Has there been any inexpensive item that enhanced your system's sound?

Perhaps the best inexpensive item was many years ago. It ws my first power cord upgrade. My first experience was with the Nordost Shiva. My local dealer called me and said that he had something special he wanted me to hear. So I went to the store.

I ended up buying the Nordost Shiva power cord and using it on what used to be Rotel's flagship CD player, the RCD991AE. 20 bit, balanced ouputs (not fully balanced unfortunately) and adjustable dither. Even had a defeatable digital out. Immediate improvements in several areas. The music had better focus and soundstage. The bass, solid and tight. It also smoothed the top end. Great little investment. Still have the player and the power cord. 

The second cheap enhancement is the "Gutwire Notepad". Placed it over the transport of the Rotel. Also on top of preamp power supplies. I even used them on a second older system consisting of an all Audio Alchemy front end with interesting results. I've had a Notepad in my system since.

N

In the late 90’s I purchased a Naim Wiremold power strip for $60.00. 9 heavy duty outlets wired in series connected by a busbar. Solid aluminum case. No lights, no fuses, no off/on button. Basically all power, no filter and a heavy duty captive grounded power cord.

Approved by and endorsed by Naim Audio to be sold by Naim Audio distributors to be used with Naim gear. Non current limiting. Instructions were to plug the highest current draw closest to the power cord and work your way back through your system to the least. Amp, Preamp, CD, Dac....... best $60 bucks ever.

They went out of sight for a gew years but AV Options.com carries newer higher performance versions along with Cryogenic properties. Additional power Cords can be purchased as well.

If interested, Google Stereophile.com and search Naim Wiremold.

N

nonoise,
+1 on the Ayre CD. It 

N