If power cords really made a big difference wouldn't component manufacturers be putting better stock cords on? Are there any component manufacturers that put anything other than standard plastic covered cords in the box?
@jon5f52 , this might be an apples to oranges comparison, but not way long ago someone asked the same thing about tubes--to paraphrase, "Why don't manufacturers send out their stuff with high dollar tubes?" And almost everyone will concede that different tubes do sound different. So I'd almost think that instead of sending an amp out with a real expensive power cord to add to the msrp, they let the consumer pick & choose how much $ to spend to tailor his or her sound to his or her liking.