Prioritizing Power Cable Upgrades by System Component.

Power amp, pre-amp, electronic crosovers, then signal sources: tape decks, CD/DVD payers, tuners, etc. Get good speaker cables and interconnects before worrying about power cables. Big improvements don't have to be expensive. Amazon lists serious power cables from $40. A used cable will save you $$ and not need break in.

I would start with one known good cable from a reputable manufacturer rather than a throwaway that may or may not be the highest quality.  On the amp.  The difference you hear will probably motivate you to stay upmarket.  I didn’t spend a lot, Straightwire pro thunder for my amp was pretty affordable and I was able to  buy direct since there is no distributor in my state.  I A/B tested with computer cords, the difference made me a believer.

I found the biggest improvement was on the power amp. If you want to upgrade one PC at a time - which is the wise way to do it, start on the power amp. 

As you work through the components the improvement will become less and less, so I would suggest get a good cable with good current capacity. (Don't skimp) Also check with the manufacturer what lengths they recommend. I found with Wireworld cables the longer the better, but the opposite some others. 

I use an Acoustic Zen Tsumani "Plus  power cable with my CD player: an Ayre CX7 MP which is supposedly my best source as recommended by an audio specialist

. The other components are a Conrad Johnson PV14L SE pre-amp and a P.S. Audio S300 power amp both use Pangea quality power cords  The Acoustic Zen cord is at least 15 years old, also awkward and thick and difficult to plug into the Furman power line conditioner.  I might move it over to the power amp or want to replace it with something newer. 

Cheers to all; It's great to be back on these forums

sunnyjim.  

@imaninatural  - RE:...

For those that have upgraded power cables, how would you prioritize between the pre-amp (tube), power amp (ss) and powered sub...and possibly even the DAC? 

That depends an whether you want...

• immediate grattification...
  • then start with the source components and work backwards to the power amp
• get a sense of what your components are capable of
  • start with the amp and work forwards to the source components

Source components tend to show a significant improvement because their power suipplies are not as robust as those power supplies in the amp

• so the power cord on the amp really should be a top performing PC.

It is very impoertant to select good power cables - look for

• UP-OCC wires in theri construction - they provide excellent dynamic perofrmance
• advanced insulations - these lower the noise floor of the cables and promoted better clarity and imaging
• advacned cable geometry - again, helps lower the noise floor
• quality connectors - I use Sonar Quest silver plated solid copper mains and IEC connectors

If you are not into DIY take a look at these cable brands that adopt the above qualities 

• Audio Envy - great value aty a modest price
• Zavfino - great cable geometry, excellent perofrmance, but a little more pricey

Godo luck with your quest