In 1999 I bought an ArCam Alpha 9 CDP that came with a cheapo 18/3 or maybe it was a 16/3 power cord. (Odd thing the IEC inlet connector on the Arcam is a two wire. No ground pin.)
I had read audiophile magazine reviews on the player. I believe, going from memory, Stereophile gave it a solid B rating.
Before buying the ArCam I brought home the demo unit from the brick and mortar audio store for a few days to hear how it sounded in my system. (Unit was well broken in including the thin gauge cheapo power cord.)
Long story short, try a 14/3 power cord. I first just used an OEM 14/3 power cord that came with an ARC power amp. There was an improvement in the sound. Yes power cords can make a difference. How, why? Beats me... I really don’t care why.

