute for a mains conditioner?  Or still, isn't it true that the addition of 3 or 4 good power cables possibly reach the price of good mains conditioner?  And so, a lot of questions keep showing up in the mind of the (would be) audiophile.  Regarding the first question, i.e. the one regarding the use (or not) of a mains conditioner, I would say that it depends of the configuration.  Giving an example: I don't use mains conditioners (in my listening sessions), since my system doesn't need one.  That is due the fact that my converter (DAC), my pre and my power amp generate their own "clean" energy.  Well, then it is possible that some will say: "But your situation is the exception rather than the rule!"  May be, but I know many integrated amplifiers and CD players that work much better when connected through a power cord than when using a mains conditioner.  In my personal opinion, power cables (when perfectly matched to the system) don't compress dynamics.  And thinking that, in high fidelity equipment, dynamics is usually the stumbling block for many a system (if not, in some measure, for all) we now are faced with another problem to solve.  Going back to our doubts, it all depends how we are willing to spend in the system, since is pointless and ineffective employing a US$900 cable together with an integrated amp of, say, US$1000.  The G Clef, made by GutWire, is a cable whose presentation and construction defies any criticism.  They are terminated with connectors of the highest quality (that work with loads up to 20 amperes), utilize OFC copper of the highest purity.  All power cables by this maker have a connector like a ply (one that "bites") that must be also connected in case of RF breakthrough.

Lets face it: perhaps all this stuff can be useful in large urban areas, like S. Paulo or Rio, or in downtown neighborhoods where we can find a plethora of FM antennas scattered throughout the area.  The cable, however thick its gauge, doesn't destroy the system components,  accommodating well all the integrated amps and CD or SACD players where I have employed it.

Burning time, according to the manufacturer is a minimum of 60 hours.  No less than that.

The cable was connected to the Rega Planet CD player, the Sony 555ES, the DaCap converter, the Etalon power amp, as well Electrocompaniet, Magnum and Roksan amps.

I would say that its main virtue is a blacker, less noisy, background.  It has an excellent focus ability and depth as well an excellent resolving power of micro details.  With the Etalon power amp it has been possible to perceive a better definition of the sound stage and better lateral positioning of the musicians (in symphonic music).  With the Electrocompeniet amp, the treble showed more air, with a decay of the musical notes still softer.  With the Sony 555ES the midrange region (when reproducing CDs 16/44KHz) become more refined and detailed.

Concluding Remarks

The G Clef power cable, made by GutWire, has high refinement and compatibility, and can be a very good choice for equipments in the entry level of the Gold category.  It is not as voluptuous and precise as the Combak, NBS or PS Audio cables, but in no way it has a bad performance when properly set up and fine-tuned.  Recommeneded of course, with good cost/benefit ratio.