I have owned a C372 (receiver), a C356BEE, and cureently have a C375BEE driving a pair of PSB Image T6 speakers. I have never had any quality/reliability issues with the components including two NAD CD players (now using the C546BEE). I am certainly enjoying the sonics of my current NAD/PSB system.
213 - I am currently running with the stock pwer cord and am looking forward to your A/B test results.