ddHiFi PC150 Power Cord Review – Dieter Rams Revisited?
The $76.99-105.99 PC150 power cord was provided by ddHiFi for my review, and I thank them for it. You can get it here.
Most of our electric devices are connected to the mains by a power cord. Such cords may be permanently attached, but more expensive gear typically features detachable ones. In the case of the EarMen CH-Amp, there was not even a power cord in the box. It was assumed that every user already had one. I did not and purchased a generic 14 AWG at a local computer store. Good enough, right?
That’s when most people will stop worrying…however some aficionados (including some with street credibility, for example Pul McGowan of PS Audio) swear by expensive fancy power cables that allegedly influence sound quality. Or, to say it in better terms, which minimize the deterioration of sound.
This has become a contentious topic and I was exposed to “snake oil” cries in some Facebook groups when announcing this analysis. Most people will argue there is no proof that power cords do make any noticeable difference…or at least that these improvements offer highly diminishable returns (and that the money should rather be spent on electronics than on cables).
The question is what the idea of a power cable influencing the sound quality is based on. Hearing is one thing, theory is another. And why should the last few feet between the power outlet and the amplifier be important?
Hans Beekhuyzen argues that power cords are an integral part of “audio hygiene”. He claims that electromagnetic stray from power cables will influence the sound. Power cables draw the largest current and therefore produce the largest electromagnetic field (compared to analog audio cables), particularly standard power cords that are not shielded or twisted.
When power cables and interconnects are close together near an amplifier, the interconnects could pick up electromagnetic magnetic stray signals. The interconnects are typically shielded, but likely not sufficiently. As a start, the user is advised to keep power cord and audio cables as far apart as possible. In summary, Hans is only concerned with the last few decimetres of the power cord.
Some cable companies argue that expensive cable with the right impedance reject high-frequency noise picked up outside the house.
Opponents of fancy power cords argue that the last few feet between outlet and amplifier do not make a difference, considering the current’s long travel distance between the last transformer down the street and the long wiring within the house walls, where the cord had ample opportunity to pick up high frequency noise. And if it did, the amp’s power supply and/or a ferrite choke in the right location would likely filter any noise out. No particular cable impedance required.
What all sides have in common is that no fancy wire material is needed, probably because power cords do not carry actual audio signals. Secondly, all fancy power cords are designed to minimize sound deterioration.
| SPECIFICATIONS dd HiFi PC150 Power Cord | |
|---|---|
| Plug | Chinese Standard / USA Standard |
| Conductor Material | Oxygen-free copper + Oxygen-free copper with silver plating |
| Conductor Specification | 0.6 mm x8 groups, 4 groups each for live and neutral wires |
| Main Cable Diameter | 9 mm |
| Plug Diameter | 37 mm |
| Length | 150 cm / 200 cm |
| Product Page | ddhifi.com |
| Tested at | $76.99 to $105.99 (depending on cable length and plug variety) |
| Purchasing Link | DD Official Store |
ddHiFi assigns audiophile qualities to its PC150 with the choice of two plugs, a transparent one and a black one. I tested the latter which incorporates “higher-grade materials” that leads to “a better sense of sound stage”. The wire material consists of oxygen-free copper and oxygen-free copper with silver plating in different groups. No further detail is given. Whether the PC150 produces “more refined music that is more pleasant to listen to” is another question, especially when considering it does not carry any audio signal.
ddHiFi’s PC150 power cord actually comes as a kit. The user has to assemble the cable using the right polarity for their country. A screwdriver and manual are included, no other tools are required.
The design is claimed to be retro, and indeed, the light colours and clear, soft shapes remind me strongly of the 1960s HiFi designs by Dieter Rams. The cable and the plugs are way lighter and smaller than the fancy ones I used before (and therefore much easier to handle). The cable itself is reasonably pliable. Design and haptic are great. The PC150 is definitely a “looker”.
I leave it up to you whether you hear a difference in your music system when replacing your current power cord with the PC150. Even if I did, it would only be valid for my setup. The self-acclaimed “experts” and “snake-oil screamers” surely will rip each others’ hair out over this. I had also swapped opamp and USB cable and really enjoyed the music.
IMHO, the PC150, based on its appearance, haptic, and build alone is worth its money. It works reliably and is an eye catcher that visually upgrades the electronics it is connected to.
I’d even argue the PC150 would be a steal if sold in a modern furniture or design store. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
Until next time…keep on listening!
DISCLAIMER
Our generic standard disclaimer.
