Can upgraded power cords help my setup?

That was actually really funny Randy. C'mon though. There is loads of established theory regarding cable geometry and its effect on noise rejection, capacitance, inductance, signal integrity, etc.

why yes, and not just theory, but measurements

but....

the power cable goes to a transformer does it not?

the ICs don't matter

and the speaker cables depend on the complex impedance of the speaker with freq. - hence my usual advice to try 'renting' some cheap cables until you find what you like

I would say to check out cables of say $200 or so.

Those who understand more about switch supplies have a ton more circuitry than a linear supply, it is possibly a big waste to use say a  very expensive cable.

There's no right or wrong, there will be differences, but from my experience testing cords costing more than 2X the unit. I am very happy which a much cheaper cord. The expensive cords made a much better improvement in my dac which does not use a switching supply.

The Node 2 can sound very very good and musical without spending too much on cables.

@toddverrone - remember? - you can lead a horse to water...

Those that want to - will !

Steve :-)

@williewonka - ha!

My amps have no transformers.

IC geometry will affect sound. An example that can’t be validly argued against is an IC made from two wires and no shield is much more susceptible to picking up noise than an IC with a braided shield neutral or coiled neutral..

I'm sensing your hatred for 'cables' is in direct proportion to the price of the cable.. I think you and I may have more in common than it first seemed..