Power Cord for Accuphase Amplifier

@jfrmusic "Accuphase strongly recommends that you use only the stock cord and so far that has been the best"

why not to rely on on Accuphase advice and to start enjoy music?

Accuphase Engineers choose carefully IEC receptacle for amps and cable to active highest performance and not to damage amp using unknown plugs, which typically could rip off contact’s plating/make scratches etc.

@audiophile1 "No plugs will scratch the IEC connectors"

as an experienced analog design engineer I can say this is not correct! typically product from established hi-end company chooses IEC receptacle and plug (or assembled cable) from one company (Kawasaki, Amphenol, etc), which ensures reliability and interconnect performance for decades, because interconnect is checked many times and contacts are inspected for scratches, plating surface damages etc. 

wondering, if you ever looked IEC plug/rec. under microscope after experiments? Please keep in mind, after you scratch contact surface, contact resistance could dramatically  increase, and then plugging “new fancy” cord will give you relief for few days.. then you need to try to “improve” sound again, by buying new PC :-) 

@audiophile1 "And who inspects IEC connectors in their components under  the microscope? “ ppl who care about value of their gears? 

@audphile1 "I use high quality power cords” 

understand! the problem with “high quality cords” is a different understanding of key performance and reliability metrics. for example extreme high contact pressure and the same time small effective contact area plug will cut through noble tin (few um) plating layer, thus exposing contact base metal for oxidation. reputable interconnect manufacturer checks contact integrity after series of plug/unplug iterations (x100 times), which helps valued gear to work longer time at the same performance level. “scratched” IEC plug can cause short time phenomena of “hearable” PC replacement SQ improvement, and which is unique to each case. 

ideally IEC receptacle should be replaced together with PC using the same brand/design/series plug, latest rhodium plated contacts are very good to consider, specially for aged gear!

@jfrmusic "I have been unable to find a third party Power Cord that sounds better than the stock cord delivered with my Accuphase P4600 Amplifier."

Accuphase designs amps/other to be immune to AC noise, IR drops, worst of RFI, so, your finding sounds reasonable to me! Typically cheapest amps because of low tolerance to noises, benefits more of cleaner power etc.