Do I need higher quality power cords?

Dweller,

I already have a power conditioner in the 4 figure range.

rvpiano

Problem is, it’s not free.
Could be very costly.

If your audio dealer won't loan you cables to test for free, you're at the wrong dealer.

@rvpiano ime the power cord from the wall to the conditioner is actually the least important PC in any system -- provided you get a good base level top let the conditioner do its job then you will get more impact from the PCs to the components. This assumes a conditioner that is not current limiting

The Elite cord itself is to my mind problematic as per IsoTek's own description it is not suitable for high current usage -- a PC to a power conditioner should be for the highest current rating possible (unless you only use the conditioner with sources)

Elite can be used with small to medium power amplifiers to great effect but for very large power amplifiers EVO3 Optimum proves the better choice.

In terms of where best to try a PC upgrade I'd start with the turntable (in my experience turntables are very sensitive to PC quality -- a step up from v2 to v3 Marigo Iridium in my system brought appreciably improved tactility and stability to my EAR DiscMaster), and the CD Transport

The latest AQ PCs are good value for the performance and worth trying but price/performance also depends on the country you are in

Definitely see about getting "loaners" to try in your system (Cable Co. is a good place for this), as it is clear that different people with different gear find markedly different results.  My personal experience is that the power cord is the most important cabling for system sonic performance, and that has remained consistent for many years over a lot of different gear.  I happen to be a huge fan of Elrod cords.

I have found that putting my best power cord feeding my power conditioner made the biggest difference (Shunyata Hydra 8, Audience aR6, Audiodharma Power Wing, Weizhi PR-6, HB Cable Design Acrylic & Marble - - all benefited from being fed by the best cord).  I am now using a PS Audio P10 power regenerator, and while it is not insensitive to the cord feeding it (the stock cord is bested by aftermarket cords), using top of the line Elrod cords did not make any difference vs. an older Statement cord, so I have stuck with that.  But, even though the P10 delivers very pure and correct power to my gear, you would not miss the improvements wrought by using better power cords between it and the components it feeds.  My 2 cents.