garcianc2003:

I picked up my Prelude on clearance from Audio Advisor. I doubt I would have ever ordered one if I had to pay the full retail price. $100 and under is my price range. That narrows the field a bit, but the two options I would pursue would be the Shunyata Research Venom for $100, or build your own.

Regarding the second option, I've got parts on order and plan to make some DIY cables soon. My power cord will consist of the hospital grade connectors from Marinco with DH Labs' Power Plus A/C cable. You can order the connectors from Parts Express (Wattgate and Marinco are good brands) and the bulk cable directly from DH Labs for $6.50 a foot; or from Parts Connexion for $5.85 per foot.

So as a roundabout way of confirming Ritz's point, I would never -- not do you have to -- pay $1,000 for a good power cord.