I could hear a difference after installing each of four tweaks: cleaning connections, new power cord, new receptacle, new fuses. This leads me to think it's possible that I hear a difference because I'm listening for a difference. It's not that i have an expectation of improvement, but that possibly my state of listening has changed. I'm not being snarky, and I did say it is "possible," and I'm keeping all the tweaks. Just saying that this might contribute to the experience that "everything makes a difference." Somewhat like the washed car drives better. Perhaps, "Personal attention to a system produces heightened appreciation of its performance." I could be wrong, which is okay because I like taking care of my system and hearing the results.
Hearing is believing?........power cables.......
For anyone who is skeptical about the difference a high quality power cord can make in your high quality audio system........try it.......hearing is believing. About 10 years ago when I bought my first "entry level" hifi system (B&K amp/preamp, Canton speakers) my audio advisor dropped off a Tara Labs Prism power cord. He said just try it for a week and if you don't think it makes a difference just return it. I, like most unfamiliar with high quality cables, was skeptical.......how could a cable 1 meter long from the wall to my equipment make a difference? I put it on the power amp and yes I could definitely tell there was a more defined bass and overall clearer soundscape. I'm a musicians, so I figured maybe the "non audiophile" can't hear the difference. So my brother-in-law who is a bricklayer came over and we did a blind listening test. I randomly switched the Tara, sometimes trying to fool him......told him I switched but didn't........he could tell every time I used the Tara! So I was convinced that it was "wishful thinking on my part or particularly sensitive ears. If you don't think a great power cable can make a difference........take the challenge. Try one for a week and see (hear) for yourself!