"
hypotheses for how a power cable COULD affect sound"
The fact remains, if you can't pick it out (on your own system) it dose not matter. Have your wife plug in the expensive cord for a day then the stock cord for a day, not telling you which is which. Do this for a week or 2. If it's obvious, you'll be correct every time. Really simple stuff. I would suggest, after the test, and when your wife quits laughing, sell the cables to a believer here. Take the money and upgrade your power equipment, speakers or sources. Or perhaps check into some battery/solar powered equipment.
The fact remains, if you can't pick it out (on your own system) it dose not matter. Have your wife plug in the expensive cord for a day then the stock cord for a day, not telling you which is which. Do this for a week or 2. If it's obvious, you'll be correct every time. Really simple stuff. I would suggest, after the test, and when your wife quits laughing, sell the cables to a believer here. Take the money and upgrade your power equipment, speakers or sources. Or perhaps check into some battery/solar powered equipment.

