I've just installed a Signal Cable AC cord. It's only been a few days but clearly the improvment in sound is surprising. This is my first foray with power cords and I was skeptical. I've read every review I could get my hands on and prowled the 'net to absorb all I could on AC cords. I decided to go with this one because of price ($59 6ft.),quality of construction, and risk free 30 day home trial.
It's my opinion that cables absolutely,positively make an enormous difference. The problem is the cable industry's insane pricing standards. Major companies like Kimber, Monster, Audioquest, and others have a 300% to 800% mark-up. To me, this is almost criminal. These companies play on audiophiles insecurities and reinforce the notion that big bucks are the only way to quality sound.
I also believe that there is a defacto pricing fixing standard. Ever notice that each major cable company offers a similiar performance in each price range? Why can't one of these giants produce a breakthrough cable in the low price catagories? How come small internet outfits can? Why don't audiophile rags like Stereophile and The Absolute Sound review these small entrepreneurs? Think about it.
Thank the heavens we have micro sized companies like HomeGrown Audio, Signal Cable, and others.
Wake up, fellow audiophiles, if we spend our cable dollars sensibly by rejecting the overpriced offerings we will see the big guys dropping their prices to realistic, fairly priced, levels.