Power Cable Suggestions.

+1 for Ice Age Audio OFC cables!

If you need a power cable ASAP to get a new component up and running, get something like a Tripp-Lite Heavy Duty 14 gauge power cable at about $12. Use that as your starting point for comparing "audiophile" power cables. In my own experience, As others have mentioned, synergy with your components is a key consideration. I've found some "audiophile" power cables in the $300-500 price range to sound clearly worse than a cheap Tripp-Lite power cable, while others do sound better.

They do make a difference for me. I am going to keep saying FOR ME. 10 years ago I had a Def Tech Sub-800. I used it with its stock power cable. I wasn't into cables back then so I decided to take a gamble on one. I bought a Monosaudio power cord for $40 and the subwoofer performed better.

Yet when I compared that same thick cable to AQ's entry level cable the Monosaudio got sent packing. So FOR ME, cables have proved to work. I will also believe that they didn't make a difference for you. I can live with that. I just won't go into anticable posts and try to convince them that their ears are bad.

My first “high end” power cable was an Audience Power Chord. As soon as I plugged it into my Plinius Power amp, I heard an immediate difference in the quality of the bass. So I became a believer.  For the OP, I love Shunyata cables — I have a full loom of Shunyata Sigmas.  Out of your price range but . . . On the other hand, I had used Morrow Audio MAP3 power cables and they are an excellent value for the money.  Not in the same league as the Shunyata Sigmas but an excellent and (relatively) inexpensive cable.  I have to say though that I heard no difference at all using any upgraded power cable on my Rel s/510 sub.  Nothing. My biggest boost was the power cable on my pre, followed by my DAC and then amp.

My own experience suggests that the mechanical integrity of cable, plugs and screening are what matters most. I make my own mains cables from Lapp Olflex 110 and Martin Kaiser silver plated plugs - they just work.