PC differences

I just experimented with few power cords.
PS Audio Prelude, Acoustic Zen El Nino, ZU Cable Birth and Bok models. I have to say that out of all this cable switching back abd forth, I came to this conclusion. It is not worth going crazy with super expensive power cords. In my system these power cords had following effect:
PS Audio Prelude:
With amplifier - better bas, but rolled off highs, midrange was not impressive either. Overall, I wouldn't stand using it on my amp for an extended period of time.
Same power cord on CD player was overall very well balanced with lowered background noise.
Acoustic Zen El Nino had exactly same effect as PS Audio Prelude. Great on CD player, but restricted highs, recessed midrange, but better bas on the amp.
ZU Cable Birth and Bok work equally good with CD and AMP.
My conclusion is that a lot of shielding on the power cord, such as on PS Audio and Acoustic Zen may be beneficial for a CD player or transport, but degrade the sound quality, especially treble and mids, of the amplifier. ZU Cable Birth and Bok are not as shielded as the other 2 cords I tried, so Birth, being a smaller gauge cord, is more suitable for CD and Bok worked really well with my amp.
All of the above is only my findings based on what I heard in my system. Of course it may have a different effect in someone else's system, but, here is my 2 cents.
Also, when you buy a power cord, make sure you can return it, or buy a reputable power cord such as Audience or Shunyata, this way you can always sell it if you don't get a level of improvement you wanted to achieve.
And if it metters, I founs PS Audio Prelude very flexible. Acoustic Zen El Nino was not as flexible as PS Audio, so if you have little room behind you components, you may want to go with a more flexible cord. ZU Cable power cords wer both flexible. Good Luck!

I agree with audphile1 the biggest improvement I found was with my CD player which is Sony SCD-1 with a PS Audio Statement Extreme.The improvements were a lowered noise floor and a much blacker background. I have the same power cord on my amp and have not noticed much of an improvement. However, I did not experience a degredation in sound quality as audphile1 did. With my pre-amp no difference was experienced again utilizing the same cord. As a side note my Amp and Pre-amp already came with decent power cords with hospital grade ends so maybe that is why I did not experience much if any improvement. I did not experiment with differenct brands of cords so I can not comment on the impact a different brand might have. So in general your friend might be correct depending on the quality of cord your equipment came with.

Chuck

Hey Chuck, by the way I did return the PS Audio cord. Thinking what power cord to get next for my amp jus because it came with a 16awg cord and I think bigger awg cord such as a 10awg, wouldn't hurt. But at this point, I am not a big enthusiast for an amplifier cord. Well shielded AC cord, in my opinion, will have greater effect on a digital front end then on the amp. At least this is what I've able to determine in my system. Bigger difference, I would think, should be expected of a good power conditioner such as Shunyata Hydra then of any power cord...

Thanks to both so far, I am in serious conflict between VH Flavor 4, Signal Cable Magic Digital and Cryoparts Beast. Thay all are a great value but it will fall on my ability to manage the funding (even though they seem relitively inexpexsive) and reap the largest benefit for my expendure but input form all helps.

Rsjm80, since you are obviously looking for some improvement in your system's sound, why not consider a decent power line condiotioner instead of a power cord. I am not talking about strip surge protectors, but something better, like Shunyata or PS Audio. It will provide for more improvement then a PC.

Audphile1

I have read positive comments concerning Elrod power cords on amplifers. Never tried one so I can not comment directly. They are expensive at least more than the PS Audio Statement Extreme. I have a UPC 200 passive conditioner with questionable discernible improvement. I bought it primarily for its surge protection capabilities as I do not believe I have any serious / audible power concerns. Maybe I would hear more of a benefit from an active conditioner such as a P500 or P1000.

Chuck

Been my direction and opinion that the PS Audio line conditioners unless I went big wouldn't benefit me, would make it too bright. I only need a 2 outlet for Integrated amp/Digital front end. My changes through Ridge Street Audio Poeima Sig IC and Bright Star Audio Air MAss/Big Rock 3 have been absolutely astounding with thier difference in pace, stage and focus. I'm dead set for neutrality but with even sharper definition, quicker pace and bigger staging, hence my origional questioning as to differences. Don't get me wrong I'm greatful to have suggestions and ideas, so please don't stop.

If you are buying a power cord, better get it from a place that will take it back from you after home trial in case you feel you are not getting your money's worth. I heard it from someone who knows about audio and electronics more then all of us on this thread put together, that the point of diminishing returns is hit with power cords really quick. This is a hint that you don't need to go crazy and spend a lot of money getting a cord that makes a difference. But anyway, with the cords I have tried, I decribed the different effect each of the cords had in my system. I would be curious to know what you have experienced once you do get the upgraded cords. thanks...