The Truth About Power Cords and there "Real" Price to Performance

I’m thoroughly convinced that there arrives a point of diminishing returns, to an even exponential degree. 

It’s relative to your budget and level of control over a space, I suppose? But in my humble setup ....after getting all my interconnects up to decent cabling, I simply upgraded the outlet in the wall feeding my system and paid just $90 for a Wireworld power cable for my Creek, huge difference. Enough so that spending any more may only make things different...not better. The only other major improvement would have to be completely changing the room itself, which is a non-option at this point. And I’m ok with that, as I’m ecstatic at the idea that I’ve constructed an EXCELLENT sounding setup with a very limited allotted budget. That in itself is the glorious result. I would feel the complete opposite if I’d spent a small fortune on only a slightly more effective piece of copper laden in wrapping and jewelry to receive a marginal, even questionable improvement.

Hi,

I have been putting my new basement system together for a couple of years now, and have recently upgraded interconnects and power cable.
My system: PS Audio Direct Stream DAC w Bridge, wired to router > 
PS BHK Pre > PS BHK 250 stereo amp > B&W N802's > Stereo Paradigm Studio 15 Subs.  Direct line to my PS Audio Power Port Receptacle.  Balanced interconnects and Power Cords from Mark Tunis in Florida, all custom made using silver clad wire.  they are moderately inexpensive for the quality and were a noticeable improvement over the stock power cords and cheap interconnects.  So now that I had settled in with my equipment, I decided to try some 'nicer' interconnects.  I first tried to sets of nicer balanced XLR interconnects.  AQ Colorado, and Shunyata Black Mamba.  I tried these because they were on close out at Music Direct, I could try and return, and they were not stupid expensive.
I loved the Shunyata's, and did not like the AQ Colorado's.  The Black Mambas improved EVERYTHING in my system.  Bass, imaging, soundstage, resolution and WARMTH.  So I sent back the AQ and have the Shunyata Black Mambas and big improvement for a good deal at 300 a pair.  To me that is great price to performance.  But this is a power cable post..  I also recently got an Inakustik 3500p power conditioner.
New company, again not stupid expensive at around $3000, great reviews... and it improved my system again.  But it came with a stock power cable, so..... I talked to Steven at The Cable Company, and he suggested I try a Synergistic Research Atmosphere level 2 (20 amp).  I would have never been drawn to this type of name and technology, and perhaps by reading all the negativity about cables in general it is easy to believe it does not matter that much and stupid to upgrade.  But all I can say is WOW.  Listened last night for hours with my lady, going back and forth with the stock cord and the SR cord from the wall to the 3500p conditioner.  Changed nothing else.  Again, what an improvement.  Heard little tingly things in familiar songs that I had not heard before.  Imaging spot on, soundstage wider and deeper. Clearer.  Stock cable sounded muffled.  Bass and Midrange fuller.  Everything.  So a 1200 cable? (demo at a big discount)  I would have never thought it was worth it.  Value to cost? Totally worth it.  I guess I have about a $20,000 system
and can think of no other upgrade for this cost that has the bang for the buck.  And I plug everything into the 3500p.  Just my experience, sorry for long post!  Anyone around Balt / Washington want to get together a listen?  Ken.

As I can only speak to my experience with several manufacturers/ brands over the years -  the best results I have had from Power Chords are 

Stage 3 Concepts, Kraken 
http://www.stage3concepts.com/
http://aaudioimports.com/ShowProduct.asp?hProduct=215

High Fidelity Cables
https://www.highfidelitycables.com/power/professional-series/

I have also had great results from  Analysis Plus Cables
https://www.analysis-plus.com/product/home-audio/power-cables/ultimate-power-oval/

For those that care...
In 2018 /2019  I made an investment into computer audio. I have been skeptical about the benefits vs limitations of the technology. I had a Mac Mini Modified with a separate power supply, and external clock. My overall impression was that it was O.K. it did not sound half as good as my CDP set up but it sounded respectable for the 4k I put into it.

Out of curiosity I decided to hook up a Stage 3 Concepts Kraken to the Mac Mini set up. There was a moment of disbelief as it sounded almost as good as the CDP. The difference was not subtle and was by far the best I have ever heard computer audio sound. It only took a Power Cable twice the total investment cost to get the Mac Mini to perform and exceed expectations.    
   

Here's a used "Reference"  MC for $375.

https://www.usedcable.com/synergistic-research-reference-ac-master-coupler-x-series-active-15-amp-ie...

Not sure what the difference is between it and the standard MC.

Standard MC on ebay for $325.

https://www.ebay.com/i/153422829878?chn=ps&norover=1&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-117182-37290-0&am...