Can a better power cable make a difference if NOT plugged directly into an outlet?

@hilde45,  I find Jay's reviews to be accurate based on what he's said about some of the cables in his list that I've heard.

He's done similar with interconnects and same thing, accurate according to the few I've tried. The comments at the end of his reviews are a fun read with the usual deniers demanding measurements and proof.

https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/duelund-conversion-to-diy-helix-geometry-cabling

This link takes you to 17 pages of cable DIY with many of the members you will, I am sure, recognise. The man responsible for these DIY recipies is williewonka who has detailed instructions on how to build them. This is no just stick some plugs on some off the reel cable type of DIY. All info needed is in contained in the above and with much input from builders and their results.

OCC Copper and OCC silver is used which has a coiled (helix) which acts as a Faraday cage inhibiting EMI/RFI interference. I do not use a shield which I can hear has an effect on dynamics and imparts a trace of grayness to the sound. Squires says his cables cause noise because they are tangled together or some such. Well keep them tidy and you may not need screens and shields.

I have zero problems with cable crosstalk. The first cable I built, an interconnect, easily displaced my long time favourite, a Van den Hul Orchid. I was mightily impressed from plug in with no burn-in time. It excelled at everything with clarity, dynamics, bass and openness and clean clean clean. Guitar and piano WOW.

I encourage you to read the thread from the beginning. I would happily build for you but as I live in Ireland it would be expensive. Most components are from USA so postage becomes unmanageable. You will find info on this in the thread.

To be clear I've not yet built Power Cables but have what's needed and will when I find the time. This is serious performance.

The age old debate. The only way to find out is try it, if you can not tell the difference then send it back. 
 

@lemonhaze Thanks for reaffirming. I'll take a look. When I see hyperbole or exaggeration, my hackles are raised so your additional credence is helpful.

@recklesskelly Yes, "try it out" is good advice. It does not prevent confirmation bias, of course.

Yes that is true, and it is all subject to bias for sure. I have never been one to buy into the super expensive cables. I am more a mid tier guy. 

A better way to think of this is that good power cables don't improve sound.  Bad power cables degrade sound.  an inadequate power cable won't support short (picosecond) bursts of high current needed for fast dynamics and sharp bass. 

Jerry