really inexpensive power cords

IMHO your two theories are not totally offbase. You did however as for inexpensive and smaller companies without retail presence are obviously cheaper.

This is not to say that a ps audio or shynyata entry level cord is better then signal or mac. Only id buy a few with MBG and let your ears be the judge. Then file your latest entry in "sometimes you get what you asked for"

I would put Virtual Dynamics on your list.I am using power 3 and love it.

TLE - if you really want to spend more $ on one of those brands - feel free. My input was based on your statement of it being a second system, and not wanting to spend a lot. If you had given a $ amount you want to spend maybe you'd receive other recommendations.

twoleftears

what is your question? in rereading your original post I am not sure I know what you are seeking.

what are ps preludes?

thanks

Philjolet:

My second system has a decent cdp, amp, speakers, ICs and speaker cables. But stock, come-with-the-unit, PCs. So I was thinking of doing something about them, without spending an arm and a leg.

Along comes PS Audio's summer promotion, with most of its cables on sale, and I nearly bit. The Prelude is the second-from-the-bottom in PS's line of power cords. (The "Punch" is the entry-level...)

But, essentially, the responses have, each in their own way, answered my question. I now get to choose between staying with stock, and cords from Volex, Signal, VenHaus, MAC, Element, Virtual Dynamics, Voodoo, etc.

My second post was more a reflection on the state of the audio business. If five pretty major companies, with significant research and production resources, are making cords in the under $100/3ft bracket that virtually no one on A'gon favors, then that says something not too complimentary about those companies, who are trading on their name and not their product.

BTW, I need something that is pretty flexible, so some of the possibilities are out of contention...