Does Power Cord Require Burn-In To Sound Good?

There's theory and there's audibility. In theory, as per AJ van den Hul, who IS an authority on wiring all would agree, any time a wire is even moved, the sound changes. It reverts back if it just moved, unplugged, etc. So of course changing the type of wire changes the sound. The issue is if it is audible, noticeable, etc. The burn in should not be long so long as you keep the wire in place. Try not to touch it with any other wire, and if you must, make it perpendicular at the point where they touch.

I wouldn't spend more than $1-$200 on a power cord. It's not transmitting a signal, just power. The components themselves also filter the power.

The longer the power cord the better, the shorter the speaker cables and interconnects, the better. These are established facts. The main benefit of power conditioners is that you have to plug the cords into somewhere and get some protection against lightning. I didn't hear much if any difference but got the convenience of the 2 issues I just mentioned. They're better than a power strip because they can separate the outlets into different banks. 

Kind of like the Emperor's New Cloths.  I am sure there must be a certain dollar amount that is considered fine enough quality.  I would be more likely to purchase a power conditioner.

Send it back Ryder. For what you spent on it you should be able to buy 3 Shunyata cords. I can’t remember where you’re using the first one, amp maybe? 

Yes to burn in

Acrolink/Acrotec is widely underappreciated.

I have Acrolink IC's from long ago, and try as I might, I've never found another brand or model that sounds better than them

Sadly never had one of their PCs.

It's a pity the brand isn't more widely available in the US.