I had a funny thing happen on the way to the...Right, start over.
Backtrack for background. I have a highly modified ICE amp, 2X75 watts. I have a highly modified CDP with multiple powersupplies, three transformers, lots of power regs, etc etc. I have two power cables; one is a thick python made for me by John P. of KCI, the other is made by Grover Huffman, using the same ribbon construction as his rca interconnects. For no particular reason I have always used the python on the amp and the other on the cdp. There was no logic to this, only the vague notion that amps draw more current and need a hose, while a cdp...doesn't. In fact this is probably totally wrong. The ICE uses very little current and has a sophisticated surface mount power supply, while the cdp is over-kill, old school. So anyway last night, either bored or inspired I switched the cables around. To say I fell off the couch in amazement would be overstatement but the sound did change radically, for the better; seriously. Anyone smarter than me have an explanation? I may have to now get rid of Grover's cable and get another one from John, or elsewhere. I don't like mysteries in audio so a rational explanation would be welcome.