Power cords at ridiculous prices?

How about the power cord inside the wall??? How can this power cord bypass the power supply from the house?? Aren't we concern about this part of the power supply?? I, too, tried a different power cord to my mono block Sonic Frontier power 3 (I made the power cord from a 10AWG from Home depot) and what a different a cord make - and it cost me +/- $20 per side), but my house wiring is using also 10AWG/per side directly to the service box.

One thing to keep in mind, is that the good and/or "expensive" cord coming from your wall, is still the final link between your component and the current. In other words, the cheaper wire coming from your circuit box, to your listening room, may only be 10 or 12 gauge. But, your power amplifier will still achieve more dynamic contrast if it's own cord is even larger than the cable inside the wall...it could be 9, 8, or even "ought" gauge. My house power cable is only 12 gauge solid core, but the 8 gauge cord I'm trying with my amp is much more forceful, and has better bas extension, than all the smaller cords I've tried.

Carl, consider yourself lucky to have "only 12 gauge wire" in your wall. I have no idea as to the construction of your house. Standard household wiring since the '70s(which is better than it was previous to that) would be 14 ga for most applications. That would include the wiring to your living room, bedroom, den, etc. 12 ga is used in higher demand areas(probably a kitchen, laundry room, etc.). Personally, I would love to be in your shoes, my house has 14 ga to my listening room, and that wire goes to many other places. I researched this subject quite a bit, my father is an electrician. I found out that when wire is run, the same line often goes to opposite ends of the house. This sounds crazy to me, but is the norm. I'd love to install a low gauge dedicated line one day, but it isn't feasible right now. Even so, my power cord has made a believer of me. Currently, the standards have even regressed, the average new "suburban mansion" is featuring sub - 200 amp service(glad I don't in one of them). Thank you for your very insightful opinions, and keep the debates progressing.

The ratio of the price of my power cord to price of my amp is 8%. It was definitely worth it. I also have the peace of mind knowing that there is not a weak link in the chain, and that is more than worth it.

Although I have no doubt that changing power cords can effect, both positively or negatively, sound quality, I do not use specialty cords. The power cord is only the final element of electric power delivery and it should only be upgraded after the other elements have been addressed. Power line regenerators, dedicated power lines and even replacing and upgrading the main power line to your house are upgrades that should be completed before spending major money on power cords. The power cord is not an active device and it cannot improve the quality of the electricity going into it. A LOW COST TIP: go to an art supply house and in the stain glass section there should be copper foil tape ($5 to $10). Wrap the tape around your power cord. The copper will provide an added layer of electro-magnetic sheilding. I can't honestly say that I "heard" a difference, but it's a fun project. Give it a try, see if it works.