It is true that 'quality' power cords cost more than Belden equivalents. Why they should sound 'better' is still a mystery. BUT, I know that Bob Crump, (my business partner in another company) INSISTS that his cords, both power and signal, MUST be broken in, to work at their best. He complains to me, all the time, that many people refuse to 'break in' his cables and this leads to rejection, or at least, disappointment. I have tried to understand this in physical terms, as I have a degree in physics as well. So far, I have only found 'interesting evidence' that points to a physical understanding.