Power cords at ridiculous prices?

Carl, consider yourself lucky to have "only 12 gauge wire" in your wall. I have no idea as to the construction of your house. Standard household wiring since the '70s(which is better than it was previous to that) would be 14 ga for most applications. That would include the wiring to your living room, bedroom, den, etc. 12 ga is used in higher demand areas(probably a kitchen, laundry room, etc.). Personally, I would love to be in your shoes, my house has 14 ga to my listening room, and that wire goes to many other places. I researched this subject quite a bit, my father is an electrician. I found out that when wire is run, the same line often goes to opposite ends of the house. This sounds crazy to me, but is the norm. I'd love to install a low gauge dedicated line one day, but it isn't feasible right now. Even so, my power cord has made a believer of me. Currently, the standards have even regressed, the average new "suburban mansion" is featuring sub - 200 amp service(glad I don't in one of them). Thank you for your very insightful opinions, and keep the debates progressing.

The ratio of the price of my power cord to price of my amp is 8%. It was definitely worth it. I also have the peace of mind knowing that there is not a weak link in the chain, and that is more than worth it.

Although I have no doubt that changing power cords can effect, both positively or negatively, sound quality, I do not use specialty cords. The power cord is only the final element of electric power delivery and it should only be upgraded after the other elements have been addressed. Power line regenerators, dedicated power lines and even replacing and upgrading the main power line to your house are upgrades that should be completed before spending major money on power cords. The power cord is not an active device and it cannot improve the quality of the electricity going into it. A LOW COST TIP: go to an art supply house and in the stain glass section there should be copper foil tape ($5 to $10). Wrap the tape around your power cord. The copper will provide an added layer of electro-magnetic sheilding. I can't honestly say that I "heard" a difference, but it's a fun project. Give it a try, see if it works.

Thanks for the tip ONHWY61. I guess I could even pretty it up after that by using some shrink wrap around the foil tape or at least some type of cover. Hmmm maybe some braided steel would look cool.

If you really want to add extra shielding to a cable, 3M actually makes a mesh shielding to go over cables.