Esoteric X-01 power cord

Don't waste your money on a power cord.Try a spare computer power cord and you shouldn't hear any difference.Maybe a different preamp may match up better if that could be a problem.Especially if your old CD player had that warm characteristic,a preamp with the same warm sound may fit your needs.Stereophile says that CD/SACD player was on the cool side.So a warm preamp or amp may help.Link>>>[http://www.stereophile.com/thefifthelement/205fifth/index3.html]

A bigger gauge might help, but I think the plated plugs are the culprit. For a "fuller" presentation I'd suggest you take a listen to a copper Kaplan cable. The pure copper wire and unplated pure copper plugs render a full bass with a rich midrange. The highs are clean and extended, though perhaps not as "sparkly" as some plated plugs or cords may render.

I've found, in general, that cords that focus on "sparkly", up-front highs can tend to sound lean.

And unlike some here, PCs have a big impact on sonics in my system, and my equipment has no design flaws. As you are aware, with a hi-rez system it’s easy to discern PC differences.

Could it be the placebo effect?It cost more so it must sound better.

I would agree that you most likely need to look at a different source (for example, my Wadia 861se modified by GNSC is exemplary with regard to what you are looking for).