Stock Power Cords?

Buy one from a place where you can return it if you are not happy, and try it out. That's the only way you'll know if it makes a difference.
Before you do that, though, spend 10 bucks and replace your wall outlet.

KP

I don't believe that all stock cords are made cheaply. Some manufacturers believe that the cord they supply is sufficient to do the job. Only by trial and error will you determine if an aftermarket cord will enhance the performance of a particular unit. I have had some success using an inexpensive ($60) pc from diycable.com on my preamp's power supply. I spent slightly more ($95)on one for my cdp and both work better than the stock cords they came with. With my amp it has been a different story - all pcs costing $300 or less that I have tried haven't done a thing to better the amp's sonics/performance.

Try to audition a few or if you can't try before you buy you can find pretty decent deals on used cords here. Cables are very system/your ears/your wallet/ dependant. I have found that in my limited auditions that pcs have offered the least increase in my desired outcome versus interconnects and speaker cables. Thats not to say that things might be very different in your system to your ears. But don't be afraid to admit to yourself after an audition that you didn't hear/experience anything positive. It may just be the fact that the cable you tried isn't the right one and you will find one that will "do" it for you. Don't "will" yourself to hear something that isn't there. If its there you'll know it...

In my experience stock power cords arn't enough for power amps. With limited wire gauge to 16 there isn't enough AC power fed onto the amp. In comparison to home brew design that I use, the stock power cord is more quiet(not because the bad mastered shielding but because more power is delivered I guess). The sound becomes more defined and more dynamic. I've used the hospital grade 12AWG OFC AC cable from wireworld.

I replaced all my stock power cords with Absolute Power Cords but didn't notice much difference. Then I changed them for Virtual Dynamics Power 2s, and have been completely stunned by the improvement. Quieter and blacker background, increased musical dynamics, much better imaging. Rick with Virtual Dynamics sells the Power 2s for $125 each with a 14 day trial period.

I have Syn. Res. Master Couplers on all my components and highly recommend them. But what you really need to do is listen to several diferent pcs and see what YOU think. I once auditioned 7 power cords (in a week) from $100 to $1000.-- some I liked, some did nothing in my system, and a couple made music worse.

I also agree with KP above, good hospital grade outlets are important, and I'd suggest Pass & Seymour-- about $10. These should be available at any good electrical supply store. Good Luck. Craig.