I agree with @ghdprentice, @soix @mclinnguy that rather than power cords alone, the greatest benefit will be achieved with power cords in combination with dedicated 20Amp lines and a power conditioner. Do not forget to use audiophile grade Shunyata or equivalent … or at least hospital grade Hubbell or equivalent outlets with the dedicated line. I also agree with the Shunyata reference posted by @mclinnguy that within a certain budget a larger impact will be gained with all cords replaced at a lower price/performance pace instead of a few high price/performance point used in conjunction with stock cords. This is consistent with my experience where due to budgetary constraints, I replaced one cord a fiscal quarter, where the greatest SQ improvement achieved when all cords were replaced. One engineering reason for this is that EMI enters a circuit at the weakest shielded point (the stock cords). Also, do not underestimate the value of good power cords for front end equipment which are susceptible to generating and being effected by EMI. I found audible improvement in SQ when replacing cords for front end equipment.
I respectfully disagree with the post stating the with a dedicated line power conditioning is not required. This may be true theoretically if mains power is pristine. Practically, if living in a populated or industrialized area, mains power is not pristine, and quality even varies according to times of high and low usage. My rule of thumb is that if you are in an area that experiences voltage fluctuations often (like my vacation home in VT) go with regeneration. If you live in a populated/industrialized area with dirty mains supply, go with passive conditioning.
In counterpoint to the posts from members whose opinions and ears I respect, I have found marginally better SQ plugging my amp into the high current outlets of passive conditioners I have used (Shunyata Denali and Audience aR2PT) compared to directly to the mains wall outlet. My recommendation is to compare the two connection configurations yourself and use the one you prefer.
As I always recommend, my preferred cable is WyWires Platinum.
@jasonbourne71 Research the following s psychological theories, or simply read current events for a feel of theories in practice:
- The illusionary truth effect: Repeatedly stating false information, even if it is clearly and demonstrably untrue, makes the information easier for people to process and accept the falsehood as truth.
- Motivated reasoning: when individuals seek to affirm information that aligns with their beliefs and reject anything that challenges them, regardless of the scientific proof or truth.
