What difference do power cables make?

OP,

Typically you would not plug an amp or subwoofer into a power conditioner or distributor. They typically will restrict the dynamics. A high end power cord for a subwoofer is unlikely to make a noticeable difference.

For an amp there are two things likely to produce a significant increase in sound quality… 1) a high end power cord and 2) a direct line.

Given the way you phrased your question, it sounds like you have not done this before. So, it would be good if you got a very unambiguous positive result on the first thing you do. For that reason I would recommend using all your funds to purchase a single power cord… preferably trying several different options first. Buying used can double your purchasing power (typically sold at 1/2 price). Buying in the $1 - 2K range will get you a very good cord. One likely to have a very profound effect.

It would be hard to get a good power distributor and a power cord of any quality for $1K. This would likely be spending a lot of money and get something that has almost no / little positive effect on the sound.

A direct line will have a positive effect on all components… but if you have not experienced the result in the past, it will feel like higher risk because it cannot be returned and does not go with you when you move.

A dealer should be able to lend you two or three cords to try. Most companies produce special power cords for amps… they have heavier conductors because of the greater current demand. Also the cable company and others will rent cords.

Take your time read reviews in Stereophile, The Absolute Sound, and HiFi+. Most companies have many levels. You can go to the level you can afford.

The largest selling suppliers are:

Audio Quest

Transparent

WireWorld

A too-small power cable makes a big difference.  

I recommend buying a generic 10 awg cable off ebay for $50. it will likely make a big difference if your cable is too small. The difference between the generic and the $1000 cable will be much less.  In fact, I've seen expensive cables made from too-small conductors that were actually worse.

Jerry

I "upgraded" cables for amp and SACD player. Zero difference. Except I had less money.

As for power regenerators, I'm always recommending caution.  I just purchased the predecessor to your PP12--the PP10.  The PP10 is 80 lbs of copper and heavy circuitry.  It does not limit current to the amp and I have my amp plugged into it.  Your pp12 is probably the same.  However, I saw a thread where someone asked Paul McG about PP10 vs PP12 and he did say the PP10 doesn't have all the cool new features of the PP12 but may be slightly better for an amp.  I can say that I am very confident that the PP10 does not limit the amp.  PS audio power plants rectify the current and then invert it.  They have one hell of a quality inverter.  

The PP10 has an IEC connector so I use a 10 awg generic power cord to feed it.  I have a dedicated 10 awg circuit that I installed in my wall.

The PP10 has a built in Oscilloscope.  It is measuring 5% thd most evenings on teh power coming in.  

Jerry

+2  @steakster / @facten    Some will always believe almost everything in Hi End Audio is "snake oil" a 40 year old Adcom amp with some repaired Goodwill 12 inch 3 ways is near SOTA!  IMO fear is holding most of them back which will forever keep them in mid fi purgatory.