TBG,
There is defiantly a difference with using the copper sleeve.
I cant believe you can't detect it with all of your expensive equipment. I would say it is providing a shield around the IEC similar to what Furutech or Oyaide does with there Hi End power/IEC's that utilize aluminum and carbon fiber.
Perhaps with the magnetism from your HI Fidelity cables it is minimizing the effect.
But, I sometimes think with the copper sleeve over the IEC it accents the treble a little too much.