Power Cord Question

To clarify, the receptacles on the back of my components look like and are in the same shape as the IEC type but are only of the two prong variety. I didn't realize there was such a two pronged beast until I just happened to look. Like I mentioned above, I was surprised that my TV has a three prong IEC receptacle but my audio components come with a two prong version. I am also familiar with the smaller figure eight type and C7 type plugs. I actually have an older CD player with the C7 type (flat on one side). According to Musicnoise in his above statement, the third prong of an IEC power cord is only a ground and shouldn't degrade the sound or cause any damage by making this connection in a two prong IEC styled receptacle with a three prong female end of a detachable power cord. Hey, this is nice to be surrounded by such knowledge!

A lot British companies make components with two prong iec connectors. They work perfectly fine with 3 prong powercords.
I had a arcam cd player made that way and played it for 6yrs. without any problems. If your house is properly wired, all of your outlets are grounded from the main box which makes it safe.

Yes, they will fit and work but will not be grounded. If the component doesn't have a third wire ground, it doesn't require one.

Jea48 writes: Many manufactures of audio equipment are building their equipment this way. Because of potential ground loop hum problems manufactures are using double insulated AC power wiring instead of having to use the safety equipment grounding method.

With doubled insulated AC power wiring the metal case of the equipment is floating and does not need the use of the safety equipment ground. Jmho eventually all audio equipment will be built this way. ************

Based on the above explanation is there any reason to go beyond the manufacturers specs by replacing the power cord with another companies power cord in the pursuit of better sound?

By the way, for those who may be interested I have tried the Audioquest series of power cords and currently own Black Mountain Cable Silver power cords obtained through the Audiogon auction process. Two of the three Audioquest cords sound pretty horrible in my system. One of the Audioquest power cords sounded neutral/balanced. The Black Mountain Cable sounds neutral/balanced. Overall, I don't hear any advantage in using any of these power cords over the power conditioner I am using. Adding the power conditioner (Belkin-Pure AV) was a huge improvement. The only difference I hear with adding the power cords is more impact or forwardness, which does not improve the sound quality in my opinion.

Maybe the new cable needs to "break in" but for now the stock power cord sounds better, smooth with no harshness/forwardness. Is this something to do with owning components more on the budget end not allowing one to appreciate the sound of another companies power cord?

Hopefully my ears after years of listening and performing are telling me the truth about these power cords and that what I am hearing (or not hearing) is not because of a limited budget. Well, I don't consider power cords valued at around $600 bucks cheap although I paid nowhere near that amount.

I've tried some of the same powercords you have tried and yes you do have to let them breakin, at least 100 hrs.
The BMC gold powercord was a definite improvement over stock powercords in my system but to really appreciate what powercords can do, you're going to have to go to one that is considerably more than what you're currently trying($600 would be just a little past the starting point)
I've been in highend audio for over 25 yrs. and if you had told me 15 yrs. ago powercords would make the difference/improvement that they do, I would've told you that you're crazy!! But when you hear the higher tier shunyata's, purist audio, fusion cords and others, then you'll know, they can make a huge improvement in your system
and on your power conditioner.
In your system however it may not make good sense or be cost effective.
In other words, would it make sense to put $1000 powercord on a $600 amp? I don't know probably not.
Just my two cents worth.