Do I need 10 gauge power cord if I have 10 gauge from panel?

OP,

You are trying to reduce a multi-variable question into a single question. The answer can easily be yes or no… depending. If you have to reduce this to the grade school level… yes, you should have a 10 gauge. But the question is far more complicated than that.

What is in front of it or behind it doesn’t matter. The only question is… if I put this power cord in, will my system sound that much better… more than enough to justify the cost? Most of the time high quality power cords made for amps will be 10 gauge… but the best sounding one might not. 

OP,

Only when comparing to other cords. This is not a pursuit with absolutes… maybe the desire, but we live in a world of imperfection.

I removed the chart from my last post that showed  some dimensions to judge the sound of audio cables. It was not mine and I did not have the authors name to attribute it to, so here are some of the dimensions.

Soundstage, imaging, bass speed, bass,  wait, bass extension, lower range, mid range warmth, upper mid-range presents, upper mid-range refinement, transient attack, mid range body, decay, high frequency extension, sibilance control, tonal accuracy. Rate each on one to 10 scale.

@jasonbourne52 … “Do you really believe that you can hear a difference between the Hurricane vs. the Thunder? A degreed electrical engineer will tell you otherwise! ”

I can hear the difference between a 1 meter and 2 meter Hurricane… as well as all the other power cords I own.

I came up with my own sonic rating scale years ago, but more recently found this one. It helps to systematically evaluate sound quality changes.

Also, you cannot honestly speak for all electrical engineers. I have know hundreds. I can say that most of those that actually sit down and listen to a good system will hear the difference… those just asked may say that is impossible.

@jasonbourne52 … “It is unlikely a 14 gauge power cord is not negatively impacting the sound." That is poor grammar!”

You are correct. I have no idea what I was thinking: It is very likely a 14 gauge power cord is negatively impacting your sound quality. 

I would not worry so much about the gauge as the intent of the cord and the quality (it is likely to be 10 gauge) These days most cable companies build a special cord for amps as opposed to low power components.

I searched for nearly a year to get the power cord right on my amp. Finally I found the Audio Quest Hurricane. Wow, this is a really good power cord… the dealer who brought it over told me his employees asked for it because of all the buzz on line… the buzz. There is good reason for all the buzz. It is very neutral and quiet.

I guess the short answer is, yes definitely you want to find a better cord. 

it is unlikely a 14 gauge power cord is not negatively impacting the sound.