RLD-1 Are you experienced?

Despite Rwwear's avowed disbelief, I can rather easily hear differences among various powercords with my DNA-125, though they are not major - I've heard bigger changes with PC's on other amps. Which is not to say there aren't worthwhile improvements to be had, given an appropriate system context. Steve McCormack does recommend their use with his amps. A much less expensive, but no less important improvement is yours simply by leaving the amp continuously powered-on. If you're curious, I would consider trying a used PC bought on Agon in the sub-$200 range, which you can always resell at little-to-no loss if it doesn't do much for you.

I will wade in and try for myself!

It's impossible if the power cord is of the correct size.

Intuitively Rwwear I would have to agree with you. Now does anybody have any more thoughts about my preamp query?

Dueler,
One other thought that isn't necessarily responsive to your question: talk to Steve McCormack via telephone and get his thoughts on upgrade paths if you go that route. Specifically, ask him whether he recommends upgrading one device at a time or both simultaneously for best interim satisfaction. For example, would he recommend getting the platinum revision for the RLD-1 and leaving the DNA-1 in stock form (or vice versa) until you can afford to upgrade it as well, or getting the silver or gold revision to the RLD-1 and getting Revision C or B of the DNA-1 at the same time and upgrading the units together incrementally?

I'd be a little concerned that the stock form of the pre or amp would significantly limit the upgraded version of the other piece. Since I have a stock RLD-1 now with a Rev. A amp and the RLD-1 will be upgraded in a couple weeks, I'll be able to opine on that soon. Steve will have an immediate answer for you, though.