What was the first power cable that you noticed a difference in the sound?

Objectivist as subjectivist are gear focussed obsessed ... The two groups exhibit fetichism of gear taste or measuring tools...

I trust acousticians.... and my own acoustic experiments 😉

No system, dac-amplifier-speakers, by design alone beat the room/ears-brain /speakers controlled parameters...

I dont understand why many  audiophile conflate acoustics concepts and controls with at best acoustic panels purchase...

I dont understand why many  ignore that in many case : mechanical resonance controls and electrical noise floor controls matter as much as their gear "taste" or specs...

I dont understand ; but i trained and trusted my ears ...They are not golden but they are mine...my room is mine too ...

@panzrwagn  this video reports that this mastering studio gained 10dB of SnR with a wholesale (pre/post) swap of Shunyata products

First time I've seen a measurable figure shown...

Reading with interest as I have yet to experience an improvement with any power cable, and I am in the under $500 market as well. I did however get a significant improvement by running a dedicated line, very noticeable.

However, I have had some cords negatively affect the sound, those were Pangea's on some of my source components. Took some of the life out of the sound.

@auroravengeance  +1

I own my house. First thing I did was have an electrician run a dedicated line, then various PLCs; To many to recall, but the last was a PS Audio Premier Power Plant (didn't do much for me) and various 'better' PCs including, Wire World (< $300- $500), the best were from Tekline, a boutique company (MSRP-$350-$800). The next biggest power upgrade was/is Core Power1800 MkII that has been anchoring my system for 3+ years. Check our the Verify blog on Audiogon for some interesting twists on fuses