Accuphase E-5000 factory power cord good enough?

Here’s my somewhat loaded but imo accurate answer. 
 

if it makes you feel good to have a hard core, above average cord, and spending the $ isn’t an issue then do it. It doesn’t even matter if you can hear a difference. There’s enjoyment and peace of mind that comes from these sorts of upgrades. Knowing you don’t have a weak link in your otherwise high end system is reward enough. 

I’m of the opinion that power cords don’t really alter the sound of a system, unless it’s poorly made or not of suitable gauge.

That being said, if I have 10k let’s say in my integrated amp and speakers, I’d still spend a few hundred on a PC just for peace of mind, knowing my amp isn’t being even slightly hamstrung by a cheaply made cord.

So I found an open box but new Audioquest NRG Z3 PC and replaced the cheap 18 awg generic that came with my amp. Cost me $175.

Do I hear a difference? I can’t really tell if I’m honest. But I feel better knowing it’s a quality cord, that is well made and heavier gauge.

I did the same with my speaker cables. Bought a pair of Worlds Best Cables ultimate. 7 AWG. Well made, shielded, robust and high quality gold plated connectors that are solidly attatched and make a very tight connection in their receptacles. I had a pair of AQ Rocket 22, I found the banana plugs to be somewhat flimsy and not a very tight fit, and I’m happier with my WBC, for 1/3 the price.

To each his own. I’d like to believe you can drastically improve sound by upgrading a cable. But for me, it’s just about ensuring I have a certain minimum standard of quality in the power cord and speaker cables so as not to have a weak link. And I’m super happy with my system.

It’s all relative I suppose. If I had a $500k system, sure, I’d spend a few thousand on higher end cables, why not? 

I’m not of the opinion that differences can be heard between well made power cords of suitable gauge and decent quality. But my Hegel h390 came with an 18 AWG cord, which while probably adequate, I felt might be slightly thinner than ideal. So I found a 14 AWG AQ nrgz3 new, open box for 150. Does it make a difference? Probably not. But I feel better knowing it’s heavier gauge and likely made better than the 18g generic my amp came with.