Dear folks,
One of the big audio magazines, either "Stereophile" or "TAS," years ago had a very nice two-page article on cheap tweaks submitted by readers. There were excellent ideas, but the magazine dropped it without explanation, in aboutt six months. I suspect some of their paid advertisers were complaining.
I wanted to tell people about some great power cords offered by HCM Audio. They're the previous model of AudioQuest, and in my opinion are vastly better than the NRG models. There are two. I use the AQ AC12-3.3 which is a 12-gauge cord, and can be ordered with several options. Most plug options are either Wattgate or Hubbell and one can order dual RFI blockers built into the cord. A very good cord @ 1.5-M can be had, counting shipping, for about $130. They also have a 15-gauge cord which is well-shielded too, and can be had with the RFI blockers. It is cheaper, and obviously is for runs requiring less gauge. I have three of these smaller ones, two for lights and one for my turntable motor. The AQ AC12-3.3 is used on my subwoofer amp. (SMC Audio) and for that amp it works better than anything I have tried, including Cardas "Clear Beyond."
I recommend that people on a budget look into these. HCM Audio also has reasonably priced ICs but I haven't tried them. And they have much new equipment, but I think the AQ AC12-3.3 is probably one of the best bargains in audio.
It would be interesting to find out what a few other GAS members have found by way of such amazingly priced accessories.
Parsimoniously,
Francis Baumli