I'm what you would call a skeptic (beyond a certain point). I never used zip cord for instance, but won't spend a ton.
I try cables in and out of the system here and there.
I can say that I am 100% convinced that the USB cable upgrade to my DAC made a big difference, didn't want it to, went blind testing with a neighbor etc. It made a difference.
Speaker cables, pretty sure I've heard one cable make a big difference form my 4S11 - Reality Cables, they brightened things up. I don't use them, but I'm pretty sure it made a difference.
Interconnects, not hearing much, but use Mogami XLR so they are quality.
Power cords, where I was a HUGE skeptic. Happened to get a PS Audio AC3 as part of a deal. Tried it on a few amps, I HATE to admit it, I'm 85% sure it made a difference, it wasn't expensive and so I kept it.
Recently tried a few cords on my DAC... begrudgingly I think once again the AC3 made a difference (sharper, slightly brighter tighter sound). Hate saying that, but AC3's can be had for just over 100 bucks. So why not. Have one more on the way for my pre-amp.
(if anything, the better plugs are nice in the wall)
I did try a nordost power cord on the DAC and don't think I heard as big of a difference as I did with the AC3. Again, makes no sense. The electricity travels through literally miles of copper before it gets here, why that cord would make a difference - no sense to me. Yet, I'm pretty sure it did. Frustrating for sure.
But also borrowed a few high dollar power cords, didn't sound much different than the AC3, so not going there.
I try cables in and out of the system here and there.
I can say that I am 100% convinced that the USB cable upgrade to my DAC made a big difference, didn't want it to, went blind testing with a neighbor etc. It made a difference.
Speaker cables, pretty sure I've heard one cable make a big difference form my 4S11 - Reality Cables, they brightened things up. I don't use them, but I'm pretty sure it made a difference.
Interconnects, not hearing much, but use Mogami XLR so they are quality.
Power cords, where I was a HUGE skeptic. Happened to get a PS Audio AC3 as part of a deal. Tried it on a few amps, I HATE to admit it, I'm 85% sure it made a difference, it wasn't expensive and so I kept it.
Recently tried a few cords on my DAC... begrudgingly I think once again the AC3 made a difference (sharper, slightly brighter tighter sound). Hate saying that, but AC3's can be had for just over 100 bucks. So why not. Have one more on the way for my pre-amp.
(if anything, the better plugs are nice in the wall)
I did try a nordost power cord on the DAC and don't think I heard as big of a difference as I did with the AC3. Again, makes no sense. The electricity travels through literally miles of copper before it gets here, why that cord would make a difference - no sense to me. Yet, I'm pretty sure it did. Frustrating for sure.
But also borrowed a few high dollar power cords, didn't sound much different than the AC3, so not going there.