Jaybo - it is refreshing to read a post in which someone offers a common sense practical solution free of snake oil. Such solutions work. Way to go. The factors in any audio system are always going to be (ranked in % of effect)1) speakers (2) room acoustics - including speaker placement (3) amplifier (4) preamp (5) source. Power cords and speaker cable choices have no effect so long as the runs are short (<50 ft each) and the awg is 16 or lower for the speaker cable; and 14 or lower for the power cord (unless you are using a lot of ac current - and then it is a safety issue, not a sound issue). Power conditioners are not beneficial (other than for catastrophic protection) in 99 % of all cases. Common sense goes a long way. Why all the hype in the other direction ? Well, how much did it cost to rearrange the speakers ? Profit margin is pretty slim there.