I know the feeling. I remember long ago I had completed an upgrade cycle and was really happy. I was at the $3K each for component cost… about $4 for speakers. My audio dealer called me so excited I could barely understand him… he said I absolutely had to try these new cables… they were $2K. I could not believe there was a chance these ridiculously expensive interconnects could be worth it… especially in my system.
Darn, the moment I heard them, I was shocked and depressed at the same time. Interconnects costing 2/3 of the component cost. But I had heard the competing components. So, well I ended up with three sets.
For power cords I recommend Audio Quest Hurricane and Cardas Clear Beyond. These are both outstanding, but very different. If your equipment is really dead quiet and very musical and warm… sounding exactly like you want… then the Hurricane… if it needs a nudge toward warmer / musical… then the Cardas.
Typically the difference will be twice as large on the amp as on the preamp and components. But both typically really have a big impact.
If you are able to buy before trying… these cords probably fit in your budget… but, the preferred length is 2 meters… 2 meters will sound better than one. I have tried it. But don’t drop down a tier to get 2 meters… if you can’t afford two meters just get one.