A few comments from me, although I have not read all of the responses. Power cords do make a difference in sound quality, and it is up to the individual (1) hear the difference; (2) conclude if it is an improvement to then, or not. I have exchanged captive power cords (remember those days) with upgraded cords, generally heavier gauge at least, and significantly made a difference is sq, always for the better (with my gear, to my ears, in my system). This was with preamps as well as power amps. I somewhat agree with someone saying power cords make the most difference of all cables. As an FYI to aberyclark (unless mentioned in another post), the Nuforce ST120 is a digital amp, and I believe you were speaking of the STA 200, which was an A/B design, based on a Goldmund circuit (we did share exchanges here on that amp). And, the STA200 was able to showcase differences between different power cords. My best, MrD.
Question for Atma-sphere, will expensive power cables improve your amplifiers?
The reason I am asking is I feel manufacturers of high quality components include all that is ever needed, power cable wise. Sure, some people buy power cables because they need special lengths or have some out of the ordinary "noise" issues that need extra insulation. Some even like the visual aspect of the aftermarket cables. I’m just curious why many spend thousands of dollars on such when the manufacturer has taken the power cable into account when producing the product. I cannot see a High-quality audiophile component maker (especially some that sell volume) pass on a few dollars for a better sounding power cable if indeed the cable improved their product. I cannot see a person buying that $7000 amp is not going to balk if the product was introduced at $7100 (with the better cable).
I wonder if Luxman, Accuphase, McIntosh, Gryphon...you name it "dressed" their power cables up to look like expensive aftermarket cables, owners would be so quick to "upgrade"?
I’d be curious to hear Ralph’s opinion on the subject