How is it that a power cord can make a difference in the sound of audio gear? Here is what I think is a common scenario. You plug in three pieces of gear, say a pre and some mono's, using some fat well made power cords. All the cords are 10 awg minimum, stranded 6n copper, generally better than what you get with most gear. But here's the kicker, you plug all those cords into a supply circuit that typically is 12 awg solid core romex. To me it seems the crucial factor is that supply wire, its quality, size how it's run etc. I realize that each component is only drawing a couple amps at most (for tube gear) and that the supply is most likely a 15 amp circuit. Even if the rest of the supply circuit is not being used you're still drawing against the romex. I see monstrous power cords at high end audio stores and at shows all the time----- plugged into a standard duplex $5 receptacle. It's IMO laughable when you consider the astronomical prices charged for these "quality" cords. I also understand that as a DIY community of builders we are motivated not only by reasonable cost to value but I suspect also by a realization that a lot of gear is just over priced. Please enlighten me on this subject.
