Power cords at ridiculous prices?

I, too was afraid of laying down big money on a power cord. I laughed at a guy who told me he was using $3000 power cords. Then when I was in the market for a tube amp, I went to Audioreview.com. I read the reviews on one amp. It was very reasonable, but one person said the unit was world class when changing to tube x and powercord z. Never heard of such a claim. So, I then read the reviews on powercord z in disbelief. What the heck, I'd give it a try. So, I picked up a silver powercord here cheap, in an auction. I played my amp for 1 hour, listened intently, then hooked the new cord up. INSTANTLY better sound. And I didn't have to strain a bit to hear it. All that stuff about focus, imaging, bass, midrange, treble, etc. was all true. Dirt that I never even realized was there was removed. Yep, all these people were right. And, from what they say, the effects on an amp are much less than on a source component. I'm a believer.

I have what I consider to be a pretty modest system (Audiolab 8000A, Arcam Alpha 8SE CD, Michell Gyro with Premier FT3 and Ortofon MC 20 Super, Elipson 1313 Speakers) much of which I acquired 2nd hand at reasonable prices. My system doesn't warrant, in my opinion, the real pricey cords. I think it sounds pretty good, but I can tell you it sounds MUCH better with good power cords. I have experience with the following cords (in ascending order of price) BMI Edge cords (purchased on Audiogon Auction), LAT International, XLO, MIT Z cord (original not version II), Blue Circle BC 62 and Cardas Golden power cord. I can honestly say that the $565 Canadian (about $380 US) I payed for my Cardas and Blue Circle cords really vaulted my system into another league and was a "component upgrade" as opposed to a wire change. There are definitely sonic differences between cords and you have to try within the context of your own system. I prefer my system with the Cardas on the amp and Blue Circle on the CD player, although I believe that the Cardas is definitely the better power cord (would have bought another when I bought the Blue Circle but couldn't find one at a good price-that being said, the Blue Circle is an excellent cord which blows away all the others which I mentioned). Only your ears can tell you-try and audition some cords without having to buy to hear for yourself.

As long as you dont spend 3 g's on a power cord for a 3000.00 amp fine..To each ther own.I can say that if the equipment has the connection for an upgrade on a power cord just use common sense and your ears.All my equipment has dedicated power cords now but when I had my Threshold amp and placed a Syngerstic Research power cord there was a DIFFERENCE.I didnt spend a kings ransom on the cord and all you do is use your common sense and what your budget can handle,and the abuse verbal or othewise that you'll be hearing from your spouse...What 500 bucks for a POWER CORD.Enjoy the trip...

I recently purchased two used Tara Labs Prism power chords (thanks again, John H.!!!!)here at AudioGon. I connected one to my Creek 4240SE. The improvement was without doubt. I have not compared these to a megabuck cable, though. So, I suppose that I'm agreeing with your original point...for now.

Here is the issue: power cords are part of the circuit path. The reason? GROUND. The ground signal is part of the audio chain and if it gets mucked up so will everything else.