" Any actual difference the new PC could/would make will be subtle "
- teoretically yeah but it is not true. Most hifi powercables are just bling though, that`s correct. Expensive plugs does not improve anything. But again; try solid core pc`s. Even a recording-enginer should be able to hear the imroved dymamics and cleaned up soundstage. Lesson: to hear a differnce there has to be a difference.
" Second, audio memory is extremely perishable.."
- that`s an urban legend. Our memory here will depend a lot on our skill-level, a skilled listener will understand and get a lot moore information out of any sample.
Imagine you`re on a jungle-safari for the first time. It`s your first night out in the jungle, and you can hear so many strange sounds while you`re lying in the tent trying to sleep. Your local guide on the other hand, he`s asleep allready, not worrying at all because he knows every sound and what they mean. But be shure, one "wrong" sound and he will be awake. That`s why he is still alive.
Just as we can remember a smell or a taste we can allso remember sound-experience. For as long as we live.
" And doing that (A/B switching) to test a power cord is nearly impossible for a home audiophile.."
Now you`re beeing funny. Ever tryed this? Well it will off course depend on your skill-level AND the actual powercords, if there really is any difference.
As a norwegian I`m also familiar with this little trick known as "turn the net-phase". Since our ac-plugs can be turned 180 degrees we do this. And wow, it makes a difference. First of all to 3D and bass-timing/weight.
This off course confuses less skilled listeners but are easy as **** for an old geek.