wow, a newbie power cord convert

Eldragon - I upgraded the stock cord on a CAL Icon MKII with the Harmonic Tech. Pro II cord and there was nothing but improvent in the sound. It became more dynamic with single notes coming out of a darker background. This was immediately noticable on light classical pieces and piano concertos. I do not see how the detail increased when the background became quieter but this seems to be what I am hearing as I am sometimes startled by notes (and percussive shots) coming out of nowhere on pieces that I thought I was familiar with. It also extended the LF information (while at the same time keeping it tight and under control) which makes my system sound smoother and increases the depth of the soundstage as well. Instruments are more realistic and the overall change was pretty drastic, my wife noticed it right away and commented that "it doesn't sound as tinny". I'll take any compliments that I can get. I do not understand the term "forward" that I read in reviews and on this sight. For example are NHT Super One's the opposite of forward? I kept leaning toward the speakers when I listened to them as it seemed that I was always just outside of the soundstage and never within it. I upgraded because the stock cord on the player had a loose fit and had to be fussed with all the time to maintain a good connection. Since I needed a new cord anyway I figured that I may as well pick up a reputable one. I do not intend to switch out PC's (Ihope) as I do with IC's and probably just got lucky the first time round in getting an overall better sound in my system. I guess that like IC's, PC's all sound different. I would have to hardwire a new cord onto my amps seperate power supply and then again between the supply and the amp. I am game for this when the warrenty on the amp expires based on my experience with the CD player.

I had similar experience few weeks ago. I had Classe Cp-45 preamp driving Dunlavy V's through the Classe CA-400 amp. Sound was great. Then recently I added the $6500 (retail) Classe SSP-50 HT processor. The processor have thicker(better?) cord. Since I am an audiophile first, I used the 'better' cord for CP-45, 2 channel preamp. And the sound changed to not my liking: less focus,more grunge,soundstage change,etc. I was worried sick as to what happened. Then I remembered that only thing I changed for Stereo listening was the power cord switch. I changed it back and I got my original soundback after an agonizing 3.5 weeks! Yes power cords do make a difference, but like the one of the post said, it is trial and error method. Expensive or thicker does not mean ' better' . I also put a thread rightaway to discuss my findings. I got few good responses.Pl look it up. Their inputs generally were to install dedicated balanced poer line which is sure shot to make difference. Happy listening!!

That's great you all had these tremendous experiences in sound- due to a power cord. But I must know, what cords did you buy? Will a $60 power cord make a noticable change? Also, how vast is the difference in sound between a sub-$100 power cord and one that is several hundred dollars?
I would love to hear your comments.

You have to match power cords just like any other component. A power cord that sounds great on your cd player may not sound as good on your amp - it is sort of hit and miss. And a more expensive power cord will not always sound better.....depends on how well it matches your gear. I have heard the Electroglide FatBoy, and it does make a pretty dramatic difference, but I didn't care for it as it had a hump in the upper bass/lower midrange region. I prefer something more neutral, like the JPS Kaptovator (this is the power cord I am currently using) The Kaptovator doesn't change the sound as dramatically as some other power cords, but instead does a superb job of enhancing the sound you already have. I know there are some power cord manufacturers who use networks, and can basically make a power cord sound any way they want them to. The right power cord can be sonic bliss.....the wrong one may sound like crap. You just have to do a lot of experimenting.

Yes, you have discovered the magic of power cords. Does not seem possible given the cheap solid copper wire in the wall. I have recently evaluated several power cords, Electraglide, Harmonic Tech, Cardas, NBS, and Pure Note. They all sound different, some are better in the highs or stronger in the bass. I settled on the Pure Note silver cord for several reaons: It sounded best overall, the connectors were better than the others, quality is very high with the braided metal jacket. It was also fairly priced at $800, 2.0m.