What was the first power cable that you noticed a difference in the sound?

@curiousjim

An inexpensive lower-tier Audio Art cable (I’ve since moved up the line).

At the time, without any prompting from me, my wife commented on the improvement.

Overall, I’ve found AC cables can make a significant difference.

"You can think what you like of me but do not accuse me of being someone else as I am Jacob’s Father..."

You are exactly who @ditusa  states you are.

This may be a naive question, but I have yet to see this discussed on this forum or elsewhere: Why would a company that builds audiophile-level components intended for the most discriminating taste, which often cost 1000s and 10s of 1000s of dollars, use an inferior power cable that is "noisy" and reduces the sound quality?

In the end, wouldn't they lose out to manufacturers that used better power cables? Just doesn't make sense to me (perhaps naively as I've suggested).

@drbb ,

This has been answered a few times by way of the following:

Most if not all who purchase the big dollar gear are going to use an aftermarket cable of their choice, the big dollar gear manufacturers know this, so they provide what is essentially a throw away cable.

Now, why provide a cable at all is another question...

More than one high end electronics manufacturer has said they know most customers will buy the power cord of their choice, so no reason to add cost by including an expensive cord. Though some manufacturers like Pass and Rowland do include a "good" power cord (for their customers who will not buy an aftermarket cord, beats including a junk cord)...though they certainly use expensive cords at audio shows, and many seem to have a preferred brand...