Thanks for all the ideas (esp the Mcintosh owners). I have an MC275 with OEM power cord and looking to upgrade. Any other thoughts on a good $300-$500 power cable? Anyone think a certain brand of power cable would influence tube amps or is power=power? I've decided if I'm spending this kind of money on a system that I am going to ABX test in-home. I recently did this at a store and compared interconnects at $100 and $450 and speakers at $9K and $16K. Got it "wrong" on both (not truly wrong - I'm old enough to know I like what I like. Interesting, but a little-dated article where a well-designed ABX study with a solid n showed 49% got the "correct" answer when looking at Valhalla from Nordost ~$4,000 against some <$100. Love to hear the counter argument. This article does give a rationale behind audiophiles vs. non-audiophiles not being able to pick up difference. This reads like a NEJM study:...http://hometheaterhifi.com/volume_11_4/feature-article-blind-test-power-cords-12-2004.html
Power Cables
I am currently upgrading my system. I had a pair of XLO Ultra speaker cables sitting around and was very impressed with the improvement over the original Monster cable. Having come back from Axpona, I am wondering what fellow Audiogon members would recommend for a power cable with tight bass, superb mids and extended highs that would help to produce a very full, wide and deep soundstage. I am looking to replace the cable on my Adcom GFA-5802. I do agree with philosophy of starting with the power. I have demoed one other power cable and the difference is immense. Thanks in advance for the advice.