This is an old tread but I feel compelled to remind people of the "death cap" issue that is, I'm guessing, fairly common in old tube gear. I had replaced the "death cap" in my Bogen ap 250 about 5 years ago only to have it go bad again about 6 months ago. If you feel a "tingling" sensation when you touch your amp when it is on it could possible be the "death cap' going bad. I replaced my power cord from a 2 wire to a 3 wire and eliminated the dangerous cap from my Bogen using the simple schematic here on AK. I used a cord that was heavy gauged and handy but it's a little short so I am doing a little research before replacing it . The amp is dead quiet with the new cord and the Bogen ap 250 which gets little love outplays my Scott, Pilot, Harman Kardon , etc.. We have excellent power at my home as they put in a new booster unit about 2 miles from my home. I noticed an immediate improvement in all my systems with better clarity, more power and more bass from tube units. Voltage up to about 125vac last I checked. All that new wire at the power station and an increase supply capacity sure did a lot of good for my audio enjoyment. I wouldn't be surprised if better wire in a power cord could make some difference but I've never experimented with and upgraded cord. I am positive, that changing wire in speaker, interconnects and tonearm can make a huge different in the sound that comes out of your speakers. Resulting opinions on wire change fluctuate wildly. There are so many variables involved with conclusions people draw from their results the only way to find out if your system will benefit it to give it a try. My main tube system used to have difficulty playing rock and roll with the pace and crispness I desired. Made some interconnects from 26awg sliver plated copper with inexpensive Rean connectors and the problem was solved. Sorry to run off course a little on this but for me, the validation of performance changing wire on my interconnects leaves my mind open to the possibility of better performance through a better power cable. Why silver plated copper