ARC Ref 3 Power Cord

In over 30 years of using ARC amps & pre's, I have always found that changing the stock power cords afforded a significant improvement in the clarity and bass. I started out changing the old hard wired PC's as they deteriorated with visual surface aging of the natural [back then]rubber outer covers.
On the Ref 3 I changed to the Nordost Brahma, after trying the Nordost Valhalla. Brahma made a big difference, Valhalla did not.
However, Valhalla PC's were tried and kept in my phono stage, VPI SDS & SDS to VPI HRX motors, did make a very significant lift in the clarity.

Zargon,
I will attempt to answer your question.
I have eight dedicated 20 amp circuits in my main listening room. These are run from an isolated subpanel. My Ref3 is connected to its own dedicated 20 amp circuit. After running the Ref3 for about 650 hours, I compared the Purist, Stealth, Shunyata and stock power cords. All power cords were previously broken in with about 250 hours of current. Compared with the stock cord, the other cords were significantly better. As for the Purist, it allows the Ref3 to shine, with greater upper and lower frequency extension (about 1/4 octave, according to my sweep tone disc and my Rat Shack sound level meter), much purer tonality, much greater clarity, somewhat greater space between instruments and air, a sweeter yet more detailed presentation, a much darker (quieter) background, and overall more relaxed experience.
I have used these aftermarket power cords both with and without the benefit of dedicated circuits. Aftermarket power cords used without dedicated circuits offer greater overall benefit, but even with dedicated circuits are a significant step up from stock Audio Research power cords.
Your geographic location and power grid anomalies also affect the benefit of aftermarket power cords.

Audioesq,

Your answer is very informative and helpful to understand the environment of your evaluation and what you learned. Thanks for clarifying it.

Like you, I have a dedicated circuit to each component, however, I also have the option of connecting each dedcated circuit either direct to the subpanel or through a 4kva iso to the subpanel. Perhaps I will try some cords and see whether they make a difference in my system and whether they are sensitive to the iso conditioning.

Zargon,

Best of luck in your auditions. One thing I have learned over the past 30+ years in this hobby/addiction---there are NO absolutes---everything affects everything!!

I was thinking of testing the waters with a Signal Power cord. I use that on all my other components and like it a lot. It is also inexpensive also. Is there anyone out there using this brand?