New expensive power cord for amp and no change in sound?


I bought new an expensive(for me) well known and reviewed power cord for my very good amp and plugged it directly onto the wall socket. After a couple of weeks of daily use I hear no change in the sound quality from a $500 cord. I don’t want to name it for fear of getting my thread deleted. You would know it or at least be aware of the company. Did I throw away several thousand dollars? Before I get the snake oil answer I want to let you know that I bought an upgraded cord for my pre as suggested by the pre’s manufacturer and am pleased with the results.

I guess for full disclosure the amp’s manufacturer said don’t bother. But I had had good luck with the pre so I thought it would be a good idea.

Anybody else have this happen to them?

roxy1927

Quick overview of my experience:

►Definite improvement from $10 stock cord to $100 level after market cord on every component. Usually heard in elimination of background ’noise’. or just improved power delivery

►Once a system is built that is close to one’s ideal (say a 7-8 out of 10), then power cords can make another medium/large step toward that ideal (to reach that 8.5-9 out of ten level). At times, I’ve noticed connectors can contribute significantly (almost as much as the cable) in some cords (think Furutech, Oyaide, etc.)

►Cable size, geometry, materials (copper, silver, carbon, air dialectric), and cryogenic or ’cooking’ treatment can definitely contribute to achieving that ’last mile or two’ of performance/preference.

► After starting with Bob Crump’s (TG Audio) cords over 25 years ago, I’ve probably tried 30-40 different power cords over the years, with mixed results. I’m currently using a large diameter silver power cord (Tek-Line) on an amp, smaller diameter diameter cord on transport (Acrolink 7N4020III w/Oyaide 004 connectors), and Argento Flow Master on DAC. Electraglide or other ribbon cord(s) on things tubed, especially preamp. YMMV.

►Like most of us, I have quite the collection of power cords, interconnects, speaker cables in the [big] boxes in the closet. And I must say, most I actually liked at the time; just moved on to 'better(?)' 😊

@dill - Shouldn’t you want to "prove it"? What experiment or test do you propose that will allow for a fair evaluation? There’s no "better", there’s just different. Beyond a certain level of build or materials quality, more money gets you nothing except that warm and cozy feeling of certainty that comes with confirmation bias. Take away the labels, do a blind test, and you will never be able to discern good, better, or best. To paraphrase Pete Townsend, "Is it in my head?". You bet it is.

often, if it sounds "different" it will sound better to some and not to others...and yes, many here have done blind tests, but to decide for ourselves, no need to "prove" to others...no one here really wants to spend money and get nothing in return...though some seem to think many here do and are not able to make reasonable decisions for themselves...

"@dill - Shouldn’t you want to "prove it"?"

- I have proved it to myself, the only one I need to.

"Beyond a certain level of build or materials quality, more money gets you nothing"

- yea, you need to believe that to validate your position.

@wesheadley  (et al)= Nothing but further Dunning-Kruger runway builders.

                  Worthy of nothing but a short snort of derision and being disregarded.

             Give their ilk an opportunity at a bit of education and they respond with the same old primitive drumbeats.   

                            Like trying to teach a box of rocks to sort your socks!   

                                                                     😏