Newbie Power Cord Question

Turn back now-while you can!-it only gets worse. Power cord merry-go-round is expensive. Suggest that be one of the last things to work on. If you are happy with your system-then take a look at the Shunyata Diamondback-used should be around 100 and new around 200. Can find the Shunyata Venom new for 79.00.

Wait for a used Flavor 4 Vh Audio ( or do a DIY from VH Audio )to come up. Used usually $200 and probably less DIY..Great amp cord at a modest price........

It's true. Power cords are expensive and seem less influential
than most other cord types. However, an Acoustic Zen El Nino should be about a hundred dollars used and it probably will make a very slight improvement in the sound of your system. Also, as long as it is good condition, a used cord is always a better option. They don't need break in and will always be cheaper. New power cords, and I have spent thousands on them, just don't justify their cost. Have you tried a power conditioner? There are some on the market that would prove a more cost effective power grade than a power cable and they can serve to improve the performance of other components in your system as well.

You don't give us enough info to give informed advice. What kind of integrated amp? What comprises the rest of your system? Power cords, like all wires & cords, are system dependent and there's no "one size fits all" answer. If your system is of sufficient quality and resolution, you may gain great advantage with a new power cord. You might also find it a waste of money in the context of a different kind of system. For what it's worth, I found power cords to offer more bang for the buck improvement than any other cable upgrade. But that's just been my experience. Obviously, others have had the opposite experience.

Photon46 makes some good points; more info would help. Given the available information, a used Synergistic Research AC Master Coupler might be a good entry point. They're well designed, well made, heavy gauge and a near classic. (Can a power cord be considered a classic?) At very least one would make a good baseline for comparing other cords. Google the name for reviews. You'll see them being sold regularly on AudiogoN for ~$140.