power cables? What can I expect?

Nick: I will second the Absolute cords (I own three and replaced my $150-$200 PC's with them). I also use a couple of the BMI Whale Elites and consider the Absolute PC's to be a good choice if you cannot budget $450-$500 per cord. What they do not have is the full bass and extended HF's of the mega cords (the HF's are still very good though, just slightly soft), but again they are $50 a pop and I feel that they outperform the old HT, Stealth and Silver Audio power cords that I owned and used in both of my setups. I also compared them to the least expensive "snake" cord (an early Sidewinder) and again preferred this $50 cable. Mine were purchased @ $40 when they were first introduced. The cords are 8' long which can also come in handy for going direct to the wall.

The Asylum cable from DIYcable.com might be another choice. The Asylum cable is touted as a great value and I believe its priced near the Absolute cord. I haven't used the Absolute so I can't comment but as the other posters have indicated it would appear you will have to spend considerably more to get better performance. I will say that some gear is less likely to realize any sonic improvement. I've had good success with aftermarket pcs on my preamp's power supply and my modded 333ES cd player but no luck on my Bryston 4B-ST amp - the caveat being I've never tried any of the big boys on it but all pcs priced at $200 or less never did a thing. If you can audition one before buying that would make more sense but if you can't buy used as you will lose less if anything at all if you can't truly find there is a difference...

You may be able to go one better ... if so inclined. If you have the skills, run a new dedicated circuit for your audio system. Stop sharing power with the vacuum cleaner, noisey dimmers or (heaven forbid) a computer with laser printer! If you can do it yourself, less than fifty bucks will make a bigger improvement than a box full of kilobuck power cords.

The Absolute Power Cord's are a bargain. I have a couple I am not currently using, write me if you would to give them a try.