I ditto powercords, they make the biggest difference, if they are quality powercords!!
I suspect IMHO that folks that say powercords don't make a difference or at best a subtle difference, are not using the best powercords they can get for the money.
I say this because I was the same way until I heard what powercords like shunyata, fusion, purist etc.. can do.
It is also important to note where you put the powercord first. Again, IMHO you get best bang for your buck, if you start with the preamp then CD player and finally amp.