Power Cords - Equipment Priority?

I believe the power cord is the most important cord in my system. I've also come to the same conclusion that it has had more impact than changing speaker cables and interconnects. In simplistic terms, our systems turn power into music.

All the downstream cables (speaker cables & IC's) benefit from having quality power. One must tread carefully though as it can become really expensive if you get the itch to change all your PC's at the same time. I took my time and I also use 3 different brands (mix and match approach) instead of a complete loom as its more affordable. I've also found it's best to experiment, there is no fixed set of rules. My 'best' and most expensive power cord sounded better from the power conditioner to my integrated amp instead of from wall outlet to the conditioner so I kept it there. 

If you haven't read Nordost's Foundation Theory please do so as it made me think differently about how to optimize my system and how to get the most satisfaction when I do upgrade.

https://www.nordost.com/dealer%20downloads/FoundationTheory.pdf  

In my opinion, I can hear a positive difference with upgraded power cords on all components that have an IEC and will accept the upgraded power cord.
+1Dekay

@malatu - Cables are a very complex area to delve into and an area I have been investigating for many years.

I have found that the "amount" of improvement from power cords is dependent on the components. i.e. The better the power supply in the component the degree of improvement is less noticeable.
e.g. my integrated amp has a very good power supply, so using a third part power cord on it would not yield the same level of improvement as using that same power cord on my streamer that has a less capable power supply.

Having said that - for the best "bang for the buck you can get "similar levels" of improvement by putting an extremely good ($$$) power cord on the amp and a lessor ($$) power cable on the streamer.

Putting an extremely good power cable on ALL components is a "safe" approach, but can be a waste of your budget - i.e. unless you have lots of spare cash lying around burning a hole in your pocket :-)

As to which of the three cable types provide the best bang for the buck I have found the following...
- interconnects allow your components to get the signal to the amp - so good IC’s are imperative and I have found to be one of the most noticeable upgrades.
- speaker cables get the signal to the speaker - I found using the right cables provided the biggest improvement in sound
- power cables are perhaps the most daunting of the three, because gear tends to respond very differently with each cable/brand/component

I have spent more time on cables than I care to admit, but for me, now they are the most important "component" in my system - even my very affordable streamer performs way above it’s "snack bracket" when connected with good cables.

Good power cables on subs also provide considerable benefits because it allows the amp to exert more control over the speaker.

The only commercially available cables I recommend these days are...
- NORDOST
- KLE Innovations

They provide similar "levels" of very noticeable performance improvement. But unfortunately they are at the upper end of the cable price range. Having said that, once purchased, you may never need to replace them.

If you are into "serious DIY", by that I mean making the actual wire, not just buying bulk cable, I can recommend a Helix Design that I use throughout my system. to great effect.

If you just want to build you own cables using good a good bulk cable and connectors - look at the DH Labs bulk wire and use Sonar Quest silver plated connectors (Ebay). They will outperform some of the name brand cables for a least amount of $$$.

The problem with DIY power cables is - you really should be aware of the electrical codes in your area and adhere to them, otherwise insurance coverage could become an issue.

DO NOT ever use solid core wire for component power cables since it is not recommended by many electrical codes due to fatigue failures (i.e. breaking).

One last point - replace the wall outlets with Pass and Seymour MRI grade outlets - they clamp like a vice and do not contain magnetic materials

Hope that helps and apologies for the long post - Steve

DO NOT ever use solid core wire for component power cables since it is not recommended by many electrical codes due to fatigue failures (i.e. breaking).

Probably the majority of audio grade aftermarket power cords made today use solid core wire for the hot and neutral conductors in their construction.

Individual insulated solid core wires are paralleled together to make a larger gauge conductor.

Jim

Thanks for the replies, I appreciate it!