Should the better AC cable be used on Amp? Source?

IME amp, cdp, then preamp.

Well I don't think there is one answer that will work for all cases. I believe that if you are not using any power conditioner, then the "best" cord should go on the source instead of the amp.

That being said, I have my "best" power cord on my preamp. The power cord on my amp and CDP cost more $$$ than my "best" cord, but that's for another thread.

If you are using a power conditioner, the best cord should go on your power conditioner, thereby more components could benefit from it.

Just curious about this one. Let's suppose that you have 2 AC cables, one being more upscale than the other.

Where would you use it? On the amp or cd player?

If you mean better shielding there in RFI/EMI rejection quality then I would say the CDP.....

Best thing is to try it and listen to which sounds better to you.
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Sonicbeauty,
There will not be a concensus choice or universal answer to this often asked question.You are by far in the best position to solve this by listening and making a determination. Replies and opinions will be all over the map.
Regards,

Another factor is what kind of components you are talking about. Some are less susceptible to power cord changes. What kind of CDP and amp do you have?

When I used my Pass xa30.5 and Modwright Oppo 83, I found the Oppo to sound better when I used a better power cable on it.

For critical listening I find two approaches that work best for me:

1. Choose a well recorded song you are very familiar with and only play a short portion of the song which highlight some key area like bass, piano and vocals. Maybe for 30 sec to 1 minute worth. If it is too long then it clouds things. You can even right down how you think it sounds. Then switch cables and try it again. You are doing to have to go back and for a few times with this until you can hear the difference.

2. The other way is to leave it in there for 2-3 weeks and to just listen casually and see which one you enjoy more.